This Council believes that:

1.     Debating and disagreement is a fundamental part of a healthy democracy, and that this should always be done with respect;

2.     It is a privilege to be elected to public office and comes with the responsibility of representing everyone, regardless of how they voted and anyone, regardless of their background or political affiliation, should feel safe to become a councillor and be proud to represent their community.

This Council notes that:

1.     The Local Government Association (LGA) has amassed a considerable volume of evidence and personal accounts of the impact of abuse, intimidation, and aggression at a national level. The research showed that seven in 10 councillors reported experiencing abuse and intimidation over the last 12 months and councillors reported feeling that abuse is becoming more common and increasing in severity;

2.     If left to continue, this negative and unacceptable behaviour can prevent elected members from representing the communities they serve, deter individuals from standing for election and undermine local democracy.

This Council further notes that:

1.     The LGA has launched its “Debate Not Hate” campaign, which aims to raise public awareness of the role of councillors in their communities, encourage healthy debate and improve the responses and support for local politicians facing abuse and intimidation;

2.     This research outlines seven recommendations that Councils, the LGA, police forces, the Government and social media companies should take to improve the environment for current and prospective councillors, ranging from protecting privacy to creating a long-term culture change that de-normalises the abuse of politicians and other high-profile individuals;

3.     This campaign has received support from across the political spectrum, as well as representatives from bodies such as the National Association of Local Councils, Compassion in Politics, the Local Government Information Unit and the National Hate Crime Awareness Week.

The Council resolves to:

1.     Endorse the LGA Debate Not Hate campaign and call on all political groups to sign the public statement;

2.     Support the LGA’s proposal for a national working group to produce and implement an action plan that addresses the abuse and intimidation of elected members and candidates and ensures their safety while they fulfil their democratic roles;

3.     Assess how it can take greater responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of its members, taking a proactive approach to preventing and handling abuse and intimidation and addressing the impacts of abuse on mental health and wellbeing

Councillors agree to continually promote diversity and inclusion ahead of the next Local Elections and beyond, including diversity of thought – publicly condemning politically fuelled abusive behaviour.

The Motion set out on the Summons regarding Debate Not Hate was moved and seconded.

The first proposed Amendment was moved and seconded, as set out and published.

Following a debate on the matter, the Amendment was put to the vote and declared lost.

The second proposed Amendment was moved and seconded, as set out and published.

Following a debate on the matter, the second Amendment was put to the vote and declared carried.

The substantive Motion was then put to the vote and declared carried.

RESOLVED:

This Council believes that:

1)    Debating and disagreement is a fundamental part of a healthy democracy, and that this should always be done with respect;

2)    It is a privilege to be elected to public office and comes with the responsibility of representing everyone, regardless of how they voted and anyone, regardless of their background or political affiliation, should feel safe to become a councillor and be proud to represent their community.

This Council notes that:

1)    The Local Government Association (LGA) has amassed a considerable volume of evidence and personal accounts of the impact of abuse, intimidation, and aggression at a national level. The research showed that seven in 10 councillors reported experiencing abuse and intimidation over the last 12 months and councillors reported feeling that abuse is becoming more common and increasing in severity;

2)    If left to continue, this negative and unacceptable behaviour can prevent elected members from representing the communities they serve, deter individuals from standing for election and undermine local democracy.

This Council further notes that:

1)    The LGA has launched its “Debate Not Hate” campaign, which aims to raise public awareness of the role of councillors in their communities, encourage healthy debate and improve the responses and support for local politicians facing abuse and intimidation;

2)    This research outlines seven recommendations that Councils, the LGA, police forces, the Government and social media companies should take to improve the environment for current and prospective councillors, ranging from protecting privacy to creating a long-term culture change that de-normalises the abuse of politicians and other high-profile individuals;

3)    This campaign has received support from across the political spectrum, as well as representatives from bodies such as the National Association of Local Councils, Compassion in Politics, the Local Government Information Unit and the National Hate Crime Awareness Week.

The Council resolves to:

1)    Endorse the LGA Debate Not Hate campaign and call on all political groups to sign the public statement;

2)    Support the LGA’s proposal for a national working group to produce and implement an action plan that addresses the abuse and intimidation of elected members and candidates and ensures their safety while they fulfil their democratic roles;

3)    Assess how it can take greater responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of its members, taking a proactive approach to preventing and handling abuse and intimidation and addressing the impacts of abuse on mental health and wellbeing.

Councillors agree to continually promote diversity and inclusion ahead of the next Local Elections and beyond, including diversity of thought.