Lincolnshire councillor calls for action to improve safety for politicians after Local Government Association survey reveals growing threat

A Lincolnshire councillor has called for urgent action to improve politicians' safety as new data reveals nearly a quarter of councillors faced death threats..

The Local Government Association (LGA) recently published a survey as part of its Debate Not Hate Campaign, which found that 22 per cent of councillors reported receiving death threats or threats of violence.

The survey also revealed that 73 per cent of councillors experienced abuse or intimidation in their roles over the past year.

The LGA, which hosts its Annual Conference next week, said the survey underscores a need for enhanced safety measures for elected officials.

Many councillors reported that online abuse and misinformation deter them from social media and public discussions.

Coun Marianne Overton, a Lincolnshire Independent councillor at North Kesteven District Council and chairperson of the LGA’s Civility in Public Life Steering Group, expressed her concern over the findings.

Marianne has been a keen advocate around the issue of politicians facing abuse, earlier this year backing the Jo Cox Foundation abuse report.

“These results are troubling – not only do they highlight the concerns for the safety and wellbeing of councillors but show how violence and intimidation can be corrosive to our democracy as they discourage people from taking up public office and from speaking fairly on vital issues,” she said.

“People must be able to represent their communities safely and without fear. We need cohesive communities that can debate differences in peace.

“Poor behaviour doesn't just impact the individual, it hurts everyone in communities, reducing the opportunity for open debate on important local issues. This has got to stop.

“We need Government to act decisively to ensure high levels of abuse do not become an accepted part of public life and that councillors are safe and confident as they carry out their vital elected role – working to represent their communities.”

The survey, which received responses from 1,734 councillors in England and Wales, noted that nearly half felt the level of abuse had worsened over the past year.

While the proportion of councillors feeling at risk remained steady at 73 per cent, it dropped from 82 per cent in 2023.

The survey revealed that nearly half of the respondents, 49 per cent, reported an increase in abuse and intimidation over the past year.

Twenty-three per cent of councillors had reported incidents of abuse or intimidation to the police.

Of the councillors surveyed, 10 per cent experienced threats of property damage, and 5 per cent suffered actual damage.

Additional findings revealed that 10 per cent of councillors had experienced intimidation at home, prompting 43 per cent to request confidentiality for their home addresses.

Moreover, 57 per cent felt their authority’s protective measures were effective.

The survey revealed that 19 per cent of councillors faced abuse related to a protected characteristic, primarily sex.

Around a third of comments elaborated on the issue of sex-based abuse, specifying that this was rooted in misogyny.

Female councillors reported being undermined, belittled, shouted at, and criticised for their appearance, facing sexualisation, name-calling, and intimidation from larger men.

At least three councillors experienced abuse or intimidation relating to being pregnant or on maternity leave.

More than a quarter also reported abuse related to race, and over 20 per cent each reported abuse related to their age or religious beliefs.

The LGA advocates for government intervention to allow councillors to withhold addresses and establish a unit to monitor threats against local politicians.