Capital programme
Councils are currently addressing significant budget overspends and rising debt linked to capital programme investments.
Councils are currently addressing significant budget overspends and shortfalls, impacting their ability to manage their capital programmes, which are plans for long-term investments in assets such as buildings and infrastructure. Lambeth Council is facing a projected £9.3 million overspend in its first quarter of 2026/27, as presented to the Cabinet in September 2026. Haringey Council faces a £21.7 million budget shortfall for the current financial year, according to a September 2026 report to the Cabinet, while Newham Council reported a projected £6.17 million overspend for the same period.
The financial pressures extend to council debt, with Hounslow Council's total external debt surging to £664.41 million, primarily driven by borrowing for its capital programme, as detailed in a September 2026 Treasury Management Annual Report. Bromley Council also faced a £7.8 million capital spending shortfall for the 2025/26 financial year due to project slippage, with expenditure re-phased into 2026/27, revealed in June 2026. Councils continue to discuss financial outturns and medium-term financial planning, with several committees reviewing these topics in recent months.
Key facts
- Lambeth Council is facing a projected £9.3 million overspend in its first quarter financial performance for 2026/27. Source
- Haringey Council is facing a projected budget shortfall of £21.7 million for the current financial year. Source
- Newham Council is facing a projected budget overspend of £6.17 million for the current financial year. Source
- Hounslow Council's total external debt surged to £664.41 million, primarily driven by borrowing for the capital programme. Source
- Bromley Council faced a capital spending shortfall of £7.8 million for the 2025/2026 financial year due to project slippage. 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.