Financial Sustainability
Councils are addressing persistent audit concerns and rising costs to secure long-term financial sustainability.
Tower Hamlets Council's financial sustainability remains a significant risk, with external auditors Ernst & Young identifying persistent weaknesses and outstanding statutory recommendations in September 2026. A report to the Audit Committee noted that actions to address issues were often implemented too late. Similarly, Barnet Council accepted all 18 recommendations from a critical financial review in September 2026, which highlighted a widening structural deficit and reliance on Exceptional Financial Support.
Wandsworth Council's Adult Social Care department is facing a projected £3.477 million overspend for the 2026/27 financial year, attributed to increased demand and rising costs, according to a September 2026 report to the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Barnet Council also identified financial sustainability as its highest-scoring strategic risk in September 2026, with the total number of high-level risks increasing from 27 to 30.
To improve financial viability, Richmond upon Thames Council's Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee decided in September 2026 that sports centres will be managed by Greenwich Leisure Limited. Brent's Barham Park Trust Committee approved a redevelopment vision for park buildings in September 2026, aiming to enhance long-term financial sustainability through limited commercial use. Barnet Council's Employment Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet in October 2026, with financial sustainability on its agenda.
Key facts
- Tower Hamlets Council's external auditors identified persistent weaknesses and outstanding statutory recommendations in September 2026. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
- Wandsworth Council's Adult Social Care department faces a projected £3.477 million overspend for 2026/27. Source
- Barnet Council identified financial sustainability as its highest-scoring strategic risk in September 2026. Source
- Barnet Council accepted all 18 recommendations from a financial review in September 2026. Source
- Richmond upon Thames Council decided in September 2026 that sports centres will be managed by Greenwich Leisure Limited to improve financial sustainability. 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 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.