Incidents of councillor harassment, abuse and intimidation

We know from speaking to councillors that some of you may have received abuse and threats, online and in person. In many cases, this may amount to little more than people letting off frustrations or expressing anger and is not directly aimed at you. In other cases, this can be a deeply unpleasant and even frightening experience. Either way, we think it is important that councillors can feel safe when going about their business, and that we do what we can to support councillors if and when they face harassment, abuse, or intimidating behavior. 

To support councillors, we have a confidential reporting process for councillors to record incidents of harassment, abuse and intimidation. Whilst this process is not related to any perceived increase in levels of harassment, abuse or intimidation experienced locally within Lancashire, it is aimed to reassure councillors that if they experience any incidents, they have an LCC process to report an incident, talk confidentially to an officer and be signposted to appropriate support. 

Councillors are encouraged to report any incident of abuse, harassment or intimidation to Democratic Services confidentially, either directly to Andy Milroy, Democratic Services Manager on 01772 530354 or via the Councillor Incident Referral Form, which is also available on the home page of C-First. For further information on how to report an incident, please see the How Do I – Report an incident of Councillor Harassment on C-First.