Children's Services
Councils are addressing budget overspends and workforce challenges in children's services, with some achieving high performance.
Islington Council is expanding apprenticeships and staff support to address a children's workforce crisis, as reviewed by the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee in October 2026. This comes as Wandsworth's children's services received an 'outstanding' Ofsted rating in September 2026, with inspectors noting responsive social work and a committed workforce. However, Merton Council's children's services faced scrutiny in September 2026 over an increase in formal complaints and delayed responses during the 2025/26 financial year.
Several councils are reporting significant budget pressures in children's services. Hammersmith and Fulham Council faces a projected £14.3 million overspend for 2026/27, partly due to rising costs and demand, a report to Cabinet said in September 2026. Earlier in 2026, Bexley, Hillingdon, Richmond upon Thames, and Enfield Councils also reported projected overspends, driven by increased costs for children with disabilities, intensive home-based care, and placements.
Croydon's Scrutiny Children & Young People Sub-Committee reviewed significant demand pressures in July 2026, including high referral rates to social care and a rapid increase in Education, Health and Care Plans, for children's services which local authorities provide. To address this, Croydon Council is seeking a transformation partner for its 'Helping Families Thrive' programme, aiming for £12 million in savings, with £3.4 million projected for 2026/27, to enhance services and ensure long-term financial resilience.
Key facts
- Islington Council is expanding apprenticeships and staff support to address a children's workforce crisis. Source
- Wandsworth's children's services received an 'outstanding' Ofsted rating in all areas in September 2026. Source
- Hammersmith and Fulham Council faces a projected £14.3 million overspend for 2026/27, partly due to children's services. Source
- Merton Council's children's services logged 44 formal stage 1 complaints in 2025/26, up from 29 the previous year. Source
- Croydon Council's 'Helping Families Thrive' programme aims for £12 million in savings, with £3.4 million projected for 2026/27. 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 3 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.