Recommendations of the Jo Cox Civility Commission

Concerns about abuse and intimidation towards elected representatives have increased in recent years. The Jo Cox Civility Commission made a number of recommendations in a 2024 report to address this because of concerns that this activity would dissuade people from standing in elections and encourage existing representatives to stand down. The government has instigated a number of policies to tackle the abuse and intimidation of elected representatives.

Recommendations of the Jo Cox Civility Commission

Local councillors: Impact of increasing abuse and intimidation

The level of abuse and intimidation aimed at those seeking or holding elected office in local government has been increasing. The Local Government Association has found that almost three-quarters of local councillors in England report feeling personally at risk when fulfilling their role. The government has called such abuse and intimidation unacceptable and is pursuing a range of measures in response, including via the Representation of the People Bill.

Local councillors: Impact of increasing abuse and intimidation

  • Research Briefing

    English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill: HL Bill 150 of 2024–26

    The government states the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill is a “landmark” piece of legislation. Arguing that England is one of the most centralised developed countries, it says the bill would transfer power to England’s regions, “fix the foundations” of local government, empower communities and “drive growth”. However, some opposition members argue the measures would instead centralise decision making and have criticised the lack of accountability measures for mayors.

  • Research Briefing

    Licensing Hours Extensions Bill: HL Bill 119 of 2024–25

    The Licensing Hours Extensions Bill is a private member’s bill which would amend the Licensing Act 2003 so that licensing orders to allow a temporary extension to licensing hours could be made by the secretary of state by statutory instrument subject to the negative procedure, rather than requiring the affirmative parliamentary procedure.

  • Research Briefing

    Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill: HL Bill 116 of 2024–25

    The Absent Voting (Elections in Scotland and Wales) Bill is a private member’s bill which seeks to align the rules regarding applying online for absent voting (postal or proxy votes) in Scotland and Wales with rules in England. While voters can currently apply for absent votes in several elections online, this does not include local elections in Scotland and Wales and elections to the Scottish Parliament and Senedd. Absent votes can still be applied for but must be done via a paper form. The bill also includes provisions giving the Scottish and Welsh governments powers to include an identity verification requirement on absent voting applications. It would also align postal voting renewal cycles. The bill is sponsored by Lord Murphy of Torfaen (Labour) and is scheduled to have its second reading on 5 September 2025. The bill passed its Commons stages with only technical amendments and received cross-party support.

  • Research Briefing

    Planning and Infrastructure Bill: HL Bill 110 of 2024–25

    The Planning and Infrastructure Bill would make changes to the system for approving major infrastructure projects, planning committees and nature recovery. It would also make changes to electricity and transport infrastructure processes, development corporations, spatial development strategies, and compulsory purchase. The government intends the bill to help grow the economy by enabling important infrastructure and homes to be built more quickly. Some parts of the bill, particularly those related to nature recovery, have attracted criticism from opposition parties and external bodies.

  • In Focus

    Local elections in England: House of Lords debate on certain elections being postponed to 2026

    The government postponed elections in nine local authority areas in England from May 2025 to May 2026 to help with planning for local government devolution and creating unitary authorities in two-tier local government areas. There has been opposition to postponing the elections from other political parties, some councils and some members of the public. The House of Lords is due to debate motions to annul the legislation that delays the elections.

  • In Focus

    Lifelong learning: England’s adult education sector and the government’s plan for skills

    Lifelong learning can have social, professional and health benefits. However, funding and student numbers have decreased over the past decade. Government policies aim to align skills and learning opportunities with local and national economic priorities. Policies include devolving adult skills funding to mayoral authorities, introducing the lifelong learning entitlement, and establishing Skills England.

  • Research Briefing

    Bus Services (No. 2) Bill [HL]: HL Bill 54 of 2024–25

    The Bus Services (No. 2) Bill is a government bill scheduled to have its second reading in the House of Lords on 8 January 2025. It is intended to make it easier for local transport authorities to franchise bus services in their area. It also includes measures on bus data, enforcement powers, accessibility of bus stops, safeguarding checks and training for bus drivers and zero-emissions buses.

  • In Focus

    Grenfell Tower Inquiry: House of Lords debate

    The Grenfell Tower Inquiry published its final report in September 2024. It found the fire was the “culmination of decades of failure by central government and other bodies in positions of responsibility in the construction industry”. It also concluded there had been “systematic dishonesty” from the manufacturers of certain cladding panels and insulation about their products. This briefing covers the inquiry’s recommendations and responses from different stakeholders ahead of a debate in the House of Lords.

  • In Focus

    Special education schools and colleges in England: Policy and challenges in the special educational needs sector

    Over 150,000 young people attend special educational needs schools or colleges in England. The special education sector is facing capacity and funding challenges, while demand for support increases. The Labour government has said it will improve inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, with specialist schools supporting pupils with the most complex needs. The government has added that it intends to take a considered approach, but the sector is calling for urgent action.

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