GROWING concerns about the impact of bullying, harassment and intimation on council employees have led the Salisbury City Council to sign up for the Civility & Respect Pledge.

The council signed the pledge at the meeting of the Full Council on Monday, June 26 to demonstrate it is committed to driving through positive changes and to stand up to poor behaviour.

A spokesperson said: “Throughout many town and Parish Councils there are growing concerns about the impact of bullying, harassment, and intimidation on local councils, councillors, clerks and council staff and the effectiveness of local councils.”

Civility and respect were placed at the top of the agenda with the National Association of Local Councils working with the Society of Local Council Clerks to drive a culture change in the local council sector.

Salisbury City Council has also signed up for the Local Government Association Model Code of Conduct (LGA). This is designed to protect councillors and to encourage the right conduct while safeguarding the public’s trust in local government.

The LGA has been adopted by Wiltshire Council as well as other parish councils within the county.