financial crisis
Councils are currently reviewing spending outcomes as part of managing financial challenges.
Wandsworth Council's Children's Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed the outcomes of significant spending in September 2026. This discussion is part of councils' ongoing work to manage financial health, addressing severe financial problems that could lead to service cessation or external intervention.
Croydon Council faced a critical financial crisis in July 2025, reporting a £1.6 billion deficit and seeking government intervention to avoid bankruptcy. The council stated the deficit resulted from balance sheet errors, poor decisions, and increased demand for services such as support for homeless families, children's and adult's social care, and special educational needs transport. It accessed Exceptional Financial Support.
Key facts
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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.