General Fund revenue budget
Councils are grappling with significant General Fund revenue budget overspends for 2026/27, primarily driven by social care and housing pressures.
Hounslow Council is forecasting a £2.8 million overspend for the 2026/27 financial year, primarily due to pressures in Children and Adult Services, as reported to its Cabinet in September 2026. Similarly, Newham Council's Cabinet noted a projected £5.9 million overspend for the same year in July 2026, attributed to demand-led pressures in Adult and Children's Social Care, and housing costs. These figures highlight ongoing challenges in managing day-to-day service funding.
Wandsworth Council is exploring a potential council tax increase to address a significant budget shortfall, including loss of government funding and depleting reserves, as discussed by its Cabinet in July 2026. Westminster City Council's Cabinet also discussed its 2025/26 financial outturn in July 2026, revealing an £8.2 million General Fund revenue overspend and a projected £161 million budget gap by 2030, driven by reduced government funding and rising service demands.
The General Fund revenue budget is the main budget for a local authority's day-to-day spending, covering most of its services. While some councils face overspends, Kensington and Chelsea Council reported an underspend of £5.207 million in its 2024/25 General Fund revenue budget, transferring surplus funds to reserves, as discussed by its Overview & Scrutiny Committee in July 2025. No upcoming meetings are currently scheduled to discuss this topic.
Key facts
- Hounslow Council forecasts a £2.8 million overspend for the 2026/27 financial year, driven by Children and Adult Services pressures. Source
- Newham Council projects a £5.9 million overspend for the 2026/27 financial year, due to social care and housing pressures. Source
- Wandsworth Council is considering a council tax increase to address a significant budget shortfall. Source
- Westminster City Council faces a projected budget deficit of £161 million by 2030. Source
- Westminster City Council had an £8.2 million overspend in its General Fund revenue for 2025/26. 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.