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Local Government: Israel

Asked by Sir James CleverlyConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 16 June 2026UIN 8085

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Answer of 8 April 2026 to Question 122686 on Local Government: Israel, whether his Department will take any Best Value or regulatory intervention against local authorities which adopt anti-Israeli boycotts or divestment policies.

Answered by Alison McGovern

Cabinet Office Procurement Policy Note 01/16 remains in force which prohibits procurement boycotts by public authorities against Israeli firms and firms which trade with Israel unless formal government sanctions are in place.

Decisions to intervene in a local authority pursuant to the Local Government Act 1999 are only be taken when there are significant, systemic and extensive indications of Best Value failure. There is published guidance for local authorities on meeting the Best Value Duty and on intervention.

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