Decisions

It is proposed to make amendments to 21/22, 22/23, 23/24 LDF Programmes as set out in Appendix A.

Ridwan Musa, HOS Highways and Transport Operations, on behalf of the Matt Townsend, Director of Highways and Transport took a decision to approve adjustment of budgets.

It was noted that the Part II item listed on the agenda related to an appendix for a report already discussed in Part I on the agenda. There being no questions to be raised on the appendix, it was agreed that the meeting remain in Part I.

Resolved: That the meeting remain in Part I, open to press and public.

Resolved: That the three urgent decisions taken by the Leader of the County Council, and the relevant Cabinet Members, since the last meeting of Cabinet, be noted.

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on 11 July 2024 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

A decision on the approval of a change control – Impower.

Laurence Ainsworth, Director of Strategy and Performance took a decision as set out in the report.

County Councillor Matthew Tomlinson considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £250 to Chorley Women's Centre towards the cost of running community workshops.

County Councillor Jenny Purcell considered and approved a Local Member Grant for the reduced amount of £100 to Rolls Football Club towards the cost of the Summer Treatment Programme.

The reason for the reduction is County Councillor Purcell is reserving funding to support other projects in her division.

County Councillor Terry Hurn considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £500 to Growing Wild towards the cost of community allotment sessions.

County Councillor Sobia Malik considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £340 to Fun4Stroke towards the cost of a members trip to Barton Grange.

A repoprt on a contract modification for the provision of a Digital Platform (Low Code) provided by Netcall via Softcat Plc.

Carol Groom, Head of ICT Strategy & Assurance, on behalf of Peter Lloyd, Director of Digital took a decision as set out in the report.

A decision on the procurement of frozen halal poultry.

Clare Joynson, Head of Facilities Management, on behalf of the Noel O'Neill, Director of Finance and Commerce, took a decision as set out in the report.

This report sets out a recommendation, following completion of a competitive tendering exercise, conducted in accordance with the County Council's standing orders, to approve the award of a single supplier contract for the provision of a High Volume Production Scanner including service & maintenance.

This is deemed to be a non-key decision with spend under £2 million.

Authority to take this decision has been delegated to The Head of Service – Carol

Carol Groom, Head of ICT Strategy & Assurance, on behalf of Peter Lloyd, Director of Digital, took a decision to approve the award of a single supplier contract for the provision of a High Volume Production Scanner including service & maintenance.

John Davies, Head of Highways Network Management, on behalf of Matt Townsend, Director of Highways and Transport, took a decision to approve the transfer of the grant funding of £710,690.50 back to the Transport Programme.

Pupil projections indicate there will be a shortfall of primary school places in the Goosnargh and Grimsargh planning area in Preston, and the adjoining planning area of Longridge in Ribble Valley from 2025/26.

To address the increased demand in these two areas, approval is being sought to commence a public consultation in relation to a proposal to expand Goosnargh Oliverson's Church of England Primary School, increasing the school's published admission number from 30 to 60. This would gradually increase the capacity of the school from 210 to 420 places.

It is intended to provide the expansion initially through a one-year temporary increase to the published admission number from 30 to 60 from September 2025 facilitated by the provision of temporary accommodation. The expansion would then become permanent from September 2026, following the completion of the capital build project.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

This report includes the results of the formal consultations to create Special Educational Needs Units at Carnforth Community Primary School, North Road, Carnforth; Clayton Brook Primary School, Great Greens Lane, Clayton Brook, Bamber Bridge, Preston; and St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School, Cedar Road, Chorley.

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the requirements of the council's Cabinet procedure rules (Standing Order C18, Consideration of Key Decisions) have been complied with.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

This report provides the first overview of performance for 2024/25. There are 42 key performance indicators established which will be monitored over the course of the year, with an additional key performance indicator on the proportion of key performance indicators on track to be delivered. In 2023 there was a comprehensive review of the key performance indicators, and a lighter review has taken place for this year, with some realignment of metrics to ensure that the council's priority areas are fully reflected.

This report is set out to provide an overview of performance to monitor the delivery of the four priorities of the corporate strategy:

• Delivering better services
• Protecting our environment
• Supporting economic growth
• Caring for the vulnerable

With an additional section on corporate health.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

This report provides an update to Cabinet on the county council's 2024/25 revenue and capital financial position, as at the end of June 2024. The Quarter 1 monitoring position contains assumptions relating to demand levels and savings delivery across a number of services, most particularly social care, which at this stage in the financial year are based on a number of assumptions based on costs and income to date and service knowledge.

