Councils could soon be able to suspend members who violate codes of conduct and will no longer be required to publish the home addresses of councillors, the Deputy Prime Minister told the Local Government Association (LGA) conference.

In the keynote address of the conference, Angela Rayner announced that the Government will consult on reform of the local government standards framework, including a proposal to allow for the suspension of members who violate codes of conduct.

‘I’ve been made aware of cases of persistent bullying and harassment by councillors, even in some cases leading to victims’ resignations. We don’t have a system that protects victims or empowers councils to deal with unacceptable behaviour. And this cannot go on.’

Ms Rayner also told delegates the Government ‘shall always have your back’ and said the decision to remove the requirement to publish the home addresses of members would help protect councillors from death threats and other forms of intimidation.

A recent LGA survey found that one in five councillors has received a death threat or threat of violence.

The Government will also allow councils to decide for themselves whether to hold meetings virtually or implement proxy votes for councillors, Ms Rayner said, a move that would ‘make it possible for people from all parts of life to have a stake in local democracy’.

Cllr Louise Gittins, chair of the LGA, and Cllr Marianne Overton, chair of the LGA Civility in Public Life Steering Group, welcomed the new measures, adding: ‘The LGA looks forward to working with the Government to ensure that proposals on councillor standards, declaring home addresses, and making sure virtual attendance at council meetings works and is in the interest of councils and their communities.’

Check out: Helping to tackle bullying and harassment.