Issue

Exceptional Financial Support (EFS)

12 stories · discussed at 5 council meetings · 7 councils

Councils are grappling with significant budget deficits, with some indicating a future need for Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) to achieve financial stability.

Barnet Council is currently discussing strategies to address a projected £198 million budget deficit by 2029/30, with its Cabinet considering a plan to balance the budget by March 2029, as reported in October 2026. A report to the council's Medium Term Financial Strategy in September 2026 indicated that Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) will be required in 2027-28, with deficits potentially reaching £243.5 million by 2030-31.

Haringey Council faces a £21.7 million budget shortfall for the current financial year, attributed to base budget pressures and non-delivery of planned savings, according to a September 2026 finance update. Havering Council is grappling with an estimated £45 million overspend in its Dedicated Schools Grant, as reported to its Cabinet in September 2026. Croydon Council's Cabinet approved a financial strategy in August 2026 aimed at ending its reliance on EFS by 2027-30.

Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) is a form of temporary financial assistance provided by the government to local authorities facing severe financial difficulties, when local measures are insufficient to balance their budgets. This support is considered a last resort for councils facing significant financial pressures.

Key facts

  1. Barnet Council faces a projected budget deficit of £198 million by the financial year 2029/30. Source 1 Source 2
  2. Barnet Council's Medium Term Financial Strategy indicates that Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) will be required in 2027-28. Source
  3. Haringey Council faces a projected budget shortfall of £21.7 million for the current financial year. Source
  4. Havering Council is grappling with an estimated £45 million overspend in its Dedicated Schools Grant. Source
  5. Croydon Council's Cabinet approved a financial strategy in August 2026 aimed at ending its reliance on Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) by 2027-30. 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 14 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.

Stories, page 2

  1. Lambeth Council Projects £15.9m Overspend Amidst Demand-Led Service Pressures Lambeth Council is facing a projected overspend of £15.9 million for the financial year 2025/26, a figure that, while improved from previous forecasts, highlights significant... Lambeth 3 July 2026
  2. Barnet Council considers 2.98% general council tax increase Barnet Council is considering a 2.98% increase in general council tax for the 2026/27 financial year. The proposal was discussed at a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny... Barnet 13 December 2025
  3. Barnet Council Faces £9 Million Funding Loss Due to London Councils' Transition Barnet Council is facing a potential £9m funding reduction over the next three years as London Councils transitions to a new funding model. The changes could see Barnet lose... Barnet 13 December 2025
  4. Croydon Council to Implement Targeted Strategy for Universal Credit Payment Collections Croydon Council is set to implement a more targeted strategy to improve Universal Credit payment collections within its Homes Directorate. The move comes as the council grapples... Croydon 22 November 2025