New research from the Local Government Association's Debate Not Hate campaign has revealed a worsening climate of abuse, intimidation and threats against councillors across the UK, prompting renewed calls for coordinated government action to protect local democracy.
The latest Debate Not Hate Survey, conducted by the Local Government Association in partnership with the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), gathered responses from more than 1,500 councillors across all four UK nations.
The findings paint a concerning picture of the challenges facing elected representatives at local level, with many reporting increased hostility, threats to their safety and growing concerns about the impact on democratic participation.
According to the survey, 78 per cent of councillors reported experiencing some level of personal risk while carrying out their role. The figure rises to more than 85 per cent among female councillors, councillors from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBT+ councillors and disabled councillors.
In England and Wales, reports of feeling at risk increased from 73 per cent in 2025 to 77 per cent in 2026.
More than half of respondents (52 per cent) said abuse and intimidation had either increased sharply or increased slightly over the past year, while one in four described the increase as sharp.
The survey also found that abuse during election campaigns remains widespread. In England, 74 per cent of councillors reported experiencing some form of abuse or intimidation during the 2026 local elections. Similar experiences were reported by more than two-thirds of councillors campaigning in Scottish Parliament and Senedd elections.
A significant number of councillors reported receiving serious threats. More than a quarter (26 per cent) said they had received threats of violence, while 7 per cent reported receiving death threats.
In England and Wales, reports of threats of violence increased from 21 per cent in 2025 to 25 per cent in 2026.
The impact is also affecting councillors' willingness to continue serving. Among those planning not to stand again, or still undecided about seeking re-election, 30 per cent said abuse and intimidation had influenced their decision.
Meanwhile, more than a third (35 per cent) reported making security modifications to their homes because of safety concerns.
The survey acknowledges several steps taken in recent years to improve councillor safety.
These include the introduction of Force Elected Official Advisers (FEOAs) and the removal of requirements for councils in England to publish councillors' home addresses.
Awareness of Force Elected Official Advisers continues to rise, with 56 per cent of councillors in England and Wales now aware of the role, compared with 40 per cent in 2025. Awareness is even higher in Scotland at 76 per cent.
Nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) of councillors who had engaged with FEOAs or Scotland's Operation Ford initiative said they found the support either very or fairly useful.
However, concerns remain about how effectively incidents are handled. While 25 per cent of councillors reported abuse or intimidation to the police, opinion was split on the outcomes, with 34 per cent believing the issue had been addressed to some extent and 33 per cent saying it had not been addressed at all.
The LGA, COSLA, NILGA and WLGA are jointly urging the UK Government, devolved administrations, police services and social media platforms to establish formal arrangements to tackle abuse and intimidation directed at elected representatives.
The organisations argue that a coordinated framework would help agencies share information, strengthen existing initiatives and invest in new safety measures designed to protect democratic participation at every level of government.
Hannah Dalton, LGA Civility in Public Life Ambassador, said:
"The findings of the 2026 Debate Not Hate survey are a stark reminder that abuse, threats and intimidation have become an all too common reality for those who step forward to serve their communities. We must never accept a situation where harassment and personal attacks are simply regarded as part of public service.
"It is deeply alarming that most councillors believe the problem is getting worse, with more than three-quarters having experienced abuse during the May 2026 local elections. This toxic culture is not only affecting those currently in office, it is deterring talented and committed people from standing for election in the first place. That is a direct threat to the strength, diversity and health of our democracy.
"We urgently call on the Government, police forces and social media companies to work with us to tackle this crisis head on. Concerted action is needed now to confront the growing hostility councillors face and ensure that those who represent their residents can do so without fear of abuse, intimidation or harassment."
Shona Morrison, President of COSLA, added:
"The results of the survey evidence what many elected members know to be true - that abuse and harassment is far too common an experience for councillors. Councillors and Councils are a vital part of democracy, and it is unacceptable that 81 per cent of Scottish councillors have felt some level of risk whilst carrying out their role. With local government elections taking place next year, there is a real concern that we will lose talented, experienced and committed councillors due to this environment.
“COSLA is grateful to the councillors in Scotland who took part in the survey for the first time that have helped to draw attention to this important issue. We are committed to working with the Scottish and UK Governments, Police and partners to tackle the systemic challenges that have contributed to this culture of abuse and harassment. Protecting elected members is essential to protecting local democracy, and urgent action is needed to ensure councillors can represent their communities safely, confidently and effectively."
Image credit: iStock
