The Full Council meeting of Lancashire County Council on Thursday 12 March 2026 saw significant debate on road maintenance, drug policy, and youth engagement, alongside decisions on council allowances and pay policy. A key outcome was the defeat of a motion calling for urgent action on road repairs, despite widespread acknowledgement of the issue. The council also voted to support a motion affirming the principle of a secret ballot in elections, following concerns raised about family voting.

Armed Forces Gold Award Retention

Councillor Gary Kniveton, Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, announced with pride that Lancashire County Council has successfully retained its Gold Award under the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme until 2030. This award recognises employers who provide exceptional support to the armed forces community. Councillor Kniveton highlighted the council's ongoing commitment to supporting veterans, reservists, and their families, including plans for a new community grant scheme and efforts to re-home the Lancashire Infantry Museum. He specifically thanked officers, including Senior Officer Kieran Curran, for their dedication.

Public Question Time

Two public questions were addressed. Jean Gray and Linda Stewart raised concerns about the increased cost of bus travel for disabled people, with the £1 fare for journeys before 9:30 am being withdrawn. Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, acknowledged the financial impact but stated that current budget constraints prevented the reinstatement of the scheme, though he committed to exploring solutions and working with the Lancashire Combined Authority, which will take over local transport in April 2026. A second question from Johnny Simpson, who was unable to attend, would receive a full written reply.

Question Time

Commissioning, Procurement, and Contract Management

Councillor David Dwyer, Cabinet Member for Data, Technology, Customer and Efficiency, responded to a question from Councillor Tom Pickup regarding changes to commissioning, procurement, and contract management since May. Councillor Dwyer detailed the creation of a new commercial function to consolidate commissioning support, procurement, contract management, supplier engagement, and income generation. He outlined improvements including a strengthened contract management framework, an overhauled strategic procurement pipeline, enhanced supplier engagement, and tighter controls on low-value spend. He stated that governance is now stronger, forward planning more robust, and contract management more consistent, with real efficiencies already being seen. Future plans include embedding a commercial oversight group, continuing contract health checks, launching a supplier charter, and delivering an annual commissioning conference.

Future of Care Homes and Day Centres

Councillor Kim Snape raised concerns about the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Lancashire's care homes and day centres, referencing differing impressions among residents and staff regarding potential delays to decisions. Councillor Graham Dalton, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, reiterated that no decisions have been made to close, outsource, or privatise any of Lancashire's care provision. He confirmed that the cabinet has already stated no closures are planned and that the current review is about strengthening provision. Councillor Dalton explained that the review's conclusion and next steps will be presented to the Cabinet in May, following the pre-election period which has delayed new consultations. He assured residents, families, and staff that adult social care has the necessary funding for the next year for all current care provision.

Highways Budget and Scheme Delivery

Councillor Aidy Riggott questioned County Councillor Warren Goldsworthy, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, about the delivery of schemes approved under the Highways Budget since May. Councillor Goldsworthy confirmed that £15 million was made available for 2025/26, but there was a £30 million shortfall for future years. He also noted that an indicative programme of 41 unfunded schemes, costing £6 million, could not be brought forward due to financial constraints. Of the approved schemes, 121 have been delivered. However, eight localised deterioration fund schemes were not delivered due to funding issues. Four schemes were cancelled due to proposed works no longer being sufficient, and eight schemes require further design or additional funds. Councillor Goldsworthy acknowledged that the delivery of programmes is dependent on the highway maintenance programme's outturn position and may be subject to change. He agreed to circulate a list of schemes that were not delivered or were reduced in scope.

Watercourse Pollution and Drought

Councillor Gina Dowding asked County Councillor Simon Evans, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, if he agreed that safe, clean water was under threat and if Lancashire County Council could advocate for more action. Councillor Evans agreed on the fundamental importance of clean water and acknowledged growing public concern. He outlined the council's role in influencing, challenging, and advocating through regulatory oversight, surveillance, pollution prevention, and engagement in regional water planning. He noted the context of recent documentaries highlighting the Environment Agency's perceived lack of action and the government's Water White Paper. Councillor Evans proposed working with Councillor Dowden to develop a Lancashire action plan. Councillor Dowden suggested forming task and finish groups to bring in expertise.

