Abuse of parish councillors putting people off in Norfolk

West Norfolk Council (WNC) members described the treatment some parish councillors have had to endure in the district, which even included racist comments.

The revelations came amid a debate calling for more support to avoid mass resignations and a lack of people wanting to stand for parish council positions.

The matter was discussed at a full council meeting during a debate on whether district councillors should step in if seats were left unfilled at a parish level.

Burnham Overy became inquorate ue to not having enough people stand in the May elections (Image: Chris Bishop)

It follows local elections in May this year where three parish councils, Burnham Overy, Northwold and Houghton, could not form a new regime due to a lack of people wanting to stand. 

A number of WNC councillors, who are also current members of parish councils, described the challenges they had experienced with either abusive members of the public or parish councillors themselves.

Councillor Alexandra Kemp (Image: Chris Bishop)

Alexandra Kemp, who is a member of Clenchwarton and West Winch councils, described an incident of racial abuse towards one council member, arguing people feel there is a lack of support when issues arise.

She added: "All sorts of problems can be thrown at them and it can be a lot for them to take on.

"It is the most local unit of democracy and there is a wealth of experience among members but they are not given the same level of help and support that there is on a district or county level."

Tom De Winton, who is a member of Brancaster parish council, said there "needs to be a change" where abusive councillors can be suspended or forced to stand down.

Independent Alun Ryves said WNC had a "moral responsibility" to support parish councils "considerably more so" than they had been in the past.

He added: "If our parish councils wither and die, we get mass resignations, then local democracy will start to fail."

The plight of parish councillors suffering abuse gained widespread attention in 2021 when a Cheshire town council's meeting ended in chaos, making Jackie Weaver, who attempted to control unruly council members, a household name.

John Crowfoot, the last member of Geldeston Parish Council, eventually quit the authority (Image: Denise Bradley/Newsquest)

Norfolk's parish councils have had their own share of heated arguments, ranging from police being called to arguments and people storming out of meetings.

More recently, an extraordinary bust-up between members of Geldeston parish council led to all but one person walking out in protest at the behaviour of its remaining member. 

READ MORE: Britain's loneliest councillor quits after parish spat

But currently, there are few powers that can be used to oust abusive councillors.

In October 2021, following a spate of parish council disagreements, a clerk revealed that they felt there was "little point" in going through a complaints procedure, believing it "wouldn't be of any use".

WNC members voted to approve the temporary appointment of district councillors to parish councils if they failed to get enough standing members.

West Norfolk Council offices (Image: Newsquest)

Parish councils become inquorate when they haven't selected enough members, causing problems because they are unable to call any meetings. 

It would mean key decisions in local areas would be stalled until enough members can be found. 

The decision will help keep democracy moving in west Norfolk but there remains the question of how to get people interested in becoming parish council members.

As Susanne Lintern noted: "Why would you put yourself forward to be a parish councillor to be abused?

"The situation is only going to get worse and worse if we do not act."