Ellie Ames 06 July 2023

More councillors feel at risk of abuse

More councillors feel at risk of abuse image
Image: asiandelight / Shutterstock.com.

The number of local councillors who have reported feeling at risk in their role due to abuse and intimidation has increased in the last year, according to a new LGA survey.

Of the 793 councillors in England and Wales who responded to the survey, 82% said they felt at risk at least some of the time while fulfilling their role, and 81% said they had experienced intimidation or abuse in the last year.

On the final day of its annual conference, the Local Government Association (LGA) is warning that a rise in abuse is preventing councillors from representing the communities they serve, deterring individuals from standing for election and undermining local democracy.

Cllr Marianne Overton, chair of the LGA’s civility in public life steering group, said that the issue of abuse and intimidation ‘risks forcing good councillors out of local politics altogether’.

The LGA has said that the Government should work with police to set out clear and consistent guidance to help address the abuse, intimidation and harassment of councillors.

The organisation also said that councillors had reported that the issue was worsened by social media.

It has urged the Government to ensure that the experience of councillors on social media is considered in any new Ofcom guidance mandated by the Online Safety Bill.

Cllr Overton said: ‘Robust debate and scrutiny are critical parts of a healthy democracy, ensuring people are able to express their views and that people in public life are held to account.

‘However, there is a clear line between debate and abuse, which should not be crossed.’

Sign up here to receive our free daily news and jobs bulletin.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Passenger Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£24,796 - £25,989 per annum pro rata
The team delivers approximately 250,000 passenger journeys per year including 20,000 wheelchair user journeys. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Corporate Director – Adults & Health

Newham London Borough Council
£170,601 - £189,924
Lead Change. Shape Lives. Be Part of Something New. Newham, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Newham London Borough Council

Assistant Director, People

Essex County Council
£89,116 - £104,843 per annum
Experience the best of both worlds with our flexible hybrid working arrangements. England, Essex, Chelmsford / Hybrid
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Swimming Instructor

North Yorkshire Council
£15.06 - £16.35 per hour
We are looking for dedicated and enthusiastic Level 2 Swim Teachers to join our leisure centre. Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Housing Hub officer

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band D, SCP 9 -17 (£27,254- £31,022 per annum)
Have you got a passion for giving excellent customer service? Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner