Efficiency
Councils are currently focusing on efficiency measures and transformation programmes to address significant budget gaps and improve service delivery.
Sutton Council is currently addressing a projected £36.5 million budget gap over three years, as reported in October 2026. A report to the Strategy and Resources Committee stated that a transformation programme and careful financial management, including efficiencies, are needed to manage rising demand in services such as adult social care, children's social care, housing, and special educational needs and disabilities.
Councils are also reviewing service delivery and IT infrastructure for efficiency. Bromley Council discussed options for its arboricultural service in April 2026, following a review by the Environment and Community Services Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee. In July 2025, Southwark Council expanded its Software-Defined Wide Area Network to improve connectivity and efficiency, according to a discussion at the Joint IT Committee.
The concept of efficiency, which involves achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense, remains a focus for councils. There are no further scheduled discussions on this topic in the provided material.
Key facts
- Sutton Council faces a projected budget gap of £36.5 million over the next three years, as reported in October 2026. Source
- Bromley Council discussed options for its arboricultural service at an Executive meeting on 8 April 2026. Source
- Croydon Council failed to meet the statutory deadline for publishing its 2023-24 final accounts by 28 February 2025. Source
- Southwark Council expanded its Software-Defined Wide Area Network in July 2025 to improve connectivity and efficiency. 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 7 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.