children's social care
Councils are grappling with significant financial overspends in children's social care, driven by rising demand and complex cases.
Councils are reporting significant financial pressures in children's social care, leading to projected overspends. Bromley Council projects a £4.5 million overspend for 2026-27 due to placement costs and staffing, as reported in September 2026. Lewisham Council faces a projected £6.5 million General Fund overspend for 2026/27, partly from increased school transport expenses, according to a September 2026 report. Tower Hamlets Council projected an £18.6 million General Fund overspend for 2025-26, driven by increased demand in children's social care and SEND provision, as reported in July 2026.
The complexity of cases within children's social care is increasing, with Richmond upon Thames reporting a 73% surge in statutory complaints in 2025-26, linked to placement-related concerns, according to a September 2026 report. In response, Hackney Council implemented its 'Families First Partnership' programme in May 2026, overhauling children's social care to prioritise early intervention and multi-agency collaboration, as discussed in September 2026. Croydon's Scrutiny Children & Young People Sub-Committee noted high referral rates to children's social care and a rapid increase in Education, Health and Care Plans in June 2026.
Councils continue to discuss children's social care, with Lambeth's Cabinet and Finance and Budget Scrutiny Committee reviewing financial performance in September 2026. Hackney's Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission discussed the Families First Partnership reforms in September 2026. Hammersmith and Fulham established a new Families, Health and Care Policy and Accountability Committee in June 2026 to scrutinise health and care services, including children's issues.
Key facts
- Bromley Council projects a £4.5 million overspend in children's social care for 2026-27. Source
- Lewisham Council projects a £6.5 million General Fund overspend for 2026/27, partly from increased school transport expenses. Source
- Richmond upon Thames reported a 73% surge in statutory complaints in children's services in 2025-26. Source
- Hackney Council implemented its 'Families First Partnership' programme in May 2026. Source
- Tower Hamlets Council projected an £18.6 million General Fund overspend for 2025-26. Source 1 Source 2 Source 3
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. 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.