safeguarding concerns
Councils are currently addressing a rise in safeguarding concerns, particularly for vulnerable adults, and implementing measures to protect individuals.
Councils are currently addressing a rise in safeguarding concerns for vulnerable adults. Barnet's Safeguarding Adults Board reported 2,292 concerns completed in 2025-26, with risks reduced or removed in over 92% of cases. Neglect and acts of omission were the most prevalent types of abuse. A report to Hackney's Adults Health and Integration Scrutiny Commission revealed concerns tripled to 2,798 in 2025-26, noting a rise in self-neglect and younger adult cases. In Richmond upon Thames, self-neglect accounted for 28% of adult safeguarding concerns in 2025-26, according to the Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report.
Lambeth's Adult Social Care services received an overall 'Good' rating from the Care Quality Commission in May 2026, with an 'Outstanding' rating for Equity in Experiences and Outcomes. In October 2025, Greenwich councillors deferred a decision on a proposed house in multiple occupation in Kidbrooke, citing safeguarding concerns and requesting input from children's services. Bexley schools are also set to implement a ban on mobile phones for pupils by September 2026, following discussions at the Children's Services and Education Overview and Scrutiny Committee in June 2026, to reduce distractions.
Safeguarding concerns relate to issues or suspicions of harm, abuse, or neglect involving vulnerable individuals, including children and adults.
Key facts
- Barnet's Safeguarding Adults Board reported 2,292 safeguarding concerns completed in 2025-26. Source
- In Barnet, risks were reduced or removed in over 92% of safeguarding cases in 2025-26. Source
- Hackney saw safeguarding concerns triple from 1,780 in 2024/25 to 2,798 in 2025/26. Source
- In Richmond upon Thames, self-neglect accounted for 28% of adult safeguarding concerns in 2025-26. Source
- Greenwich councillors deferred a decision on a proposed HMO in Kidbrooke in October 2025 due to safeguarding concerns. 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 6 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.