Decisions

Use the search options below to find decisions.

Alternatively you can view delegated decisions that have been taken by individual councillors in relation to council officers under the Scheme of Delegation to Officers:

Key Decision definition: A key decision means an executive decision which is likely:

(a) to result in the council incurring expenditure which is, or the making of savings which are significant having regard to the council's budget for the service or function which the decision relates; or

(b) to be significant in terms of its effects on communities living or working in an area comprising two or more wards or electoral divisions in the area of the council.

For the purposes of (a) above, the threshold for "significant" is £2.2 million (from 1 April 2024).

Decisions published

23/04/2024 - Theatre in Education - Award Decision ref: 25568    Recommendations Approved

A decision taken on a contract award.

Decision Maker: Director of Highways and Transport

Decision published: 24/05/2024

Effective from: 23/04/2024

Decision:

John Davies, Head of Highways Network Management, took the decision as set out in the report.

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: John Davies


09/05/2024 - Archaeology for A582 Direct Award ref: 25560    Recommendations Approved

An approval is required to conduct a direct award as allowed for under Section 14.1 of the County Council's Procurement Rules for the provision of archaeology investigation to Oxford Archaeology. Oxford Archaeology worked on the A582 dualing archaeology investigation that was paused. The proposed works on Croston Road and Stanifield Lane junctions requires an archaeology investigation and this would be picking up work that was paused from the A582 dualing.

Decision Maker: Director of Environment and Planning

Decision published: 22/05/2024

Effective from: 09/05/2024

Decision:

Niamh O'Sullivan, Planning Delivery Team Leader, took a decision to conduct a direct award as allowed for under Section 14.1 of the County Council's Procurement Rules for the provision of archaeology investigation to Oxford Archaeology.  The organisation has been selected to complete the services due to their previous and ongoing knowledge of the site and services to be provided. The previous contract we had with Oxford Archaeology expired but was well within the agreed budget as works had been paused from the A582 Dualing. The contract is to be awarded for a period of up to 30 months commencing on 20 May 2024. The estimated value of the contract to be let under a direct award is up to £5140.

 

Divisions affected: Lostock Hall & Bamber Bridge; Moss Side & Farington;

Lead officer: Niamh O'Sullivan


16/05/2024 - Minor Amends to the Code of Conduct and Wording of Disciplinary Policy and Procedure ref: 25558    Recommendations Approved

The Director of People, under the Scheme of Delegation to Officers, is asked to approve the following minor amends:


(1) Code of Conduct for Employees - an amendment to paragraph 14 to make it clear that being arrested or under investigation by the police also needs to be disclosed in addition to any criminal charges/convictions and cautions.


(2) Disciplinary Policy and Procedure - that the wording of the section covering Criminal Matters (Including Fraud) is amended to make it clear that being arrested or under investigation by the police also need to be notified to management as soon as possible in addition to being charged, cautioned, or convicted of a criminal offence.


The proposed amends have been shared with and noted by the recognised trade unions at the Joint Negotiating and Consultative Forum.

Decision Maker: Director of People

Decision published: 22/05/2024

Effective from: 16/05/2024

Decision:

Lucy Thompson, Director of People, took the decision to approve the minor amends to the Code of Conduct for Employees and the wording of the Disciplinary Policy and Procedure.

 

Divisions affected: N/A;

Lead officer: Kelly Gilman


17/05/2024 - Disposal of Surplus Land - Land to the Rear of 1 Branksome Avenue, Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, FY5 2EW ref: 25549    Recommendations Approved

A decision taken on a sale of land.

Decision Maker: Director of Growth and Regeneration

Decision published: 21/05/2024

Effective from: 17/05/2024

Decision:

Gary Jones, Estates Manager, took the decision as set out in the report.

Divisions affected: Cleveleys South & Carleton;

Lead officer: Gary Jones


17/05/2024 - Hosted Urban Traffic Control (UTC) System ref: 25551    Recommendations Approved

A decision taken on a contract modification.

Decision Maker: Director of Environment and Planning

Decision published: 21/05/2024

Effective from: 17/05/2024

Decision:

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

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: James Bennett


17/05/2024 - Operational Buildings Condition Led Programme - Kirkham Milbanke Residential Care Home ref: 25547    Recommendations Approved

A decision on works required at Milbanke Residential Care Home.

Decision Maker: Director of Strategy and Performance

Decision published: 20/05/2024

Effective from: 17/05/2024

Decision:

Michael Peppin, Capital Programme Pincipal, took the decision as set out in the report.

Divisions affected: Fylde East;

Lead officer: Michael Peppin


17/05/2024 - Schools Condition Led Programme - Stalmine Primary School ref: 25546    Recommendations Approved

A decision taken on asbestos removal.

Decision Maker: Director of Strategy and Performance

Decision published: 20/05/2024

Effective from: 17/05/2024

Decision:

Michael Peppin, Capital Programme Principal, took the decision as set out in the report.

Divisions affected: Thornton & Hambleton;

Lead officer: Michael Peppin


16/05/2024 - Minor Amends to the Statement of Ethical Standards ref: 25545    Recommendations Approved

The Director of People, under the Scheme of Delegation to Officers, is asked to approve the following minor amends to the Statement of Ethical Standards for Employees:


(1) A new inclusion at paragraph 5.3 making it a requirement for a declaration of financial or personal interest for employees who are Grade 14 and above to be submitted on an annual basis, including a nil return where there are no interests to declare.


(2) Reference at paragraph 5.4 to a compliance monitoring report being presented annually to senior management.


The proposed amends are recommendations from an audit report that looked at governance and compliance arrangements for registering interests.


They have been shared with and noted by the recognised trade unions at the Joint Negotiating and Consultative Forum.

Decision Maker: Director of People

Decision published: 17/05/2024

Effective from: 16/05/2024

Decision:

Lucy Thompson, Director of People, took the decision that the minor amendments to the Statement of Ethical Standards for Employees are approved.

 

Divisions affected: N/A;

Lead officer: Kelly Gilman


16/05/2024 - Minor Policy Amends - Travel and Expenses Policy and Procedure ref: 25544    Recommendations Approved

The Director of People, under the Scheme of Delegation to Officers, is asked to approve the following minor amends to the Travel and Expenses Policy and Procedure:


(1) Addition of a five-mile radius to determine whether a journey is constituted as passing the workplace.


(2) Removal of reference to HMRC criteria to define a permanent workplace for simplification purposes.


(3) Clarification that a return journey also needs to be considered in respect of the mileage claim criteria.


(4) Separation out of the business mileage scenarios and examples into a dedicated guide.


The proposed amends have been shared with and noted by the recognised trade unions at the Joint Negotiating and Consultative Forum.

Decision Maker: Director of People

Decision published: 17/05/2024

Effective from: 16/05/2024

Decision:

Lucy Thompson, Director of People, took the decision to approve the minor amends to the Travel and Expenses Policy and Procedure.

 

Divisions affected: N/A;

Lead officer: Kelly Gilman


29/04/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Citizens Advice North Lancashire ref: 25474    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £2,000 towards the cost of new carpets from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Heysham

Decision published: 29/04/2024

Effective from: 29/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Andrew Gardiner considered and rejected a Local Member Grant to Citizens Advice North Lancashire towards the cost of new carpets.

 

The reason for rejection is County Councillor Gardiner was not contacted by the group prior to their application.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Lancaster Rural East

Decision published: 26/04/2024

Effective from: 29/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Matthew Maxwell-Scott considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £200 to Citizens Advice North Lancashire towards the cost of new carpets.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Lancaster Central

Decision published: 29/04/2024

Effective from: 29/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Gina Dowding considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £200 to Citizens Advice North Lancashire towards the cost of new carpets.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Lancaster Rural North

Decision published: 26/04/2024

Effective from: 29/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson considered and approved a Local Member Grant for the reduced amount of £100 to Citizens Advice North Lancashire towards the cost of new carpets.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Morecambe North

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 29/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Stuart Morris considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £200 to Citizens Advice North Lancashire towards the cost of new carpets.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Skerton

Decision published: 15/05/2024

Effective from: 29/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Jean Parr considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £200 to Citizens Advice North Lancashire towards the cost of new carpets.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Lancaster East

Decision published: 26/04/2024

Effective from: 29/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Lizzi Collinge considered and approved a Local member Grant of £200 to Citizens Advice North Lancashire towards the cost of new carpets.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Morecambe Central

Decision published: 16/05/2024

Effective from: 29/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Margaret Pattison considered and approved a Local Member Grant for the reduced amount of £100 to Citizens Advice North Lancashire towards the cost of new carpets.

Divisions affected: Heysham; Lancaster Central; Lancaster East; Lancaster Rural East; Lancaster Rural North; Lancaster South East; Morecambe Central; Morecambe North; Morecambe South; Skerton;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


16/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Girlguiding Hoghton District ref: 25543    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £300 towards a show in Blackpool from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Hoghton with Wheelton

Decision published: 16/05/2024

Effective from: 16/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Alan Cullens considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £300 to Girlguiding Hoghton District towards the cost of a show in Blackpool.

Divisions affected: Hoghton with Wheelton;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


16/05/2024 - Section 106 Agreement for Planning Application 21/01076/FULMAJ Application for the erection of 67no. dwellings (including 30% affordable housing) with associated access, car parking and landscaping. Land 53m west of Belvedere, 31 Darlington Street, C ref: 25539    Recommendations Approved

Approval is sought for the County Council to enter into an agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, for an obligation for the developer to pay a sum of £3,000 for a Traffic Regulation Order.


When consulted by Chorley Borough Council for a housing development consisting of up to 67 dwellings on land off Darlington Street, the County Council responded raising no objections subject to the developer funding a Traffic Regulation Order.
Chorley Borough Council's Planning Committee resolve to approve the application, subject to the developer entering a s106 agreement for various matters.


Authority to take this decision has been delegated under the Scheme of Delegation to Heads of Service.

Decision Maker: Director of Highways and Transport

Decision published: 16/05/2024

Effective from: 16/05/2024

Decision:

John Davies, Head of Highways Network Management, took the decision to approve that the Director of Law and Governance is authorised to enter into an agreement under 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 a sum of £3,000.

 

Divisions affected: Chorley South;

Lead officer: John Davies


16/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Promenade Concert Orchestra ref: 25538    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £2500 towards the cost of soloists and musicians to perform at the Ernest Tomlinson centenary celebration concert from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Morecambe Central

Decision published: 16/05/2024

Effective from: 16/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Margaret Pattison considered and approved a Local Member Grant for the reduced amount of £450 to Promenade Concert Orchestra of Morecambe towards the cost of soloists and musicians to perform at the Ernest Tomlinson centenary celebration concert.

 

County Councillor Margaret Pattison declared a non-pecuniary interest, as she is an associate of the event organiser.

Divisions affected: Heysham; Morecambe Central; Morecambe North; Morecambe South;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


16/05/2024 - Lancaster Willow Lane Residential Home, 56-64 Willow Lane, Lancaster, LA1 5QF ref: 25540    Recommendations Approved

A decision taken on a property letting.

Decision Maker: Director of Growth and Regeneration

Decision published: 16/05/2024

Effective from: 16/05/2024

Decision:

Gary Jones, Estates Manager, took the decision as set out in the report.

 

Divisions affected: Lancaster Central;

Lead officer: Gary Jones


15/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - St John's Hospice, Lancaster ref: 25536    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £200 towards the cost of the purchase of essential items for the in-patient unit from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Skerton

Decision published: 15/05/2024

Effective from: 15/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Jean Parr considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £200 to St John's Hospice, Lancaster towards the cost of the purchase of essential items for the in-patient unit.

Divisions affected: Skerton;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


15/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Broadgate and District Residents Action Group (BRAG) ref: 25542    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £500 towards the cost of a laptop, PC equipment and upgrade form the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Preston City

Decision published: 15/05/2024

Effective from: 15/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Yousuf Motala considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £500 to Broadgate and District Residents Action Group (BRAG) towards the cost of a laptop, PC equipment and upgrades.

Divisions affected: Preston City;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


14/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Melling Village Hall (aka Melling Institute) ref: 25531    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £600 towards the cost of 2 large catering saucepans with lids; an electric Bain-marie and new kitchen knives from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Lancaster Rural East

Decision published: 14/05/2024

Effective from: 14/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Matthew Maxwell-Scott considered and approved a Local Member Grant for the reduced amount of £336.40 to Melling Village Hall (aka Melling Institute) towards the cost of 2 large catering saucepans with lids; an electric Bain-marie and new kitchen knives.

Divisions affected: Lancaster Rural East;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


14/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Girlguiding Hoghton District ref: 25535    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £300 towards restarting a brownie unit from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - South Ribble East

Decision published: 14/05/2024

Effective from: 14/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Barrie Yates considered and approved a Local Member Grant for the reduced amount of £250 to Girlguiding Hoghton District towards the cost of restarting a brownie unit.

Divisions affected: South Ribble East;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


14/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Deepdale Community Association ref: 25532    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £500 towards the cost of the training and development of volunteers and co-ordinators from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Preston Central East

Decision published: 14/05/2024

Effective from: 14/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Frank De Molfetta considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £500 to Deepdale Community Association towards the cost of the training and development of volunteers and co-ordinators.

