Scarborough Borough Council facing calls to improve safeguarding
It's investigating false rumours over a "campaign of harrasment" of councillors
Last updated 4th Nov 2021
A local authority is facing calls to improve its safeguarding of elected members after announcing it is investigating complaints/false rumours that councillors have faced death threats in “a campaign of harassment”.
Almost a third of Scarborough Borough Council’s elected members walked out a full meeting of the authority earlier this week in protest over its safeguarding actions, saying urgent action was needed to protect them, particularly in the wake of the murder of MP Sir David Amess.
All 12 Conservative group councillors and independent councillor Bill Chatt left the meeting at Scarborough Spa, before former council leader Councillor Derek Bastiman released a statement saying the walk-out was to highlight they had “no confidence in the council’s commitment to safeguarding its members”.
He said:
“Over the past five years several councillors, former councillors and council officers have been subject to a campaign of abuse, violent threats, and harassment.”
The statement also alleged two elected members had faced “graphic, credible threats to murder”, but the alleged female offender, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had faced no repercussions.
Coun Bastiman, who is also a North Yorkshire County Council cabinet member, said the abuse had shattered the lives of several elected members.
He recounted how his wife, Lynne, had moved away from their home due to safety fears and how the county authority had moved swiftly to bolster support and security at his home.
However, Coun Bastiman said Scarborough authority, run by Labour Group since 2019, did not appear to be taking the concerns seriously and the walk-out had been due to the Conservative group feeling like they had “banged their heads against a brick wall”.
He said:
“We have no confidence in Scarborough Borough Council in taking our concerns seriously or attempting to resolve the issue. We await a response from the council as to what they intend to do to help protect its members from harassment and abuse.”
Other councillors said in response to their concerns the authority had only offered to tackle the concerns by holding an online training session.
Before the walk-out, Councillor Liz Colling, portfolio holder for inclusive growth, stated the administration took its duty of care and safeguarding seriously.
North Yorkshire Police said it would not confirm whether anyone was under investigation over the allegations.
Following the meeting, a Scarborough council spokesman said it took the wellbeing, health, safety and security of all our publicly elected councillors very seriously and offered support and assistance where appropriate and necessary, liaising with North Yorkshire Police to assess risk to councillors and our staff.
He said:
“We report any evidence of criminal wrongdoing to the police, and encourage elected members to do the same given the fact the police are the appropriate body to deal with criminal conduct.
“We are informed that there is no current intelligence to indicate an immediate threat to any councillor.”
The spokesman added the council was aware of historical issues dating back over several years which were referred to the police at the time and were also dealt with as part of our formal processes.
He said:
“If a councillor has evidence of threats, harassment or intimidation, they should share that with us, and the police, immediately so appropriate advice and assistance can be provided.
“We are now dealing with formal complaints concerning the detail of this matter and it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further at this stage.”