Councillor refusing to provide statement to police

Question

A parish councillor is refusing to provide a statement to police about a historical child abuse investigation. The councillor can provide evidence that supports the victim’s account and is not involved in the crime. Without this evidence, an alleged paedophile may escape justice and the victim will be subjected to more intrusive questioning in court.
I understand that legally a person has the right to refuse to provide a statement but wondered how this fits with a parish councillor’s obligations. Thank you.

Answer 1

Unless the abuse took place within a council building or the councillor was acting as a councillor when he witnessed what ever it is you want him to make a statement about, then it's not really anything to do with his role as councillor and as such no punishment could come his way.

Of course the electorate may view it differently and choose not to elect next time. Although on most parish councils not being elected at the ballot box is no real impediment to being a councillor.

Answer 2

Does the council have a ‘safeguarding policy’? Could you take a look at it and see if you think that it applies in this case?