General Fund
Councils are currently addressing General Fund overspends, driven by temporary accommodation and social care costs.
Lambeth Council is facing a projected £9.3 million overspend in its General Fund for the first quarter of 2026/27, attributed to increased temporary accommodation costs, income shortfalls, and pressures in children's and adult social care, a report to the Cabinet said in September 2026. Westminster City Council also reported an £8.2 million overspend for the 2025/26 financial year, primarily due to escalating temporary accommodation costs and children's social care pressures, its Cabinet noted in July 2026.
In June 2026, Kingston Council decided to hold 150 temporary accommodation properties within its General Fund, abandoning plans for a Special Purpose Vehicle, a Corporate and Resources Committee meeting resolved. Conversely, Islington Council reported an £8.5 million surplus on its General Fund for the financial year ending March 2026, driven by strong treasury management and better-than-expected returns on invested funds, Councillor Paul Convery presented in August 2026.
The Mayor and Cabinet of Lewisham Council are scheduled to discuss matters related to the General Fund in October 2026. The General Fund is the main fund used by local authorities to finance their services and account for their general revenue and expenditure.
Key facts
- Lambeth Council faces a projected £9.3 million overspend in its General Fund for Q1 2026/27. Source
- Islington Council reported an £8.5 million surplus on its General Fund for the financial year ending March 2026. Source
- Westminster City Council reported an £8.2 million overspend for the 2025/26 financial year. Source
- Kingston Council resolved in June 2026 to hold 150 temporary accommodation properties within the General Fund. Source
- Enfield Council projected a £7.5 million overspend in its General Fund 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.