Councillors asked to reaffirm commitment to respect

This evening town councillors will be asked to reaffirm their committment to civility and respect, following resignations at the last election over social media criticism.

The motion, proposed by Councillor Pete Lewington, who is also a county councillor, will ask Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council to confirm it's commitment to civility and respect, and noting the adverse effect that the lack of civility and respect has on the democratic process.

In the full background to the motion, Cllr Lewington writes:

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"Previous (now ex) councillors on departing the council in May 2022 highlighted the challenges for councillors and their families, when receiving criticism, particularly on social media."

"Throughout the local council sector there are concerns about the impact bullying, harassment, and intimidation are having on councillors, staff and volunteers, the potential impedingof democratic debate which might result in an adverse effect on the democratic role of the council."

"Councillors may also beaware at times that staff may have been subjected to internal comment in meetings which can have a similar effect."

"Civility and respect mustbe at the heart of public life, and good governance is fundamental to ensuring an effective and well-functioning democratic town council.The intimidation, abuse, bullying and harassment of councillors, staff, volunteers, other organisations, or members of the publicin person or online, is unacceptable whether by councillors, staff, volunteers, other organisation members of the public."

It is not known if he is referring to any specific incidents where staff may have felt a lack of civility and respect.