Minister of State for Care's Letter

Councillor Russell Walsh asked for comment from Councillor Graham Dalton, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, regarding a letter from the Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock MP. Councillor Dalton thanked the Minister for recognising the council's deliberate and responsible approach to consulting on proposed service changes. He reiterated that while a statutory duty to consult does not exist, the council chose to do so to ensure residents' voices were heard. He confirmed that decisions would be well-informed, transparent, and grounded in feedback received.

Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes from the ordinary meeting held on 20 November 2025 and the extraordinary general and budget meetings held on 26 February 2026 were confirmed and signed as an accurate record, subject to a minor amendment to page 12 and 13 regarding the omission of the word routing in the notice of motion concerning a wind farm.

Non-Attendance of County Councillor

A report concerning the non-attendance of a County Councillor was moved and seconded, and a vote was taken.

Recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel - Members' Allowance Scheme 2026/27

Councillor Ged Mirfin moved the report, proposing an amendment based on a threshold for the size of groups within the council chamber, specifically a minimum of five individuals. Debate ensued regarding political interference with independent recommendations, the justification for special responsibility allowances (SRAs), and the operational demands on group whips and secretaries. Councillor Potter's group stated they would abstain due to the amendment, believing in accepting independent recommendations without political interference. Councillor Salter argued that the adjustment was minor and justified by the changed political landscape, saving taxpayers money. Councillor Jones highlighted the need for a secretary for the largest group to ensure smooth communication and operations. Councillor Parker defended the operational role of a group whip in a large group. Councillor Owens proposed an amendment to remove allowances for party whips and group secretaries, arguing that no other county council pays them and that it would save money. After extensive debate, the amendment was voted on and defeated. The amended recommendation was then voted on and carried.

The Localism Act 2011 – Pay Policy Statement 2026/27

The Leader moved the report, which was seconded. The recommendation was carried without debate.

Report of the Political Governance Working Group

Councillor Ged Mirfin proposed the reception of the report, which was seconded. The report was noted without debate.

Appointment of Independent Persons

The Leader moved the report, which was seconded. The recommendations were carried without debate.

Appointment of Independent Co-opted Member to the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Councillor Hannah Whalley recommended the appointment of Amanda as a co-opted member to the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee. The recommendation was carried without debate.

Urgent Business

No urgent business was notified.

Report of the Cabinet (Part B)

The Leader moved the report, which was seconded by the Deputy Leader. Councillor David Whipp raised concerns about the adequacy of the highway safety inspection policy regarding small defects that are dangerous for two-wheeled vehicles, and the failure to meet standards for emergency repairs. Councillor Warren Goldsworthy responded that the new inspection system specifically includes a category for bikes and that tragic accidents have led to these changes. He also addressed the pothole situation, stating that repairs are being carried out at a faster rate and at a lower cost than before, despite a challenging winter. The Leader noted Councillor Whipp's points and stated that Councillor Goldsworthy had fully responded.

Report of County Council Committees

Reports were received from the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee, the Employment Committee, the Pension Fund Committee, the Overview and Scrutiny Committees, and the Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board.

During the discussion of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees, Councillor David Whipp raised concerns about the highway safety inspection policy, stating it was inadequate for small defects and that standards for emergency repairs were not being met. Councillor Goldsworthy responded that the policy now includes specific provisions for bikes and that repairs are being carried out more efficiently. Councillor Dalton addressed concerns about adult social care, stating that reassessments are done by professionals and that the council is not playing political games with people's lives. Councillor Ali questioned the administration's commitment to keeping care homes and day centres in public hands. Councillor Evans stated that Reform UK had been investing in and protecting care homes. Councillor Jones argued that opposition rhetoric was based on misinformation. Councillor Clifford challenged claims of misinformation, referencing a statement by Councillor Dalton that care homes might close. Councillor Ash noted that comments had been noted.

