Efficient and Effective Policing
Lancashire Constabulary continued to deliver strong performance within a challenging financial environment. Technology improvements, targeted recruitment and training programmes supported frontline delivery. My Office maintained close oversight through the Accountability Board and quarterly performance reviews, ensuring resources were used effectively to deliver the Police and Crime Plan.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) Report
During 2025/26, there were no new HMICFRS PEEL inspection reports published for Lancashire Constabulary, with the most recent inspection (published December 2024) continuing to evidence strong performance. The Constabulary has spent the year preparing for its next inspection, with activity commencing in the autumn of 2026.
Inspection and assurance activity has continued throughout the year, including thematic reviews and preparation for the next national inspection cycle.
A report outlining progress against HMICFRS recommendations is made quarterly by Lancashire Constabulary to both the Accountability Board, and the Joint Independent Audit Committee, with the opportunity for both bodies to assess progress and share their views.
Several areas for improvement identified in the HMICFRS PEEL inspection outcomes received in December 2024 have been addressed and submitted to HMICFRS for sign-off, demonstrating the Constabulary’s commitment to continuous improvement resulting from the process.
I continuously engage with progress through officer observations of governance meetings in respect of HMICFRS identified areas for improvement, alongside the updates I receive at Accountability Board on a quarterly basis.
Strategic Policing Requirement (SPR)
The Strategic Policing Requirement (SPR) sets out the national threats and policing capabilities that all police forces must have the capacity to respond to, including terrorism, serious and organised crime, cybercrime, and public order. The force has continued to strengthen its capabilities through regional collaboration, intelligence sharing, and investment in specialist resources, ensuring resilience against cross- border and complex threats.
I have maintained scrutiny of the Chief Constable’s delivery against the SPR, seeking assurance that appropriate arrangements are in place to identify risks, mobilise resources effectively, and respond to emerging threats. This includes supporting partnership working with national agencies and neighbouring forces, as well as ensuring that local communities remain protected and informed.
Estates and Infrastructure
In 2025/2026 we continued delivery of a strategic estates programme that focuses on targeted improvements to the Constabulary’s estate and assets. The evidence-based programme of work is driven by my focus on ensuring that our policing estate is fit for purpose in enabling our officers and staff to deliver a truly victim focused service. I am supporting delivery of this work by providing funding for additional resources that are enabling us to deliver our ambitious Capital Programme at appropriate pace.
Progress on new police station for Chorley
This £25 million refurbishment of the former Runshaw College on Euxton Lane at Chorley will replace the existing police station in Chorley town centre. This again will update our ageing estate with state-of-the-art accommodation that will support a range of both local policing and enabling operational functions and services. Early enabling works commenced in October 2024, with main construction commencing September 2025 following granting of full planning determinations. Works are now scheduled to complete in November 2026.
New Pendle Police Station
The new, state of the art, Pendle Police Station officially opens its doors on 22nd April 2026. This £27.5 million investment scheme replaces the existing aged stations in Colne and Nelson, providing brand new accommodation that meets the requirements of our modern policing purpose and a policing base that enables officers and staff to better meet the needs of the local community. Following a COVID enforced delay, design development work commenced in October 2023, with early enabling works starting on site in January 2024. Main construction works started in August 2024 and completed in November 2025, ahead of schedule and under budget. The site includes an adjacent multi-storey car park that is Electric Vehicle (EV) enabled, in anticipation of future fleet development.
HQ Redevelopment – Critical Policing Infrastructure Programme (CPIP)
Critical Policing Infrastructure Programme (CPIP) is our large complex programme of infrastructure replacement and upgrades, driven by Health and Safety requirements and aged estate. Designed to create fit for purpose operational infrastructure that will support delivery of our critical policing requirements into the future. Following full planning approval being granted, the programme is in two phases, totalling fifteen work packages. Work is due to commence in the autumn of 2026.
A revised delivery strategy for the redevelopment of Lancashire Constabulary’s Headquarters in Hutton, South Ribble, was signed off and to ensure a cost effective, fit-for-purpose policing estate to meet the needs for officers, staff and the communities they serve.
As with all our investments, we’re committed to embedding social value at the heart of this project, supporting local communities, strengthening public safety, and contributing to Lancashire’s economy.
Estate Road Map
2025/26 saw a continuation and ongoing development of work to complete a full strategic estate review, to develop a ten- year plan for future provision of fit for purpose policing accommodation across the force area. This will inform and shape our ongoing strategic decision making around locations, timings and how future capital investment will be made. Aligned to the force Target Operating Model, with full Operational and Enabling Services consultation and consideration. The roadmap work will strive to identify opportunities for creating savings and efficiencies through rationalisation of our ageing infrastructure across Lancashire.
The 5 year Capital Programme is reviewed and refreshed each year to ensure focus remains on delivering critical and priority works. This is achieved through a detailed evidence based review of a range of data, including planned schemes, custody and condition surveys, fire risk assessments and maintenance reports, which are then overlaid with the professional knowledge of the force estates team to determine intelligent prioritisation.
