May 11, 2009
CALL FOR MORE YOUNG MAYORS
YOUNG people representing Rotherham and Barnsley Councils joined a forum in Parliament to call for more young mayors and directly elected youth representatives.
More than 150 young people from over 50 local authorities spoke to local councillors, officers and MPs about what young mayors could achieve.
The government has pledged £2m for as many as 20 young mayor schemes.
Wentworth MP and local government minister John Healey spoke at the event and said: "Young people can make a massive contribution to their communities but too often this is forgotten. They feel ignored and excluded, and just see negative headlines about youth crime and anti-social behaviour.
"Young mayors can change that. Already, over 100,000 young people have taken part in young mayoral elections across the country, and in places like Lewisham, Newham and North Tyneside voter turnout can be higher than in adult elections.
“That's why our extra £2million funding for at least 20 new young mayors around the country is so important. This will give young people real opportunities to have their say, get involved and contribute to stronger local democracy.”
The event was organised by the National Youth Agency and the Young Mayor Network.
Young Mayors are directly elected by young people (11-18 years old) within their area, in a one year term of office. Supported by a Deputy and a team of young people, the Young Mayor's role is to represent and be the figurehead for young people in their area. Young Mayors usually have a budget of their own to spend (after consultation with other young people) and in conjunction with their adult counterparts.