responsible investment policy
Councils are navigating government guidance on conflict zone investments while some pension funds update responsible investment policies with net-zero targets.
In July 2026, the Barking and Dagenham Pensions Committee noted the government's directive that decisions on boycotts, divestment, and sanctions are exclusively central government matters. This followed earlier discussions by the Barking and Dagenham Pension Committee in December 2025 regarding divestment from Israeli companies. Separately, in March 2026, the Kingston upon Thames Pension Fund set a net-zero emissions target by 2050, revising its Responsible Investment Policy to include specific exclusions and allocating 10% to impact investments, such as affordable housing.
Several councils are reviewing their Responsible Investment Policies in response to concerns about human rights. In October 2025, Kingston Council decided to review its policy to strengthen it with international best practices and clear exclusion criteria. This followed a September 2025 decision by the Kingston upon Thames Pension Fund Panel to review its policy, considering divestment from companies on the UN list of alleged human rights violators. Sutton Council's Pension Fund also began a review in July 2025 after a petition concerning investments in Palestine.
A Responsible Investment Policy guides a pension fund's ethical and sustainable investment practices, incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Councils continue to review and update these policies, balancing fiduciary responsibilities with ethical considerations. No upcoming meetings are currently listed with this topic on their agenda.
Key facts
- The Barking and Dagenham Pensions Committee noted the government's directive on conflict zone investments in July 2026. Source
- Kingston upon Thames Pension Fund set a net-zero emissions target by 2050 in March 2026. Source
- Kingston Pension Fund's updated policy in March 2026 allocates 10% towards impact investments. Source
- Barking and Dagenham's Pension Committee discussed divestment from Israeli companies in December 2025. Source
- Sutton Pension Fund began a review of its investment policy in July 2025 following a petition. 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.