There are spending challenges across all of council services as is common with most councils across the country. Whilst Lancashire remains in a relatively strong financial position, this is within a sector with declining financial sustainability that needs addressing at a national level. This report sets out some of the financial challenges the council currently faces. It also sets out some of the achievements and progress that has been made this year to date.

The forecast outturn position is £7.590m after implementing £20.76m of remedial actions and use of one-off funding. Directorates have been asked to complete further remedial action plans to look to produce a balanced budget by the end of the financial year.

The capital delivery programme for 2024/25 is £187.095m following confirmation of slippage from 2023/24 in the outturn report to Cabinet in July. The forecast expenditure is £186.322m giving an underspend of £0.773m (0.41%).

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

In line with the county council's procurement rules, this report sets out a recommendation to approve the commencement of the following procurement exercises:

(i) Renewal of ServiceNow Licenses

(ii) Acceptance and Disposal of Waste Upholstered Domestic Seating containing Persistent Organic Pollutants services

(iii) Agency Staff Neutral Vendor Managed Service and Workforce Solutions

(iv) Responsive Minor Adaptations

(v) Traditional Road Surfacing and Associated Services

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the requirements of the council's Cabinet procedure rules (Standing Order C18, Consideration of Key Decisions) have been complied with.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

A new Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System Dementia Strategy 2024-29 is presented to Cabinet, following extensive engagement with partners in health and social care, hospices, the voluntary sector, and with those with lived experience and their carers in Lancashire and South Cumbria. The Dementia Strategy identifies five key priorities for the Integrated Care System to focus on over the next five years, to be delivered through five sub-groups which ensure broad and inclusive representation.

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the requirements of the council's Cabinet procedure rules (Standing Order C18, Consideration of Key Decisions) have been complied with.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

The Lancashire Children and Young People's Plan 2024-2028 sets out the county council's vision and priorities to ensure that children and young people are safe, healthy, happy, develop skills for life and are active citizens who feel they have a voice and influence.

Subject to agreement by Cabinet, and the production of a version for publication, the final draft of the Lancashire Children and Young People's Plan 2024-2028 will be presented to Full Council for approval in October 2024.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

This report sets out a recommendation, following completion of a competitive tendering exercise, conducted in accordance with the County Council's standing orders, to approve the award of a single supplier contract for the provision of Adobe Sign software.

Carol Groom, Head of ICT Strategy & Assurance, on behalf of the Peter Lloyd, Director of Digital, took a decision as set out in the report.

This report presents the Lancashire Child and Youth Justice Plan for 2024/25.

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) as set out in the report.

The Head of Service Democratic Services, following consultation with County Councillor Loraine Cox, Champion for Young People, approved a Champions Grant application for the reduced amount of £500 to Sea Cadets Chorley (unit 526) towards the cost of their roof repairs.

The Head of Service Democratic Services,  following consultation with County Councillor Stuart C Morris, Champion for Mental Health, approved a Champions Grant application of £500 to Critical and Creative Approaches to Mental Health Practice towards the cost of their monthly wellbeing meetings.

This basis of this report is to gain approval to commence procurement for the second lot of 25 minibuses out of 50 total.

The invest to save decision was part of Appendix A Savings Template 2023/24 - 2026/27 (Reference - T002 Vehicle Purchase and reduced taxi provision).

Funding has been approved for a total of 50 vehicles, with the procurement process completed for the first lot of 25 vehicles.

To achieve target delivery of September 2025, the Invite to Tender (ITT) needs to be initiated on 23rd August 2024. An agreement to commence procurement needs to be gained prior to ITT.

Phil Green, Executive Director of Growth, Environment, Transport & Health took a decision to approve the commencement of procurement for the second lot of 25 minibuses out of 50 relating to the invest to save decision as part of Appendix A Savings Template 2023/24 - 2026/27 (Reference - T002 Vehicle Purchase and reduced taxi provision).

The Head of Service Democratic Services, following consultation with County Councillor Alf Clempson, Champion for Armed Forces and Veterans, approved a Champions Grant application for the reduced amount of £500 to Kirkham Town Council towards the cost of a beacon to commemorate VE day and a memorial plaque.

The Head of Service  Democratic Services, following consultation with County Councillor Stuart C Morris, Champion for Mental Health, rejected a Champions Grant application to Kirkham Town Council towards the cost of a beacon to commemorate VE day and a memorial plaque.

