Children's social care services
Councils are focusing on improving children's social care services while managing significant financial pressures.
Hillingdon Council was appointed a Children's Improvement Team provider in September 2026, a recognition of its children's services quality. This role, part of a government approach, involves supporting other councils to improve their services, as explained by Councillor Susan O'Brien. Separately, Redbridge Council is piloting national reforms, receiving £5 million funding, with a "One Year On" report in September 2026 highlighting positive early impacts on family help and assessments.
Councils continue to address financial pressures affecting children's social care services, provided by local authorities to support children and families. Hillingdon Council faced a £5.1 million overspend in Children's Social Care in November 2025, contributing to a wider £30.2 million council overspend. Waltham Forest also reported a £31.4 million budget overspend in September 2025, partly due to children's services. Havering Council extended its Starting Well Improvement Plan in August 2025, following a Department for Education notice, to bolster its services.
Key facts
- Hillingdon Council was appointed a Children's Improvement Team provider in September 2026. Source
- Redbridge Council received £5 million funding to pilot national children's social care reforms. Source
- Hillingdon Council faced a £5.1 million overspend in Children's Social Care in November 2025. Source
- Waltham Forest reported a £31.4 million budget overspend in September 2025, partly due to children's services. Source
- Havering Council extended its Starting Well Improvement Plan in August 2025, following a DfE notice. 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.