Agenda and draft minutes

To receive as a correct record the minutes of Cabinet held on Tuesday, 13 January  2026 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 13 January 2026 were approved as a correct record.

The Chair advised that there were no items of urgent business.

To receive declarations by Councillors of interests in respect of items on this Agenda. 

Councillors are reminded that, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests. (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting). 

Whilst not a legal requirement, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 and in the interests of clarity and transparency, Councillors should declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, at this point in the meeting. 

In accordance with Part B Section 2 of the Code Of Conduct, Councillors are required to declare the existence and nature of any other interests as defined in paragraphs 8(1) or 9(2) of the Code of Conduct. 

Councillor Tyldesley declared an interest with regard to the Adoption of Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape Management Plan report in view of her role on the Management Team of the National Landscape and involvement in the management plan sub group.  Cllr Tyldesley advised the meeting that she would not vote on the item.  (Minute 97 refers).

Members were advised that there had been no requests to speak at the meeting in accordance with Cabinet’s agreed procedure.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Tyldesley)

Chief Officer Planning & Climate Change

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Tyldesley)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Officer – Planning and Climate Change to approve the adoption of the Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape Management Plan.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

The preferred option is Option 1, for Lancaster City Council to formally adopt the Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape Management Plan.

Councillor Tyldesley proposed, seconded by Councillor Bannon:-

“That the recommendation, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Councillors then voted:-

Having declared an interest in this item Councillor Tyldesley did not vote.

Resolved:

(1)        That approval be given to the adoption of the Arnside and Silverdale National Landscape Management Plan which, on adoption, will act as a material consideration in planning decisions, guide delivery and provide a strong foundation for support in bids for funding opportunities for projects within the National Landscape.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer Planning and Climate Change

Reasons for making the decision:

As set out in the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949; confirmed by Section 89 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, the primary purpose of the designation is to conserve and enhance natural beauty and Management Plans should guide the work of the National Landscape Partnership. At a district level, the Local Plan sets out the Council’s broad strategy for its two National Landscape areas within the Strategic Policies and Land Allocations (climate emergency review) DPD and the Development Management (climate emergency review) DPD, both adopted in January 2025 and the Management Plan is in general conformity with these documents.

The report set out the preferred way forward for adopting  ...  view the full minutes text for item 96.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Report of Chief Officer Resources (report published on 5.2.26)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Finance Officer that set out the latest position in respect of the Budget and Policy Framework and Cabinet’s proposed General Fund revenue budget for 2026/27.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

Revenue Budget

Council may adjust its revenue budget proposals, so long as the overall budget for 2025/26 balances and fits with the proposed Council Tax level.

Other Budget Framework Matters (Reserves and Provisions)

Given known commitments, risks, and Council Tax restrictions there is little flexibility in financial terms, but Council could consider different budget strategies to be appraised for future years, or alternative arrangements for approving the use of various reserves, or different virement and/or carry forward limits. Overall, however, previous arrangements have worked reasonably well, and so no other fundamental changes are proposed.

Section 151 Officer’s Comments and Advice

Council is required to note this formally in the minutes of the meeting; hence it is reflected in the recommendations.

Depending on the nature of any alternative proposals put forward, Officers may need time to assess the risks and implications. This is to ensure that relevant considerations are taken into account, to support informed and lawful decision making.

OFFICER PREFERRED OPTION (AND COMMENTS)

Revenue Budget 2026/27 and Reserves Position

To agree the recommendations as presented as the proposals to be put forward by Cabinet should fit with any external constraints and the budgetary framework already approved. The recommendations as set out meet these requirements; the detailed supporting budget proposals are then a matter for Members.

During questions a request was made to exclude the press and public in order that the information contained within the exempt appendices could be discussed.  Councillor Maddocks proposed the exclusion seconded by Councillor Riches and this was agreed unanimously.  The press and public were excluded and readmitted after approximately ten minutes.

Councillor Hamilton-Cox proposed, seconded by Councillor Bottoms:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”

At this point Councillor Riches advised that although she would not be voting against the proposals, she wished for it to be noted that she was opposed to the amount of money being put into the LGR transition fund as this was something that wasn’t in the manifesto of the current government.

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

That Cabinet recommends the following for approval to Budget Council 25 February:

 (1)       That the General Fund Revenue Budget of £27.373M for 2026/27 be approved, resulting in a Council Tax Requirement of £11.931M, excluding parish precepts, and a Band D basic City Council Tax rate of £272.20

(2)        That the supporting General Fund Revenue Budget proposals be approved, as summarised at Appendices A, C, C1 and C2 to the report.

 (3)       That the budget transfer (virements and carry forwards) limits be approved as set out in Appendix E to the report.

