Issue - meetings

To consider the report regarding Uttlesford’s Youth Council.

The Chair brought Item 12 forward in proceedings for the benefit of those present.

Councillor Fairhurst presented the report to Full Council. He invited the Chair and Vice Chair of the Youth Council, Councillors Wolter and Birkbeck, to address Members.

Councillor Wolter said the aim of the Youth Council was to give a voice to young people in the community. After two years of hard work she said the Youth Council were gaining recognition and being listened to. The Youth Council tackled serious issues affecting young people and she was proud of what the members had achieved since its establishment.

Councillor Fairhurst invited Youth Councillor Wolter to join Members and take a seat.

In response to member questions, Councillor Fairhurst said the Youth Council’s intention from the outset was to be inclusive and attract members from further education, technical colleges and youth groups.

Youth Councillor Wolter said the Youth Council understood the need to be inclusive and would reach out to youth centres, sporting clubs and activity organisations to diversify their membership.

            RESOLVED to note:

i.              The Youth Council has accepted the invitation to have a permanent nonvoting representative at Full Council meetings in order to participate in debates. The youth council will select a representative for each meeting taking into account content of the agenda.

ii.             The Youth Council has agreed to a standing invitation for District Council Members to attend Youth Council meetings and participate subject to the terms and conditions of the Youth Council constitution.

iii.            The Youth Council has accepted the offer for nominated District Council Members to support and assist the Youth Council in their engagement with local schools and the wider community to recruit members to the Youth Council and promote the democratic process.

iv.           Sufficient officer time will be allocated to the Youth Council to enable it to meet its objectives within existing resources.