The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Haringey Council met on Thursday 17 September 2026 to discuss the council's financial position and priorities for the upcoming year. Key discussions included a significant Q1 financial forecast overspend, the council's approach to transformation and community engagement, and the challenges of delivering savings.

Financial Update and Savings Delivery

The committee received an update on the council's financial position, with a Q1 forecast indicating an overspend of £21.7 million against the budgeted £353 million for the year. This overspend is attributed to both base budget pressures and a significant shortfall in the delivery of agreed savings, particularly in cross-cutting areas. Councillor Johann Beckford, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, acknowledged the challenging financial situation, noting that the council's reliance on Exceptional Financial Support (EFS) from the government was unsustainable and punitive. The council is forecasting a need for £104 million in EFS if current trends continue, exceeding the £84 million agreed with the government.

Taryn Eves, Corporate Director of Finance and Resources, explained that while Q1 forecasts often present a pessimistic view, the scale of the overspend, particularly the £10.3 million in corporate budgets due to undelivered savings, was a cause for concern. She highlighted that the non-delivery of savings, a recurring issue noted by auditors, was a major factor contributing to the financial difficulties. The committee was informed that while directorate-specific savings were largely on track, cross-council savings were significantly underperforming, with only 54% delivery forecast against an £8.7 million target.

The committee also heard about pressures within specific areas, including an £8.4 million overspend in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), largely due to increased demand and costs for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is forecasting a deficit, primarily driven by a higher-than-budgeted level of void properties and increased costs for temporary accommodation.

In response to the financial challenges, the council is undertaking a review of its capital programme to reduce borrowing. The committee was also informed about the upcoming CIPFA review of the council's financial management and governance as part of the EFS process.

Transformation, Community Engagement, and Council Priorities

Councillor Mark Blake, Leader of the Council, outlined the administration's priorities for the next 12 months, emphasizing improvements in financial performance, housing, and a reduction in complaints. He highlighted the upcoming budget process as potentially the most demanding in the council's history, given the financial situation and the need for cross-party support.

A key initiative discussed was the Popular Assets Commission (PAC), which aims to transform how the council views and utilises its public assets, moving from community engagement to community control. Councillor Blake stressed that this initiative is not financially driven but is rooted in the Green Party manifesto and aims to empower communities, particularly in deprived areas like Northumberland Park. Andy Donald, Chief Executive, elaborated on the PAC's discovery phase and the need to mobilize the organization.

The council has secured £4-5 million in government funding for transformation work, specifically targeted at adult social care, housing needs, and children's services. This funding will focus on preventing or delaying demand for crisis services, disrupting markets, empowering communities and the voluntary sector, and improving back-office systems and processes.

Councillor Blake also detailed plans for improving community engagement through a series of town hall meetings across the borough, aiming to foster more face-to-face communication and accountability. He also highlighted the establishment of a Renters Forum as a commitment to engaging with impacted groups.

Specific Issues and Concerns

• Housing Voids: The persistent issue of housing voids was a significant concern, with the council struggling to meet its targets. While progress has been made on temporary accommodation voids, the overall problem remains.
• Tottenham Hotspur: Councillor Blake expressed disquiet regarding the non-footballing events agreed with Tottenham Hotspur, believing the current deal is not beneficial for the local area. He has asked officers to explore challenging the planning agreement and conducting an independent review of the club's social impact claims.
• Council House Building Programme: The council remains supportive of its council house building programme, viewing it as a strong investment, though issues of slippage are being addressed.
• Savings Delivery: The committee expressed concern over the consistent under-delivery of cross-cutting savings. There was a call for greater realism in setting savings targets and a focus on transformation rather than incremental cuts.
• Digital Transformation: The slow progress and impact of delayed digital transformation projects, such as the ERP system and service modernisation programmes, were highlighted as having significant knock-on effects on service delivery, staffing, and morale. The committee questioned who was overseeing these interconnected projects and ensuring clear priorities.
• Leisure Services and Property: Issues surrounding lease arrangements in leisure services and delays in the corporate property strategy were raised, with concerns about transparency and delivery. The committee suggested a deeper dive into commercial property matters.
• Risk Management: The committee requested a dedicated focus on risk management in future meetings, particularly concerning potential impacts from the Housing Inspectorate and CQC inspections, and how these risks are being mitigated.

The meeting also touched upon the council's stance against school academisation, its commitment to a two-year freeze on service charges (though this is subject to budget challenges), and the ongoing impact of the cost of living crisis. The committee's work programme for the coming months includes deep dives into procurement and contracts, and a session on group-based sexual exploitation of children.