Jo Cox Civility Commission
North Ayrshire Council · 18 September 2024
Back to North Ayrshire Council — 18 September 2024 and its agenda
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 18 September 2024 North Ayrshire Council Title: Jo Cox Civility Commission – Financial Support Purpose: To agree financial support for the Jo Cox Civility Commission. Recommendation: That Council agrees to make a donation of £1,000 to support the ongoing activities of the Jo Cox Civility Commission. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 As the co – chairs of the Barriers to Elected Office Group, the COSLA Presidential Team have written to all Council Leaders recommending support for a funding request received from the Jo Cox Foundation. 1.2 In order to support the Jo Cox Civility Commission continue its current activities and explore research opportunities, including those in Scotland and Northern Ireland, it is recommended that a donation of £1,000 is made to the Commission for the current year. 2. Background 2.1 The Jo Cox Civility Commission was launched in February 2023 with the aim of tackling the abuse and intimidation faced by elected representatives in the UK. The Commission’s final report was published in January 2024 and outlined a range of practical recommendations to address this issue. 2.2 The report emphasised the detrimental impact of abuse and intimidation on democracy and called for urgent action across various sectors, including central government, policing, and social media to ensure a safer and more respectful political environment, encouraging more diverse and representative participation in politics. Key points from the report include: • Central Government Action: Calls for stronger legislation and policies to protect elected officials from abuse and intimidation. • Policing and Enforcement: Recommends enhanced training for police officers to handle cases of abuse against politicians more effectively. • Social Media Regulation: Suggests stricter regulations and accountability for social media platforms to curb online abuse. • Support Systems: Proposes better support and resources for victims of abuse, including mental health services and legal assistance.
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• Public Awareness Campaigns: Encourages initiatives to educate the public about the impact of abuse on democracy and promote civility in political discourse. 2.3 Current funding for the Jo Cox Civility Commission covers a single member of staff and is due to end in December 2024. As a result, the Commission is seeking additional funding to support work on advocacy with stakeholders, media campaigning and further research opportunities with key focuses for ongoing work planning, including the experience of local government elected members and the experiences of staff and family members. The Commission are keen to undertake this work in the devolved nations as to date projects have been undertaken in Wales but Scotland and more recently Northern Ireland are key focuses in ongoing work planning. 2.4 Following consideration by COSLA Leaders, the President and Vice President of COSLA have written to all Scottish Local Authorities, endorsing and highlighting the work of the Commission and recommending that individual councils consider making a donation to its funding. In terms of a general guide, donations of between £500 to £1,000 are sought from local authorities, 3. Proposals 3.1 To recognise the importance of this work, it is proposed that Council agrees to make a donation of £1,000 to support the ongoing activities of the Jo Cox Civility Commission. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 The recommended donation of £1,000 will be met from the general contingencies budget for 2024/25. This budget is set aside to help address the inflationary impacts faced by the Council. Human Resources 4.2 None. Legal 4.3 None. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 None. Environmental and Sustainability 4.5 None.
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Key Priorities 4.6 This report directly supports the Council Plan 2023 to 2028 by creating a participation and engagement framework which ensures opportunities and support for all residents to take part in influencing local democracy and Council and partner strategies; and ensuring that robust governance arrangements are in place to fulfil the Council’s statutory duties, manage risk and support delivery of key priorities. Community Wealth Building 4.7 None. 5. Consultation 5.1 There are no consultations required. Mark Boyd Head of Service (Finance) For further information please contact David Forbes, Senior Manager (Strategic Business Partner), on 01294 324551. Background Papers None