Newcastle City Council

You may have read about the Elders Council in previous issues of Citylife. The Youth Council is similar, except it represents the interests of young people in the city and influences council policy.

We spoke with three candidates for the Youth Council. Glen from Denton Burn goes to St Cuthbert’s High School. Michael from Byker goes to Kenton School. Charlotte who lives in Gosforth goes to Central High School

Charlotte had already had some experience of youth democracy, “I originally put myself up for the Youth Parliament last year and was offered a chance to be a young adviser. And then I found out about the youth council elections.”

“I want to be a role model for young people,” Michael tells us when we ask what he wants to achieve as a youth councillor.

Have they been campaigning?

“I’ve done a bit”, says Michael.

“I’ve not done much in my local area, but I really should start”, Charlotte says “I’ve set up a Facebook group.”

Glen explains, “You know we’re in the most awkward position because we’ve just finished our A levels.”

Gerry Hunwick supports the youth council steering group. He says, “They’ll work out themselves who they want to be their chair, their secretary and their treasurer. They’ll also have their own budget to manage.”

And, how does it feel to have money to assign to the projects they believe in?

“Powerful,” Charlotte laughs