A new survey from the Local Government Association (LGA) has found that abuse and intimidation of councillors across the UK is getting worse.

More than half of councillors responding to the survey said that instances had increased over the past 12 months.

The Debate not Hate survey has been carried out by the LGA since 2022 and this year the LGA has worked alongside the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) and the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) to expand the survey to include the experiences of principal authority councillors from all four nations of the UK.

The survey found that 78 per cent of councillors reported feeling some level of personal risk while fulfilling their role as a councillor, with over 85 per cent of female, ethnic minority, LGBT+ or disabled councillors reporting feeling at risk. In England and Wales, this figure rose from 73 per cent in 2025 to 77 per cent in 2026.

52 per cent of councillors reported that abuse and intimidation had increased sharply or slightly over the past 12 months, and 25 per cent said it had increased sharply.

74 per cent of councillors in England reported experiencing some level of abuse or intimidation during the 2026 local election campaign, and over two-thirds of Welsh and Scottish councillors experienced abuse during the Senedd and Scottish Parliament campaigns.

Furthermore, 26 per cent of councillors reported having received threats of violence and 7 per cent reported a death threat. In England and Wales, reports of threats of violence rose from 21 per cent in 2025 to 25 per cent in 2026.

Among councillors who have decided not to re-stand at the next elections or are undecided on whether or not to do so, 30 per cent said their decision was influenced by abuse or intimidation. 35 per cent said they had made security modifications to their home due to safety concerns.

Cllr 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.”
 

Cllr Shona Morrison, President of COSLA, said: "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."