Adult services were the biggest overspenders

Further controls are planned on agency spending by the county council

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Lancashire County Council overspent by £10.6m during 2024/250.95 per cent of its £1.2bn budget.

However, the figure masks overspends by some departments, partially offset by underspends in others.

Adult services exceeded its budget by the largest amount: £21.6m over the £469.8m limit set for the directorate.

A recent report presented to cabinet members noted that workforce costs had been “a consistent pressure”, with agency staff being used to continue to cover sickness absence, vacancies and “retention and recruitment issues”.

Ongoing strike action by social care support staff over pay and working practices was also cited as contributing to the problem.

Further controls are planned on agency spending, in addition to those already in place, which are reported to have already reduced costs to a degree.

Agency workers have been offered permanent contracts or exit dates.