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RESOLVED
 
That the Council
 
i)              
committed to and accepted the following:
 

a)     
To support the ‘Debate not Hate’
campaign and accept the Local Government Association
recommendations in principle.

 

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
provided to councillors who are experiencing intimidation and
abuse.
 

e)     
That the Democracy and 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.
 

ii)             
That the Leader of the Council signs the Debate Not
Hate Public Statement on behalf of the Council.
 
 
Reasons for Recommendations -The ‘Debate not Hate’
campaign aims to raise public awareness of the role of councillors
in local communities, encourage healthy debate and improve the
response to and support those in public life facing abuse and
intimidation.

 
Alternative Options Considered – To do nothing, however
providing support to the campaign promotes high ethical standards
in public life which is consistent with the Nolan principles and
the Councillor Code of Conduct in accordance with the Localism Act
2011.