Decision

RESOLVED

The Governance Committee RECOMMENDS that Full Council:

(a)  Adopt the Local Government Association ‘Debate not Hate’ campaign and sign up to the ‘Debate not Hate’ public statement available on the Local Government Association website.

(b)  In doing so, makes a clear public statement that the Council is adopting a zero-tolerance approach to abuse, intimidation, and harassment of Members and Officers.

(c)   Asks for Officers to share the appropriate ‘Debate not Hate’ resources with all Councillors.

(d)  Agrees for the Chair of the Council, on behalf of the Council, to write to the local Members of Parliament and the Police on the Council’s adoption of the campaign.

(e)  Agrees that the Council continues to engage with the Police and Operation Ford, ensuring that Councillors are aware of the reporting mechanisms available to report abuse and intimidation.

(f)    Asks the Governance Committee report annually on the adoption of the campaign and review the safety of Councillors.