Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council is set to sign the 'Civility and Respect' pledge, following reports of bullying across the sector.

Town Councillors are set to authorise the Town Council to sign the Civility and Respect pledge at it's full council meeting tonight. This follows work done by the Town Council to raise the bar and eliminate any lack of civility and respect, which can hinder the local democractic process.

As we reported 9 months ago, the Town Council adopted a motion by Cllr Pete Lewington to reaffirm it's commitment to civility and respect, noting the adverse effect that the lack of civility and respect has on the democratic process.

Since then, the Town Clerk has been tasked with researching civility and respect across the sector, along with what the Town Council can do to support the resilience of councillors and staff and removing disincentives to democratic participation which will arise from intimidating communications or other forms of bullying and harassment.

The report by the Town Clerk states:

"The Civility and Respect Pledge is a sector-specific undertaking which is promoted by the relevant bodies representing town and community/parish councils in Wales and England."

"By signing the Pledge, the council would agree that it will treat councillors, clerks, employees, members of the public, and representatives of partner organisations and volunteers with civility and respect in their roles, and that it:

• has put in place a training programme for councillors and staff
• has signed up to the Code of Conduct for councillors
• has good governance arrangements in place including staff contracts and a Dignity at Work policy
• will seek professional help at early stages should civility and respect issues arise
• will commit to calling out bullying and harassment if and when it happens
• will continue to learn from best practice in the sector and aspire to being a role model / champion council e.g., via Local Council Award Scheme
• supports the continued lobbying for change in legislation to support the civility and respect, including sanctions for elected members where appropriate."

"Local councils are being invited to commit to the project and sign the Civility and Respect Pledge. By signing up to the pledge Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council would demonstrating that it is committed to treating councillors, clerks, employees, members of the public, representatives of partner organisations, and volunteers, with civility and respect in their role."

It is likely that town councillors will support the recommendation and agree to sign the pledge.