The reason for the rejection was Cllr Morris feels that Champion grants are for small independent bodies.

The Democratic and Member Services Manager, following consultation with County Councillor Peter Britcliffe, Champion for Disabled People, approved a Champions Grant application of £1400 to The Visual Impairment Forum for LCC Area towards the cost of the transport and running costs of their montly meetings.

Ridwan Musa, Head of Service Highways Operations & Design, on behalf of the Matt Townsend, Director of Highways and Transport, took a decision to approve the adjustment of the budgets.

The DfT retaining walls programme was established in 2019 to cover repairs to retaining walls on priority routes in the East of the County. The programme has been in progress since with most projects now complete.

There is one remaining high priority project in progress for which funding is in place for completion.

There are two low priority projects outstanding where the scope has been reduced and funding can be made available to support other projects within the programme. These are:

• 10357 20/21 Glen Terrace Ret/Wall and
• 10366 20/21 Pilkington Canal Ret/Walls

There are three completed projects that currently have an overspend and require additional funding to reconcile the budgets and allow the projects to be closed out financially. These are:

• 10364 20/21 Easden Wood Ret/Wall
• 10360 20/21 Hud Hey Ret/Wall
• 13152 20/21 Limy Water Retaining Wall No2

It is proposed to transfer £55,000 of available funds from the two low priority projects to cover the overspends on the three overspent projects as follows:

• 10364 20/21 Easden Wood Ret/Wall £48000 From 10357 20/21 Glen Terrace Ret/Wall (£28,000) and 10366 20/21 Pilkington Canal Ret/Walls (£20,000)
• 10360 20/21 Hud Hey Ret/Wall £2000 From 10366 20/21 Pilkington Canal Ret/Walls
• 13152 20/21 Limy Water Retaining Wall No2 £5000 From 10366 20/21 Pilkington Canal Ret/Walls

There is no change to the overall programme budget, all the projects are in the same programme year and the total of all the changes for this programme are less than £100,000.

Head of service is asked to approve the transfer in order to financially reconcile the programme.

Ridwan Musa, Head of Service Highways Operations and Design, on behalf of the Matt Townsend, Director of Highways and Transport took a decision to make changes to project budgets within the Bridges Maintenance - DfT Retaining Walls Programme in order to financially reconcile the programme.

A report on the support contract for hybrid meeting rooms.

Noel O'Neil, Director of Finance and Commerce, took the decision as set out in the report.

A report on the Provision of Cashless Parking Solutions – Contract (CR/CORP/LCC/21/1081) and the Provision of Parking Meter Cash Collection & Cash in Transit Services – Contract (CR/CORP/LCC/21/1084).

Matt Townsend, Director of Highways and Transport, took the decision as set out in the report.

County Councillor Graham Gooch considered and rejected a Local Member Grant to Hutton Church of England Grammar School towards the cost of electrical repairs.

The reason for the rejection was that he has very few funds remaining.

In taking this decision, County Councillor Graham Gooch declared a non-Pecuniary interest in the application as he is the Chairman of the Hutton Grammar School Foundation Trust.

The 18/19 Strategic Initiatives - Incentive Fund programme was established to support Highway Maintenance projects across the County. The programme has been in progress since with projects now complete.

Changes to the programme budgets totalling £12000 are required in order to reconcile the budgets for overspent projects and close out projects where there is residual available funds.

The proposed changes are as follows:

Transfer

• From 7636 18/19 Principal Bridge Inspections - Package 1 - Jacobs

£1333.50

• From 7638 18/19 Principal Bridge Inspections - Package 2 - Atkins

£2341.02

• From 7612 18/19 Supporting Winter Services

£3017.57

• From 9262 18/19 U11053/U11055 Bone Hill Lane

£3778.09

• From 9261 18/19 C140 Gravel Lane Phase 2

£1529.82

Transfer

• To 6894 18/19 Altham Road, Hapton

£12000

There is no change to the overall programme budget, all the projects are in the same programme year and the total of all the changes for this programme are less than £100,000.

Head of service is asked to approve the transfer in order to financially reconcile the programme.

Ridwan Musa, Head of Service, Highways Operations and Design, on behalf of the Matt Townsend, Director of Highways and Transport took a decision to approve changes to Strategic Initiatives project budgets for transfers in order to financially reconcile the programme.

A report on a Deed of Variation for Land Lying to the North-West of Wheatley Lane Road Barrowford.

