Acorn activists accused of 'harassment'by Norwich Labour

It says some of the calls to Beth Jones, a Norwich city councillor, have been threatening, demanding she comply with the group's requests "or else".

Labour claim Ms Jones, its spokeswoman for housing, is being targeted by a group called the Association of Community Organisations (Acorn), which campaigns on behalf of renters.

The party has issued a statement accusing Acorn - which is supported by several prominent Green councillors - of "months of intimidating behaviour".

It cites another incident where she was surrounded by masked people at a meeting, who shouted over her every time she attempted to speak.

But the activists say the claims are a "distraction" from their demands for changes to the treatment of private renters in the city, calling them "unfounded accusations".

Tensions between Acorn and Labour councillors have been increasing in recent months due the tactics deployed by its members.

Labour councillor Beth Jones says she has been harassed by Acorn members(Image: Denise Bradley)

Ms Jones has previously spoken of "feeling afraid" as a result of the behaviour of Acorn activists and has even installed extra security measures outside her home.

Acorn, which describes itself as a 'union for working class people, tenants and workers' has branches across the UK.

The group champions causes such as the eviction of tenants and is currently campaigning for councils to stop the use of bailiffs to collect council tax debt.

Norwich Green councillors Gary Champion (L) and Josh Worley (R) pose for photos in support of an Acorn campaign(Image: Acorn)

In its statement, Norwich Labour Party said: "Acorn has 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."

ACORN Union members protest about landlords outside Pymm & Co estate agents and lettings in Norwich(Image: Denise Bradley)

The matter came to a head at a recent cabinet meeting, where Ms Jones was asked why Labour councillors have refused to meet with Acorn members.

In response, she said: "I will not engage with people who believe in using intimidation.

"It is difficult to be a woman in public life and I think you should take a good, hard look at what it looks like to be shouting at women in public. So no, I won't meet with people who behave like that."

At this point, about a group of 20 Acorn members began booing Ms Jones, with one person saying "one of our members is a woman and you shut her down," before the group left the cabinet meeting.

Acorn members leave a Norwich cabinet meeting(Image: YouTube)

However, Acorn has remained steadfast and denied that its tactics amount to harassment.

Toby Sedgwick, organiser of the Norwich branch, said: "Acorn Norwich completely refutes these serious, utterly unfounded accusations.

"We have hundreds of private renter members and thousands of supporters across the city, and we make no apologies for completely legal and above board campaigning in their interests.

"This is a complete distraction from the real issue, which is that private renters still have no support against the rogue landlords running rampant in this city.

"The Labour council needs to stop making excuses and start working with us to protect some of the most vulnerable people in our city. If they won't, they need to stand down for a party that will."

Acorn activists pose for a photograph(Image: Acorn)

Acorn is currently calling for a licensing scheme to be introduced in Norwich, which would give the council more powers to monitor and fine landlords.

It has demanded that cabinet members publicly commit to the scheme.

Views across Norwich from Mousehold Heath(Image: Denise Bradley)

However, Labour says this would risk the scheme becoming subject to legal challenge by landlords, who could argue it would show members were "predetermined" before voting on the policy.

Alex Catt, leader of the Green Party group, has called for more mediation between the two organisations but has not condemned the behaviour of Acorn activists.

He said: "Housing is a critical issue and landlord licensing is desperately needed to help our city’s renters.

"It’s important to treat everyone with respect and Green councillors will always support courteous and informed campaigning and debate.

"We would like to see mediation and support put in to support a positive dialogue between the Labour administration and Acorn on this crucial issue.”

'WORKING CLASS UNION'

Acorn describes itself as a mass-membership organisation and a "community-based union of working-class people".

It stands for the Association of Community Organisations for Reform Now and has its roots in the United States where it was formed in the 1970s.

The group rose to prominence and branches were set up internationally.

But a series of scandals have damaged its reputation.

The brother of one of its founders embezzled $1m from the organisation.

The first Acorn branch in the UK was established in 2014.