Participation Works

Local youth councils make a real difference and improve services according to a new report from the British Youth Council (BYC).  In the report BYC calls for continued investment in local youth participation and greater recognition of good practice and success.

New research published today (20th July 2010) by the British Youth Council reveals that up to 19,800 young volunteers from diverse backgrounds are actively involved in local government, informing, influencing and participating in local decisions and improving services. BYC is calling for sustained investment in local and national support for the network to ensure the momentum of this work continues and grows. Plus greater recognition of good practice and success through a new award scheme.

The young volunteers, mostly aged 11-17, are involved through local youth councils, which are making a real difference in their communities. In the audit of 620 youth councils across the UK, young people’s participation in local decision-making had reportedly been increased last year by the majority of youth councils (89%).

Well over three quarters (85%) of youth councils surveyed had met with their elected councillors and a similar number (80%) had met with the senior staff responsible for services (such as the Director of Children’s Trusts). Almost three-quarters (73%) had met with Members of Parliament and in the devolved nations most had also met with their devolved assembly or parliamentary representatives.

The vast majority (94%) stated that they represent the views of young people to local government either through campaigning (87%) or being consulted by decision-makers (49%).

As a result:

• The quality of youth services was stated to have been improved by almost two thirds of youth councils (62%)
• 1 in 8 felt that had saved money for their local council (13%)
• A quarter of youth councils (22%) believed their work had resulted in savings for young people.
• Three quarters (75%) had increased their community’s awareness of young people’s contribution.

Youth councils also build bridges by working between different groups:

• Over half (58%) are involved in intergenerational work
• Just under half (42%) in intercultural work.

Youth councils also hold local government to account with:

• Two thirds (64%) reviewing Children’s Plans
• Half (51%) sitting on scrutiny panels
• Just under half (48%) involved in inspections.

Compared to the UK population, youth councillors have been found by the BYC survey to be diverse group. Young people from a wide range of ethnicities and backgrounds are represented: 7% are of Dual Heritage, 8% are Asian or Asian British and 7% are Black or Black British compared to 1.29%, 4% and 2% respectively of the general population and 0.4%, 2.7% and 0.4% of adult councillors. While half of youth councils who responded to our survey stated that around 1 in 12 (8%) of their youth councillors belong to more than one minority group.

Looking to the future, youth councils identified their biggest challenges as lack of resources, followed by lack of influence. In response to this, BYC is calling for continued and sustained investment in local and national support. Moreover, for the network to be extended to provide a youth council for every community, supported to share good practice and to present a national voice. BYC is also calling for a national award scheme for young people and the introduction of a national good practice standard for the work of youth councils.

Alex Delaney (aged 26) BYC Chair, said: Youth councils enable young people from different backgrounds to come together with decision-makers. This not only gives young people a voice but improves life for the whole community. It is crucial that youth councils can continue their contribution to the Big Society and that the involvement of volunteer youth councillors is recognised, alongside good practice of youth councils themselves. We call on decision makers in local, devolved and national Governments, to support the youth council network along with the British Youth Council as the national youth council of the UK.

Rt. Hon. Greg Clark MP, Minister for Decentralisation commented: These young people are helping to send the message to others that volunteering, giving, taking part, and also public service through politics should be a norm in our society rather than the exception. It is one contribution to an ongoing conversation as to where the emerging shape of an energised Big Society might take inspiration.

Download a PDF version of the report from the BYC online resources centre.

Tue, 20/07/2010 - 14:26