Divisions affected: Preston Central East;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


14/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Lune Valley Community Society ref: 25530    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £500 towards the cost of obtaining a licence to carry out significant upgrades to the pool building from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Lancaster Rural East

Decision published: 14/05/2024

Effective from: 14/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Matthew Maxwell-Scott considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £500 to Lune Valley Community Society towards the cost of obtaining a licence to carry out significant upgrades to the pool building.

Divisions affected: Lancaster Rural East;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


14/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Halsall St Cuthbert's Church of England Parish ref: 25534    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £1000 towards creating disabled access into the ground and church from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - West Lancashire West

Decision published: 14/05/2024

Effective from: 14/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor David O'Toole considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £1,000 to Halsall St Cuthbert's Church of England Parish towards the cost of creating disabled access into the ground and church.

Divisions affected: West Lancashire West;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


13/05/2024 - Updates to the Constitution ref: 25529    Recommendations Approved

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

Decision Maker: Director of Law and Governance

Decision published: 14/05/2024

Effective from: 13/05/2024

Decision:

Heloise MacAndrew, Director of Law and Governance, took a decision to make the following changes to the Council's Constitution, to correct errors and resolve inconsistencies:

 

i)  For clarification, to amend paragraph a) of section 9.41 (Scheme of Delegation to Officers) as follows:

 

"Officers set out in the Scheme are expected to ensure that the relevant councillors, including portfolio holders (Cabinet Members), Committee Chairs and local councillors are informed and consulted when exercising any delegations, whether general delegations set out in this Scheme or project specific or temporary delegations given by the Cabinet, Council or a Committee, as appropriate."

 

ii)  For clarification, to amend section 9.42 (Scheme of Delegation to Officers) as follows:

 

Officer Consultation

 

a)  Officers are required to ensure that they seek and consider advice of relevant officers, including (but not limited to) Legal, Finance and Commerce, People, Digital, and Estates, in advance of any decision under this scheme being taken.

 

b)  Officers are required to ensure that the instruction of the Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service), Executive Director of Resources (Chief Financial Officer) and the Director of the Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer), or their representatives, is sought and followed in advance of any decision under this scheme being taken.

 

iii)  For accuracy, to amend section 9.51 (Scheme of Delegation to Officers) to reflect the Council's up-to-date management structure, as set out at Appendix 'A'.

 

iv)  For clarification, to amend paragraph 7 of section 9.52 (Scheme of Delegation to Officers) as follows:

 

Reserved to the Executive Director of Resources:

 

To provide any indemnity on behalf of the Council (in consultation with the Director of Law and Governance).

 

(For the avoidance of doubt, indemnities which are incorporated into any of the Council's standard terms and conditions, or equivalent indemnities incorporated into a third-party agreement which have been subject to Legal review, do not require authorisation from the EDoR.)

 

v)  For accuracy, to amend the Proper Officer to be Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures, under the Weights and Measure Act 1985, to Head of Trading Standards and Scientific Services.

 

vi)  For accuracy and in line with the Chartered Institute of Public Accountancy and Finance's guidance, to amend all references to the "Chief Finance to Officer" to the "Chief Financial Officer".

Divisions affected: N/A;

Lead officer: Hannah Race


14/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Garstang Scarecrow Festival Trust ref: 25533    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £500 towards the cost of first aid, toilets, seating and collection boxes at the festival from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Wyre Rural East

Decision published: 14/05/2024

Effective from: 14/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Shaun Turner considered and approved a Local Member Grant for the reduced amount of £400 to Garstang Scarecrow Festival Trust towards the cost of first aid, toilets, seating and collection boxes at the festival.

Divisions affected: Wyre Rural East;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


13/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Crusaders Morris Dancers ref: 25527    For Determination

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £2000 towards a new music system and travel expenses from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - West Lancashire West

Decision published: 13/05/2024

Effective from: 13/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor David O'Toole considered and rejected a Local Member Grant to Crusaders Morris Dancers towards the cost of a new music system and travel expenses.

 

The reason for the rejection is because County Councillro David O'Toole is reserving funding for other organisations within his division area.

Divisions affected: Preston East; Preston South West; Preston West; West Lancashire West;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


10/05/2024 - The Provision of Pension Fund Custodian Services ref: 25523    Recommendations Approved

 

This report is to seek approval of award of contract in respect of the following:

 

Title of Contract: The Provision of Pension Fund Custodian Services

 

Contract Reference: CR/CORP/LCC/24/202

 

Brief Details of Service: Lancashire County Council (LCC) as Administering Authority (i.e., Lancashire County Pension Fund (LCPF)) seeks to appoint a professional custodian service provider for an initial 3-year contract with the option to extend for any given period up to a maximum of a further 3 years (6 years in total). This is a renewal of existing services.

 

On the 1st of December 2023 the decision to commence with the procurement activity was approved by the Pension Fund Committee.

 

The list below is not comprehensive, but a summary of the services to be provided by the Fund custodian.

 

•Hold LCPF's financial assets (likely in a digital depository) to protect them from being lost or stolen. They are responsible for recording the sales and purchases made by the fund, we trade in multiple currencies e.g. GBP, Euro, USD, Swedish Krona, Canadian Dollars etc.

 

•Purchase and sell bonds as well as make capital calls to the Pooled Investments.

 

•Provide monthly accounting transactions to allow LCPF Finance to update the general ledger for the investment transactions such as change in market value, sales and purchases.

 

•Provide monthly and quarterly investment reports showing the performance breakdown by asset over various timeframes (1 month + 1, 3 & 5 years) against the Lancashire portfolio benchmarks and Actuarial benchmarks. The performance report also compares the portfolio against the strategic asset allocations to ensure weighted properly and provides major indices performance such as the FTSE100.

 

•A requirement for the Custodian to work with the Authority's 3rd party investment management provider LPPI (Local Pensions Partnership Investments) as part of the ongoing contract.

 

Length of Contract: Initial 3-year contract with the option to extend for any given period up to a maximum of a further 3 years (6 years in total).

 

The contract will commence on 16th July 2024 and will end on 15th July 2027 (initial term). The option to extend the contract further will be decided at a later date by the Authority dependant on provider performance and future requirements.

 

Value: The estimated value of the current service is £70,000 per annum

 

Tender Exercise

 

I can confirm that a further competition process was conducted via the Public Contract Regulations (2015) compliant National LGPS Framework for

Global Custody Services (NCCT42038).

 

The further competition was followed ensuring compliance with Council Standing orders and UK Procurement Laws.

 

The Tender Evaluation Panel comprised of: Chris Ridings (Chair – Non-scoring), Sean Greene (Scoring), Paul Dobson (Scoring) and Paul Crotty (Scoring).

 

In addition, Junaid Laly and Reece Pearce supported the Chair in the compliance checks of the tenderer's submitted price files, which were then disclosed to the scoring panel members, once the quality evaluation element had been completed.

Bidders were evaluated on a Quality / Cost ratio of 80 / 20 as follows:

 

Bids Received: 4

 

The scores achieved following formal tender evaluation are detailed below:

*Quality - Part 1 (out of 62%)

Quality – Part 2 (out of 18%)

Cost (out of 20%)Final Score (100%)

 

BNY Mellon The tenderer was disqualified on the basis of a non-compliant submission.

 

CACEIS BANK39.4511.508.9259.87

 

NORTHERN TRUST42.9115.5020.0078.41

 

STATE STREET The tenderer was disqualified on the basis of a non-compliant submission.

 

*Please note Part 1 of the Quality Evaluation was a pre-scored element conducted by Mercer, working on behalf of the Framework Provider. All other elements were scored by the Authority.

 

Successful Bidder – The Northern Trust Company

 

Savings: There are no projected savings as the successful tenderer is the current incumbent provider to the Authority and the Pension Fund has compared the quoted fees within their tendered submission at around the same as what the Fund is currently charged. However, as confirmed in the results of the further competition the leading compliant bidder was also the lowest in terms of fees charged.

 

In addition, there is a one-off fee of £8,000 to use the LGPS Framework which has been agreed by both Lancashire County Pension Fund and LCC / Corporate Finance at approximately 80 / 20 split for their requirements under this contract.

 

 

Decision Maker: Director of Finance and Commerce

Decision published: 13/05/2024

Effective from: 10/05/2024

Decision:

Neil Kissock, Director of Finance, took a decision to award a contract to The Northern Trust Company for the Provision of Global Custody Services for an initial period of 3 years, commencing on 16th July 2024 with option to extend for a further period of a maximum of 3 years. Following the conclusion of a further competition process, conducted by Lancashire County Council, via the Public Contract Regulations (2015) compliant National LGPS Framework for Global Custody Services (NCCT42038).

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Neil Kissock


09/05/2024 - Minutes of the Meeting held on 11 April 2024 ref: 25513    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Made at meeting: 09/05/2024 - Cabinet

Decision published: 10/05/2024

Effective from: 09/05/2024

Decision:

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


09/05/2024 - Appendix 'B' to Item 5 - Procurement Report ref: 25515    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Made at meeting: 09/05/2024 - Cabinet

Decision published: 10/05/2024

Effective from: 09/05/2024


09/05/2024 - Exclusion of Press and Public ref: 25514    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Made at meeting: 09/05/2024 - Cabinet

Decision published: 10/05/2024

Effective from: 09/05/2024

Decision:

Resolved: That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business on the grounds that there would be a likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the appropriate paragraph of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.


25/04/2024 - Enabling Net Zero Infrastructure – National Grid ref: 25506    For Determination

Representatives from National Grid will attend the meeting to present on progress with enabling net zero infrastructure in Lancashire within the national context.

Decision Maker: Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee

Made at meeting: 25/04/2024 - Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee

Decision published: 10/05/2024

Effective from: 25/04/2024

Decision:

The Chair welcomed Kiran Jassal, Stakeholder Lead, and Tariq Ajumal, Regional Connections Manager, from National Grid, to the meeting.

 

A presentation was provided on the National Grid's regional update on their work in the North West, in particular for Lancashire, and ongoing connections reform to enable net zero infrastructure. The report detailed ambitions regarding the National Grid's capacity, and how the transition from fossil fuel led energy to clean low carbon generation would be enabled. 

 

In response to questions from the committee, officers responded as follows:

 

·  It was noted that project requests for the National Grid currently amounted to over 300GW or power; this far exceeded the additional capacity needed to reach Net Zero in Great Britain, which currently stood at 70GW. Officers highlighted that there were ongoing reforms to manage the pipeline of contracts and reduce the number of customers waiting to those who were ready to go with developers and funding in place, helping to mitigate delays in the system.

·  The current projection for 70GW additional capacity needed to reach Net Zero was based on future energy scenarios for generation and demand that the system operator (ESO) had released. It was noted that currently, the peak demand on the network was 58.5GW, which highlighted the extent of oversubscription for the grid's contracts as that volume of connections would never be needed.

·  Officers highlighted that generation customers were those connected directly to the National Grid's network, and embedded generators were customers deemed too small to connect to the grid so instead connected to regional providers such as Electricity North West (ENW). Connections to local networks still impacted the transmission network as the power flow went back to the grid through Super Grid Transformers. As such, the National Grid was experiencing an increase in power flow coming to the grid and was having to build more transformers, such as those at Middleton to facilitate those connections.

·  It was clarified that the Electricity System Operator (ESO) was currently owned by the National Grid and would soon become a public corporation. Its role was to receive customer applications for grid connections and notify the transmission owners. Currently there were three transmission owners across the country.

·  On the challenges with achieving Net Zero and the recommendations made by the Electricity Networks Commissioner, Nick Winser, it was highlighted that these were multi-faceted and included issues like constraints with supply chains to build the infrastructure developments and facilitate new connections. Officers confirmed that they would respond to the committee with further information at a later date.

·  On green energy, officers highlighted that the National Grid was agnostic and currently bound by license obligations that required them to offer network contracts to all applicants wishing to connect to the network. It was explained this was the reason for why over 500GW of generation customers were coming through the system. It was noted that additional queue management reforms had been brought in to help organise the volume of applications, where applicants had to progress through certain milestones or face either going to the back of the queue, or having their contracts terminated.

·  One of the key milestones within a customer's contract was the financial investment decision to ensure that before National Grid began to invest significant funding, the customer was also at that same stage and able to invest.

·  On the financial constraints for enabling new connections, it was noted that the National Grid's finance model was managed alongside their regulator, Ofgem, who provided allowances for investing funds into equipment and projects. The National Grid operated in price controls with the regulator Ofgem, where business plans detailing investment needs were drawn up and passed to Ofgem to consider and scrutinize. The current price control period (T2) would finish in March 2026 and preparations were already underway to plan for the next price control for the next five years from April 2026 (T3). Engagement events had been arranged which councillors were encouraged to attend to learn more about future investment plans. It was noted that approved business plans were published on the National Grid website.

