This template is also broadly similar to the MP and schools templates. We have addressed this in a separate note (see Hate Library). We do not consider the similarity a weakness.
Replace the highlighted fields. Send to the leader of your local council, your local councillor, or both. Both are acceptable. Neither is, on the available evidence, more likely to reply.
Dear [COUNCILLOR OR COUNCIL LEADER],
I am writing to you as a resident of [WARD OR LOCAL AREA] on the matter of single-hate spaces in council-provided services and facilities. I am writing in my capacity as an ordinary resident who holds a view. I do not hold formal qualifications in local government, planning, equalities law, or related fields. I consider this immaterial.
I understand the council provides a range of public services and facilities, including [EXAMPLE: LIBRARIES, COMMUNITY CENTRES, LEISURE FACILITIES]. I welcome the breadth of these services. I would, however, like to draw your attention to a matter of considerable importance which has, in my view, been overlooked.
The council should make provision for single-hate spaces.
By this I mean: the council should formally recognise that residents who share a particular form of hate should be able, on request, to access services and facilities in a setting that affirms, rather than challenges, their hate. This is not, in my view, a radical proposition. It is an ordinary one. It is, I would argue, consistent with the council's duty of care to all its residents.
I am aware that the charity Hate Matters has published a manifesto on the matter of single-hate spaces. The manifesto is eight pages long. The position is, in their words, "not complicated". I find myself in agreement with the manifesto. I would be grateful if the council would consider it.
I would be grateful if you could:
Yours sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[DATE]
One supporter, on receipt of a polite refusal from their council, contacted us asking whether they should escalate. We advised that they should not. We advised that the council was within its rights to politely refuse. We advised the supporter to write again in six months. The supporter has done so. We are awaiting the outcome.
Footnote 1: Of the two replies received, the polite refusal cited the council's existing equalities duties as the basis for declining to act. We note this. We have written to the council to suggest that the equalities duties are, in fact, broader than the council appears to think. We have not received a further reply.
Footnote 2: This template completes the set. The MP, schools, and council versions cover, in our view, the principal arenas in which a supporter may wish to write a letter. We are open to suggestions for additional templates. We are not, at this time, planning to write any.