More than three-quarters of councillors across the UK report feeling at personal risk while fulfilling their elected role, according to the LGA’s latest Debate Not Hate survey.
That figure rises to more than 85 per cent of female, ethnic minority, LGBT+ or disabled councillors reporting feeling at risk
The first to cover all four UK nations, the survey also found that abuse and intimidation of councillors is worsening, with more than half of respondents saying instances had increased over the past 12 months.
More than a quarter of councillors (26 per cent) reported having received threats of violence and 7 per cent a threat of death. In England and Wales, reports of threats of violence rose from 21 per cent in 2025 to 25 per cent in 2026.
Cllr Hannah Dalton, the LGA’s Civility in Public Life Ambassador, said: “It is deeply alarming that most councillors believe the problem is getting worse.
“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.”
- For more information, see ‘Debate, not hate’