New analysis from the Fawcett Society and Democracy Club shows that 95 per cent of local authorities across the UK remain male-dominated.
Ahead of this month’s local elections, their report states that fewer than 5 per cent of councils (18 of 382) had achieved at least parity of gender representation and only 36 per cent of the 19,212 elected councillors across the UK were women, a similar proportion to the number of female MPs.
The proportion of women in councils in 2022 is only two percentage points higher than in a snapshot taken in 2018. Based on the current rate of change, there will not be 50:50 representation until 2051, according to the joint report.
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, LGA Vice-Chairman, said: “We know that many prospective councillors are put off standing because of their already busy lives. We want to see more women, parents and carers stand for election and encourage them to step up to leadership roles in local government, while still being able to live their lives outside of the council chamber.
“We also know that many people are put off from standing for election because of abuse and harassment targeted at elected politicians, which particularly affects women and others who are under-represented in local government.
“Councils want to create a working environment which is attractive and supportive for people from all groups and backgrounds, to help further improve representation locally while producing the next generation of civic leaders.”
