As a county council, we know that people can care passionately about certain things in their community, in their home life or in their work.
Debating and disagreeing with other people is a healthy part of democracy, and as a council, we recognise the vital importance of free speech in a free, open and democratic society. But sometimes people cross the line into abuse and intimidation which can be dangerous.
The right engagement matters to us. It must be respectful and appropriate.
So to help with this, we've signed up to the Local Government Association's Debate Not Hate campaign.
This means that we're taking steps to remind people about respecting each other.
We're working with our county councillors and staff to make sure that conversations happen in the right way.
We're also asking people from our communities to be polite and appropriate when they're in contact with our staff or councillors in person and online.
Debate Not Hate
The Debate Not Hate campaign works to challenge the abuse local politicians face.
Of course, it is right that politicians should be held to account, but there is a growing issue of abuse and intimidation in public and political discourse that can have a negative impact on councillors, their families and local democracy.
According to an LGA survey in 2025, 7 in 10 councillors reported experiencing abuse or intimidation in the last year.
Anyone, regardless of their background or political affiliation, should feel safe to become a councillor, proud to represent their community, and supported to do so in a respectful and appropriate way.
The increasing level of abuse and intimidation aimed at local politicians can prevent elected members from representing the communities they serve, deterring people from standing for election and undermining local democracy.
Through Debate Not Hate, councillors are supported with tips and good examples to help them to prevent and handle abuse and intimidation. As elected local people, councillors can sometimes be a target for people's dissatisfaction, so this gives them support to handle times when that tips over into abuse, harassment and intimidation.
It also includes a clear process for reporting issues to the council. In some cases, the police may need to get involved for more serious issues.
Working with county councillors
We've been working with our county councillors to remind them about their responsibilities to exercise their Freedom of speech in a way that encourages and supports good conversations.
This also includes guidance on using social media, where people can be passionate about subjects that are important to them. As leaders in their community, they should be following our Code of Conduct in their work.
With Local Government Reorganisation now underway, we need to encourage people to come forward for election to represent these new council areas. About Local Government Reorganisation – Lancashire Local Government Reorganisation.
Working with our staff
We want our staff and the people who live in Lancashire or beyond to work well together.
We have a Code of Conduct for our staff to follow.
We should always be polite and show respect to you. In return, we ask the same of you.
Our staff won’t help you if you shout or swear, or if you’re aggressive or violent towards them. And if you are aggressive towards our staff, they will have our full support if they call the police.
Making a complaint
If you don't think that a councillor or member of staff's behaviour or activity was quite right, then please get in contact with us.
Find out about how to make a complaint.