Key messages – 28 August 2026

A nationally agreed pay increase has been confirmed for staff covered by the National Joint Council (NJC) pay agreement.
The agreement applies from 1 April 2026 and includes:
o a 3.30% increase to all pay points on the Lancashire NJC pay spine (excluding apprentice and Foundation Living Wage rates)
o a 3.30% increase on NJC allowances. We also use the NJC increase to uplift Lancashire-specific allowances, including tool allowances, split-shift payments and standby payments.
The increase will be backdated to 1 April 2026.
You will receive the pay award in your salary payment on 30 September.

Louise Anderson, our director of children's social care is leaving for a promotion.
Her new role will be at Stockport Council as executive director of children’s social care.
She has made a significant contribution to our services, our partnerships and our many improvement journeys.
And her work has helped to make a real difference for children and families across the county.
Recruitment is underway for her current position.

Nominations for the Staff Excellence Awards open on Wednesday 2 September.
They celebrate the people and teams who make a positive difference across the council, recognising colleagues who demonstrate dedication, leadership, teamwork and commitment.
We'll be sharing stories from previous winners and runners-up, to highlight the impact our people make.
If someone has made a positive difference to you, your team or the people we serve, please submit a nomination.
Nominations close on Wednesday 14 October 2026.
Visit the Staff Excellence webpage to view all the categories.

It was great day last week when the Women's Tour of Britain came to Lancashire.
People visited the county bringing in extra money to the economy, and we were seen worldwide on the media and TV coverage.
Well done to everyone who was involved in the day, and the planning beforehand.
We’re now looking ahead to the Men's Tour de France coming through Lancashire on Saturday 3 July next year.

Employees and managers