The Community, Cultural, and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 30 April 2026, to discuss domestic abuse and the council's schools catering service. Key decisions included endorsing the council's public health approach to tackling domestic abuse and considering future growth opportunities for the schools catering service.

Domestic Abuse - A Public Health Approach

The committee received an update on Lancashire County Council's public health-led approach to addressing domestic abuse. It was highlighted that domestic abuse accounts for 20% of all recorded crime in Lancashire, with nearly 18,000 offences reported in the last year. The council is committed to a statutory duty under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 to provide support within safe accommodation and to publish and deliver a local strategy. The public health approach emphasises prevention, early intervention, and accessible community-based support, aiming to stop the cycle of abuse across generations. The committee was asked to support and endorse the council's ongoing work in this area.

Traded Services – Schools Catering Service

The committee reviewed the Lancashire County Council Schools Catering Service, a large-scale traded commercial service. The report outlined the operating model, quality standards, workforce, financial structure, and strategic growth opportunities. Key points included the service's commitment to local procurement, aiming to drive economic benefit within Lancashire by engaging with local small and medium enterprise food producers. The service also highlighted its adherence to high nutritional standards, exceeding government school food standards, and its accreditation to Soil Association Food for Life and Sugarwise. Future growth opportunities were discussed, particularly the expansion of free school meal eligibility from September 2026, which is expected to significantly increase demand. The committee was invited to comment on future growth and income potential.

Community, Cultural and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee Work Programme 2025/26

The committee reviewed the work programme for the 2025/26 municipal year. This included a discussion on the Digital Strategy, the Data for Local Government Reorganisation, Workforce Planning, and the Farington Cricket Facility. Recommendations were made regarding the communication of delegation levels for building disposals, a briefing session on community asset transfer, a review of barriers to accessing council assets, and the development of a centralised system for booking council assets. The committee also noted the importance of monitoring the community use element of the Farington Cricket Facility project.

The committee also discussed the need for enhanced support for the third sector, particularly in light of current economic challenges. Recommendations included asking the Cabinet to consider further support for the third sector and ensuring the Violence Against Women and Girls Champion is involved in future discussions. Additionally, the committee proposed briefing sessions for all councillors on domestic abuse and wider community safety services, and updating the emergency contact card for councillors.

The next meeting of the Community, Cultural and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee was scheduled for Wednesday, 1 July 2026, at 10 am.