·  When new energy supplies were being created, it was explained that the National Grid's role was to facilitate the connection, but they had no control over the cabling route. Establishing the cabling route was the responsibility of the customer who must apply separately for planning permission with local planning authorities. When queried about public engagement, officers assured that any planned extensions beyond the existing operational fence line resulted in extensive consultations with local planning authorities. In addition, it was highlighted that a major projects team would be responsible for community engagement, and that further information would be circulated to the committee.

·  In response to a query on using buried cables instead of overhead lines and pylons, it was highlighted that using cables would increase the cost as they were significantly more expensive to install, and they also reduced the capacity potential from around 6-8GW (for overhead lines) to 2GW.

 

The committee thanked the representatives for the detailed report and presentation.

 

Resolved: That consideration be given to including an item on smart meters during the 2024/25 work programme process.

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Gary Halsall


25/04/2024 - Carbon Capture through Nature ref: 25508    For Determination

Initial reasons for a review of this work include what are the opportunities and emerging issues regarding sites and how the county council is forming partnerships on a regional and local scale. Further scoping will take place through the agenda setting process.

Decision Maker: Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee

Made at meeting: 25/04/2024 - Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee

Decision published: 10/05/2024

Effective from: 25/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Shaun Turner, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, Debbie King, Head of Environment and Climate Change, and Andrew Mullaney, Director of Environment and Planning presented a report to the committee containing an update on the council's activity to capture carbon through nature projects, including tree planting, peatland restoration and trials of biochar to store carbon in soil. A presentation was also provided to complement the report. A copy of which is attached to the minutes. The committee expressed its appreciation to see Lancashire at the forefront of new projects including the use of biochar.

 

In response to queries from the committee, officers responded as follows:

 

·  Concerns regarding the sole use of virgin felled trees in the making of biochar were made. Officers responded that much of the wood used came from land management practices such as bush clearances and trees that had already been planned for felling. It was also noted that Lancashire had a high volume of Ash Dieback cases that would provide a considerable amount of virgin timber that would need to be disposed of. There was a preference to recycle this for the purposes of increasing carbon capture.

·  It was confirmed that more community projects would be taking place, including further work with schools and community groups on tree planting. A request was made for further information to be circulated to all councillors to assist with finding opportunities in their divisions.

·  On whether partnerships with extensive landowners were being explored to encourage tree planting to mitigate water runoff and prevent flooding, it was reported that whilst the council was working with multiple environment organisations, district councils, and parish and town councils, opportunities to work with United Utilities and other private landowners and businesses were being explored as well. United Utilities were already involved in the peatland restoration projects as a landowner and had matched funded contributions with the council.

·  It was recognised that under current legislation green waste streams from across the county could not be turned into biochar. In considering this point it was suggested that the Cabinet Member be asked to challenge the legislation.  If positive results were proven from the biochar test schemes, it was confirmed there would be a push for change in legislation.

 

Resolved: That the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, following the outcomes of the biochar project gives consideration to challenging the UK waste regulatory framework regarding the use of green waste for the production of biochar.

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Gary Halsall, Debbie King


25/04/2024 - Strategic approach to decarbonising county council assets and operations ref: 25507    For Determination

A review of the overall approach to decarbonising county council assets and operations.

Decision Maker: Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee

Made at meeting: 25/04/2024 - Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee

Decision published: 10/05/2024

Effective from: 25/04/2024

Decision:

The Chair welcomed County Councillor Shaun Turner, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, Debbie King, Head of Environment and Climate Change, and Andrew Mullaney, Director of Environment and Planning, to the meeting.

 

The report provided an overview of the process being followed to calculate the carbon emissions from the estate and operations of the county council; together with the approach being taken to prepare options and costings for action to reduce emissions. This work would be available towards the end of 2024.

 

The committee thanked the officers for the detailed report and presentation, a copy of which is attached to the minutes.

 

Comments and queries raised from the committee were as follows:

 

·  It was acknowledged that county council owned buildings across the county were in various states of condition. In the first instance, efforts to reduce emissions had focussed on lower-level interventions and a fabric first approach opting to insulate buildings rather than replacing heating systems or installing heat pumps. A prudent approach towards investing in council buildings was required, especially if they were to be disposed of in the future.

·  The committee queried the challenges with schools' emissions being out of scope from the council's work and what else could be done. Officers acknowledged that there were a number of educational programmes the council could promote such as the Eco Schools programme that were promoted via the Schools' Portal. In addition, there was an annual sustainability conference which schools were encouraged to attend.

·  For the council's large procurement contracts valued over £5 million, bidders must have carbon reduction plans in place to be considered.

·  It was clarified that all of the council's supply chain and procurement decisions would fit into scope 3 emissions. However, it was reported that these emissions were a challenge to measure. Some councils were looking to include their top purchasing lines with big suppliers and reviewing how to incorporate those into reporting.

·  Regarding street lighting, it was confirmed that all actions to reduce emissions as low as possible had been taken and that the council had also purchased a green energy tariff (Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO)) to offset emissions. The report recognised that this purchasing decision had a positive impact on the council's emissions, but that street lighting was still included in the overall figures due to current reporting advice – the council differentiated between location-based emissions and purchasing decisions that offset emissions elsewhere. It was further noted that there was a lack of guidance on how to report offsetting emissions.

·  It was noted that in theory the council's fleet emissions would move from scope 1 to scope 2 due to switching from diesel to electricity, and continuing to purchase green energy would effectively offset emissions from those.

·  On reaching Net Zero with electric vehicles, it was highlighted that there would always remain residual emissions, which would require the council to either implement energy generation or offsetting to balance the matter out. In addition, as the National Grid decarbonises, the emission factor over future years would continue to reduce.

·  While the government's national target was to achieve Net Zero by 2050 with the Grid being decarbonised, the key factor for councils to determine was whether they could aim for a date before 2050. It was highlighted that when setting such targets, cost factors needed to be considered – the further ahead of the national goal that a council aimed for, the higher the costs incurred would be.

·  One member felt there was a lack of urgency across the council regarding climate initiatives. Whilst it was highlighted that the council had already reduced its emissions by a third since 2019, the council now had a dedicated team who was working on a meaningful, and realistic plan to achieve Net Zero.

·  Officers confirmed that a Carbon Descent Plan was being produced that would present a range of scenarios and interventions required to go ahead of the national target and the costs associated with those options. The plan would be presented to Full Council by the end of 2024.

 

In summarising, the Chair thanked officers for the report and looked forward to receiving further reports that were relevant to the committee's remit.

 

Resolved: That no recommendations be made at this time.

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Gary Halsall, Debbie King


10/05/2024 - Champion Grant - Community Network and Outreach Service CIC ref: 25520    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from an organisation requesting £1,000 towards materials and equipment for their Youth Group from the Champion for Young People budget.

Decision Maker: Champion for Young People

Decision published: 10/05/2024

Effective from: 10/05/2024

Decision:

The Democratic and Member Services Manager, following consultation with County Councillor Loraine Cox, Champion for Young People, approved a Champions Grant application of £1000 to Community Network and Outreach Service towards the cost of materials and equipment for their youth group.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Janet Nuttall


10/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Towneley Hall Society ref: 25526    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £495 towards travel cost for a group outing from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Burnley Rural

Decision published: 10/05/2024

Effective from: 10/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Cosima Towneley considered and approved a Local Member Grant for the increased amount of £500 to Towneley Hall Society towards the cost of travel cost for a group outing.

 

County Councillor Cosima Towneley declared a non-pecuniary interest as she is an honourary member of the group.

Divisions affected: Burnley Rural;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


10/05/2024 - Champion Grant - Community Network and Outreach Service CIC ref: 25519    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from an organisation requesting £1,440 towards the cost to run monthly Seniors Luncheon Sessions from the Champion for Older People budget.

Decision Maker: Champion for Older People

Decision published: 10/05/2024

Effective from: 10/05/2024

Decision:

The Democratic and Member Services Manager, following consultation with County Councillor Joan Burrows, Champion for Older People, approved a Champions Grant application for the reduced amount of £500 to Community Network and Outreach Service towards the cost of running senior luncheon sessions.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Janet Nuttall


10/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum ref: 25525    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £2000 towards a topographical survey from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Oswaldtwistle

Decision published: 10/05/2024

Effective from: 10/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Peter Britcliffe considered and rejected a Local Member Grant to Hyndburn Green Spaces towards the cost of a topographical survey.

 

The reason for the rejection is because County Councillor Peter Britcliffe is reserving funding for other organisations within his division area.

Divisions affected: Accrington South; Great Harwood, Rishton & Clayton-le-Moors; Oswaldtwistle;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


10/05/2024 - Champion Grant - Positive Action in the Community ref: 25521    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from an organisation requesting £792.64 towards equipment and resources at Waterside Youth Club from the Champion for Young People budget.

Decision Maker: Champion for Young People

Decision published: 10/05/2024

Effective from: 10/05/2024

Decision:

The Democratic and Member Services Manager, following consultation with County Councillor Loraine Cox, Champion for Young People, approved a Champions Grant application of £792.64 to Positive Action in the Community towards the cost of equipment at Waterside youth club.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Janet Nuttall


10/05/2024 - Champion Grant - Basically Cheer CIC ref: 25522    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from an organisation requesting £18,300 towards refurbishment and decorating costs of their new venue from the Champions for Disabled People, Older People, Mental Health and Young People budget.

Decision Maker: Champion for Disabled People

Decision published: 10/05/2024

Effective from: 10/05/2024

Decision:

The Democratic and Member Services Manager, following consultation with County Councillor Loraine Cox, Champion for Young People, approved a Champions Grant application for the reduced amount of £1000 to Basically Cheer CIC towards the cost of the refurbishment and equipment for their new venue.

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Janet Nuttall


10/05/2024 - Provision of works at Clitheroe Castle Street. ref: 25516    Recommendations Approved

 

Following the completion of a competitive exercise conducted in accordance with the County Council's standing orders, to approve the award of a contract for the provision of labour for the laying of paving at Castle Street, Clitheroe.

 

 

Decision Maker: Director of Highways and Transport

Decision published: 10/05/2024

Effective from: 10/05/2024

Decision:

Ridwan Musa, Head of Highway Operations and Design, took a decision to approve the award of a contract for the provision of labour for the laying of paving at Castle Street, Clitheroe.

 

Divisions affected: Clitheroe;

Lead officer: Ridwan Musa


02/05/2024 - Schools Condition Led Programme - Haslingden High School ref: 25510    Recommendations Approved

A decision on the Schools Condition Led Programme for Haslingden High School.

Decision Maker: Director of Strategy and Performance

Decision published: 09/05/2024

Effective from: 02/05/2024

Decision:

Michael Peppin, Capital Programme Principal, took the decision as set out in the report.

Divisions affected: Rossendale South;

Lead officer: Michael Peppin


09/05/2024 - City Deal - Proposed Revised Terms ref: 25495    Recommendations Approved

This report will present revised Heads of Terms for approval.

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision published: 09/05/2024

Effective from: 15/05/2024

Decision:

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

Divisions affected: (All Divisions); Preston West;

Lead officer: Sarah Parry


09/05/2024 - Additional Highway Maintenance Capital Allocations for 2024/25 ref: 25493    Recommendations Approved

Cabinet approved the 2024/25 Highway Block of the Capital Programme in March 2024 which included the indicative Department for Transport highway maintenance grant funding of £28.811m and £3.661m additional funds for 2024/25 announced by the Government in October 2023 as part of the Network North fund.

 

It is proposed to  add  an additional £5m to be spent on priority areas, as described below. The funding is being made available through the application of capital receipts which have been achieved at higher levels than factored into the capital programme and revenue budget under the existing flexibilities.

 

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the provisions of Standing Order C20 have been complied with. Compliance with Standing Orders C18 and C19 was not possible due to the additional funds and priority areas only now being confirmed.

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision published: 09/05/2024

Effective from: 09/05/2024

Decision:

The Cabinet approved the recommendation(s) 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 to ensure work starts immediately in May to ensure priority areas are addressed.

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Paul Binks


09/05/2024 - Lancashire Enterprise Partnership – Integration of Functions into the County Council ref: 25499    Recommendations Approved

This report seeks approval for Lancashire County Council to assume those tasks and financial responsibilities detailed in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities' guidance on Local Enterprise Partnership integration into local democratic institutions. This is an interim solution, to be reviewed once the planned Combined County Authority is established.

 

In its guidance, the government suggests that where no combined authority is yet in place, that upper tier authorities determine where on-going responsibilities, programmes and assets of the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership will be absorbed.  Given Lancashire's progress towards establishing a Combined County Authority, this would be the obvious ultimate destination for most of these assets and functions, but until it is formed, an interim solution is needed.  This report outlines those activities where there remain continued responsibilities beyond the Lancashire Enterprise Partnership's closure, which formally ceased on 31 March 2024, and proposes that Lancashire County Council (the partnership's accountable body and Section 151 link) takes steps to provide that interim hosting in consultation with the other two Upper Tier Local Authorities that were Lancashire Enterprise Partnership company members, i.e. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Blackpool Council.

