Bullying in parish and town councils

That this House believes that local parish and town councils play a vital role in our democracy and are central to community life in many parts of our country; expresses its concern that in some councils there are significant issues of bullying, with poor behaviour from councillors towards their fellow representatives and staff; notes that council staff are entitled to protections under employment law but in many cases this does not adequately protect staff from bullying by elected councillors; further believes that more must be done to ensure that parish and town councillors and council staff are able to go about their jobs without feeling unsafe; and calls on the Government to examine what can be done to clamp down on bullying in parish and town councils so that this important part of our democracy can flourish.