Noel O'Neil, Director of Finance & Commerce, (Director of Strategy and Performance) took a decision to agree a Deed of Variation for Land northwest of Wheatley Lane, Barrowford on 1st September 2024.

A decision on the approval of a contract for the provision of  continuity contract for the renewal of the Siteimprove Web Governance Suite.

Carol Groom, Head of ICT Strategy & Assurance on behalf of the Peter Lloyd, Director of Digital, took the decision as set out in the report.

The Financial Safeguarding Team (FST) currently act as corporate appointee and deputy for people who receive services from LCC and lack capacity to manage their own finances. The team have reached capacity and have a growing waiting list of people requiring the service. In addition, LCC's Disability Service has a number of people who have no current arrangements in place to manage their finances.

This presents a major safeguarding issue as people are unable to pay their rent, utilities and groceries. This has increased the use of temporary arrangements such as using petty cash in care homes, corporate credit cards and visits to food banks.

Following discussion with Legal and Procurement it was agreed that a direct award could be made under Schedule 3 'Light Touch' procurement.

The rationale for making a direct award is due to the ongoing and growing safeguarding issue of people being unable to access their finances. There are a few organisations who provide services for appointeeships or deputyships, but few can manage both. The decision was made to award the contract to Money Carer Foundation as a preferred provider, who provide a comprehensive service and are based in the North-west.

The contract will either be to the value of £600,000 or 2 years, whichever happens first. The short-term arrangement will provide extra capacity and will allow for an options appraisal and procurement of a long-term solution for managing the finances of vulnerable adults. The contract value would not be paid by LCC but is indicative of the total value of referrals we would send to the provider, paid from the benefits and savings of the people referred.

Kashif Ahmed, Director of Strategic & Integrated Commissioning, took a decision to approve the direct award of the contract, to the value of £600,000, to Moneycarer Foundation to manage the finances of vulnerable adults in Lancashire.

A decision to approve the contract modification for the provision of Replacement CART System, provided by 365 Response to include the modification of corporate change as detailed in this report.

Carol Groom, Head of ICT Strategy & Assurance, on behalf of Peter Lloyd, the Director of Digital, took the decision as set out in the report.

Ridwan Musa, Highways and Transport, on behalf of Matt Townsend, Director of Highways and Transport took a decision to approve allocation of budget.

A decision on the approval of a contract for the provision of procurement for DSE Assessments and Ergonomic Chairs and Equipment.

Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health, took the decision as set out in the report.

A decision to approve the award of a single supplier contract for the continued provision of the Authority's Education Management System.

Carol Groom, Head of ICT Strategy & Assurance, on behalf of Peter Lloyd, Director of Digital took the decision as set out in the report.

Ridwan Musa, Head of Service Highways and Transport, on behalf of the Matt Townsend, Director of Highways and Transport, took a decision to adjust budgets to balance unprocessed costs.

A decision to award the contract/framework for the provision of Rookery Cloud Config Snapshot Licence & E-Business Support.

Carol Groom, Head of ICT Strategy & Assurance, on behalf of the Peter Lloyd, Director of Digital, took the decision as set out in the report.

Nichola Morris, Commissioning Manager, took the decision to approve the increase from a 30-day extension to a 59-day extension.

A decision to approve maximising occupancy to mitigate Rent Void Payments.

Kash Ahmed Director of Strategic & Integrated Commissioning, took the decision as set out in the report.

A decision on the approval to waiver the County Council's procurement rules for the provision of the "AskSARA" Software Solution, as provided via DLF.

Kashif Ahmed, Director of Strategic & Integrated Commissioning, took the decision as set out in the report.

Ridwan Musa, Head of Service, on behalf of Matt Townsend, Director of Highways and Transport took a decision to adjust budgets as requested.

A decision on a recommendation requesting the Executive Director of Growth, Environment, Transport and Health take a decision in accordance with the Council's Scheme of Delegation to approve the award of a multi-supplier framework for the supply of civil engineering materials.

Phil Green, Executive Director of Growth, Environment, Transport & Health took the decision as set out in the report.

Kashif Ahmed, Director of Strategic & Integrated Commissioning, took the decision to approve the use of the scheme at Abbey Lodge, Riddle Road, Fleetwood, Lancashire, FY7 7BX for mental health rehabilitation.

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £160 to Supportive Approachable Friendly Environment (SAFE) towards the cost of new uniforms, ID badges and DBS checks for volunteers.

County Councillor Gina Dowding considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £300 to Fairfield Association towards the cost of a cycle hangar for local residents use.

