Doncaster’s teens make their voices heard

The borough’s teenagers proved they care about politics by smashing an ‘engagement’ target set by the government as it consulted the nation’s youth about what matters to them.

Over 8,700 young people in Doncaster responded to the survey, beating its 6,000 figure target (or 21 per cent per local area) to show they

have strong concerns.

Here, the living wage, creating a ‘curriculum for life’ in schools and making transport affordable for all are pressing issues for young people.

A ‘life’ curriculum in schools suggests they need to feel better prepared for adult life in terms of finance, sex and relationships and politics.

Members of Armthorpe Youth Centre produced a busy noticeboard of issues, while the Tom Hill Young People’s Centre in Denaby spoke about the benefits of the ballot, and increasing the voice of under-18s in national politics.

Cabinet Member, Coun Nuala Fennelly, said: “Local democracy is important as it helps to shape our society and the world we live in. It is fantastic to see so many young people getting involved with the Make Your Mark consultation.”

Council Chief Executive Jo Miller added: “It’s a proud moment to see so many young people in Doncaster being really hungry to have their voices heard. It is now the job of decision-makers across the UK to incorporate these views and adapt the way they think about services.”

Member of Youth Parliament Emma Spencer said: “The thousands of young people who got involved in Doncaster emphasises how passionate we are about making a difference to the way the country is run.”