 (4)       That Cabinet authorises the use of the General  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Report of Chief Officer Resources (report published on 6.2.26)

 (Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Finance Officer topresent Cabinet’sfinal budgetproposals inorder thatthe Councilcan approvea General Fund Capital Programme for 2026/27 to 2035/36, and a Capital Strategy 2026/27 as required by regulation.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

Cabinet may put forward alternative proposals or amendments to the proposed Strategy ahead of consideration by Full Council. Forcapital, Councilmay adjustits capitalinvestment andfinancing proposalstaking account ofspending commitmentsand priorities,but itsproposals for2026/27 must balance.

Depending on the nature of any alternative proposals put forward, Officers may needtime toassess therisks andimplications.  Thisis toensure thatrelevant considerations are taken into account, to support informed and lawful decision-making.

The officer preferred option was to consider the Capital Programme and Strategy as attached to the report, allowing for any amendments being made under delegated authority prior to referral to Council.

            The report addressed the actions required to complete the budget setting process for its Capital Programme and Capital Strategy.  If Cabinet, or Budget Council changes its Capital Programme from that which is proposed in the report then this would require a change in the prudential indicators which are part of the Treasury Management Strategy.

Councillor Hamilton-Cox proposed, seconded by Councillor Bottoms:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)            That the following be recommended to Budget Council for approval:

·       the updated Capital Programme covering financial years 2026/27 to 2035/36

·       the Capital Strategy (Investing in the Future) 2026/27

(2)        That delegated authority be given to the S151 officer, in consultation with Portfolio Holder for Finance & Property to amend changes in the prudential indicators should Cabinet or Full Council make any revisions to the Capital Programme.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer Resources

Reasons for making the decision:

The Council’s revenue and capital budgets should represent, in financial terms what the Council is seeking to achieve through its Policy Framework.

The proposed capital programme and supporting strategy is part of the Council’s budget and policy framework, and fits into the Medium Term Financial Strategy

The proposed budget incorporates measures to address the climate emergency and digital improvements as well as activities to address wellbeing, health and community safety.

With the agreement of the meeting the Chair announced a revision to the order of the agenda and advised that the Housing Revenue Account would be considered next so as not to detain the supporting officer unnecessarily.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Joint Report of Chief Officer Housing & Property and Chief Officer Resources (report published on 6.2.26)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Caroline Jackson)

Cabinet received a joint report from the Chief Officer Housing & Property and Chief Officer Resources that sought Cabinet decisions on Council Housing rent setting proposals and HRA revenue and capital budget proposals.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

The options with regards to rent setting are set out under section 4 of the report, the maximum permitted increase being CPI+1% for current tenants, with flexibility of an additional 5% / 10% above formula rent for new tenancies. By applying this increase, it allows for a budget that can deliver on the Council’s and Governments ambitions on improving housing standards and addressing the climate change emergency, whilst adhering to the Rent Standard and wider legislative requirements.

In relation to garage rents, it is recommended that an increase in line with dwelling rent increases is appropriate and will support maintenance requirements without adversely impacting occupancy levels.

With regard to the revenue budget generally, Cabinet could consider other proposals that may influence spending in current and future years, as long as their financing is considered and addressed and coherent with the legislative and regulatory requirements of a Registered Provider.

The options available in respect of the minimum level of HRA balances are to retain the level at £750K in line with the advice of the Section 151 Officer, or adopt a different level. Should Members choose not to accept the advice on the level of balances, then this should be recorded formally in the minutes of the meeting, and it could have implications for the Council’s financial standing, as assessed by its external auditor.

 The options available in respect of the Capital Programme are:

i)               To approve the programme in full, with the financing as set out;

ii)               To incorporate other increases or reductions to the programme, with appropriate sources of funding being identified.

 Any risks attached to the above would depend on measures Members proposed, and their impact on the council housing service and its tenants. As such, a full options analysis could only be undertaken once any alternative proposals are known, and Officers may require more time in order to do this.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Report of Chief Officer Resources (report published on 6.2.26)

 (Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Finance Officer that presented the draft Treasury Management Strategy and associated documents for 2026/27 and provided an opportunity for consideration and comment ahead of formal presentation to Full Council 25 February 2026 for approval.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

Cabinet may put forward alternative proposals or amendments to the proposed Strategy ahead of consideration by Full Council, but these would have to be considered in light of legislative, professional, and economic factors, and importantly, any alternative views regarding the Council’s risk appetite. As such no further options analysis is available currently.

Furthermore, the Strategy must fit with other aspects of Cabinet’s budget proposals, such as deposit interest estimates and underlying prudential borrowing assumptions, feeding into Prudential and Treasury Management Indicators. There are no options available regarding other components of the overall framework.