A decision on the direct award of a Level 5 Digital Learning Designer apprenticeship.

Rachel Rump, Head of Talent & Performance, took the decision as set out in the report.

A decision on the direct award of a Level 3 Civil Engineer Technician apprenticeship.

Rachel Rump, Head of Talent & Performance, took the decision as set out in the report.

A decision on the extension of a contract award for the provison of Digital Operating Model.

Peter Lloyd, Director of Digital, took the decision as set out in the report.

A decision on the direct award of a Level 3 Installation and Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship.

Rachel Rump, Head of Talent & Performance, took the decision as set out in the report.

Ridwan Musa, Head of Service Highway Operations and Design, on behalf of the Matt Townsend, Director of Highways and Transport, took a decision to approve budget amendment to 23/24 Structural Defects programme as detailed above.

County Councillor Scott Cunliffe considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £300 to Church on the Street Ministries towards the cost of supporting students on their Exodus Recovery Project.

County Councillor Sobia Malik considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £300 to Church on the Street Ministries towards the cost of supporting students on their Exodus Recovery Project.

County Councillor Ash Sutcliffe considered and rejected a Local Member Grant to Church on the Street Ministries towards the cost of supporting students on their Exodus Recovery Project.

The reason for rejection is County Councillor Sutcliffe does not believe the grant will benefit his division.

County Councillor Cosima Towneley considered and rejected a Local Member Grant to Church on the Street Ministries towards the cost of supporting students on their Exodus Recovery Project.

The reason for rejection is County Councillor Towneley wishes to reserve funding for other organisations in her division as she believes the organisation receive other specialist funding.

County Coucillor Howard Hartley considered and approved a Local member Grant of £250 to Higham Village Hall Committee towards the cost of a dehumidifier.

County Councillor John R Singleton JP considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £500 to Singleton Church Hall Bowling Club towards the cost of purchasing all weather composite benches.

A decision on the fit out and installation of Savick Library.

Sue Haworth, Property Review Principal, took the decision as set out in the report.

A decision on the disposal of a former council building.

Gary Jones Estates Manager, on behalf of the Simon Lawrence, Director of Growth and Regeneration took the decision as set out in the report.

Finance utilise a tool called CFO Insights that provides a database that allows the team to produce benchmarking information to support budget management across the county council. To ensure consistency in data and build on the knowledge that has been developed in using the tool this decision is to extend the contract.

The contract is to extend for a value of £10k per annum for 3 years.

Noel O'Neill, Director of Finance and Commerce took a decision to extend the contract provision for CFO Insights.

A decision on the procurement to establish a contract for the provision of external audit services and tax advisory services.

Khadija Saeed, Head of Corporate Finance, took the decision as set out in the report.

County Councillor Stewart Morris considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £500 to Bolton-Le-Sands Pre-school, Playgroup and Toddlers towards the cost of replacing the existing railings around the Pre-school.

A decision on the approval of a project to facilitate the payment of hire costs and classroom purchase in relation to Brunshaw Primary - Classroom Purchase.

Paul Richardson, Capital Programme Principal, took the decision as set out in the report.

Peter Bell, Regulation and Enforcement Manager, took a decision to approve of Lancashire County Council (Langthwaite Brow And Wyresdale Road, Lancaster, Lancaster City) (Revocation And 40mph Speed Limit) Order 202*.

Peter Bell, Regulation and Enforcement Manager, took a decision on to approve the order  following consideration of the objections, officer responses, and consultation with the Cabinet Member.

Peter Bell, Regulation and Enforcement Manager, took a decision on the approval of Lancashire County Council Assembly Avenue, Atlantean Drive, Llama Close and Terrier Grove, Leyland, South Ribble Borough) (20mph Speed Limit) Order 202*.

County Councillor Jean Parr considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £160 to Supportive Approachable Friendly Environment (SAFE) towards the cost of new uniforms, ID badges and DBS checks for volunteers.

County Councillor Jean Parr considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £210 to The Bay International Film Festival towards the cost of 'The Beauty of Morecambe Bay' photo competition.

This is a decision to make changes, to correct minor errors and resolve inconsistencies, to the Constitution.

The Scheme of Delegation to Officers authorises Directors and Executive Directors to take procurement-related decisions, including:

• To award contracts; and
• To exercise an option to extend a contract.

All officer decisions are subject to the Key Decision threshold, currently £2.2m. However, this limit does not apply where Cabinet has previously approved (for example when approving to commence a procurement process) the contract value and/or that a contract may be extended for a certain length of time or cost.

