New Mid Suffolk Youth Council will give young people a say
The new group is aimed at getting young people involved and engaged with politics – providing a real opportunity for Mid Suffolk Youth Council members to help shape their local communities.
The go ahead was granted by councillors at Mid Suffolk District Council on Thursday, following a motion outlining the current disconnect between young people and politics – highlighted in a recent Electoral Commission survey.
The survey gathered information about how young people aged between 11-25 viewed politics at both a local and national level, with findings showing that almost three quarters of those asked believed that politics should be taught more in schools or colleges.
Proposed by Cllr Lucy Elkin and seconded by Cllr Harry Richardson, the motion to create a new youth council received unanimous support from councillors across the political divide.
“A Youth Council offers a really hands-on, engaging way for young people to learn about politics and local government. Just as importantly, it's also about amplifying young people’s voices.
“We want to give more young people the tools, confidence and knowledge to use their voice for change.
“I look forward to seeing this come to life and giving young people an opportunity to get involved."
“While I’m keen this doesn’t become a form of tokenism, the decisions the Council makes – everything from housebuilding to recycling – will have a real impact on future generations in Mid Suffolk and it is crucial we give them a say in what happens in their community.”
A small group of councillors will now work with council officers on next steps – with hopes that the new Mid Suffolk Youth Council will be established by September 2026.
