budget overspend
Several councils are currently addressing projected budget overspends, primarily driven by pressures in social care and housing services.
Newham Council is facing a projected budget overspend of £6.17 million for the current financial year, as reported to Cabinet in September 2026, with Adults & Health and Children & Young People's Services being the main contributors due to demand and cost pressures. In the same month, Redbridge Council reported a projected £8.485 million overspend for 2026/27, driven by pressures in Place, Communities and Enterprise, Children and Education, and Adult Social Care, with rigorous challenge sessions in place to identify savings. Richmond upon Thames Council's Adult Social Care services are also facing a projected £0.514 million overspend for the first quarter of 2026-27 due to demand-led pressures.
Across councils, significant budget overspends, where expenditure exceeds allocated funds, are largely attributed to demand-led pressures in social care and housing. In July 2026, Newham Council projected a £5.9 million overspend for 2026/27, primarily due to Adult and Children's Social Care and housing costs. Hillingdon Council discussed a £29 million overspend for 2025/26 in June 2026, noting improvements compared to earlier forecasts, while Bexley Council forecast a £1.361 million overspend for 2025/26 in April 2026, citing an improved financial position.
Key facts
- Newham Council is facing a projected budget overspend of £6.17 million for the current financial year. Source
- Redbridge Council is facing a projected budget overspend of £8.485 million for the 2026/27 financial year. Source
- Richmond upon Thames Council's Adult Social Care services are facing a projected budget overspend of £0.514 million for Q1 2026-27. Source
- Hillingdon Council discussed a £29 million budget overspend for the 2025/26 financial year in June 2026. Source
- Bexley Council forecast a budget overspend of £1.361 million for the 2025/26 financial year in April 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.