The officer preferred option was to approve the framework as attached to the report, allowing for any amendments being made under delegated authority prior to referral to Council.

Thereport addressedthe actionsrequired tocomplete thebudget settingprocess for Treasury Management, and for updating the Council’s associated financial strategy. This was based on the Council continuing to have a comparatively low risk appetite regarding the security and liquidity of investments particularly, but recognising that some flexibility should help improve returns, whilst still effectively mitigating risk. It was stressed that in terms of treasury activity, there is no risk-free approach. It was felt, however, that the measures set out in the report provide a fit for purpose framework within which to work, pending any update during the course of next year.

If Cabinet, or Budget Council changes its Capital Programme from that which is proposed in this report then this would require a change in the prudential indicators which are part of the Treasury Management Strategy.

Councillor Hamilton-Cox proposed, seconded by Councillor Riches:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)               That Cabinet recommends for approval to Budget Council the Treasury Management Strategy 2026/27, Appendices A to C to the report.

(2)                      That delegated authority be given to the S151 Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance & Property to amend changes in the prudential indicators should Cabinet or Full Council make any revisions to the Capital Programme.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer Resources

Reasons for making the decision:

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Report of Chief Officer Resources (report published on 5.2.26)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Finance Officer that provided an update on the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) forecasts for 2026/27 to 2030/31.

The report considered Local Government Funding and Business rates, Council Tax, General Fund Projections, Capital Investment and financing, the short and medium-term budget gap, Provisions, Reserves and balances and Local Government Reorganisation.  The risks to the Council were contained throughout the report and as the report was for noting, no alternative proposals had been put forward.

Whilst delivering a balanced budget for 2026/27, the Council continues to face unprecedented levels of financial and economic uncertainty. This hampers the degree of confidence with which forecasts can be made and inevitably some key estimates and assumptions are likely to change in the coming months.

The future key challenge surrounding Local Government Reorganisation should not be underestimated and the Council must position itself in the best financial health that is possible, in order to maintain both financial and organisational stability.

Councillor Hamilton-Cox proposed, seconded by Councillor Maddocks:-

“That the recommendations, as set out in the report, be noted.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)            That having considered the draft future years budget estimates as set out in the report as the latest information available Cabinet agrees that the update be referred on to Council on 25 February 2026 for information. A final consolidated medium term financial strategy will be agreed by the s151 officer in consultation with the portfolio holder before being presented to Full Council in March.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer Resources

Reasons for making the decision:

Performance, project, and resource monitoring provides a link between the Council Plan and operational achievement, by providing regular updates on the impact of operational initiatives against strategic aims.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Report of Chief Officer Resources (report published on 6.2.26)

 (Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Finance Officer that proposed a Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy for 2026-27 to complement the ongoing Council’s commitment to financial sustainability.  Statutory guidance from the Department for Levelling Up, Homes and Communities (DLUHC) and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) enables local authorities to make flexible use of capital receipts to fund projects which are likely to generate savings to the authority and / or other public bodies. To make use of this provision, authorities must submit to the Secretary of State a Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy setting out how the provision will be applied in the next financial year.

The options, options analysis, including risk assessment and officer preferred option, were set out in the report as follows:

The officer preferred option is Option 1, to enable the Council to make use of the Flexible Capital Receipts provision in supporting its savings and service transformation initiatives over the coming years.

Councillor Hamilton-Cox proposed, seconded by Councillor Bottoms:-

“That the recommendation, as set out in the report, be approved.”

Councillors then voted:-

Resolved unanimously:

(1)                     That Cabinet recommends the approval by Full Council on 25 February 2026 of the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy 2026/27 set out in this report, in accordance with the relevant statutory guidance.

Officer responsible for effecting the decision:

Chief Officer Resources

Reasons for making the decision:

If adopted, the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy would form part of the council’s Policy Framework. From a strategic perspective, enabling the use of capital receipts to deliver savings and service transformation initiatives will give the council scope to pursue its wider transformation challenges with greater flexibility and effectiveness. Failure to adopt a Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy will severely constrain the council’s ability to pursue these initiatives.

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Report of Chief Officer Resources (report published on 5.2.26)

(Cabinet Member with Special Responsibility Councillor Hamilton-Cox)

Cabinet received a report from the Chief Executive and s151 Officer that provided members with an update on financial performance during the first three quarters of 2025/26 (April – December 2025).

As the report was for comments and noting no options were provided.

Resolved:

(1)            That the report be noted.

Reasons for making the decision:

Performance, project and resource monitoring provides a link between the Council plan and operational achievement by providing regular updates on the impact of operational initiatives against strategic aims.