Children in Care
Councils are focusing on strategies to provide sufficient local placements for children in care while managing significant financial pressures from rising costs.
Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet approved a new strategy in November 2026 to ensure sufficient local placements for the 452 children in its care, aiming to tackle inequalities. Councils are also managing significant financial pressures. Newham Council faced a projected £6.17 million budget overspend in September 2026, largely within Children & Young People's Services due to care package costs. Richmond upon Thames' children's services also faced a projected £1.456 million overspend in September 2026, driven by high-cost placements.
To improve support and placement options for children in care, who are looked after by the local authority, Harrow Council made progress on its care leaver support plan in July 2026. It also reaffirmed its commitment to a regional fostering hub in May 2026 to boost carer numbers. Islington's Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee agreed in June 2026 to review looked-after children with an emphasis on fostering. The City of London's Safeguarding & Special Educational Needs Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet in November 2026.
Key facts
- Lewisham Council's Mayor and Cabinet approved a new strategy in November 2026 for 452 children in its care. Source
- Newham Council faced a projected £6.17 million budget overspend in September 2026, partly in Children & Young People's Services. Source
- Richmond upon Thames' children's services faced a projected £1.456 million overspend in September 2026. Source
- Harrow Council made progress on its care leaver support plan in July 2026. Source
- Hackney Council approved up to £24 million in July 2026 for transport services for vulnerable residents, including looked-after children. 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 5 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.