Dr Julian Lewis:  To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many town and parish council clerks have (a) resigned, (b) taken long-term sick leave and (c) been placed on long-term suspension as a result of (i) bullying by councillors and members of the community and (ii) refusing to implement ultra-vires decisions of the council in each of the last three years; and what recourse is available to clerks that (A) are subjected to bullying by councillors and members of the community and (B) refuse to implement ultra-vires decisions of the council.  [11431]

[Due for Answer on 11 February] 

ANSWER

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Rough Sleeping and Housing (Luke Hall): We do not hold this information. Local authorities – including parish councils - are independent employers, responsible for the management and organisation of their own workforce, including on pay, redundancy and other terms and conditions. Any employee subjected to bullying or harassment may find it helpful to speak to ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service), who offer independent and impartial help to employees.