Board of Deputies: Local elections 2026 community consultation

We are preparing for the local elections in May 2026, including a concise publication to inform candidates, parties and the wider political debate about issues and concerns of Jewish communities relevant to local government. Our intention is that this publication will set out broad parameters and guidelines for local politicians. It will not engage in policy detail.

We invite you to complete the form below to help ensure that our publications and other work around the local elections is representative of a wide range of Jewish communities and groups across the UK, making it more relevant and useful.

Please keep your answers as short and focused as possible. You do not need to answer all questions, only those relevant to your experience. Please respond by 16 January 2026.

Local Elections 2026 Community Consultation

Name

First Name

Last Name

Confirm Email

Please confirm your email address

In what capacity or on behalf of which organisation are you responding?

What is your local authority area?

How would you describe the relationship between your local authority and your Jewish community overall?

0 of 300 max words

You could refer to particular issues or examples of good or bad practice.

Jewish people sometimes have specific needs when engaging with local businesses and public services. This could include kosher food provision, allowances for shabbat observance, or appropriate provision for death and burial. What is your community’s experience of these issues within your local authority, and how would you like to see your local representatives engage in these issues?

0 of 300 max words

What issues do you and Jewish people in your area face in relation to delivery of educational services and how would you like to see them addressed? (You may wish to refer to issues within Jewish and non-Jewish schools; attitudes in schools towards Jewish people and the handling of issues such as antisemitism, Middle East politics, or Holocaust education; or issues relating to further education and campuses).

0 of 300 max words

We know many communities have experienced the effect of international politics on local politics in the context of the war that began on 7 October 2023. Have you experienced issues at council level related to this in your area? Tell us about your experiences (positive or negative) and how you would like to see local authorities respond to international conflict.

0 of 300 max words

We have heard from Jewish communities about the effect of conflict involving Israel on the public sphere and public services. This includes protests in public areas and conduct by workers providing public services (e.g. in healthcare). Tell us to what extent this has affected you or your community and how you would like to see these issues addressed at the local level.

0 of 300 max words

To what extent do Jewish people in your community feel able to gather and worship safely? Are there more security measures and practices you would like to see implemented?

0 of 300 max words

How would you like to see your local authority and civil society relate to the promotion of Jewish life, culture, and heritage in your area?

0 of 300 max words

You may wish to refer to engagement with the first Jewish Culture Month taking place May-June 2026, or projects such as the Jewish Heritage Plaque Scheme.

What issues do you and your community face in relation to planning and housing in your area and how might these be addressed?

0 of 300 max words

You may wish to refer for example to particular housing needs for Jewish communities; provision for community buildings; or provision for eruvs.

Please tell us about anything else you would like to add.

0 of 300 max words

You may wish to refer for example to particular housing needs for Jewish communities; provision for community buildings; or provision for eruvs.

Data Processing Consent

I agree to the Privacy Policy.

If you are human, leave this field blank.

If you have any queries about this form, please email info@bod.org.uk with the subject line "Local Elections 2026".