More than a third of UK councillors (35%) have installed security measures in their homes, according to a new survey from the Local Government Association (LGA). These modifications include CCTV cameras, alarms, and reinforced doors.
The annual Debate Not Hate survey, which polled over 1,500 councillors across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, found that 78% of respondents felt at personal risk in their roles. This figure rose to 85% for female, ethnic minority, LGBT+, or disabled councillors.
Over half of councillors (52%) reported that abuse and intimidation had increased over the past year. The survey also indicated that women, ethnic minority, and LGBTQ+ councillors are disproportionately considering not standing for re-election due to high levels of abuse and harassment.
Heather Williams, a Conservative district councillor in South Cambridgeshire, described receiving death threats and threats of sexual violence, leading her to install extra security measures. Hannah Dalton, an LGA civility in public life ambassador, stated that the findings pose "a direct threat to the strength, diversity and health of our democracy."
In response to these concerns, councillors are no longer required to publish their home addresses on council websites, and each police force now has a dedicated elected official adviser. However, the LGA is calling for further action from the government, police, and social media platforms to tackle such abuse.