Lancashire County Council sets out priorities for 2026/27 and approves extra £5m for highways

Cabinet members today agreed the Building a better Lancashire: Moving the dial on our priorities in 2026/27 plan, which builds on the council’s 2025–2030 Council Plan and last year’s Improvement Plan.

It provides a clear framework for the year ahead at a time of rising demand for services, continued financial pressure and preparation for Local Government Reorganisation.

The plan is built around four ambitions – Better Lives for All, Economic Ambition, Stronger Communities and Thinking Differently – and identifies six corporate priorities where targeted action can make the greatest and most immediate difference across Lancashire.

The report sets out strong progress towards sustainable and inclusive SEND services during 2025/26, highlighting a substantial reduction in overdue Education, Health and Care Plans, a backlog to see an educational psychologists cleared and 265 new special school places being created this year.

In adult services, a prevention-led approach has reduced assessment waiting lists by 38 per cent.

The council is also supporting growth through a £22bn investment pipeline, including preparations to host part of the 2027 Tour de France route, forecast to generate £15.2m in visitor spend.

Cabinet also approved a further £5 million of capital investment in highways maintenance, funded from resources brought forward from 2025/26. The additional funding will help accelerate improvements in road condition, with a focus on surface dressing on key parts of the network.

Cllr Stephen Atkinson, Leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “Over the last year we have made real progress in strengthening our foundations, improving services and getting a firmer grip on our finances.

“But we are also clear about the challenges ahead. Rising demand for services, financial pressures and preparation for Local Government Reorganisation mean we must stay focused on where we can make the biggest difference.

“This plan sets out clearly where we will concentrate our efforts so we can deliver visible improvements that residents can see and feel.

“By prioritising the areas where we can have the greatest impact, including further investment in our highways, we are focused on building a better Lancashire now while making sure the council is ready for the future.”

Delivery of the plan will be supported by clear governance, performance reporting and key indicators to track progress throughout 2026/27.

Cabinet also accepted a report on the council’s recent Corporate Peer Challenge, carried out by the Local Government Association earlier this year.

The review recognised the strong progress the council has made in recent years, highlighting leadership, improving financial management, a positive organisational culture and a clear commitment to working with partners across Lancashire.

The peer team also identified areas for further focus to build on improvement to date, including strengthening local delivery, making greater use of data and performance insight to improve services, and maintaining a strong grip on finances.

A comprehensive action plan has been developed which will now guide the council’s ongoing improvement work.

ENDS