The Full Council of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday, 12 March 2026, to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's budget for the upcoming financial year, highway maintenance, and drug policy. Key decisions made included the approval of the 2026/27 budget, which will see a council tax increase, and a motion condemning any attempts to scrap Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Council Tax and Budget Approved

The council approved the budget for the 2026/27 financial year, which includes a 3.80% increase in general council tax and a 2.00% increase in the Adult Social Care Precept. This decision was made after several amendments proposed by opposition groups, including those from the Progressive Lancashire Group, Conservative Group, Liberal Democrat Group, and Our West Lancashire Group, were defeated. The approved budget includes allocations for various services, such as care homes, highways, and schools.

Support for Northern Powerhouse Rail Reaffirmed

A motion moved by County Councillor Azhar Ali OBE and seconded by County Councillor Aidy Riggott, reaffirming the council's support for Northern Powerhouse Rail, was carried. The motion condemns any attempts to scrap the project and requests that the Chief Executive write to the Chair of the Lancashire Combined County Authority (LCCA) and the Transport Lead for the LCCA to reaffirm the council's support. Additionally, the Chief Executive is to write to the Secretary of State for Transport to reaffirm the council's support and request urgent funding for several key transport links across Lancashire.

Road Maintenance and Potholes

A notice of motion regarding the poor condition of Lancashire's roads and pavements, moved by County Councillor David Whipp and seconded by County Councillor Fiona Duke, was carried after a friendly amendment proposed by County Councillor Azgar Ali OBE was accepted. The motion calls for increased funding for highway maintenance from the government, a review of funding prioritisation within the council's capital programme, and for Overview and Scrutiny to review highway repair systems and practices. The amendment also requested the establishment of a task and finish group to evaluate internal and external providers of highway defect repairs and for Cabinet to consider establishing a Highways Safety Fund.

Drug Policy Debate

A notice of motion moved by County Councillor Luke Parker and seconded by County Councillor Tom Pickup, condemning proposals for the legalisation or decriminalisation of drugs, was carried. An amendment proposed by County Councillor Gina Dowding, which called for a Royal Commission to review evidence for future drug policy, was defeated. The council resolved to instruct the Chief Executive to write to the Home Secretary expressing the council's condemnation of views advocating for drug legalisation and requesting consultation before any significant changes to national drug legislation. Correspondence will also be shared with Lancashire MPs and Council Leaders.

Youth Engagement in Democracy

A notice of motion moved by County Councillor Maheen Kamran and seconded by County Councillor Hamish Mills, calling for a strategy to enhance young people's involvement in democracy, was defeated. Despite the motion being defeated, the council noted the importance of engaging young people in politics and public service.

Other Business

The council also confirmed the minutes from previous meetings, noted reports from various committees including the 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. The council also approved the reappointment of two independent persons to fulfil the role required by the Localism Act 2011 in relation to allegations of members' misconduct, and the appointment of Amanda Whitehead as an independent co-opted member to the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee. The council also approved the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 and noted the report of the Cabinet.

The meeting concluded with the exclusion of the press and public for the consideration of exempt information relating to Local Pensions Partnership Investments Limited.