complex needs
Councils are currently defining and addressing the challenges of complex needs in areas like anti-social behaviour, housing, and children's services.
In October 2026, Southwark's Health, Adult Social Care and Community Safety Scrutiny Commission questioned the scope of a review into complex needs and street-based anti-social behaviour, raising concerns about its limitations and the definition of the target group. Earlier, in June 2026, Islington Council's Executive approved a new framework for supported housing and floating support, aiming to improve services for residents with complex needs, including those experiencing mental health challenges and homelessness.
Richmond Council's children's services are facing a projected £1.4 million overspend for 2026, primarily due to the rising costs of placing children with complex needs in care. A report to the Education and Children's Services Committee in February 2026 noted that the complexity of needs, not the number of children, is driving up placement costs. Complex needs refer to individuals with multiple, interconnected challenges requiring specialized support.
Key facts
- Southwark's Health, Adult Social Care and Community Safety Scrutiny Commission questioned the scope of a review into complex needs in October 2026. Source
- Islington Council's Executive approved a new eight-year framework for supported housing for complex needs in June 2026. Source
- Richmond Council's children's services face a projected £1.4 million overspend for 2026 due to complex needs. Source
- A report to Richmond's Education and Children's Services Committee in February 2026 noted increased complexity of needs driving placement costs. 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 22 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.