An innovative new chapter in local democracy has begun in Petteril.
The area’s Community Panel has successfully launched a young people’s advisory group, to ensure young voices are heard loud and clear in local decision making.
The group of ten enthusiastic members aged between 14 and 17, is now formally established. It will play a key role in advising the Community Panel, bringing fresh perspectives to discussions shaping the future of Petteril.
And in a pioneering move two members - selected by their peers - will be co-opted onto the main Community Panel from September.
Justin McDermott, Cumberland Council’s Executive Member for Public Health and Communities, said:
“I said we wanted to take the voice of youth seriously and I meant it. This is one of the first places in the country to co-opt young people on to a formal council committee in this way. When people say there is nothing for young people to do, this is putting that power directly in the hands of those young people.
“I couldn’t be prouder and to have attracted so many knowledgeable and engaged young people is fantastic. I can’t wait to see them getting involved, and selecting their own representatives on the Community Panel. We should be proud to have this innovative approach, and to be home to the amazing young people taking part.”
The young advisors are already preparing to give their insight - researching what activities are available for young people, and how they can be promoted. They also plan to collaborate with the council on possible locations for a bike track.
The young people’s advisory group has ten bright and motivated members, from across the panel area, who share a passion for Petteril and a strong desire to get involved in the democratic process.
At their June meeting, the group elected two representatives to serve as co-optees on the quarterly Community Panel. Although co-optees cannot vote on decisions, they are treated equally in all other respects, with full access to the same information, opportunities, and support as elected panel members.
The co-optees will attend their first Community Panel meeting in early September.