Number of Councillors feeling personally at risk in role reaches new high

THE number of Local Councillors who have reported feeling at risk in their role due to rising levels of abuse and intimidation has increased to a new high in the last year, a new Local Government Association (LGA) survey has found.

Councillors responded to the survey about their experiences of abuse and intimidation, with 82% saying they felt at risk at least some of the time whilst fulfilling their role, up from 73% last year.

The survey, which suggests that abuse against Councillors is getting worse, also found that:-

• 54% of Councillors have seen abuse aimed at them increase since they were 1st elected, with 31% seeing a sharp increase.
   

• 81% reported having experienced intimidation and/or abuse in their role as a Councillor in the last year, 8% higher than in the last year.

Over the last year the number of Councillors who said they experienced abuse frequently has doubled and the number saying they never experienced abuse reduced from:- 27% to 19%.

On the final day of its Annual Conference, the 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.

It is calling on the Government to work with the Police to set out clear and consistent guidance to help address abuse, intimidation and harassment of Councillors. Councils have warned that current policing approaches are inconsistent, under-resourced and vary too much from place to place.

A number of respondents also highlighted that the use of social media has increased the level of abuse aimed at Councillors, with some members of the public behaving in a way online that they would not do so in person.

Councils are urging 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.

The findings of the survey form part of the LGA's Debate Not Hate campaign, launched last year to raise public awareness of the role of Councillors in their communities, encourage healthy debate and improve the support for local politicians facing abuse and intimidation.

Cllr Marianne Overton, Chair of the LGA's Civility in Public Life Steering Group, said:- "Abuse and intimidation aimed at Local Councillors is completely unacceptable and it is deeply concerning that this survey suggests that this is a problem that is growing. If left unaddressed, it risks forcing good Councillors out of local politics altogether. 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. To help tackle this issue, the Government and Ofcom should take steps to ensure that harmful and abusive behaviour does not continue unrestricted online as well as working with the Police to develop clearer guidance on tackling the abuse of locally elected members."

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Mersey Care helps Sefton's breastfeeding Mums with new register of friendly businesses

MERSEY Care is calling on local businesses and public buildings in Sefton to help support mums by joining a register of venues that are:- 'breastfeeding friendly.'

Women are legally allowed to breastfeed in public. That might be in a café, shop, library or on public transport (any business that provides a service to the public). The Equality Act states that it is sex discrimination to treat a woman unfavourably if she is breastfeeding.

Sophie a local mum of 2 children told us:- "With my 1st baby I got really lonely, I stayed in quite a bit because I didn't feel comfortable breastfeeding out and about. Once I started to come the breastfeeding support group, me and the other mums were always meeting up at cafes and libraries that we knew from experience had given us a warm welcome. It's so much easier now I know a few places I feel comfortable to feed in, the register of supportive businesses will be a great support, especially for 1st time mums."

According to UNICEF, the UK has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world, with:- 8 out of 10 women stopping before they would like.

Those statistics and feedback from local mums have prompted Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust's Breastfeeding service to build a database of local breastfeeding friendly businesses, where mums will be welcome.

"Breastfeeding is proven to be the best way to give infants all the necessary nutrients and antibodies, which helps children to be protected against common illnesses," explained Colette Palin Infant feeding lead from Mersey Care's Infant Feeding Service. "Sadly, some mums tell us they are not sure if they would be welcome to breastfeed in some of our local businesses or public services. We want to normalise and celebrate breastfeeding in public to support our Sefton families to live healthier, happier lives."

The initiative is a partnership between Mersey Care and the Feelgood Factory in Netherton Breastfeeding Support Sefton and businesses are invited to find out more and sign up to our database by contacting:- CarolMiles@FeelGoodFactory.Org.UK, or call:- 01512918010 and email:- Kirsty.McCormick@FeelGoodFactory.Org.UK.