Responsible Investment
Councils are debating divestment from ethically questionable investments and updating responsible investment policies, an approach considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.
Public speakers urged Kensington and Chelsea Council in October 2026 to divest its pension fund from companies linked to West Bank settlements and adopt Pillar 3 of the London CIV's responsible investment framework (story 10899). Separately, Brent Pension Fund Sub-Committee was scheduled in October 2026 to consider the Fund's exposure to businesses listed on a UN database, reflecting ongoing scrutiny of ethically questionable investments (meeting 2026-10-07).
Several councils are updating their responsible investment policies and Investment Strategy Statements (ISS). Harrow Pension Fund is revising its ISS by September 2026 to include its approach to responsible investment, following new government guidance (story 6802). Lambeth Pension Fund adopted a target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040 in its updated ISS in March 2026 (story 7156). Sutton Pension Fund approved a revised policy in March 2026 prioritising engagement over divestment (story 6973).
Barnet Pension Fund resolved in September 2026 to develop an oversight governance framework for the London Collective Investment Vehicle (LCIV) to strengthen scrutiny of pooled investment arrangements (story 9550). The Pensions Committee of Camden Council was scheduled in October 2026 to consider updates on responsible investment and engagement activities (meeting 2026-10-21). Kensington and Chelsea's Investment Committee is scheduled to meet in October 2026.
Key facts
- Public speakers urged Kensington and Chelsea Council to divest its pension fund from companies linked to West Bank settlements in October 2026. Source
- Barnet Pension Fund resolved to develop an oversight governance framework for the London Collective Investment Vehicle (LCIV) in September 2026. Source
- Harrow Pension Fund is set to revise its Investment Strategy Statement by September 2026, including its approach to responsible investment. Source
- Lambeth Pension Fund set a target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040 in its Investment Strategy Statement, approved in March 2026. Source
- Sutton Pension Fund approved a revised responsible investment policy in March 2026, prioritising an engagement-led strategy. Source
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 22 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.