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, changes to members' allowances, and the future of care homes and day centres. Key decisions made included the approval of the 2026/27 budget, which included a 3.8% increase in Council Tax, and the adoption of a new Members' Allowance Scheme for 2026/27.

Budget Approved with Council Tax Increase

The council approved its budget for the 2026/27 financial year, which includes a 3.8% increase in Council Tax. This increase comprises a 1.8% rise in the general Council Tax and a 2.0% increase for the Adult Social Care Precept. The approved budget totals £1,329.312 million. Several amendments proposed by opposition groups, including those from the Progressive Lancashire, Conservative, and Liberal Democrat groups, were defeated. The budget also includes a £5 million allocation over two years for a Pothole Fund and a £2 million fund for the modernisation of care homes and day centres.

Members' Allowance Scheme Changes

Following recommendations from the Independent Remuneration Panel, the council approved the Members' Allowance Scheme for 2026/27. A threshold of five members or more was introduced for minor opposition groups to receive a Special Responsibility Allowance (SRA). The Leader of the main opposition will retain their current SRA, while the Deputy Leader's SRA will be reduced. Other group leaders representing five or more members will receive a payment of £1,000 plus £300 per member. An amendment to remove SRAs for the Majority Group Whip and Secretary, and to lower the threshold for other group leaders to four members, was defeated.

Care Homes and Day Centres Review

In response to a public question from Jean Grey and Linda Stewart regarding the withdrawal of a £1 bus fare concession for disabled pass holders, Councillor Goldsworthy acknowledged the impact and stated that while options were explored, budget constraints prevented reinstatement at this time. He noted that the Lancashire Combined Authority would take over local transport in April 2026 and that solutions would be sought.

Regarding the future of care homes and day centres, Councillor Dalton reassured residents that no decisions had been made to close, outsource, or privatise any of Lancashire's care provision. He confirmed that the cabinet had stated no closures were planned and that a full evidence-based review of in-house services was underway to strengthen provision. The review's findings and next steps would be presented to Cabinet in May, following the pre-election period. He also confirmed that adult social care has the necessary funding for the next year for all current care provision.

Road Maintenance and Potholes

A notice of motion brought forward by County Councillor David Whipp highlighted concerns about the condition of Lancashire's roads and pavements, the impact on users, and the perceived inadequacy of the current reporting system and resources. The motion, which was amended to include requests for Overview and Scrutiny to establish a task and finish group to evaluate providers and for Cabinet to consider a Highways Safety Fund, was ultimately defeated.

Election Integrity and Family Voting

A notice of motion brought forward by County Councillor Hannah Whalley expressed concern about reports of family voting at a recent by-election and condemned the practice, alongside other election offences. The motion called for the Chief Executive to write to Returning Officers and the Secretary of State to seek reassurance on enforcement and policing of polling stations. This motion was carried.

Youth Engagement in Democracy

A notice of motion proposed by County Councillor Maheen Kamran called for Cabinet to develop a strategy to enhance young people's involvement in democracy, including encouraging voter registration, engagement with council meetings, promoting civic education, and creating opportunities for youth representatives. The motion was defeated.

Drug Policy

A notice of motion, moved by County Councillor Luke Parker, condemned the views of the Green Party leader, Zack Polanski, on drug legalisation and called for the Chief Executive to write to the Home Secretary opposing any dilution of drug laws. An amendment proposed by County Councillor Gina Dowding, which called for a Royal Commission to review evidence on drug policy, was defeated. The original motion was subsequently carried.

Other Matters

The council also confirmed the minutes from previous meetings, approved the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27, and 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 meeting concluded with the exclusion of the press and public to discuss exempt information relating to the Local Pensions Partnership Investments Limited - Admission of New Partner Funds.