Birmingham education chief backs youngsters

Dec 29 2009 by Gregg Evans, Birmingham Mail

BIRMINGHAM City Council’s education chief has promised to try to strengthen the link between youngsters and councillors by giving them the opportunity to speak at official meetings.

At present, the only input from young representatives, is seen at education overview and scrutiny meetings where organisations such as the UK Youth Parliament sit alongside councillors.

But cabinet member for children, young people and families, Coun Les Lawrence and chairman of the board, Coun Jon Hunt, have both agreed to send letters to other scrutiny boards asking for a similar involvement. “We want to set up ways of engaging with young people, and this is a good way,” said Coun Lawrence. “This is the only scrutiny board that has the involvement of young people.”

Mr Hunt said the youngsters’ contributions were important because they give the councillors the feedback that they need.

Samuel Peat, from Birmingham Children and Young People’s Parliament (BCYPP), said: “From my personal experience I have had problems contacting a councillor when I needed to speak to him so I feel that better communication links are needed.”