children in care
Councils are tackling significant budget overspends for children in care placements, while developing strategies to improve support and services.
Newham Council faces a projected budget overspend of £6.17 million for the current financial year, with a significant portion in Children & Young People's Services, as reported to Cabinet in September 2026. Richmond upon Thames' children's services project a £1.456 million overspend, with £1.810 million specifically for Children Looked After placement costs, heard by the Education and Children's Services Committee in September 2026. These pressures are largely attributed to escalating costs of high-cost placements.
Councils are also investing in and developing strategies to improve care for children who are looked after by a local authority because their parents are unable to care for them. Hackney Council approved up to £24 million in July 2026 for transport services for vulnerable residents, including looked-after children. Barking and Dagenham Council's Cabinet approved a new Looked After Children Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2030 in July 2026 to provide high-quality placements and support.
Harrow Council made progress on its Care Leaver Local Offer in July 2026, developed with care-experienced young people. Hackney Council awarded a contract in June 2026 for two new children's homes, Blossom House and Starbright House, to keep children closer to their communities. Haringey's Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee is scheduled to discuss reports on children in care within the youth justice system and performance updates in September 2026.
Key facts
- Newham Council faces a projected budget overspend of £6.17 million for the current financial year. Source
- Richmond upon Thames' children's services project a £1.456 million overspend for the current financial year. Source
- Hackney Council approved up to £24 million in July 2026 for transport services for vulnerable residents. Source
- Barking and Dagenham Council's Cabinet approved the Looked After Children Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2030 in July 2026. Source
- Hackney Council awarded a contract worth up to £15.1 million over seven years for two new children's homes in June 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.