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision published: 09/05/2024

Effective from: 15/05/2024

Decision:

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

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Andy Walker


09/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Sahara in Preston ref: 25511    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £600 towards the cost of tutor costs, provision of literature and food for cookery demonstrations to improve the health on BME women from the Local Member Grant Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Preston Central East

Decision published: 09/05/2024

Effective from: 09/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Frank De Molfetta considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £600 to Sahara in Preston towards the cost of tutor costs, provision of literature and food for cookery demonstrations to improve the health on BME women.

Divisions affected: Preston Central East;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


09/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Women Rise Up CIC ref: 25512    For Determination

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £1590 towards community hall and equipment hire for a project Lancs Women Dance Together from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Brierfield & Nelson West

Decision published: 09/05/2024

Effective from: 09/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Mohammed Iqbal considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £265 to Women Rise Up CIC towards the cost of community hall and equipment hire for a project Lancs Women Dance Together.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Chorley North

Decision published: 09/05/2024

Effective from: 09/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Hasina Khan considered and rejected a Local Member Grant to Women Rise Up CIC towards the cost of community hall and equipment hire for a project Lancs Women Dance Together.

Divisions affected: Brierfield & Nelson West; Burnley North East; Chorley North; Great Harwood, Rishton & Clayton-le-Moors; Nelson East; Padiham and Burnley West;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


09/05/2024 - Bus Service Improvement Plan Phase 3 Funding ref: 25494    Recommendations Approved

This report seeks approval from Cabinet to proceed with the spending plan for £7.025m Bus Service Improvement Plan Phase 3 funding from the Department for Transport, as approved by the Enhanced Partnership Executive Board on 26 February 2024.

 

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the requirements of Standing Order C18 have been complied with.

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision published: 09/05/2024

Effective from: 15/05/2024

Decision:

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

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Matthew Moll


09/05/2024 - Procurement Report ref: 25500    Recommendations Approved

This report sets out a recommendation to approve the progression of the following procurement exercise:

 

(i) Employee Screening Service

 

And a recommendation for the extension of the following contracts for four months, to allow the procurement exercise and contract mobilisation to be satisfactorily completed:

 

(i) Young People's Supported Accommodation Contracts

 

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the requirements of Standing Order C18 have been complied with.

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision published: 09/05/2024

Effective from: 15/05/2024

Decision:

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

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Paul Fairclough, Rachel Tanner


09/05/2024 - Proposed Bus Lane, New Hall Lane, Preston ref: 25501    Recommendations Approved

The introduction of a dedicated bus lane is proposed to improve journey times and reliability of bus services travelling southwest bound on New Hall Lane, as part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan. The proposal, in co-ordination with other schemes in the Bus Service Improvement Plan, aims to encourage a greater proportion of sustainable travel. The two lanes available for other traffic will remain, but less wide.

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision published: 09/05/2024

Effective from: 15/05/2024

Decision:

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

Divisions affected: Preston City; Preston South East;

Lead officer: James Baron


09/05/2024 - Integrated Transport Capital Funding 2024/25: Proposed Apportionment ref: 25497    Recommendations Approved

This report requests approval of the proposed 2024/25 Transport Programme, funded by the Department for Transport's Integrated Transport Grant totalling £6.101 million; together with approval that an allocation of £491,000, held as a contingency in the 2023/24 Transport programme, be added to and allocated as part of the 2024/25 programme. This would create a total fund of £6.592 million in 2024/25.

 

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the requirements of Standing Order C18 have been complied with.

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision published: 09/05/2024

Effective from: 15/05/2024

Decision:

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

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Janet Wilson


09/05/2024 - Lancashire Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans ref: 25498    Recommendations Approved

This report, and the Executive Summary set out at Appendix 'A', outline the requirements for the development of Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plans and the subsequent development of seven Local Cycling & Walking Infrastructure Plan documents for Lancashire.

 

At this stage, the documents set out broad cycle corridors and walking zones only, within a broad network.  In the future the corridors and zones will provide the focus for further work to define detailed routes and locations for active travel infrastructure across the county.

 

The broad corridors and zones also provide a focus for securing future investment for delivery of infrastructure – such as from developer contributions or external grants.  It is at this future funding stage that the detail of the broad routes and zones will be defined.

 

Consultation and extended stakeholder engagement has taken place to make best use of local knowledge to help inform the proposed broad network – which itself was prepared following a prescribed methodology from the Department for Transport.

 

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the requirements of Standing Order C18 have been complied with.

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision published: 09/05/2024

Effective from: 15/05/2024

Decision:

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

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Chris Hadfield


09/05/2024 - Determination of the Home to School Transport Policy - Academic Year 2025/2026 ref: 25496    Recommendations Approved

Lancashire County Council reviews its Home to School Transport Policy on an annual basis. New guidance was issued by the Department for Education on Home to School Transport for children of compulsory school age in June 2023. Although there are no changes to the statutory entitlement of pupils, the amended policy reflects the Department for Education's recommendations that all the information in relation to transport assistance is available to parents in one document. The previous mainstream and Special Educational Needs transport policies have therefore been amalgamated, and additional information has been provided to parents, to ensure transparency and understanding.

 

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the requirements of Standing Order C18 have been complied with.

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision published: 09/05/2024

Effective from: 15/05/2024

Decision:

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

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Nan Hogg, Debbie Ormerod


03/05/2024 - Automated Public Transport priority by predictive real-time simulation ref: 25505    Recommendations Approved

A decision on the Automated Public Transport priority by predictive real-time simulation.

 

 

Decision Maker: Director of Environment and Planning

Decision published: 08/05/2024

Effective from: 03/05/2024

Decision:

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

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Andrew Mullaney


08/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Withnell Fold Millennium Green Trust ref: 25503    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £1000 towards the removal of 17 trees from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Hoghton with Wheelton

Decision published: 08/05/2024

Effective from: 08/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Alan Cullens considered and approved a Local Member Grant for the reduced amount of £700 to Withnell Fold Millennium Green Trust towards the cost of the removal of 17 trees.

Divisions affected: Hoghton with Wheelton;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


08/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Longton Victory Memorial Sports and Social Club ref: 25504    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £680 towards publicity material including posters for the local villages, flyers, food and drink, games and prizes from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - South Ribble West

Decision published: 08/05/2024

Effective from: 08/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Graham Gooch considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £680 to Longton Victory Memorial Sports and Social Club towards the cost of publicity material including posters for the local villages, flyers, food and drink, games and prizes.

Divisions affected: South Ribble West;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


07/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Poulton Gala ref: 25502    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £447.12 towards the cost of bunting for the centre of Poulton from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Poulton-le-Fylde

Decision published: 07/05/2024

Effective from: 07/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Alf Clempson considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £447.12 to Poulton Gala towards cost of bunting for the centre of Poulton.

Divisions affected: Poulton le Fylde;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


03/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Larches Community Association ref: 25492    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £500 towards the cost of day trips for local residents from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Preston South West

Decision published: 03/05/2024

Effective from: 03/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Nweeda Khan considered and approved a Local Member Grant for the reduced amount of £300 to Larches Community Association towards the cost of of day trips for local residents.

Divisions affected: Preston South West;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


16/04/2024 - Work Programmes 2023/24 ref: 25489    For Determination

The 2023/24 work programmes for all the scrutiny committees and the Scrutiny
Management Board are set out in the report.

An update on the activity of the Political Governance Working Group is also included.

Decision Maker: Scrutiny Management Board

Made at meeting: 16/04/2024 - Scrutiny Management Board

Decision published: 02/05/2024

Effective from: 16/04/2024

Decision:

Members were presented with the 2023/24 work programmes for the scrutiny committees and the Scrutiny Management Board.

 

The Chairs of each Scrutiny Committee were invited to provide a brief summary of the work that had been undertaken throughout their committees 2023/24 work programme.

 

County Councillor Gerald Mirfin, Chairman of the Community, Cultural and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee, wished to pass on his thanks to John Morrissy, the outgoing Director of Organisational Development and Change, for his hard work and effort in supporting the Community, Cultural and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee.

 

Resolved: That the work programmes be noted.

Divisions affected: N/A;

Lead officer: Gary Halsall


16/04/2024 - Scrutiny In-Year Requests ref: 25490    For Determination

Request from the Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee.

Decision Maker: Scrutiny Management Board

Made at meeting: 16/04/2024 - Scrutiny Management Board

Decision published: 02/05/2024

Effective from: 16/04/2024

Decision:

Members were presented with an in-year request from the Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee to convene an inquiry day on the Lancashire Road Safety Partnership (LRSP).

 

The Board was informed that the report presented to the Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 25 January 2024 highlighted that the Lancashire Road Safety Partnership was not and had never been responsible for road safety. In pursuing this point further, it was felt the committee could not ascertain the current or intended role of the partnership whilst the matter was in a state of transition. The committee was therefore not satisfied and felt that an inquiry day be convened to scrutinise all the partners, review the changes and make recommendations on the future direction of the partnership. It was acknowledged that the timing of the report to the committee might not have coincided with the completion of the review.

 

Members requested that the list of partners who currently made up the partnership be circulated after the meeting.

 

Resolved: That the in-year request for the Environment, Economic Growth and Transport Scrutiny Committee to convene an inquiry day on the Lancashire Road Safety Partnership be agreed.

Divisions affected: None;

Lead officer: Gary Halsall


16/04/2024 - Budgeted Savings Tracker ref: 25488    For Determination

An update on the tracking and delivery of savings agreed by Full Council in the current and previous financial years is provided.

Decision Maker: Scrutiny Management Board

Made at meeting: 16/04/2024 - Scrutiny Management Board

Decision published: 02/05/2024

Effective from: 16/04/2024

Decision:

The Chair welcomed to the meeting County Councillor Mike Goulthorp, Lead Member for Finance and Resources, Graham Gooch, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, County Councillor Scott Smith, Lead Member for Highways and Active Travel, Neil Kissock, Director of Finance, Kate Lee, Head of Service Financial Management, Paul Lee, Director of Adult Care and Provider Services, Kashif Ahmed, Director of Strategic and Integrated Commissioning, Michael White, Highway Regulation Manager, Peter Bell, Principal Regulation and Enforcement Officer and Oliver Starkey, Head of Service Public and Integrated Transport.

 

Members were provided a revised report on the tracking and delivery of savings agreed by Full Council for the current and previous financial years.

 

Members were invited to ask questions on the tracking and delivery of savings and a summary is outlined below under the relevant topics:

 

SC034 – On Street Pay and Display

 

On the proposed increase in the number of on street pay and display machines and chargeable parking spaces, it was highlighted that this would only take place with the agreement of Districts across Lancashire.

 

SC013 – Bus Shelter Advertising

 

Officers commented that income for bus shelter advertising was relatively low to justify staff investment. Currently, the favoured option was to procure an advertising company with the hope that the county council would receive an element of commission, which could then be reinvested into maintaining the existing stock of bus shelters. Currently, bus shelters were maintained at the county council's expense with no income from advertising.

 

On whether these two savings would continue to appear on the tracker, it was intended that the next Money Matters report at the end of quarter 1 would provide an update on whether any of these savings on the tracker would not be deliverable. It would be for Cabinet to then determine how to proceed and reach proposals on new savings to be agreed.

 

SC508/ASC025 – Different models of Supported Accommodation

 

·  It was clarified that there were multiple factors as to why voids occurred in supported living. One of the key factors for voids related to shared settings when up to four people lived together and someone vacated the provision. This would increase financial costs even when the numbers of people living in a shared setting reduced. The challenge for the service was to ensure how the void could be filled depended on a person having compatibility with the occupants and addressing their complex needs.

·  The modernisation of supported living scheme which started in 2018/19 was to de-commission the long standing and traditional shared settings and develop more modern bespoke individual flats and apartments. This had saved approximately £3.7 million pounds; however, it was acknowledged there was more to achieve from this programme of work.

·  Approximately 100 units (traditional settings) had been decommissioned and a similar number of new units developed over the past five years. A further 152 units were in the pipeline to be delivered over the next 36 months.

·  Predominantly, supported living provision was for people with learning disabilities and more recently it was felt that people with mental health needs and other care groups could benefit from this.

·  It was noted that Housing LIN had been commissioned in 2023 to carry out a detailed population needs assessment to help forecast demand requirements over the next ten years.

·  It was confirmed that there was no intention to retain or refurbish traditional setting buildings that had been decommissioned as they were not fit for purpose.

·  With regards to whether the number of newly developed accommodation addressed the current demands for supported living, it was reported that the county council was not currently able to meet the needs and demand based on the data. There was a reliance on people potentially going into residential care. To help boost the development of new units, officers had set up locality group meetings with districts councils, housing associations and developers from the North, East and Centre of Lancashire to identify potential opportunities for the development of more provision.

·  On whether statutory and non-statutory services in supported living were accounted for separately, it was confirmed that the county council only provided statutory services as defined in the Care Act 2014.

·  In recognising this matter was progressing and rated amber, it was suggested that this be monitored by the Board on a quarterly basis through the savings tracker.

 

ASC026/SC511 – LD Enablement

 

It was noted that this had been a successful programme and part of the delay in implementing the programme, was due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was expected that around £400,000 would be saved in the 2024/25 financial year and that the saving would be fully achieved within 2024/25. There were no concerns in relation to this saving being delivered fully.

