Constitution
This Constitution explains how decisions at Lancashire County Council are made in an open and democratic way, with scrutiny, accountability and public engagement.
It was last approved by the Full Council on 22 May 2025. It is regularly reviewed and updated. The last full review of the Constitution was guided by these key principles: Accessibility, Accountability, Accuracy, Clarity, Efficiency and Transparency.
1. Introduction
This section provides an explanation of what the Council is and how it works.
2. Public Engagement
This section explains how the public can get involved in Council decision making.
3. Full Council
This section explains how all 84 elected councillors meet to make decisions.
4. Committees
This section sets out the role of the different committees of the Council and how they make decisions.
5. Executive
This section explains the role of the Leader, the Cabinet, and the Cabinet Members.
6. Overview and Scrutiny
This section explains the arrangements the Council has put in place to ensure that decisions are scrutinised.
7. Joint Arrangements
This section sets out the joint arrangements that the Council has made to work in partnership with other councils and bodies.
8. Councillors
This section sets out how councillors work, the payments they receive, and the high standards of conduct expected of them.
9. Officers
This section explains the role of the Council’s staff, which officers take decisions, and high standards of conduct expected of them.
10. Standing Orders
This section sets out the procedural rules which apply to decision making at the Council.
Additional Protocols
These protocols do not form part of the Constitution but should be read in conjunction with the Constitution.
The Constitution
View the Constitution as a full PDF document.