County council sets out 'areas of focus for 2025-26 in document

By Rob Kelly

04 Jul 2025

Coun Stephen Atkinson

Lancashire County Council has released a document which will set its core priorities over the next 12 months. 

'Our areas of focus for 2025-26' identifies key areas following the election in May, building on the existing Council Plan to reflect the priorities of the new administration.

The document will be considered by the council's cabinet next week.

It sets out how the council's aspirations will be translated into key programmes and action, and is spearheaded by council leader Stephen Atkinson, who was ratified as leader of the council at a meeting of the full council on 22 May.

The document details several new commitments, including a forensic efficiency review of the council budget to ensure savings will be delivered and to identify further efficiencies, working closely with frontline staff.

In addition, it sets out commitments to respond to central government initiatives on devolution and local government reorganisation, ensuring that any changes are informed by the views of residents.

It was also revealed this week that Coun Atkinson has been appointed as one of the five vice chairs of the LGA following his nomination as leader of Reform UK's newly established Local Government Association (LGA) group.

Coun Stephen Atkinson, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: "Lancashire is a remarkable county with a proud history and strong communities.

"We are living in challenging times and our goal is to prioritise our resources towards the things that make the biggest difference to our residents.

"Good roads and a strong economy are vital to our quality of life and we are determined to pave the way for more local jobs and investment across the county.

"We must also confront long-standing challenges head on, particularly services for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Adult Social Care.

"We can't do this overnight but we can make significant strides if we prioritise, plan carefully, and be agile in our approach.

"This new document provides a summary of the major changes planned for the year and sets out how we plan to build a better Lancashire, together."

As vice chair of the LGA, Coun Atkinson, who attended the LGA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Liverpool this week, will play a crucial role in shaping the strategic direction of the LGA and local government policies.

Vice chairs also have the opportunity to engage with key stakeholders, including government ministers and other influential figures, helping to build valuable connections and partnerships.

Cllr Atkinson said: “I’m honoured to take on this responsibility at such a pivotal moment for Lancashire and local government as a whole.

“Our group will champion common-sense policies, fiscal responsibility, and a renewed focus on delivering services that truly matter to residents.

"We are here to listen, lead, and make a difference.”

The cabinet will be asked to approve the 'Our areas of focus for 2025-26' document at its next meeting on Thursday 10 July.

It will also be asked to authorise the chief executive and executive leadership team to undertake the necessary actions to ensure the successful delivery of the programmes within it.

Progress will be considered through the county council's regular governance processes, including cabinet and the overview and scrutiny committee.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Rob Kelly

Latest news

1

Roundhouse secures approval for new £15m office and industrial scheme in Preston Momentum

Roundhouse secures approval for new £15m office and industrial scheme in Preston

25 Jul 2025

2

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards Ben Garland and Julia Lorente

Homebuilder's high-performing sales advisers clinch awards

24 Jul 2025

3

Work is set to start on Multiversity project Multiversity Blackpool

Work is set to start on Multiversity project

24 Jul 2025

4

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft Typhoon production Warton

BAE Systems welcomes MOU between Republic of Turkiye and UK for purchase of Typhoon aircraft

23 Jul 2025

5

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C EDF Assystem

Assystem to double UK jobs to deliver Sizewell C

22 Jul 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech
July PTC banner long updated.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
29 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025

Preston Tech Connection: Buzz Word Bingo. Challenging Todays's Buzzwords In Tech

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July
Longer July Banner.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: July

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th
Navy--Event Tile.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
14 Aug 2025 - 14 Aug 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – August 14th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Header (24).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
21 Aug 2025 - 21 Aug 2025

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Mytton Fold, Langho, BB6 8AB

11:30 - 14:15

Morecambe Bay Walk
Walk.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Awards
30 Aug 2025 - 30 Aug 2025

Morecambe Bay Walk

Arnside, CARNFORTH, LA5

09:30 - 14:00

Longridge Soap Box Derby
Screenshot 2025-06-10 090035.png.png
LBV Hub Fundraisers
14 Sep 2025 - 14 Sep 2025

Longridge Soap Box Derby

Berry Lane, Longridge, PR3 3WH

10:00 - 16:30

Cumbria Business Expo 2025
https---cdn.evbuc.com-images-880461633-4862066883-1-original.20241022-110415.jpeg.jpg
LBV Hub Exhibitions
19 Sep 2025 - 19 Sep 2025

Cumbria Business Expo 2025

Carlisle Racecourse, Carlisle, CA2 4TS

09:00 - 15:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women
thumbnail_Emma Weston Illustration WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
22 Oct 2025 - 18 Mar 2026

RISE - Lancashire's unique leadership programme for women

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:30 - 15:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV 123 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin