Children's services
Councils are currently addressing significant financial pressures and workforce challenges in children's services.
Bexley Council forecasts a £0.6 million overspend in its children's services due to rising demand and agency staff costs, as reported in October 2026. Wandsworth Council also projects a £5.3 million overspend for the current financial year, driven by increased demand in children's services and social care, according to its Quarter 1 Financial Monitoring report in October 2026.
Islington Council is addressing a critical shortage in its children's workforce by expanding apprenticeships and staff support, as reviewed by the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee in October 2026. In September 2026, Wandsworth's children's services received an 'outstanding' rating from Ofsted in all areas, while Merton Council's children's services faced scrutiny over increased complaints and delayed responses in September 2026.
Other councils are also reporting significant financial pressures, with Hammersmith and Fulham Council facing a projected £14.3 million overspend for 2026/27, partly due to children's services, as reported in September 2026. Croydon Council is seeking a transformation partner for its Children, Young People and Education Directorate to implement a £12 million savings initiative, with £3.4 million projected for 2026/27.
Key facts
- Bexley Council forecasts a £0.6 million overspend in its revenue budget due to increased demand in social care services, as of October 2026. Source
- Wandsworth Council is forecasting a £5.3 million overspend for the current financial year, driven by increased demand in social care and children's services, as of October 2026. Source
- Islington Council is implementing a strategy to address a critical shortage in its children's workforce, focusing on apprenticeships and staff support, as of October 2026. Source
- Wandsworth's children's services achieved an 'outstanding' rating from Ofsted in all areas in September 2026. Source
- Hammersmith and Fulham Council faces a projected £14.3 million overspend on its revenue budget for 2026/27, with children's services contributing to this, as of September 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 22 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.