Children in care
Councils are currently addressing significant budget overspends and escalating costs for children in care placements.
Newham Council is facing a projected budget overspend of £6.17 million for the current financial year, with a majority in Children & Young People's Services, as reported in September 2026. Similarly, Richmond upon Thames' children's services are facing a projected £1.456 million overspend, with £1.810 million attributed to high-cost children's home placements, heard by the Education and Children's Services Committee in September 2026.
Croydon Council is experiencing persistent delays in issuing Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), with only 38% finalised within the statutory timeframe, highlighted by a Scrutiny Children & Young People Sub-Committee in October 2026. To improve placement sufficiency, Barking and Dagenham Council's Cabinet approved a new Looked After Children Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2030 in July 2026, aiming to provide high-quality placements. Hackney Council also awarded a contract for two new children's homes in June 2026.
Southwark's Corporate Parenting Committee is scheduled to discuss the draft Corporate Parenting Strategy and Delivery Plan 2026-2030 on 21 October 2026. This follows a trend of councils reviewing their strategies for children who are looked after by a local authority because their parents are unable to care for them. In July 2026, Barnet Council resolved to investigate child exploitation concerns, including participation in Operation Beaconport.
Key facts
- Croydon Council finalised only 38% of EHCPs within the statutory 20-week timeframe, as highlighted in October 2026. Source
- Newham Council is facing a projected budget overspend of £6.17 million for the current financial year, reported in September 2026. Source
- Richmond upon Thames' children's services are facing a projected £1.456 million overspend, with £1.810 million for Children Looked After placements, heard in September 2026. Source
- Hackney Council approved a £24 million investment for transport services for vulnerable residents, including looked-after children, in July 2026. Source
- Barking and Dagenham Council's Cabinet approved the Looked After Children Sufficiency Strategy 2026-2030 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 21 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.