 

SC504 – Continuing to build on the Passport to Independence – Reablement and A009 – Living Better Lives in Lancashire (LBIL)

 

·  It was acknowledged that while some success had been achieved with the reablement saving, it was anticipated that the target would not be achieved. A proposal would be put forward on a new Demand Management Strategy to help realise the savings needed.

·  The demand management approach would centre on a reablement, asset-based model that would prioritise early intervention, wellbeing and the enablement and reablement of individuals to live independently. The scheme would aim to manage demand and prevent people from needing long term care. The Living Better Lives Scheme would also be replaced by the proposed Demand Management Strategy. Both the reablement and Living Better Lives in Lancashire would be closed off through formal reporting to Cabinet at its meeting in September 2024.

·  It was noted that a report on the Living Better Lives in Lancashire model would be presented to the next scheduled meeting of the Health and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee on 8 May 2024. It was requested that specific examples of when too much care had been provided to individuals be included.

·  Reablement was funded through the Better Care Fund, which was a pooled arrangement involving the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board and Lancashire County Council. Officers were looking to increase the level of financial contribution from the local NHS to deliver benefits across the health and care system, as this would reduce the number of people requiring hospital beds.

 

Resolved: That the report be considered.

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Gary Halsall


16/04/2024 - Money Matters 2023/24 Position - Quarter 3 ref: 25487    For Determination

A copy of the Money Matters 2023/24 Position – Quarter 3 report as presented to Cabinet at its meeting held on 8 February 2024 is set out at Annex 'A'.

Decision Maker: Scrutiny Management Board

Made at meeting: 16/04/2024 - Scrutiny Management Board

Decision published: 02/05/2024

Effective from: 16/04/2024

Decision:

The Chair welcomed to the meeting County Councillor Mike Goulthorp, Lead Member for Finance and Resources, Neil Kissock, Director of Finance and Kate Lee, Head of Service Financial Management.

 

The Board was presented with key highlights from the Money Matters 2023/24 Position – Quarter 3 report provided to Cabinet at its meeting held on 8 February 2024.

 

It was highlighted that a draft outturn position would be realised by the end of April 2024. There was no indication to expect any significant change in the position reported at quarter 3 in terms of the £5m overspend.

 

Members were invited to ask questions and a summary of the discussion is outlined below:

 

·  With regards to the £2.38 million underspend for Highways as set out on page 12 of Appendix A, the underspend was predominantly in relation to the over-recovery of income from utility companies and housing developers. Additionally, a significant overspend on the Public and Integrated Transport Budget relating to SEND home to school transport had taken place and was being partly offset from the Highways budget. The Lead Member agreed to provide an update on the nature of the Highways underspend.

·  It was clarified that pothole repairs was funded through the Capital Programme and was separate to the revenue position.

·  It was reported that the budget as set for 2024/25 included a significant amount of growth to meet the increased costs in SEND home to school transport. It was highlighted that future quarterly Money Matters reports would provide an update on the trajectory of this element which the Board would also receive. Additionally, it was noted that the Money Matters 2024-25 quarter 1 report up to the end of June 2024 would be provided to Cabinet in September 2024. If the increase in spend continued, then further explanation could be provided to the Board at a future meeting.

·  Members were advised that additional SEND units were in the process of being opened for SEND pupils to increase capacity across schools. Steps had already been taken to reduce the need for taxi provision and that Lancashire County Council was expanding its own fleet of minibuses, with the first set of vehicles expected to be in place by May 2024. This would reduce third party costs considerably.

·  Around 50 vehicles would be added to the county council's fleet. These new vehicles would not require a D1 101 Exemption due to the vehicles being slightly smaller in size meaning that recruitment would hopefully be easier. It was expected that this would also reduce the number of passenger assistants required to transport SEND pupils. Lancashire County Council had also been approached by other Councils that were interested in adopting this in-house fleet model.

·  Around £7.2m in funding allocated from central government to spend on highways matters previously reserved for HS2, had already been allocated with some of this going to the county council's Local Deterioration Fund. Further funding was awaited, but it was not known when this would be received. In regard to the £494m pot from HS2 funding, the Board was informed that this was for transport projects and guidance from national government was awaited on how to utilise this money before it could be allocated to specific transport projects.

 

Resolved: That the report be considered.

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Gary Halsall


30/04/2024 - Consultancy Direct Award ref: 25484    Recommendations Approved

A decision taken on a consultancy contract award.

Decision Maker: Director of Digital

Decision published: 02/05/2024

Effective from: 30/04/2024

Decision:

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

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Peter Lloyd


01/05/2024 - Highway Extent Investigation Report:- Old Dawbers Lane, Euxton ref: 25485    Recommendations Approved

A query was received by the Customer Service department in relation to a grass verge on Old Dawbers Lane in Euxton. The principal lawyer has reviewed the investigation and considers that on balance of probability the grass verge in question does form part of the original highway width and is therefore considered to be part of the highway extent.


The Highway Asset Manager has reviewed the evidence and agrees with this conclusion and as such our adoption records should remain as currently shown with the grass verge as part of our highway extent.


Further evidence may be presented at any time which may cause a further revision but at present the information is as set out above and the conclusion drawn is on balance.

Decision Maker: Director of Highways and Transport

Decision published: 02/05/2024

Effective from: 01/05/2024

Decision:

John Davies, Head of Highways Network Management, took the decision to approve lawyer's recommendations that a grass verge on Old Dawbers Lane in Euxton does form part of the original highway and is therefore considered part of the highway extent.

Divisions affected: Euxton, Buckshaw & Astley;

Lead officer: John Davies


12/04/2024 - Adding a Scheme to the Capital Programme - Catforth Traffic Calming Scheme ref: 25486    Recommendations Approved

Adding a Scheme to the Capital Programme

Following successful design and delivery of the traffic calming scheme in Woodplumpton and design of the scheme in Catforth, we have agreed with Woodplumpton Parish Council to delivery a traffic calming scheme for the village of Catforth. The fee agreed is £376,204.45

A Section 278 agreement has been signed.

Decision Maker: Director of Environment and Planning

Decision published: 02/05/2024

Effective from: 12/04/2024

Decision:

Andrew Mullaney, Director of Environment and Planning, took the decision to approve the addition to the capital programme of the delivery of a traffic calming scheme for the village of Catforth.

 

Divisions affected: Preston Rural;

Lead officer: Andrew Mullaney


01/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Building Bridges Pendle ref: 25482    For Determination

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £500 towards the cost of running The Pendle Festival of Culture from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Brierfield & Nelson West

Decision published: 01/05/2024

Effective from: 01/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Mohammed Iqbal MBE considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £500 to Building Bridges Pendle towards the cost of running The Pendle Festival of Culture.

Divisions affected: Brierfield & Nelson West;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


01/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Wray Village Store ref: 25483    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £813.60 towards the cost of two external picnic benches from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Lancaster Rural East

Decision published: 01/05/2024

Effective from: 01/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Matthew Maxwell-Scott considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £813.60 to Wray Village Store towards the cost of two external picnic benches.

Divisions affected: Lancaster Rural East;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


01/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Whalley Methodist Church and Community Rooms (Part of Clitheroe Methodist Circuit) ref: 25481    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £475 towards the cost of installing hot water heaters in the buildings toilets from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Ribble Valley North East

Decision published: 01/05/2024

Effective from: 01/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Ged Mirfin considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £475 to Whalley Methodist Church and Community Rooms (part of Clitheroe Methodist Circuit) towards the cost of installing hot water heaters in the buildings toilets.

Divisions affected: Ribble Valley North East;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


01/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Tanhouse Morris Dancers ref: 25476    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £500 towards new costumes from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Skelmersdale East

Decision published: 01/05/2024

Effective from: 01/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Terry Aldridge considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £500 to Tanhouse Morris Dancers towards the cost of new costumes.

Divisions affected: Skelmersdale East;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


01/05/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - 5th Penwortham Brownies ref: 25478    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £240 towards craft materials and equipment to be used during a unit Pack Holiday from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Penwortham East & Walton-le-Dale

Decision published: 01/05/2024

Effective from: 01/05/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Joan Burrows considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £240 to 5th Penwortham Brownies towards the cost of craft materials and equipment to be used during a unit Pack Holiday.

Divisions affected: Penwortham East & Walton-le-Dale;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


22/04/2024 - The Council's Annual Governance Statement 2023/24 and Code of Corporate Governance 2024/25 ref: 25464    For Determination

The county council is required to produce and approve an Annual Governance Statement which will be included in its Annual Statement of Accounts for 2023/24. In addition, Full Council in July 2016 approved a new Code of Corporate Governance for the county council that reflected new guidance from the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and the Society of Local Authority Chief Executives (Solace). Full Council also agreed that the Code would be reviewed on an annual basis.

Decision Maker: Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Made at meeting: 22/04/2024 - Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

Paul Bond, Head of Governance presented the draft Annual Governance Statement for 2023/24 and Code of Corporate Governance for 2024/25.

 

Resolved: That

 

i)  The Annual Governance Statement for 2023/24, as presented, be approved for inclusion in the council's Statement of Accounts for 2023/24;

 

ii)  The Director of Law and Governance be authorised to make any subsequential amendments to the Annual Governance Statement for 2023/24, in consultation with the Chair of the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee;

 

iii)  The signing of the Annual Governance Statement by the Chief Executive and the Leader of the Council, following final approval of the Statement of Accounts, be noted; and

 

iv)  The updated Code of Corporate Governance for 2024/25, as presented, be recommended to Full Council for approval.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Paul Bond


22/04/2024 - Corporate Risk and Opportunity Register - Quarter 1 Update ref: 25465    For Determination

The report provides on updated Corporate Risk & Opportunity Register for the committee to consider and comment upon.

Decision Maker: Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Made at meeting: 22/04/2024 - Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

Paul Bond, Head of Governance presented the updated Corporate Risk and Opportunity Register for Quarter 1 of 2024/25.

 

In response to questions, members were informed that:

 

·  Information about when academisation was last considered as a risk or opportunity would be shared with members after the meeting.

 

·  A different colour-coding scheme would be used for opportunities on the corporate register in future and for clarity.

 

·  Information about the officer Compliance and Assurance Board membership and terms of reference would be shared with members after the meeting.

 

Resolved: That the updated Corporate Risk and Opportunity Register be approved.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Paul Bond


22/04/2024 - Minutes of the Meeting held on 29 January 2024 ref: 25456    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Made at meeting: 22/04/2024 - Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

Resolved: That the minutes of the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee meeting held on 29 January 2024 be confirmed as an accurate record, subject to the third bullet point under Item 11 being amended as follows:

 

"There were no concerning patterns relating to complaints against county councillors, and in most cases the subject councillors were quick to apologise where appropriate."

 

Subsequently, in relation to Item 11 of the previous meeting's minutes, Josh Mynott, Head of Democratic Services clarified that two complaints received during 2023 had been about the same councillor. However, the statement that there were no concerning patterns relating to complaints remained correct.

 


22/04/2024 - The Council's Statement of Accounts for 2022/23 and Letters of Representation ref: 25458    For Determination

Statement of accounts - 2022/23

Decision Maker: Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Made at meeting: 22/04/2024 - Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

Khadija Saeed, Head of Corporate Finance and Exchequer Services presented the council's updated statement of accounts for 2022/23 and the letters of representation from those charged with governance for Lancashire County Council and Lancashire County Pension Fund.

 

It was highlighted that any further material changes to the statement of accounts arising from the external auditor's work would be reported to the committee.

 

Resolved: That

 

i)  The council's statement of accounts for 2022/23 be approved;

 

ii)  The Executive Director of Resources (Chief Finance Officer) be authorised to approve any subsequentchanges and, in consultation with the Chair of the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee, authorised to approve material changesto the statement of accounts for 2022/23; and

 

iii)  The management representation letters for Lancashire County Council and Lancashire County Pension Fund be signed by the Executive Director of Resources (Chief Finance Officer) and the Chair of the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee, prior to them being made available to the external auditor.

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Khadija Saeed


22/04/2024 - External Audit - Lancashire County Council Audit Findings Report 2022/23 ref: 25459    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Made at meeting: 22/04/2024 - Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

Stuart Basnett, Senior Audit Manager at Grant Thornton UK presented the Lancashire County Council Audit Findings Reports for 2022/23.

 

It was highlighted that:

 

·  The implementation of Oracle Fusion had added challenges and time to the external auditor's work. The audit had identified deficiencies in how Oracle Fusion had been implemented and how it was running at year end.

 

·  Some information to support the valuation of land and buildings was outstanding from the council's external valuer. The auditors were in discussion with the council's officers about how to resolve this and obtain further information to support their valuation.

 

In response to questions from members, it was clarified that:

 

·  The additional work arising from the implementation of Oracle Fusion had led to an increased proposed audit fee. The final fee was subject to any further work required, discussion with the council's officers, and ultimately agreement with the council's Chief Finance Officer and Public Sector Audit Appointments (PSAA).

 

·  In relation to the valuation of land and buildings, many of the council's assets did not have a readily available market value (for example schools and waste facilities) and therefore regulations determined how their value was calculated. The auditor reviewed and challenged these calculations to ensure the assumptions were correct.

