Protecting councillors and other locally elected representatives from intimidation, harassment, and violence is essential to local democracy. Operation Ford is a new policing provision aiming to strengthen protective security and policing support for councillors, elected mayors, Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and candidates for those roles.
This workbook has been designed as a distance learning aid for local councillors. It is intended to provide you with advice and information when engaging with town and parish councils and councillors.
In May 2025, the LGA sent an online survey to all councillors in England and Wales to investigate the extent to which abuse and intimidation remains rife in public life, as well the nature and scale of abuse and intimidation. This research report provides the findings of the survey.
The LGA commissioned Hoey Ainscough Associates, with support from Wilkin Chapman LLP, to assist in engaging with the sector to establish sentiment on reforms to the councillor standards framework, and support the development of a response to the Government’s 'strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities in England' consultation. This report sets out approach taken, the results under key areas and proposes some points for consideration.
To monitor homelessness pressures caused by the closure of bridging hotels for
Afghan nationals, in August 2023, an online survey was sent to 44 councils in England with bridging hotels in their area.
In August 2024, the LGA sent an online survey to all councillors in England and Wales to investigate the extent to which they had experienced abuse or intimidation due to their councillor role.
This good practice guide sets out some simple, practical steps that councils can take to work with infrastructure organisations in order to strengthen and engage effectively with smaller Voluntary Community Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations.
We worked with the local government associations across the UK and Strategic Migration Partnerships to conduct an online survey of councils who have experienced impacts from the cessation of support for asylum seekers.
From June to July 2024 the Local Government Association (LGA) conducted an online survey to identify the impact that is likely to result from the Government’s plan not to extend the Household Support Fund beyond September 2024.
This toolkit is a resource designed to aid local councils in tackling and mitigating the impact and risks of abuse and intimidation that councillors may encounter as part of their role, supporting them to be safe.
