Councillor County Mackenzie Ritson

Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 5th February, 2026 9.30 am

Audit, Risk and Governance Committee - Monday, 26th January, 2026 2.00 pm

The Audit, Risk and Governance Committee of Lancashire County Council was scheduled to consider the council's financial statements for the 2024/25 financial year, alongside reports on external audits for both the council and the Lancashire Pension Fund. The committee was also set to review treasury management activities and strategy, as well as internal audit progress.

Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 21st January, 2026 9.30 am

The Budget and Finance Scrutiny Committee met to scrutinise the draft budget for 2026/27, which proposes a 3.8% council tax increase. Key discussions focused on managing the council's significant financial challenges, including rising demand for services, inflationary pressures, and the substantial deficit in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). The committee also reviewed the council's capital programme and treasury management strategy, with particular attention paid to the management of a £519 million Very Long Term Investment Portfolio (VLTIP) and the creation of a Working Capital Enhancement Reserve.

Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 14th January, 2026 10.30 am

The Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the progress of the Child and Youth Justice Service, review the Education Strategy and attainment data, and consider the committee's work programme. Key decisions included supporting the Child and Youth Justice Service's priorities for 2025-2026 and agreeing for the Education Strategy to be presented to Cabinet for ratification.

Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday, 3rd December, 2025 10.30 am

The Children, Families and Skills Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the Principal Social Worker's annual report, the Family First programme, and the committee's work programme for the coming year. The committee agreed to receive updates on the Family First programme at future meetings and to focus on the impact of local government reorganisation in future discussions.