To clarify this distinction in the Scheme of Delegation to Officers, to avoid misinterpretation, and to prevent decisions unnecessarily being taken by Cabinet twice, section 9.52 of the Scheme of Delegation to Officers will be amended to add the italicised text below:

• Paragraph 36: "The award of contracts (including the selection of a contractor from a framework). The thresholds listed do not apply where Cabinet has already approved the contract value at the commencement of a procurement process."

• Paragraph 37: "To exercise an option to extend a contract where the amount or duration has not previously been approved by Cabinet".

The Scheme of Delegation to Officers also reserves to the Executive Director of Resources (Chief Financial Officer) the power to write off debt owed to the council. However, this is impractical for the small values which may be required to be written off. These decisions only require the Chief Financial Officer's approval when a debt needs to be written off other than in accordance with the council's Debt Management Policy. Therefore, section 9.52, paragraph 9 of the Scheme of Delegation to Officers will be amended to add the following italicised text: "To agree to write off a debt owed to the Council, other than in accordance with the council's Debt Management Policy."

Finally, section 9.51 of the Scheme of Delegation to Officers requires amendment to reflect the updated management structure of the council, as follows:

• Executive Director of Resources: Finance and Commerce, People, Law and Governance, Strategy and Transformation, and Digital.
• Director of Finance and Commerce: Financial Management, Corporate Finance and Accounting, Commercialisation, Procurement, Payroll, Pension Fund, Asset Management and Facilities Management.
• Director of Strategy and Transformation: Business Intelligence, Strategy and Policy, Change, and Communications and Public Affairs.

Heloise MacAndrew, Director of Law and Governance, took a decision to make the following changes to the council's Constitution, to correct an error or resolve an inconsistency:

i)  For clarification, to amend Section 9.52, paragraph 36 (Scheme of Delegation to Officers) to: "The award of contracts (including the selection of a contractor from a framework). The thresholds listed do not apply where Cabinet has already approved the contract value at the commencement of a procurement process."

ii)  For clarification, to amend section 9.52, paragraph 37 (Scheme of Delegation to Officers) to: "To exercise an option to extend a contract where the amount or duration has not previously been approved by Cabinet".

iii)  For clarification, to amend section 9.52, paragraph 9 (Scheme of Delegation to Officers) to: "To agree to write off a debt owed to the Council, other than in accordance with the council's Debt Management Policy."

iv)  For accuracy, to amend section 9.51 (Scheme of Delegation to Officers) so the areas of responsibility for the Executive Director of Resources, Director of Finance and Commerce, and Director of Strategy and Transformation are corrected.

Ridwan Musa, Head of Service Operations on behalf of Matt Townsend, Director of Highways and Transport took a decision to move £1800 from PPMS ID 9261 Gravel Lane Phase 2 into PPMS ID 9262 Bone Hill Lane.

Ridwan Musa, Head of Service Highway Operations and Design, on behalf of Matt Townsend, Director of Highways and Transport took a decision to approve the Procurement Initiative Plan for the supply of Trees and Planting Products (Winter 2024).

A report to Capital board was approved on 27^th July 2024 for funding to be allocated to the Burnley Road (Laund) project to allow that project to continue to completion.

The funding was from projects within the existing Bridges Maintenance approved capital programme consisting of an amount from the 22/23 unallocated budget and cancellation of two projects for repairs to Larkhill Lane footbridge that cannot be delivered due to issues with adjacent properties.

The approved amounts are as follows:

12772 22/23 9661 Lark Hill Lane  £100,637.70

11634 21/22 Lark Hill Lane  £107,387.00

15404 Unallocated bridges maintenance 23/24  £68,964.38

The total approved allocation is £276,989.08.

The revised budget for the 13936 22/23 Burnley Road (Laund) project is £598,892.59.

Background

In November 2022 the "Burnley Road Laund" Highway retaining wall supporting the A682 between Rawtenstall and Burnley collapsed into the adjacent river.

The A682 is part of the resilient route network and classified as a 3a priority main distributor road.

In early 2023 a project was established to enable temporary measures to be installed to prevent further collapse, protect public safety, safeguard essential utilities, and allow the road to remain open.

The site is currently barriered off with, no footway provision and an open excavation to the river. It is in a safe condition but is vulnerable to further damage if water levels increase. The status of the route, the risk of disruption to infrastructure and the vulnerability of the site mean that this is the highest priority site currently in the bridges programme.

