Some thoughts on Local Councils
It probably says something about me that whilst others consider “Strictly” or “Traitors” as unmissable television, for me it’s “Newsnight”. It probably tells you that I’m the last person you should invite to a social event of any kind!
Whatever, this past Monday “Newsnight” ran a feature on local councils and the increasingly levels of abuse and threats that their councillors and staff are facing. To an extent I wasn’t that surprised that councillors operating at District and County council level were facing these sorts of appalling behaviour but it did concern me when it was reported at town and parish council level too. No particular conclusions were reached other than a recognition that we seem to be living in an increasingly angry society and that respect for politicians is at an all time low.
To a degree, I can understand the cynicism about national politics and its protagonists. “Partygate” (no, it was about a lot more than a piece of cake!), the Owen Paterson lobbying scandal and Chris Pincher’s conduct have all taken their toll in terms of public trust. However, it is worth remembering that two members of parliament, Jo Cox and Sir David Amess, have been assassinated since 2016 and that is definitely not alright. Neither is it alright to bully, abuse and threaten politicians at any level. Just last week a current MP announced that they would not be standing at the next election because they were scared about their personal safety. That is a slippery slope.
I’ve been Town Clerk here for close to fifteen years and have only once experienced a case of persistent bullying and intimidation. It is unpleasant but ultimately fruitless for the protagonist because the Town Council will not surrender to threats. In that time I have also seen only one case where a councillor was subjected to intimidation.
In some part, I can kind of accept when I am on the receiving end because at least I am being paid to be here. However, when it comes to councillors I think it is wholly unacceptable. Whilst threats to them are rare I am aware of some disparaging postings on social media that do nothing but undermine the valuable role that councillors fulfil.
It is worth emphasising that none of our councillors receive payment or any kind of allowance for their representative role. Indeed, they will be out of pocket as none of our councillors claim for mileage or any sort of out of pocket expenses. I am also aware that they put a lot of hours into the role.
Our current twelve councillors consist of seven men and five women, with an age range from the mid-twenties to the mid-sixties. I think that is a pretty good mirror of the community they represent. They bring a really strong mix of skills from current and past careers. Many of them are also very active within various local community groups. In short, we are lucky to have them.
John Carlton
Town Clerk
01626 853140
clerk@chudleigh-tc.gov.uk