Agenda item

LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW

(Papers relied on to write the report, which do not contain exempt information and which are not published elsewhere)

The DSM introduced the report and informed Members that it was important for the Council to commit to ensuring that all residents and Members felt safe to stand as a candidate for election, and indicate that the Council would not tolerate harassment and abuse. She added that there were several recommendations which officers would be required to monitor and support, and it was hoped that Parish and Town Councils would also be encouraged to sign-up to the civility pledge as their equivalent campaign.

Questions and Discussion

       i.          Cllr V Gay noted that the toxicity of debate had increased nationally in recent years, but democracy relied on freedom of speech and respectful debate to ensure that people remained willing to stand for election and take part in politics. She added that it was therefore very important to support the report and its recommendations to ensure that these ideals could be upheld.

      ii.          Cllr A Varley stated that it was crucially important to support the campaign and ensure that debate remained respectful, so that ordinary citizens would continue to be involved in politics. He added that he was aware of many residents that would like to be more involved in local politics, but chose not to due to fears of being targeted. Cllr A Varley encouraged Members to support the campaign and asked for a recorded vote.

     iii.          Cllr C Cushing stated on behalf of the Conservative Group that they fully endorsed the recommendations, and felt that it was an excellent initiative. He added that he had been involved in politics for many years and whilst he was aware of toxicity in previous years, he agreed that it did appear to be increasing and therefore welcomed all efforts to address this.

    iv.          Cllr T FitzPatrick stated that whilst North Norfolk was fortunate that political debate was conducted in a respectful and robust manner, this was not the case everywhere throughout the Country, and any efforts to help ensure respectful debate was a positive step which he fully endorsed.

      v.          Cllr V FitzPatrick stated that he fully supported the campaign, though it was unfortunate that the recommendations were required as it was a poor reflection on the growing lack of tolerance seen in public debate. He added that all people should treat each other with respect despite opposing views, and he therefore fully supported the recommendations.

    vi.          Cllr C Stockton stated that he agreed with Cllr V FitzPatrick’s comments and stated that it was unfortunate that throughout the Country people did not appear to be able to debate issues without resorting to personal attacks. He added that it was therefore important to support the recommendations and set a positive example to residents that debate could be held in a civilised manner.

   vii.          The Chairman stated that she fully supported the recommendations to ensure that abuse and intimidation had no place in politics and debate.

  viii.          The recommendations were proposed by Cllr L Shires and Cllr H Blathwayt.

RESOLVED

1.     To note that increasing levels of toxicity in public and political discourse is having a detrimental impact on local democracy and that prevention, support and responses to abuse and intimidation of local politicians must improve to ensure councillors feel safe and able to continue representing their residents.

2.     The Council therefore commits to the following:

a.     To support the ‘Debate not Hate’ campaign

b.     To work together, across the political groups to promote and uphold high standards of civil behaviour in public and political debate

c.     To establish a reporting mechanism to record and monitor incidents of harassment and abuse

d.     To work with officers to ensure that support is provide to councillors who are experiencing intimidation and abuse

e.     That the Standards Committee will review this on an annual basis and will work with the Monitoring Officer to address and challenge ongoing issues and key concerns.