The Full Council of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday 12 March 2026. Key decisions included the approval of the council's budget for 2026/27, which will see a 3.80% increase in Council Tax, and the appointment of County Councillor Lee Hutchinson as the new Chairman of the Council. The council also resolved to write to the Secretary of State for Transport to request increased funding for highway maintenance and to condemn any attempts to scrap Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Budget and Council Tax Approved

The council approved its budget for the 2026/27 financial year, which includes a 3.80% increase in Council Tax. This comprises a 1.80% increase for general council tax and a 2.00% increase for the Adult Social Care precept. The net budget requirement for the year is £1,329.312m. Several amendments proposed by opposition groups, including those from the Progressive Lancashire, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat groups, were defeated. The council also approved the Medium Term Financial Strategy, the Capital Programme, and various other financial strategies and policies.

Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

County Councillor Lee Hutchinson was elected as the new Chairman of the County Council, and County Councillor Clive Balchin was appointed as the Vice-Chairman. Both will serve until the Annual General Meeting of the Full Council in 2027.

Support for Northern Powerhouse Rail and Call for Increased Highway Funding

The council passed a motion condemning any attempts to scrap Northern Powerhouse Rail and resolved to write to the Secretary of State for Transport, the Chair of the Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA), and the Transport Lead for the LCCA to reaffirm support for the project and request urgent government funding for several key rail links. Additionally, the council resolved to write to the Secretary of State for Transport, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and the Prime Minister to request increased funding for highway maintenance in Lancashire, citing the poor condition of local roads and pavements. The council also requested that Cabinet review the prioritisation of funding for highway repairs and that Overview and Scrutiny review highway repair and resurfacing systems and practices.

Members' Allowance Scheme and Pay Policy Statement Approved

The council approved the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel for the Members' Allowance Scheme for 2026/27, with an amendment to set a threshold of five members or more before a minor opposition group leader is allocated a Special Responsibility Allowance. The council also approved its Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27, which sets out the council's approach to remuneration for chief officers and lowest-paid employees.

Other Decisions

The council also approved changes to the Development Control Committee's Terms of Reference to include a regular overview of enforcement activity, updated the Protocol of Good Practice on Development Control Matters, and agreed to amend the start time of morning committee meetings to 10 am, with consideration given to moving some meetings to the afternoon. The reappointment of two independent persons for conduct matters was approved, and Amanda Whitehead was appointed as an independent co-opted member to the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee. The council also noted reports from various committees, including the Cabinet, Audit, Risk and Governance Committee, Employment Committee, Pension Fund Committee, Overview and Scrutiny Committees, Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board, and the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority.

Notice of Motion on Election Integrity Carried

A notice of motion concerning concerns about family voting and other election offences was carried. The council resolved to instruct the Chief Executive to write to Returning Officers in Lancashire to seek reassurance on steps being taken to ensure the law is enforced, and to write to the Secretary of State expressing concerns and seeking assurance on policing and law enforcement at polling stations. Copies of this correspondence will be shared with Lancashire MPs and Council Leaders.

Notice of Motion on Youth Engagement Defeated

A notice of motion calling for a strategy to enhance young people's involvement in democracy and politics was defeated.

Notice of Motion on Drug Policy Carried

A notice of motion condemning the views expressed by the Leader of the Green Party regarding drug legalisation and opposing any changes to current drugs legislation was carried. The Chief Executive is to write to the Home Secretary outlining the council's position and share this correspondence with Lancashire MPs and Council Leaders.

Part II Business

In Part II of the meeting, the council resolved to exclude the press and public for the consideration of an item regarding the Local Pensions Partnership Investments Limited - Admission of New Partner Funds. The council approved the demerger of LPPI from LPPL and the admission of new Partner Funds into the LPPI pool, with authority delegated to the Director of Finance and Commerce to take necessary steps.