Issue

Children's Services

18 stories · discussed at 7 council meetings · 15 councils

Councils are currently discussing financial pressures on children's services, while Wandsworth's services received an 'outstanding' Ofsted rating.

Wandsworth's children's services were rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted in September 2026, with inspectors highlighting highly responsive social work, skilled practitioners, and strong leadership. Concurrently, Hammersmith and Fulham Council is facing a projected £14.3 million overspend for the 2026/27 financial year, partly attributed to increased demand and rising costs in children's services, as reported to the Cabinet in September 2026.

Merton Council's children's services are under scrutiny due to a significant increase in formal complaints and delayed responses, with 44 stage 1 complaints logged in 2025/26, a report noted in September 2026. Separately, Croydon Council's Scrutiny Children & Young People Sub-Committee reviewed the transformation of its Children, Young People and Education Directorate in July 2026, noting significant demand pressures and a rapid increase in Education, Health and Care Plans.

Several other councils have reported substantial overspends in children's services in 2026. Bexley's Children's Services faced a projected £2.234 million overspend in March 2026, while Hillingdon Council's children's services contributed £6.1 million to a larger budget overspend in March 2026. Richmond upon Thames also projected a £1.4 million overspend in February 2026, primarily due to rising costs of placing children in care.

Key facts

  1. Wandsworth's children's services were rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted in September 2026. Source
  2. Hammersmith and Fulham Council faces a projected £14.3 million overspend for 2026/27, partly due to children's services. Source
  3. Merton Council's children's services logged 44 formal stage 1 complaints in 2025/26, up from 29 the previous year. Source
  4. Bexley's Children's Services faced a projected overspend of £2.234 million in March 2026. Source
  5. Hillingdon Council's children's services contributed £6.1 million to a £36.3 million budget overspend in March 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.

Stories, page 2

  1. Hillingdon Council Faces £36.3 Million Budget Overspend Driven by Social Care and Housing Pressures Hillingdon Council is facing a significant budget overspend of £36.3 million for the current financial year, primarily driven by increased demand in children's services, adult... Hillingdon 23 March 2026
  2. Richmond Children's Services Face £1.4m Overspend Driven by Placement Costs Richmond Council's children's services are facing a projected overspend of £1.4 million, primarily driven by the rising costs of placing children in care. This financial... Richmond upon Thames 1 February 2026
  3. H&F Council Proposes £17.9m Savings and Council Tax Hike Amidst Financial Pressures Hammersmith and Fulham Council is planning to make savings of £17.9 million for the 2026/27 financial year as part of its Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The proposals... Hammersmith and Fulham 30 January 2026
  4. Hammersmith and Fulham Council Proposes Nearly 3% Council Tax Increase for 2026/27 Budget Hammersmith and Fulham Council is proposing to increase Council Tax by nearly 3% for residents as part of its budget for the 2026/27 financial year. The increase, which includes... Hammersmith and Fulham 30 January 2026
  5. Croydon Council seeks transformation partner for CYPE Directorate's 'Helping Families Thrive' program Croydon Council is seeking a strategic transformation partner to drive forward significant changes within its Children, Young People and Education (CYPE) Directorate, aiming to... Croydon 22 January 2026
  6. H&F Faces £2.16M Overspend Amid Social Care Pressures, Temporary Housing Costs, and Children's Services Hammersmith and Fulham Council is facing a projected £2.16 million overspend in its General Fund, primarily due to rising pressures in adult social care, temporary... Hammersmith and Fulham 10 December 2025
  7. Bexley Council Faces £2.37M Overspend, Adult Social Care Hit Hardest Bexley Council is facing a £2.37 million overspend, primarily driven by challenges in Adult Social Care, according to the latest budget monitoring report. The Public Cabinet... Bexley 1 December 2025
  8. Enfield Council Faces £3.3 Million Overspend in Children's Services Amidst Broader Financial Challenges Enfield Council is grappling with a significant financial challenge, projecting a £3.3 million overspend in its children's services. This contributes to a larger £7.5 million... Enfield 23 November 2025