structural deficit
Barnet Council is addressing a projected structural deficit, while Greenwich faces auditor concerns over financial sustainability.
Barnet Council formally accepted 18 recommendations from a financial review in September 2026. This review, commissioned by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, highlighted a projected structural deficit of £79.3 million for 2026-27, expected to reach £243.5 million by 2030-31, and a significant reliance on Exceptional Financial Support.
In March 2026, auditors questioned Greenwich Council's financial sustainability. A report to the Audit and Risk Management Panel stated it was unclear how the council would maintain adequate reserves without delivering sufficient savings and service transformation, indicating a persistent imbalance between spending and revenue.
Key facts
- Barnet Council formally accepted 18 recommendations from a financial review in September 2026. Source
- Barnet Council's structural deficit is projected to reach £79.3 million in 2026-27. Source
- Barnet Council's structural deficit is projected to reach £243.5 million by 2030-31. Source
- Greenwich Council's financial sustainability was questioned by auditors in March 2026. Source
- Auditors reported to Greenwich's Audit and Risk Management Panel on March 17, 2026. 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.