safeguarding
Councils are currently addressing rising domestic abuse referrals, improving adult social care, and enhancing strategies to protect vulnerable individuals from harm.
Barnet Council is responding to a 24% surge in domestic abuse referrals, which is placing pressure on resources, as reported in September 2026 by the Interim Assistant Director of Children's Safeguarding. This follows the launch of Barnet's 'Step in Barnet' strategy to combat domestic abuse and violence against women and girls in March 2026. Meanwhile, Islington's adult social care services, which involve safeguarding vulnerable adults, are investigating factors behind exceeding their care home admission target for 2025/26, as noted in September 2026.
Hammersmith and Fulham Council is enhancing its strategy to combat cuckooing, a form of exploitation of vulnerable residents, as reported in July 2026. Redbridge's Children and Young People Committee agreed in July 2026 to conduct 'deep dive' reviews into safeguarding as a key priority for 2026-27. Bromley Council's Executive agreed in June 2026 to extend a mental health services partnership until November 2028, aiming for improvements in safeguarding arrangements.
Several councils are focusing on strategic oversight and training. Enfield Council's Cabinet adopted a 10-year Serious Violence Strategy in September 2026, taking a public health approach to address root causes. Newham Council's Standards Committee outlined a Councillor Development Programme for 2026/27 in March 2026, which includes safeguarding as a training topic. Harrow Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee highlighted safeguarding as a key priority for 2025-2026, including an examination of the Inspecting Local Authority Children's Services review.
Key facts
- Barnet saw a 24% increase in domestic abuse referrals over the past year, reported in September 2026. Source
- Islington's adult social care services exceeded their 2025/26 care home admission target with 197 admissions. Source
- Enfield Council's Cabinet adopted a 10-year Serious Violence Strategy for 2026-35 in September 2026. Source
- Redbridge's Children and Young People Committee agreed in July 2026 to conduct 'deep dive' reviews into safeguarding. Source
- Bromley Council's Executive agreed in June 2026 to extend a mental health services partnership until November 2028. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. 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.