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.’
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