Key messages 5 June 2026

Local Government Reorganisation 

  • In May, councils across Lancashire were asked by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to share their views on the Structural Changes Order (SCO), as part of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

  • The SCO is the legal document that will set out how reorganisation will happen.

  • It will confirm the timetable for the closure of the existing county, unitary and district councils, and the creation of new unitary councils, and will also set out the arrangements for the transition period.

  • On Thursday 4 June, Cabinet agreed to support the proposed joint response from all Lancashire councils and has authorised the Chief Executive to submit it on their behalf.

  • This is an important step in the process, helping to make sure Lancashire’s voice is heard as the Government considers its decision.

  • You can find out more, including the full report, on our council meeting webpage.

  • A number of roles will be created in a Lancashire-wide Programme Delivery Office to help all Lancashire Councils deliver LGR. These are secondment opportunities and are available on the internal vacancy page on Oracle Fusion.  Please ensure that you have your line manager's agreement before applying. The closing date is 14 June. 

Changes to Cabinet portfolios and Lead Member roles

  • Cllr Tom Pickup is now the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care

  • Some new Lead Member roles have been introduced, replacing previous roles. The complete list of Lead Members and areas of responsibility are:

    • Resources, Property and Efficiency - County Councillor Hannah Whalley

    • Growth, Technology and Efficiency - County Councillor Luke Parker

    • Health – County Councillor Dr Lorenzo More

    • Education and Social Care - County Councillor Martyn Sutton

    • Highways and Transport - County Councillor John Clemson

  • For full details of Cabinet and Lead Member roles and responsibilities, see https://council.lancashire.gov.uk/documents/s278830/Appendix%20A.pdf

Increase to mileage rates for business travel 

  • The Government has increased the Approved Mileage Allowance Payments (AMAP) rates for business travel. The new rates apply from 6 April 2026.

    • 55p per mile for the first 10,000 miles (previously 45p)

    • 25p per mile for any miles over 10,000 (no change)

  • Electric vehicle rates remain unchanged:

    • 7p per mile when using a home charger

    • 15p per mile when using a public charger

  • You do not need to take any action. Payroll will apply the new rates automatically and pay any backdated amount. This will be included in June’s pay and backdated to 6 April 2026.

  • See the allowances and expenses table (updated 27 May 2026) on the intranet.

Occupational Health access to Optima Health system ending 

  • Optima Health no longer provides Occupational Health services for the County Council.

  • Access to the Optima Health Portal will remain available until 30 June.

  • During this time, managers can log in to download and save relevant information, including:

    • referrals

    • reports

    • other case-related documents

  • All Optima reports must be downloaded and securely saved in Oracle under the employee’s sickness absence record.

  • You should retrieve and store all required documents before access is withdrawn. Access the portal.

  • If you need support, contact Health.SafetyCYP@lancashire.gov.uk.