Melton Borough Council condemns recent abuse directed towards officers and reaffirms its commitment to Debate Not Hate campaign

A joint statement has been issued on behalf of all Political Group Leaders, the Leader of the Council and Chief Executive at Melton Borough Council following recent abuse towards its staff.

In July 2023, the Council made a unanimous commitment to the Local Government Association's Debate Not Hate campaign and in so doing, to raise standards in public life and combat abuse levelled towards members and officers.

Over recent weeks The Council say they have observed increasingly abusive behaviour on social media, from a small number of individuals, directed towards specific officers.

In a statement the local authority said: "As political and professional leaders at Melton Borough Council we are issuing this joint statement to make clear that this is unacceptable and to demonstrate our united and collective condemnation of any and all such abusive messages or behaviours."

Melton Borough Council's Parkside Offices. Photo: NEMM

They added: " The Council is a public body, and is open to public scrutiny on the decision it makes, as well as being receptive to feedback.

Complaints are taken seriously and can be raised through the proper channels, which will then be investigated and dealt with in line with our policies and procedures.

Information on how to make a complaint is available on our website. Ultimately, our complaints process ensures independent accountability via the Housing or Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman."

A spokesperson for Melton Borough Council added: " What is not acceptable is for individuals to be targeted on social media, and for inaccurate, and personally abusive messages to be posted, where the people being attacked care for and serve our community every day. We expect this to stop and wish to make clear that the council will take reasonable and appropriate action against those who harass or abuse our hard working and dedicated team."

The joint statment has been signed by all local leaders of political parties within the Council. They are Councillor Ronan Browne, Leader of the Conservative Group, Councillor Mike Brown, Leader of the Labour Group, Councillor Margaret Glancy, Leader of the Independent Group, Councillor Pip Allnatt, Leader of the Council, Edd de Coverly, Chief Executive.