Engagement strategy prompts call for youth reps on committee

The youngest elected member on Angus Council has called for the youth of Angus to have their voices heard on the local authority’s children and learning committee.

Addressing a committee meeting in Forfar, Ben Lawrie, Liberal Democrat councillor for Monifieth and Sidlaw, told members young people might not have a vote, but they were still affected by decisions made in the council chamber.

He was commenting on a report on the Angus youth engagement strategy, which was approved at the meeting.

Launched to coincide with the Year of Young People 2018, it is designed to strengthen Angus Community Planning Partnership’s engagement with young people.

More than 290 pupils from secondary schools and youths from across Angus completed a survey about how they would like to be involved in decisions that affect their lives.

A working group was established involving pupils from Arbroath, Brechin and Kirriemuir secondary schools and ACPP members.

Mr Lawrie said: “I’m glad we’re making efforts to engage with our young people.

“It’s important decisions are always made with people and not for them. I also think it would be a good idea to appoint youth reps to this committee.

“Young people don’t have a vote but they’re still affected by the decisions we make here.

“I’d like to see their voices brought to the table.

“Young people have a lot to say so I hope we all do our best to embody the principles outlined in this strategy, to make young people feel when they speak up, we’ll listen.”

The youth strategy will be officially launched on June 14.