General Fund overspend
Councils are projecting significant General Fund overspends for 2025/26 and 2026/27, primarily due to rising social care and homelessness costs.
Richmond Council projected a £3.1 million General Fund overspend for the first quarter of 2026/27 in September 2026, driven by social care and homelessness pressures. Councillor Jim Millard stated demand for services is outstripping capacity despite £5.6 million in mitigating actions. This follows several councils reporting substantial overspends for the 2025/26 financial year.
Brent Council projected an £18.3 million overspend for 2025/26, while Tower Hamlets Council projected £18.6 million, both primarily due to adult social care, children's social care, and homelessness costs. Hackney Council noted a £5.4 million overspend for 2025/26, driven by rising children's services and adult social care costs, including SEND provision.
The General Fund overspend refers to a projected deficit in a council's main revenue account. Lambeth Council faced a £15.9 million overspend for 2025/26, as noted by its Cabinet in July 2026. No upcoming meetings are currently scheduled to specifically discuss the General Fund overspend.
Key facts
- Richmond Council projected a £3.1 million General Fund overspend for the first quarter of 2026/27 in September 2026. Source
- Brent Council projected an £18.3 million General Fund overspend for the 2025/26 financial year in July 2026. Source
- Tower Hamlets Council projected an £18.6 million General Fund overspend for the 2025/26 financial year in July 2026. Source
- Hackney Council projected a £5.4 million General Fund overspend for the 2025/26 financial year in July 2026. Source
- Lambeth Council faced a £15.9 million General Fund overspend for the 2025/26 financial year in July 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.