SOCIAL media abuse of council officials was raised at a meeting this week.
Labour’s Carolyne Wilson tabled the matter, highlighting a report revealing that “only 34 per cent (of officers) would speak highly” of Dumfries and Galloway Council.
And she said: “I do think it’s becoming more and more apparent that some employees do not want to admit they work for the council due to social media abuse they are receiving for going about their jobs and implementing decisions made by elected members.
“I’m just wondering what can be done about that.”
Her colleague Councillor Linda Dorward agreed it was a ‘very valid point’, adding: “The public need to be aware that elected members make the decisions in the council not council officers and they should not be abused on social media or any other forum.
“We have broad shoulders, it’s part of what we do.”
The pair called on all councillors to take responsibility for their decision making and “not stand by and allow our hard-working officers to take the rap.”
Meanwhile, Councillor Ian Carruthers added: “The 43 elected members are the definition of ‘The Council’.”
Cllr Sean Marshall asked for a report defining the member/officer relationship and the roles and responsibilities of both groups.