 

·  The auditor had identified a significant weakness in relation to the council's arrangements for implementing Oracle Fusion at the year-end for 2022/23. At that point, there were significant areas of improvement still to be addressed. Those issues were escalated and dealt with appropriately during the following year, so the 2023/24 auditor's report was expected to reflect an improved position. Remedial action had been taken since its implementation, so Oracle Fusion was now functioning. However, more work was required to identify and implement other processes so that the council reaped the full benefits of the system.

 

·  In response to the committee's concern that the audit work had not yet been finalised, the auditor hoped to resolve the outstanding issues promptly. The timescale for the valuation of land and buildings was the biggest unknown, because it relied on the receipt of information from the council's external valuer.

 

The committee noted the additional challenges and delays affecting the completion of the audit and asked that the outstanding issues be prioritised and resolved in a timely manner.

 

Resolved: That the Lancashire County Council Audit Findings Report 2022/23 be noted.

 


22/04/2024 - Local Member Grants Scheme Annual Report ref: 25467    For Determination

Under the Local Member Grants Scheme, each county councillor has a specific budget which they can spend to enhance the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of people who live in their division.

Monitoring of the money awarded under the Local Member Grants Scheme is conducted by Democratic Services. This is an annual report to the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee on the outcomes of that monitoring activity, in line with the committee's responsibility for oversight of the county council's governance and risk management.

This annual report covers the period April 2022 to September 2023.

Decision Maker: Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Made at meeting: 22/04/2024 - Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

Josh Mynott, Head of Democratic Services presented the Local Member Grants Scheme Annual Report covering the 2022/23 and 2023/24 financial years.

 

It was noted that the 2021/22 monitoring information had not been included in this annual report, as there had been no updates to the figures reported at the committee's last meeting. For the 2021/2022 financial year, 102 out of 109 organisations had supplied evidence of expenditure for the money received under the grants scheme.

 

In response to a question, it was clarified that sometimes councillors did not approve grant applications if they had not been approached by the organisation beforehand, or if an organisation was applying to several councillors across a wide area. A councillor's reason for not approving an application had to be shared with Democratic Services when they made their decision.

 

It was noted that councillors were now informed when an organisation did not provide evidence of expenditure, and that monitoring of the grants awarded under the scheme was proportionate.

 

It was requested that a six-monthly update report be provided at the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee meeting in October each year.

 

Resolved: That

 

i)  The Local Member Grants Scheme Annual Report be noted; and

 

ii)  An update report be provided at the Audit, Risk and Governance Committee meeting on 14 October 2024.

 

Divisions affected: N/A;

Lead officer: Hannah Race


22/04/2024 - Annual Report on the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund ref: 25468    For Determination

The report is a review of the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund which began in December 2022. The report will outline the processes, expenditure and evaluation of the fund and its reach to date.

Decision Maker: Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Made at meeting: 22/04/2024 - Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

Steve Lloyd, Libraries, Culture and Registration Services Manager and Heather Fox, Cultural Development Manager presented the Annual Report on the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund.

 

Some updated monitoring and evaluation information from completed projects, an update to Appendix A, was shared with the committee at the meeting and a copy is attached to these minutes.

 

County Councillors Julia Berry and Mark Clifford declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item, as members/supporters of organisations who had received funding from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund.

 

In response to questions, members were informed that:

 

·  £55,000 per annum from the Fund's budget was spent on Spacehive's services.

 

·  Officers at the council worked with prospective applicants to support their applications to the Fund, for example ensuring they were constituted, and sign-posted to other grant schemes where appropriate.

 

·  Ahead of the first round of funding, information about the Fund had been shared with over 800 local organisations, including district councils, and awareness raising was supported by the Communications Service.

 

·  Following the recommendation of the Community, Cultural and Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee's review of the Fund and recommendation, the Fund's maximum award had been reduced from £20,000 to £15,000. This had allowed funding to be awarded to more organisations and helped organisations, who may have been crowdfunding for the first time, to set realistic targets.

 

The committee applauded the well-run scheme and the positive impact it was having on communities and events across Lancashire. Members were pleased by the number of organisations applying to and supported by the Fund.

 

Resolved: That the Annual Report on the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund be noted.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Heather Fox


22/04/2024 - Internal Audit Annual Plan ref: 25463    For Determination

This report explains the approach to establishing the internal audit plan for 2023/24 and the work proposed that will support the Head of Internal Audit's overall opinion for the year on the council's framework of governance, risk management and control. Appendix A sets out the audit planning process and the plan.

Decision Maker: Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Made at meeting: 22/04/2024 - Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

Andy Dalecki, Head of Internal Audit presented the Internal Audit Plan for 2024/25.

 

In response to questions, members were informed that:

 

·  There was a similar number of audits on the plan, compared to the previous year, though some were larger in scope.

 

·  The committee would continue to receive quarterly progress reports on the Internal Audit Service's work against the audit plan, including any in-year changes made to reflect emerging priorities and risks.

 

·  Although lots of the audits listed related to compliance testing, they each related to different service areas and processes and therefore the work could not be combined.

 

·  The planned grant audit of "Multiply" referred to a grant received from the Department for Transport. Internal Audit would assess whether the grant money had been spent in line with the grant conditions.

 

It was commented that residents may like to know about the value for money and efficiency of highways repairs, particularly potholes. It was requested that the Head of Internal Audit speak with Director of Highways and Transport to identify whether this area of work should be added to the annual plan, with an update reported to the next committee meeting on 22 July 2024.

 

Resolved: That the Internal Audit Plan for 2024/25 be approved.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Andrew Dalecki


22/04/2024 - Internal Audit Progress Report ref: 25462    For Determination

In the context of the committee's responsibility to consider updates on the Internal Audit Service's work including key findings, issues of concern and action being taken as a result of internal audit work, the committee is asked to consider the internal audit progress report and outcomes of the work for 2023/24 for the period up to 26 March 2024.

Decision Maker: Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Made at meeting: 22/04/2024 - Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

Andy Dalecki, Head of Internal Audit presented an update on the Internal Audit Service's work and outcomes for 2023/24, for the period to 26 March 2024.

 

In response to questions, members were informed that:

 

·  The outstanding management action with a 'high' risk rating related to the process to DBS (Disclose and Barring Service) check employees. It was no longer a requirement for employees working with children and vulnerable adults to undertake a DBS check every three years; however, Internal Audit had recommended more frequent checks than were currently undertaken. The People Service was making improvements, but to respond to Internal Audit's recommendations in full could require changes to policy and process, with financial implications.

 

·  The Head of Internal Audit worked with Democratic Services to determine when information should be included in Part II of the agenda. In the case of cyber security information, publishing Internal Audit's findings could expose the council to risk.

 

·  New implementation dates were being agreed with any services with outstanding follow-up actions.

 

·  A councillor had recently raised concern about the council's grant scheme to support Ukrainian refugees re-settling in Lancashire, because the monitoring arrangements were not as robust as other council grant schemes. Internal Audit had not raised any concerns relating to fraud, but the grant scheme had been paused while the relevant service and Director identified improvements to the grant conditions.

 

Resolved: That the Internal Audit Progress Report be noted.

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Andrew Dalecki


22/04/2024 - Exclusion of Press and Public ref: 25469    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Made at meeting: 22/04/2024 - Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

Resolved: That the press and members of the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that there would be a likely disclosure of exempt information, as defined in the appropriate paragraph of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

 

It was considered that in all the circumstances, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.

 


22/04/2024 - Appendix 'C' to Item 12 ref: 25471    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Made at meeting: 22/04/2024 - Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024


22/04/2024 - External Audit - Lancashire County Pension Fund Audit Findings Report 2022/23 ref: 25460    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Made at meeting: 22/04/2024 - Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

Stuart Basnett, Senior Audit Manager at Grant Thornton UK presented the Lancashire County Pension Fund Audit Findings Reports for 2022/23.

 

It was highlighted that the report and recommendations had been updated since they were presented to the Pension Fund Committee at its meeting on 8 March 2024. The additional recommendations now included were the same as in the Lancashire County Council Audit Findings Report, to demonstrate that they applied to both the Pension Fund and the council.

 

Resolved: That the Lancashire County Pension Fund Audit Findings Report 2022/23 be noted.

 


22/04/2024 - Appendix 'E' to Item 9 ref: 25470    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Made at meeting: 22/04/2024 - Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024


22/04/2024 - Updated Terms of Reference ref: 25457    For Determination

Report on the committee's updated Terms of Reference, with effect from 1 April 2024.

Decision Maker: Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Made at meeting: 22/04/2024 - Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

The committee considered its updated terms of reference, following Full Council's approval of a new Constitution for Lancashire County Council on 14 March 2024.

 

It was requested that a report on the basis for and process to appoint an independent, co-opted member to the committee's membership be presented at the next meeting, including a review of the committee's terms of reference in relation to the recently published "ten questions for audit committees" by the Local Government Association.

 

It was noted that the person(s) co-opted would need to have suitable background and expertise to support the committee's work. At other authorities, similar roles were often held by former auditors.

 

Resolved: That

 

i)  The Audit, Risk and Governance Committee's updated terms of reference be noted; and

 

ii)  A report on the process to appoint at least one independent, non-voting co-opted member, in line with the updated terms of reference, be provided at the next Audit, Risk and Governance Committee meeting on 22 July 2024.

 

Divisions affected: N/A;

Lead officer: Hannah Race


22/04/2024 - External Audit - Interim Auditor's Annual Report on Lancashire County Council 2022/23 ref: 25461    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Made at meeting: 22/04/2024 - Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

Stuart Basnett, Senior Audit Manager at Grant Thornton UK presented the Interim Auditor's Annual Report on Lancashire County Council for 2022/23.

 

It was highlighted that:

 

·  The report was interim because the auditor could not provide their opinion until the 2022/23 audit of the statement of accounts was finalised.

 

·  Due to a weakness identified in the governance arrangements, a key recommendation had been provided relating to the implementation of Oracle Fusion. It was noted that since the end of 2022/23, management had responded to issues and implemented the required changes. In reviewing their report, the auditor encouraged members to consider whether they were happy with the council's response to the weaknesses identified.

 

In response to questions, members were informed that:

 

·  A project board for Oracle Fusion, chaired by the Director of Digital, had been established to respond to any continuing system issues. The board's work would enable lessons learned to be applied to future digital projects.

 

·  Oracle Fusion was used by lots of local authorities nationally, and the success of its implementation had varied depending on how complex each authority's requirements were. The council had commissioned external assessments relating to both governance and the system's technical aspects, to support the lessons learned process.

 

·  The Head of Internal Audit's overall opinion for 2022/23 had provided limited assurance, due to Oracle Fusion's impact on the council's control environment. The interim opinion for 2023/24 had improved to moderate assurance, to reflect the fixes implemented over the last year.

 

·  In response to Improvement Recommendation 3, a direction of travel had already been included in the latest Corporate Risk and Opportunity Register.

 

·  Regarding Improvement Recommendation 4, discussions were ongoing about revising the Preston, South Ribble and Lancashire City Deal arrangements and at the appropriate point a decision would be taken by the Cabinet.

 

·  Regarding Improvement Recommendation 6, a report would be provided to the committee at a future meeting date, once information was available on the KPMG report being produced about the council's internal procedures.

 

Regarding management's responses to the auditor's recommendations, it was requested that the response to Improvement Recommendation 1 be updated to reflect the Scrutiny Management Board's responsibility for budget scrutiny and reviewing savings proposals.

 

It was also requested that a further report be provided to the committee at its next meeting on the outstanding issues and work areas relating to Oracle Fusion, the progress achieved to date, and the lessons learned from its implementation and external assessment. A separate report on other proposed benefits of Oracle Fusion could be provided later in the year.

 

Resolved: That

 

i)  The Interim Auditor's Annual Report on Lancashire County Council for 2022/23 be noted; and

 

ii)  A further report on the implementation of Oracle Fusion, including outstanding issues and lessons learned, be provided at the next Audit, Risk and Governance Committee meeting on 22 July 2024.

 


30/04/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Read and Simonstone Village Hall ref: 25473    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £350 towards the cost of an access barrier for a car park from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Ribble Valley North East

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 30/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Ged Mirfin considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £350 to Read and Simonstone Village Hall towards the cost of an access barrier for a car park.

Divisions affected: Ribble Valley North East;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


24/04/2024 - Moss Road Strategy Review ref: 25455    Recommendations Approved

The Moss Road Strategy was adopted by Cabinet in June 2019 to enable the county council to plan capital investment in the moss roads network and to ensure available funds are spent to best effect and at that time this was considered to be by prioritizing preventative treatments.

A review and revision of the strategy has been undertaken. Following review, it is considered that the focus of capital maintenance on Moss Roads should be predominantly structural.

This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the provisions of Standing Order C19 have been complied with.