Regarding the Lancashire Health and Wellbeing Board, Councillor Azhar Ali OBE raised concerns about proposals to merge East Lancashire NHS Trust and Central Lancashire NHS Trust. Councillor Daniel Matchett acknowledged the concern and agreed to discuss it further in the Adults' Health Scrutiny meeting.

Report of the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority

Councillor Ged Mirfin moved the report, praising the service's response to large incidents, including a sinkhole in Darwen and several building fires. He highlighted cross-party working on lobbying the Fire Minister for more funding for new fire stations. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE echoed the praise and discussed concerns around Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and the need for capital funding for fire stations. Councillor Mirfin reiterated pride in the service and the challenges of funding, particularly for dilapidated fire stations.

Notices of Motion

Notice of Motion 1: Repairing Our Roads

Councillor David Whipp put forward a motion calling for urgent action on road repairs, highlighting the poor condition of roads and pavements across Lancashire and criticising the administration's failure to fill potholes. Councillor Fiona Duke seconded the motion, providing examples of long delays in pothole repairs in Preston. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE proposed a friendly amendment, requesting the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to establish a task and finish group to evaluate highway defect providers and for the Cabinet to consider establishing a highways safety fund. Councillor David Whipp accepted the amendment. After extensive debate, including contributions from Councillors Ariff, Lavalette, Asghar, Cameron, Atkinson, Tetlow, Owens, Riggott, Jones, Clifford, Dowden, Pickup, and Ali, a named vote was taken. The motion, as amended, was defeated with 28 votes for and 46 against.

Notice of Motion 2: Free and Fair Elections

Councillor Hannah Whalley moved a motion to affirm the principle of a secret ballot and address concerns about family voting. She highlighted the importance of individual voting rights, particularly for women, and the need for confidence in the electoral process. Councillor David Howarth seconded the motion. Councillor Mohammed Iqbal MBE proposed an amendment, which was not accepted as friendly. After considerable debate on the amendment, which was ultimately defeated, the council proceeded to vote on the original motion. A named vote was taken, and the motion was carried with 73 votes for, none against, and no abstentions.

Notice of Motion 3: Youth Engagement in Democracy

Councillor Maheen Kamran moved a motion calling for a concrete strategy to enhance youth engagement in democracy, including encouraging voter registration, participation in council meetings, strengthening civic education, and creating opportunities for youth council and parliament representatives. Councillor Hamish Mills seconded the motion. Councillor Matthew Salter argued that the council already engages well with young people and that the motion was superfluous. Councillor Luke Parker suggested that civic education should start earlier than age 16. Councillor David Howarth supported the motion, highlighting the importance of engaging young people and the potential for votes at 16. Councillor Joel Michael Tetlow discussed the paradoxical age of 16-18 and the need for proper civic education. Councillor Azhar Ali OBE praised Councillor Kamran's motion as sensible and enhancing existing work, and argued for supporting young people. Councillor Aidy Riggott stated his group would support the motion as it was about enhancing engagement, not necessarily about the voting age. Councillor Mills spoke in favour, emphasising the need for civic education and the importance of engaging young people, particularly with the upcoming lowering of the voting age to 16. Councillor Kamran summed up, reiterating that the motion was about enhancing engagement and education, not about the voting age itself. The motion was then put to a vote and defeated.

Notice of Motion 4: Drug Misuse and Policy

Councillor Luke Parker moved a motion calling for clarity on the opposition's stance on drug policy, particularly in light of national Green Party positions on decriminalisation and legal regulation, and questioning the coherence of the Progressive Lancashire coalition. Councillor Samara Barnes seconded the motion. Councillor Gina Dowding proposed an amendment, which sought to remove specific references to the Green Party leader and the Gorton and Denton by-election, and instead called for a Royal Commission to review evidence for an effective UK drugs policy. After extensive debate on the amendment, which was defeated, the council voted on the original motion. A named vote was taken, and the motion was carried with 59 votes for, none against, and seven abstentions.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The council moved into Part II of the meeting to exclude the press and public for the consideration of item 18, Local Pensions Partnership Investments Limited - Admission of New Partner Funds, which involved the disclosure of exempt information.