Cabinet statement on Acorn Norwich campaigns

We are aware of a number of campaigns currently being run by Acorn Norwich. Given the disingenuous nature of claims being made as part of these campaigns, and the unacceptable tactics being used, we wanted to take the time to explain some relevant policy background – and why we won’t engage politically with Acorn.

One campaign relates to landlord licensing. We share concerns about the conditions and experiences of private sector tenants in Norwich. This is why Norwich City Council has set aside significant resource, taken on specialist additional staff and commissioned comprehensive stock condition and tenure modelling of our private rented sector. The resulting dataset will allow us to fully consider potential policy options, including landlord licensing. We anticipate being able to discuss the results and potential options by November.

Acorn Norwich have called on cabinet members to publicly commit now to introducing a licensing scheme. However, it is important that we do not predetermine which option we want to pursue before we have had the opportunity to consider the requisite evidence. If it can be demonstrated that we were predetermined towards a certain option, and made a decision in response to external pressure rather than the necessary evidence, this could lead to any proposed licensing scheme becoming subject to legal challenge by landlords. Elsewhere in the UK,  local authority licensing schemes have been overturned on this basis.

When Acorn first made their demands in a letter to the Leader and Deputy Leader, Cllr Stonard and Cllr Hampton responded in full and explained this situation. Acorn’s ask is one which will fundamentally undermine any potential licensing scheme but, disappointingly, they have doubled down and escalated their campaign regardless.

Acorn also have at least one active campaign on behalf of a resident facing tenancy issues. We are not able to discuss details of this case in public, owing to the need to protect confidentiality. Acorn have demanded that Cllr Beth Jones, cabinet member for housing and community safety, should intervene in due process. Such processes exist to ensure all residents are treated fairly and equitably by the council, and to ensure the council is acting in line with legal requirements. Councillors do not, and should not, subvert adopted policies and processes to obtain preferential treatment for any individual. This would amount to corruption. Cllr Jones has refused to compromise her integrity in the way Acorn are demanding.

Disappointingly, and regardless of the facts, Acorn have continued to escalate their campaigns and promote their demands through harassment and intimidation. Cabinet will not negotiate or engage politically with Acorn while this

behaviour continues. We believe that politics must be conducted in a constructive and mutually respectful manner. 

We are particularly shocked at the continued targeting of Cllr Jones. Over the past 18 months, Acorn has targeted Cllr Jones to the point that additional security measures have had to be installed at her home. Acorn’s actions have included:

• Making 150 phone calls in a day demanding she comply with Acorn’s asks, with some callers adding “or else”
• Disrupting cabinet meetings, with masked members surrounding Cllr Jones and shouting over her every time she attempts to speak
• Making public and false accusations challenging Cllr Jones’ integrity: including a city centre stall asking the public to vote on “Is Beth Jones dodgy?”, and holding a placard stating “Beth Jones loves homelessness”

Last week, Acorn attended a meeting of cabinet and asked several public questions. In response, Cllr Jones made a heartfelt statement setting out the reallife impact of Acorn’s actions on her and reiterating why we will not engage while such tactics are used. You can view Cllr Jones’ response – and Acorn’s appalling reaction – here. We have nothing but admiration for Cllr Jones for standing firm against Acorn’s intimidation and remaining true to her principles.

A recent post by Acorn demonstrates their intent to intimidate, stating “They’re scared. Beth Jones, ignoring our attempt to meet with her today, is now hiding in County Hall instead. This is because they know what ACORN is capable of, and that we’re only getting stronger.” We are unclear why Acorn thought Cllr Jones, a city councillor, would be at County Hall. Nonetheless, celebrating making councillors feel “scared” – and putting plans in place to hound a female councillor as she leaves a building alone – is wholly unacceptable.

Council officers will continue to respond to Acorn’s queries when appropriate. But we will not engage politically with Acorn while they seek to achieve their aims through bullying, intimidation and harassment.