Agenda item

A consider the objectives of and the resources available to the Council and Members through the LGA’s Debate Not Hate Campaign.

Consideration was given to the report presented by the Deputy Monitoring Officer which set out the objectives of and the resources available to the Council and Members through the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Debate Not Hate Campaign. 

The LGA recently published its latest Debate Not Hate survey, which revealed that 70% of Councillors had experienced abuse or intimidation, and over 50% had been targeted by misinformation campaigns. The findings also showed a rise in online abuse. The impact of such abuse included mental health strain, reduced civic engagement, and withdrawal from public life.

The Debate Not Hate Campaign, has been built around a set of strategic objectives designed to protect local democracy, support Councillors and foster a culture of respectful political discourse. The Campaign’s objectives included:-

·            Raising Public Awareness of the Role of Councillors.

·            Encouraging Healthy and Respectful Debate.

·            Improving Support for Councillors Facing Abuse.

·            Lobbying for Legislative and Policy Change.

·            Empowering Councils and Councillors to take action.

·            Building a Culture of Safety and Inclusion in Local Politics.

As part of the LGA’s ‘Debate Not Hate’ campaign, Councillors and Councils would be invited to sign the associated Public Statement. The Committee was also asked to consider whether it would be appropriate for the Council to formally support the statement, as outlined in the report, by means of a Motion at Full Council.

The Committee confirmed that they were supportive of the approach to invite Councillors to sign the Public Statement, with communication to be issued via the Members’ Bulletin. They also expressed support for recommending the adoption of a Motion in the same terms to Council.

The Committee’s attention was drawn to the campaign’s Self-Assessment Toolkit, which was designed to help councils evaluate existing practices and identify areas for improvement. Views were sought on a proposal to establish a Working Group to systematically work through the self-assessment, explore opportunities to enhance council procedures, and recommend any necessary changes.

The Committee’s views were also sought on where additional guidance or support might be needed, which the Working Group could prioritise in the initial phase of its work.

The Committee expressed concern about the upward trajectory of online abuse and the difficulties in identifying its source or perpetrators. Additional concerns were raised about the growing use of AI and its potential to negatively impact democratic processes.

Whilst it was acknowledged that the Committee did not hold significant sanctioning powers, it was recognised that it could nonetheless play a valuable role in identifying and recommending appropriate measures to support improvement in areas requiring attention.

Discussion ensued regarding the arrangements for the Working Group, including membership, and the anticipated frequency of meetings. It was suggested that an email be issued via the Clerk to Committee Members inviting expressions of interest. 

Furthermore the Committee wished to write to the three local MPs on this matter and suggested this be progressed through the Working Group.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the report be received and the contents noted.

(2)  That the Committee noted the proposal for a motion to Full Council, in the terms of the LGA Public Statement as set out at Paragraph 2.3 of the report.

(3)  That individual Councillors be encouraged to sign up to the public statement referred to at Paragraph 2.3 of the report.

(4)  That a Working Group be established to undertake the LGA self-assessment and report back to the Committee with its findings and recommendations.