Decision Maker: Director of Highways and Transport

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 24/04/2024

Decision:

John Davies, Head of Highways Network Management, took the decision to approve the revised Moss Roads Strategy at Appendix 'A'.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: John Davies


24/04/2024 - Household Support Fund ref: 25466    Recommendations Approved

The Cabinet meeting of Thursday, 11 April 2024 received a report from the Director of Public Health, Wellbeing and Communities regarding the Household Support Fund. Cabinet authorised the Director of Public Health, Wellbeing and Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources, HR and Property (Deputy Leader), to approve the final detail of the scheme, and any subsequent Household Support Fund schemes in line with the principles set out and relevant government guidance. The detailed allocation of funding is contained within the report.

Decision Maker: Director of Public Health

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 24/04/2024

Decision:

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health, Wellbeing and Communities, took the decision to approve the allocation of Household Support Funds as set out in the report.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Dr Sakthi Karunanithi


30/04/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum ref: 25479    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £2000 towards architects fees from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Accrington North

Decision published: 30/04/2024

Effective from: 30/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Loraine Cox considered and approved a Local Member Grant for the reduced amount of £500 to Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum towards the cost of architects fees.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Accrington West & Oswaldtwistle Central

Decision published: 10/05/2024

Effective from: 30/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Munsif Dad considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £500 to Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum towards the cost of architects fees.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Great Harwood, Rishton & Clayton-le-Moors

Decision published: 29/04/2024

Effective from: 30/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Noordad Aziz considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £500 to Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum towards the cost of architects fees.

Divisions affected: Accrington North; Accrington West & Oswaldtwistle Central; Great Harwood, Rishton & Clayton-le-Moors;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


29/04/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Lostock St Gerard's Football Club ref: 25453    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £1000 towards the costs of LostFest from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Lostock Hall & Bamber Bridge

Decision published: 29/04/2024

Effective from: 29/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Jeff Couperthwaite considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £1000 to Lostock St Gerard's Football Club towards the cost of LostFest.

Divisions affected: Lostock Hall & Bamber Bridge;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


25/04/2024 - Interpretation and Translation Services - Contract Extension ref: 25446    Recommendations Approved

Concerning the decision to extend the existing agreement with DA Languages for one year as provided for in the original procurement.

Decision Maker: Director of Finance and Commerce

Decision published: 26/04/2024

Effective from: 25/04/2024

Decision:

Paul Fairclough, Acting Head of Procurement, took the decision to extend the existing agreement with DA Languages for one year as provided for in the original procurement.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Paul Fairclough


22/04/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Rishton United FC ref: 25419    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £1000 towards new footballs from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Great Harwood, Rishton & Clayton-le-Moors

Decision published: 23/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Noordad Aziz considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £500 to Rishton United FC towards the cost of new footballs.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Great Harwood, Rishton & Clayton-le-Moors

Decision published: 26/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Carole Haythornthwaite considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £500 to Rishton United FC towards the cost of new footballs.

Divisions affected: Great Harwood, Rishton & Clayton-le-Moors;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


25/04/2024 - April 24 - Local Deterioration Fund 2023/24 ref: 25443    Recommendations Approved

On the 7th March 2024, Cabinet approved a total value of £2.8m, to be apportioned for Local Deterioration Schemes, funded from the Department for Transport Highway Maintenance Grant Award 2024/25: £28.811million.


The LDF schemes in Appendix A have been prioritised by calculating the number of repeated visits to fix defects at the same location. The scheme size is generally under 2000m2, which equates to an operational team conducting either one or two days resurfacing, depending of the construction depth. This is to maximise efficiency of the workforce. The funding apportionment is divided into programme tranches throughout the year. Before each tranche is released, new up to date data is used in the analysis, to ensure roads that have deteriorated within year and over the winter period are taken into consideration.

Decision Maker: Director of Highways and Transport

Decision published: 26/04/2024

Effective from: 25/04/2024

Decision:

John Davies, Head of Highways Management, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for, and Director of, Highways and Transport, took the decision to approve:

  • A value of £879,017 to be allocated to schemes (Tranche 1) detailed in Appendix A from the Local Deterioration Fund (LDF) apportionment 2024/25, funded from the Department for Transport Highway Maintenance Grant

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: John Davies


25/04/2024 - Local Pensions Partnership Limited Pay Proposals ref: 25442    For Determination

This report presents pay proposals made by the Local Pensions Partnership Limited and provides comments on proposals and
recommendations to the committee.

Decision Maker: Employment Committee

Made at meeting: 25/04/2024 - Employment Committee

Decision published: 25/04/2024

Effective from: 25/04/2024

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Junaid Laly


25/04/2024 - Exclusion of Press and Public ref: 25439    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Employment Committee

Made at meeting: 25/04/2024 - Employment Committee

Decision published: 25/04/2024

Effective from: 25/04/2024

Decision:

Resolved: That the press and members of the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that there would be a likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the appropriate paragraph of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

 

It was considered that in all the circumstances, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.


25/04/2024 - Lancashire Renewables Limited Annual Pay Review 2024/25 ref: 25441    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Employment Committee

Made at meeting: 25/04/2024 - Employment Committee

Decision published: 25/04/2024

Effective from: 25/04/2024


25/04/2024 - Lancashire Renewables Limited HR Policy and Procedure Review ref: 25440    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Employment Committee

Made at meeting: 25/04/2024 - Employment Committee

Decision published: 25/04/2024

Effective from: 25/04/2024


25/04/2024 - Minutes of the Meeting held on 25 January 2024 ref: 25438    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Employment Committee

Made at meeting: 25/04/2024 - Employment Committee

Decision published: 25/04/2024

Effective from: 25/04/2024

Decision:

Resolved: That the minutes of the Employment Committee meeting held on 25 January 2024 be confirmed as an accurate record.


24/04/2024 - Jan 24 - Local Deterioration Fund 2023/24 ref: 25437    Recommendations Approved

In 2023/24 a total value of £3.2m was apportioned for Local Deterioration Funding. These schemes are prioritised by calculating the number of repeated visits to fix defects at the same location. The scheme size is generally under 2000m2 which equates to an operational team conducting either one or two days resurfacing depending of the construction depth. This is to maximise efficiency of the workforce. The funding apportionment is divided into 3 programme tranches throughout the year, typically April, August and November. Before each tranche is released, new up to date data is used in the analysis to ensure roads that have deteriorated within year and over the winter period are taken into account.


Tranches 1 and 2 from the 2023/24 apportionment have already been approved for delivery by the cabinet member and they have either already been delivered or have been programmed in for delivery.


On 4 October 2023, the government announced £8.3 billion of additional highways maintenance funding over the period 2023 to 2033 for highway maintenance funding (Network North additional highway maintenance allocations). For the financial year 2023/24 a further £3.661m has been allocated for Lancashire in addition to the funds already approved for the Highway Block of the Capital Programme.


An urgent report detailing the apportionments of the Network North additional highway maintenance allocations funding was submitted and was approved by the leader of the County Council on the 23rd December 2023 to approve £836,208 for an additional programme of Local deterioration schemes to be produced and delivered.

Decision Maker: Director of Highways and Transport

Decision published: 25/04/2024

Effective from: 24/04/2024

Decision:

In consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, and the Director of Highways and Transport, John Davies, Head of Highways Network Management, took the decision approve:

·  The remaining funds of £ 591,814.63 from the 2023/24 Local Deterioration Fund apportionment to be allocated to the schemes detailed in Appendix A.

·  A value of £ 836,208.00 approved by to be allocated to schemes detailed in Appendix B to supplement the Local Deterioration Fund 2023/24 from the additional funds received from the DfT.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: John Davies


25/04/2024 - Champion Grant - Hesketh Bank Community Centre ref: 25436    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from an organisation requesting £1,189.88 towards the cost of 10 Cobalt Blue Coronet Armchairs from the Champion for Older People budget.

Decision Maker: Champion for Older People

Decision published: 25/04/2024

Effective from: 25/04/2024

Decision:

The Democratic and Member Services Manager, following consultation with County Councillor Joan Burrows, Champion for Older People, approved a Champions Grant application for the reduced amount of £450 to Hesketh Bank Community Centre towards the cost of 4 Cobalt Blue Coronet Armchairs.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Janet Nuttall


25/04/2024 - Champion Grant - Blackpool Fylde and Wyre Royal Marines Association ref: 25445    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from an organisation requesting £1,000 towards the coach hire to Scotland for the 360 Anniversary of the Royal Marines from the Champion for Armed Forces and Veterans budget.

Decision Maker: Champion for Armed Forces and Veterans

Decision published: 25/04/2024

Effective from: 25/04/2024

Decision:

The Democratic and Member Services Manager, following consultation with County Councillor Alf Clempson, Champion for Armed Forces and Veterans, approved a Champions Grant application of £1000 to Blackpool Fylde and Wyre Royal Marines Association towards the cost of the coach hire for the 360 Anniversary of the Royal Marines.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Janet Nuttall


25/04/2024 - Champion Grant - Veterans Living History Museum CIC ref: 25444    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from an organisation requesting £1,200 towards the school project for the 80th anniversary of D-Day from the Champion for Armed Forces and Veterans budget.

Decision Maker: Champion for Armed Forces and Veterans

Decision published: 25/04/2024

Effective from: 25/04/2024

Decision:

The Democratic and Member Services Manager, following consultation with County Councillor Alf Clempson, Champion for Armed Forces and Veterans, approved a Champions Grant application of £1200 to Veterans Living History Museum CIC towards the cost of the school project for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Janet Nuttall


25/04/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Friends of St. Pauls School ref: 25452    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £1851:95 towards storage and seating in the changing shed and five raised flower beds from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Moss Side & Farington

Decision published: 25/04/2024

Effective from: 25/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Michael Green considered and approved a Local Member Grant for the reduced amount of £371:98 to Friends of St. Pauls School towards the cost of storage and seating in the changing shed and five raised flower beds.

 

Divisions affected: Moss Side & Farington;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


24/04/2024 - Waiver of the Council's Procurement Rules – for the Hire of a Static Hot Box at Cuerden Depot ref: 25435    Recommendations Approved

This report requests approval of a waiver of the Council's Procurement Rule 9 to hire a Static Hot Box at Cuerden Depot.


A hot box enables the storage of asphalt on LCC premises, having one on-site provides more flexibility to Highways and its approach to repairing defects. Having hot material available 24 hrs a day allows work to be undertaken in busy areas (town centres, busy roads) out of hours, and on Sundays when asphalt plants are closed. The flexibility afforded by having the hot box also enables Highways to effectively achieve its KPI targets to repair defects.

Decision Maker: Director of Highways and Transport

Decision published: 25/04/2024

Effective from: 24/04/2024

Decision:

Ridwan Musa, Head of Highways Operations and Design, took the decision to approve the waiver to enable the hire of a Static Hot Box at Cuerden Depot.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Ridwan Musa


24/04/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - St John's Hospice, Lancaster ref: 25433    For Determination

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £2,000 towards the cost of the purchase of essential items for the in-patient unit from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Lancaster South East

Decision published: 24/04/2024

Effective from: 24/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Erica Lewis considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £200 to St John's Hospice, Lancaster towards the cost of the purchase of essential items for the in-patient unit.

Divisions affected: Heysham; Lancaster Central; Lancaster East; Lancaster Rural East; Lancaster Rural North; Lancaster South East; Morecambe Central; Morecambe North; Morecambe South; Wyre Rural East;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


24/04/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Longridge Girl Guide Hut ref: 25429    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £2,000 towards the cost of rebuilding a WW1 Timber Hut from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Longridge With Bowland

Decision published: 24/04/2024

Effective from: 24/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Rupert Swarbrick considered and approved a Local Member Grant for the reduced amount of £500 to Longridge Girl Guide Hut towards the cost of cost of rebuilding a WW1 Timber Hut.

Divisions affected: Longridge with Bowland;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


18/04/2024 - Consultancy Direct Award ref: 25428    Recommendations Approved

A decision taken on a consultancy contract award.

Decision Maker: Director of Finance and Commerce

Decision published: 24/04/2024

Effective from: 18/04/2024

Decision:

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

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Neil Kissock


24/04/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Nature Warriors ref: 25432    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £1,500 towards the cost of sports equipment for a community sports gym from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Brierfield & Nelson West

Decision published: 24/04/2024

Effective from: 24/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Mohammed Iqbal MBE considered and approved a Local Member Grant for the reduced amount of £500 to Nature Warriors towards the cost of sports equipment for a community sports gym.

Divisions affected: Brierfield & Nelson West;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


24/04/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Newburgh Fair Association ref: 25450    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £500 towards provision of accessible toilet facilities from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - West Lancashire East

Decision published: 24/04/2024

Effective from: 24/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Rob Bailey considered and approved a Local Member Grant for the reduced amount of £200 to Newburgh Fair Association towards the cost of provision of accessible toilet facilities.

Divisions affected: West Lancashire East;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


19/04/2024 - Changes to Policies and Procedures Due to New Employment Legislation from 6 April 2024 ref: 25423    Recommendations Approved

Legislative changes came into effect on 6 April 2024 requiring updates to a number of employment policies and procedures, and the introduction of a new carer' leave policy and procedure, to ensure compliance. The changes are set out below:


Working flexibly policy and procedure:
(1) Flexible working requests are a day one right.
(2) Two requests for flexible working can be made within any 12-month period.
(3) A final decision (including appeal) needs to be made within two months (was previously three months).


