YOUNG people from across the city have been sworn in as members of the Leicester Young People’s Council.
Forty-four young people have been elected to represent their peers, after nearly 4,500 (4,476) votes were cast in the ‘Choose or Lose’ young people’s elections, which ran in November and December last year.
The Young People’s Council aims to provide a voice for young people in the city by ensuring their views are represented in the local decision-making processes that affect them.
Young people living or attending school in Leicester were eligible to stand for election, and they campaigned at schools, colleges, youth and community groups all over the city to win votes and a seat on the Young People’s Council.
On Monday (27 Jan), they were sworn in at a special ceremony in Leicester’s Town Hall, where they met with local leaders and visited the council chambers where meetings take place.
Deputy city mayor Cllr Sarah Russell said: “The great response we had to the election shows how much young people care about their city. By getting involved in the Young People’s Council, they can help to shape it for the future.
“It was wonderful to meet the new members of our Young People’s Council at their swearing-in ceremony and I am sure they will make a really important contribution to local democracy, helping to ensure that young people’s voices are heard and valued.”
The Young People’s Council is made up of young people aged from 11 to 19, and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged up to 25. It will link into the work of councillors across the city and will be involved in several scrutiny committees, including those for health, children and young people, and the overview scrutiny committee.
Benjamin Taylor, a year 11 student at New College in Leicester, is one of the new Young People’s Council members. He said: “I’m looking forward to tackling any issues that Leicester students may have with transport, healthcare or cultural representation. The most pressing issue I want to address now is the rising bus prices for children and students. I will do my absolute best to ensure that every student in Leicester is able to comfortably pursue their education, because everyone deserves a fair chance.”
Also elected was Harmony Uwujare, who said: “I want all young people to feel that they have a voice on the Young People’s Council. I will do my best and am prepared to work hard. My main concerns are the cost of buses, equality and mental health. I want all young people to thrive and be able to access the help they need.”
And Hanisha Anjay, who is also joining the Young People’s Council, said: “What a real honour to be voted in by my fellow students. I am excited for the future. We have issues around future opportunities for young people - we need more career aspirations. I will listen to what young people say.”
Find out more about how the city council works with young people at https://www.leicester.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/support-for-children-and-young-people/rights-and-participation-service/
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