Design of a project to repair the wall has been ongoing and works are now planned to commence this year to complete the reinstatement.

The anticipated cost of the proposed works has increased beyond those originally envisaged due to the proximity of major utilities and difficult ground conditions.

The current available budget is £150,630.98 and additional funding is required to allow the works to commence.

The project was established within the 20/21 DfT retaining wall programme. The retaining wall programme covered to works to a number of retaining walls in East Lancashire identified as requiring varying priorities of maintenance. An initial budget was established by moving funding from projects that were either completed or could sustain a reduction in scope. One project was cancelled on the basis that it was a lower priority and could be funded from a future allocation within the bridges maintenance capital programme.

Ridwan Musa, Head of Service Highway Operations and Design, took a decision to approve the reallocation of funds to deliver the Burnley Road (Laund) Retaining wall repair project.

County Councillor Jackie Oakes considered and rejected a Local Member Grant to Emerald Earth Medicine towards the cost of purchasing 15 frame drums.

The reason for rejection is County Councillor Oakes is reserving funding for organisations and projects that align with her priorities.

County Councillor Sean Serridge considered and rejected a Local Member Grant to Emerald Earth Medicine towards the cost of purchasing 15 frame drums.

The reason for rejection is County Councillor Serridge does not believe his division will benefit sufficiently from the grant.

This report requests the waiver of the county council's Procurement Rules for the purchase of two double modular classrooms for Brunshaw Primary School, to be used as a Special Educational Needs unit on the site to provide accommodation for additional special educational needs pupils.

The Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Resources, HR and Property (Deputy Leader) approved the recommendations as set out in the report.

This decision should be implemented immediately for the purposes of Standing Order C28 as any delay could adversely affect the execution of the county council's responsibilities. The reason for this is set out in the report.

Peter Bell, Regulation and Enforcement Manager, took a decision to approve Lancashire County Council (Main Road (A6), Galgate, Lancaster City) (Revocation and 50mph Speed Limit) Order 202*.

County Councillor Anna Hindle considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £473.59 to Let's Grow Preston towards the cost of a Mod Roc Clay Modelling art class for 20 children.

County Councillor Anna Hindle declared a non-pecuniary interest as a trustee of Let's Grow Preston.

County Councillor Jean Parr considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £500 to Fathers House Elim Church towards the cost of refurbishing the church kitchen.

A decision on the waiving of Procurement Regulations for the provision of a contract award to Esri (UK) Ltd.

Carol Groom, Head of ICT Strategy & Assurance, took the decision as set out in the report.

County Councillor Terry Aldridge considered and rejected a Local Member Grant to West Lancs Debt Advice towards the cost of training volunteers.

The reason for rejection is County Councillor Aldridge is reserving funding to support other organisations in his division.

Carol Groom, Head of ICT Strategy & Assurance, on behalf of the Peter Lloyd, Director of Digital took a decision to approve the waiver under Procurement Rule 9 which requires three quotes and purchase from NBS Ltd under direct award.

County Councillor Howard Hartley considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £500 to Friends of Barrowford Memorial Park towards the cost of adding names to the war memorial, and a booklet celebrating the parks centenary year.

Carol Groom, Head of ICT Strategy & Assurance on behalf of Peter Lloyd, Director of Digital, took a decision to waive Procurement Rule 9 which requires 3 quotes for requirements between £10,000 to £74,999 and accepts the provisions of this waiver and to award a 36 month contract extension to Edufocus Ltd to the value of £34,464.09.

A decision on the award of places on Pseudo Dynamic Purchasing System (PDPS) for the provision of Children's Home Services.

Dave Carr, Director of Policy, Commissioning and Children's Health, took the decision as set out in the report.

County Councillor Alf Clempson considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £210 to Neurokin Family towards the cost of venue hire, promotional flyers and posters and a Microsoft account.

County Councillor Alan Vincent considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £210 to Neurokin Family towards the cost of venue hire, promotional flyers and posters and a Microsoft account.

County Councillor John Shedwick considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £210 to Neurokin Family towards the cost of venue hire, promotional flyers and posters and a Microsoft account.

A decision on the waiver of Procurement rules for the provision of Funasset Ltd – R1071 – Annual Licence, Support and Maintenance of Hybrid Mail Software (Minkz).

Carol Groom, Head of ICT Strategy & Assurance, took the decision as set out in the report.

The Head of Servive Democratic and Member Services, following consultation with County Councillor Loraine Cox, Champion for Young People, approved a Champions Grant application for the reduced amount of £500 to 1st Oswaldtwistle Girls’ Brigade towards the cost of two trips for their members.