Carer's leave policy:
(1) A new policy that has been introduced to reflect the statutory right for employees with caring responsibilities to take one week's unpaid leave per year (subject to qualifying criteria).


Working carers policy:
(1) Updated to include reference to the Carers Leave Act 2023 that gives employees with caring responsibilities a statutory right to take up to one week's unpaid leave per year (subject to qualifying criteria) to give or arrange care for a dependant.


Redundancy procedure and priority access to vacancies policy and procedure:
(1) Updated to reflect extended redundancy protection for pregnant women, women on maternity leave (or have suffered a miscarriage), and employees on adoption leave and shared parental leave for up to 18 months from the expected week of childbirth (subject to various criteria).


Paternity leave policy:
(1) Paternity leave can now be taken as two one-week non-consecutive blocks at any point in the first year following birth.
(2) The notice for paternity leave has been reduced to four weeks and leave dates can be varied with 28 days' notice.


The revised policies and procedures have been shared with the recognised trade unions at the Joint Negotiating and Consultative Forum and the changes to these have been noted.

Decision Maker: Director of People

Decision published: 23/04/2024

Effective from: 19/04/2024

Decision:

Lucy Thompson, Director of People, took the decision to approve the following revised policies and procedures to reflect legislative changes:

 

(1)  Working flexibly policy and procedure

(2)  Working carers policy

(3)  Redundancy procedure

(4)  Priority access to vacancies policy and procedure

(5)  Paternity leave policy and procedure

 

A carer's leave policy and procedure to reflect the new statutory right for employees with caring responsibilities to take one week's unpaid carers leave per year (subject to qualifying criteria), was also approved.

Divisions affected: N/A;

Lead officer: Kelly Gilman


22/04/2024 - S106 - 74 Higher Road, Longridge, 3/2016/1082 - School Places ref: 25418    Recommendations Approved

A decision on school places in Longridge.

Decision Maker: Director of Strategy and Performance

Decision published: 23/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

Mike Kirby, Director of Staregy and Performance, took the decision as set out in the report.

Divisions affected: Longridge with Bowland;

Lead officer: Mike Kirby


23/04/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - St John's Church Leyland ref: 25420    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £400 towards a deep clean of the baby grand piano from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Leyland Central

Decision published: 23/04/2024

Effective from: 23/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Mathew Tomlinson considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £400 to St John's Church Leyland towards the cost of a deep clean of the baby grand piano.

Divisions affected: Leyland Central;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


23/04/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - St Stephen's Church - Friends, Food and Fun Group ref: 25421    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £800 towards a day trip for 35 people from Burnley to Saltaire from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Burnley Rural

Decision published: 23/04/2024

Effective from: 23/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Cosima Towneley considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £400 to St Stephen's Church – Friends, Food and Fun Group towards the cost of a day trip for 35 people from Burnley to Saltaire.

Divisions affected: Burnley Rural; Penwortham East & Walton-le-Dale;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


23/04/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Hutton Church of England Grammar School PTA ref: 25426    For Determination

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £2000 towards purchasing three picnic tables from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - South Ribble West

Decision published: 23/04/2024

Effective from: 23/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Graham Gooch considered and approved a Local Member Grant for the reduced amount of £500 to Hutton Church of England Grammar School PTA towards the cost of three picnic tables.

 

County Councillor Graham Gooch declared a non-pecuniary interest he is the Chairman of the Hutton Grammar School Foundation Trust.

Divisions affected: South Ribble West;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


22/04/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Wyre District Scout Council ref: 25412    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £700 towards the cost of transport costs to and from the Red Rose International Scout Camp from the Local Member Grant Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Fleetwood East

Decision published: 22/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Lorraine Beavers considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £175  to Wyre District Scout Council towards the cost of transport to and from the Red Rose International Scout Camp.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Poulton-le-Fylde

Decision published: 24/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Alf Clempson considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £175 to Wyre District Scout Council towards the cost of tansport to and from the Red Rose International Scout Camp.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Cleveleys South & Carleton

Decision published: 22/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Alan Vincent considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £175 to Wyre District Scout Council towards the cost of transport to and from the Red Rose International Scout Camp.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Thornton & Hambleton

Decision published: 23/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor John shedwick considered and approved a Local Member Grant of £175 to Wyre District Scout Council towards the cost of transport to and from the Red Rose International Scout Camp.

Divisions affected: Cleveleys South & Carleton; Fleetwood East; Poulton le Fylde; Thornton & Hambleton;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


18/04/2024 - Blackpool Road, Kirkham-Shared Use Cycletrack ref: 25414    Recommendations Approved

It has been highlighted from a financial standpoint that there is a shortfall within the available budget for an external contractor's imbursement. The historic payments and transfers against the current PPMS ID are under review to accurately reflect available budget and the developers future payments, whilst this investigation is ongoing a decision is required for temporarily borrowing funds against the scheme until the developer pays over the next calculated stage instalment.


This borrowing of funds will allow the payment for the pending invoice covering site investigation measures to date, the sum amounts to £2,844.69 and is inclusive of internal staff charges.


Due to the financial structure of the agreement in place with the developer there is no potential for loss of revenue to Lancashire County Council.

Decision Maker: Director of Highways and Transport

Decision published: 22/04/2024

Effective from: 18/04/2024

Decision:

John Davies, Head of Highways Management Service, took the decision to temporarily borrow funds to make up the shortfall within the available budget for an external contractor's imbursement.

 

Divisions affected: Fylde East;

Lead officer: John Davies


22/04/2024 - Local Councillor Decision - Rosemary and Time CIC ref: 25409    For Determination

This report presents an application from a local organisation requesting £900 towards the cost of supplies for gardening workshops, singing sessions and refreshments from the Local Member Grants Scheme.

Decision Maker: Local Councillor Decision - Ribble Valley North East

Decision published: 22/04/2024

Effective from: 22/04/2024

Decision:

County Councillor Ged Mirfin considered and rejected a Local Member Grant to Rosemary and Time CIC towards the cost of supplies for gardening workshops, singing sessions and refreshments.

 

The reason for rejection is County Councillor Mirfin does not believe this project will benefit his division.

Divisions affected: Longridge with Bowland; Preston East; Preston North; Preston Rural; Preston South East; Ribble Valley North East; Ribble Valley South West;

Lead officer: Local Member Grants


19/04/2024 - Land at Wheelton - Land Sale. ref: 25416    Recommendations Approved

A decision on a land sale.

Decision Maker: Director of Growth and Regeneration

Decision published: 22/04/2024

Effective from: 19/04/2024

Decision:

Gary Jones, Estates Manager, took the decision as set out in the report.

Divisions affected: Chorley Rural East;

Lead officer: Gary Jones


19/04/2024 - Procurement Approval ref: 25417    Recommendations Approved

The authority is seeking to procure a specialist property auctioneer to assist in the disposal of authority properties no longer required by the authority.

 

The provider will be capable of assessing the suitability of vacant properties for auction, advising on reserve and guide prices, conducting viewings with prospective purchasers, and marketing the property before ultimately auctioning the property and negotiation of post auction sales as required.

 

It is estimated that approximately 10-20 properties are required to be sold via auction per annum but this, as well as the value of property being auctioned, can vary significantly each year.

 

The procurement is a renewal of a long-existing rolling agreement, managed by the authority's Estates department. The intention is to contract with a single provider on a framework basis for an initial term of two years, with the option to extend the term for any number of defined periods up to a maximum of a further two years.

 

The authority will not be charged a fee by the provider for provision of the services. Instead, the fee will be paid for by the buyer of the property following sale.

 

 

 

Decision Maker: Director of Growth and Regeneration

Decision published: 22/04/2024

Effective from: 19/04/2024

Decision:

Gary Pearse, Head of Estates, took a decision to approve the commence procurement exercise for appointment of specialist property auctioneers.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Gary Pearse


19/04/2024 - Transfer of Developer Contributions to New School at Whittingham Project ref: 25415    Recommendations Approved

A decision on the New School at Whittingham Project.

Decision Maker: Director of Strategy and Performance

Decision published: 22/04/2024

Effective from: 19/04/2024

Decision:

Mike Kirby, Director of Strategy and Performance, took the decision as set out in the report.

Lead officer: Mike Kirby


18/04/2024 - Extension of current contract for the supply and provision of eBook and eAudiobook materials to Lancashire County Council (CR/CORP/LCC/19/985) ref: 25390    Recommendations Approved

A decision on approval of a contract extension for the supply and provision of eBooks and eAudiobook materials to Lancashire County Council. 

Decision Maker: Director of Education, Culture and Skills

Decision published: 19/04/2024

Effective from: 18/04/2024

Decision:

Alex Miller, Archives & Resources Manager, took a decision as set out in the report.

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Alex Miller


17/04/2024 - Transfer of budget from PPMS 13957 to PPMS 8603 ref: 25391    Recommendations Approved

To move underspends of £2,200.00 from Moorland Road (PPMS ID 13957) into Whalley Town Centre Footway improvements (PPMS ID 8603), increase required to facilitate extra works identified and required on site.

 

Decision Maker: Director of Highways and Transport

Decision published: 19/04/2024

Effective from: 17/04/2024

Decision:

Ridwan Musa, the Head Highways Operation and Design, took a decision to approve the transfer of budget from PPMS 13957 to PPMS 8603.

Divisions affected: Ribble Valley South West;

Lead officer: Ridwan Musa


17/04/2024 - Waiver of the Council's Procurement Rules – Direct Award of Contract for the Hire of Dump Trucks. ref: 25392    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Director of Highways and Transport

Decision published: 19/04/2024

Effective from: 17/04/2024

Decision:

Ridwan Musa, the Head of Highway Operations and Design, took a decision as set out in the report.

Divisions affected: Fylde West;

Lead officer: Ridwan Musa


19/04/2024 - Champion Grant - St Vincent de Paul ref: 25491    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from an organisation requesting £800 towards their Christmas lunch for 70 elderly people from the Champion for Older People budget.

Decision Maker: Champion for Older People

Decision published: 19/04/2024

Effective from: 19/04/2024

Decision:

The Democratic and Member Services Manager, following consultation with County Councillor Joan Burrows, Champion for Older People, approved a Champions Grant application for the reduced amount of £600 to St Vincent De Paul Society towards the cost of their Christmas lunch.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Janet Nuttall


19/04/2024 - Champion Grant - Hilldale Community Association ref: 25431    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from an organisation requesting £300 for refreshments for their coffee mornings.

Decision Maker: Champion for Older People

Decision published: 19/04/2024

Effective from: 19/04/2024

Decision:

The Democratic and Member Services Manager, following consultation with County Councillor Joan Burrows, Champion for Older People, approved a Champions Grant application of £300 to Hilldale Community Association towards the cost of refreshments for their coffee mornings.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Janet Nuttall


19/04/2024 - Champion - Poulton in Bloom ref: 25425    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from an organisation requesting £800 Cost towards their 80th D Day Anniversary Event for from the Champion for Armed Forces and Veterans.

Decision Maker: Champion for Armed Forces and Veterans

Decision published: 19/04/2024

Effective from: 19/04/2024

Decision:

The Democratic and Member Services Manager, following consultation with County Councillor Alf Clempson, Champion for Armed Forces and Veterans, approved a Champions Grant application of £800 to Poulton in Bloom towards the cost of their 80th D Day anniversary events.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Janet Nuttall


19/04/2024 - Champion Grant - DWS Lifeskills CIC ref: 25424    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from an organisation requesting £3,100 towards projects offering support to veterans in need in Lancashire from the Champion for Armed Forces and Veterans budget

Decision Maker: Champion for Armed Forces and Veterans

Decision published: 19/04/2024

Effective from: 19/04/2024

Decision:

The Democratic and Member Services Manager, following consultation with County Councillor Alf Clempson, Champion for Armed Forces and Veterans, approved a Champions Grant application of £3100 to DWS Lifeskills CIC towards the cost of their wellbeing events for veterans.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Janet Nuttall


19/04/2024 - Champion Grant - Yealand Parish Council ref: 25430    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from an organisation requesting £900 towards the installation of monkey bars at Yealand Playground from the Champion for Parishes budget.

Decision Maker: Champion for Parishes

Decision published: 19/04/2024

Effective from: 19/04/2024

Decision:

 

 

 

The Democratic and Member Services Manager, following consultation with County Councillor Paul Rigby, Champion for Parishes, approved a Champions Grant application of £900 to Yealand Parish Council towards the cost of money bars at Yealand playground.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Janet Nuttall


19/04/2024 - Champion Grant - Samaritans of Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley ref: 25427    Recommendations Approved

This report presents an application from an organisation requesting £3,141.60 towards four new chairs for their duty room from the Champion for Mental Health budget.

Decision Maker: Champion for Mental Health

Decision published: 19/04/2024

Effective from: 19/04/2024

Decision:

The Democratic and Member Services Manager, following consultation with County Councillor Stuart C Morris, Champion for Mental Health, approved a Champions Grant application for the reduced amount of £1000 to Samaritans of Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley towards the cost of arm chairs for their duty call room.

 

Divisions affected: (All Divisions);

Lead officer: Janet Nuttall