The Head of Service Democratic Services, following consultation with County Councillor Paul Rigby, Champion for Parishes, approved a Champions Grant application of £644.99 to Whalley Parish Council towards the cost of a new shed.

County Councillor Andrea Kay considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £800 to Fylde Coast Mens Shed CIC towards the cost of a new shed.

John Davies, Head of Highways Network Management, on behalf of Matt Townsend, Director of Highways and Transport took a decision to approve  the Director of Law and Governance to enter into a Section 106 agreement (Deed of variation) under Section 106 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 in connection with the proposed development.

Debbie King, Head of Environment & Climate, took the decision to approve atransfer from capital (PPMS code 6401 -England Coast Path) to PROW revenue budget for the recovery of costs associated to the establishment of the KCIIIECP Section 4.

Ridwan Musa, Head of Highways Operations and Design, took the decision to agree the proposed single tender action on the basis that there is an urgent requirement to undertake the works.

Approval is sought for the County Council for a deed of variation for a previous agreed Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, for an obligation for the developer to pay a sum of £6,000 for Travel Planning support and contribute £67,200 towards the Poulton Highway Mitigation Scheme.
Authority to take this decision has been delegated under the Scheme of Delegation to Heads of Service.

John Davies, Head of Highways Network Management, on behalf of the Matt Townsend, Director of Highways and Transport took a decision to approve the Director of Law and Governance to approve the deed of variation for the Section 106 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 in connection with the proposed development, providing for obligations on the owner or developer of the land to pay sums totalling £73,200.

Ridwan Musa, Head of Service, on behalf of the Matt Townsend, Director of Highways and Transport took a decision to approve amendment to budgets as detailed.

A decision on the direct award of Level 6 Chartered Surveyor Apprenticeship to the University of Central Lancashire.

Rachel Rump, Head of Talent & Performance, took the decision as set out in the report.

A decision on the direct award of level 7 Archivist and Records Management apprenticeship to Westminster Adult Education.

Rachel Rump, Head of Talent & Performance, took the decision as set out in the report.

A decision on the direct award of Level 3 HR Support apprenticeship to Runshaw College.

Rachel Rump, Head of Talent & Performance, took the decision as set out in the report.

A decision on the direct award of Level 6 construction site management apprenticeship to Salford University.

Rachel Rump, Head of Talent & Performance, took the decision as set out in the report.

A decision on the direct award of Level 3 groundworker apprenticeship to Nelson and Colne College.

Rachel Rump, Head of Talent & Performance, took the decision as set out in the report.

A decision on the direct award of Level 3 Heavy Goods Vehicle apprenticeship to Lancaster Training.

Rachel Rump, Head of Talent & Performance, took the decision as set out in the report.

A decision on the direct award of Level 6 Youth Worker apprenticeship to the University of Central Lancashire.

Rachel Rump, Head of Talent & Performance, took the decision as set out in the report.

A decision on the direct award of Level 6 Occupational Therapist apprenticeship to the University of Central Lancashire.

Rachel Rump, Head of Talent & Performance, took the decision as set out in the report.

Debbie King, Head of Environment & Climate, on behalf of the Director of Environment and Planning took a decision to increase the annual contribution to the Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape in line with inflation. 

County Councillor Peter Buckley considered and rejected a Local Member Grant to Trinitas Day Choir towards the cost of a special bag for every choir member and publication of poetry books to mark the choir's 3rd anniversary.

The reason for rejection is County Councillor Buckley does not believe the project will directly benefit residents in his division.

County Councillor Hasina Khan considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £225 to Sea Cadets Chorley towards the cost of electrical repairs.

County Councillor Mark Clifford considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £225 to Sea Cadets Chorley towards the cost of electrical repairs.

County Councillor Alan Cullens considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £225 to Sea Cadets Chorley towards the cost of electrical repairs.

County Councillor Aidy Riggott considered and rejected a Local Member Grant to Sea Cadets Chorley towards the cost of electrical repairs.

The reason for the rejection is County Councillor Aidy Riggott is reserving funding for other organisations.

A decision on the approval to award a single supplier contract for the provision of Site Security Services.

Noel O'Neill, Director of Finance and Commerce, took the decision as set out in the report.

A decision on the approval of LUF Atkins Preliminary Commissions.

Andy Mullaney, Director of Environment and Planning, took the decision as set out in the report.