Introducing the first ever East Suffolk Youth Council!

Posted by on 18 November 2024 | Comments

A new council entirely comprising young people from across East Suffolk has now officially formed, ensuring the voices and concerns of younger residents are heard.

Thirty-two young people from up and down East Suffolk have been elected to the new East Suffolk Youth Council, an innovative initiative designed to engage young people in politics and enable them to influence decisions affecting their lives and communities.

Youth from every secondary educational community in East Suffolk, as well as the homeschooled were invited to stand for election earlier this year. These elections took place ahead of an induction day held at East Suffolk House in Melton on Monday 18 November, where the thirty-two members of the Youth Council were 'sworn in'.

Youth councillors will set their own priorities, have their own debates and reach their own decisions. They will have real and robust connections with East Suffolk Council, to ensure young peoples' voices are heard loud and clear in council decisions, and to drive real change across the district.

Cllr Anthony Speca, Chair of East Suffolk Council said: "The East Suffolk Youth Council is a centrepiece of my Chairship. I'm incredibly proud of our new Youth Councillors, who had the courage to stand for election, and the passion to represent their peers and communities. I'm excited for the ideas and energy they'll bring to our local democracy, and I'm looking forward to working with and alongside them."

As part of their induction, the youth councillors received special training to help them to take up their new roles, understand the structure of council meetings and how motions are brought forward, and set their priorities ahead of the first Youth Council meeting on 9 December.

The Youth Council is apolitical, with its own special rules of procedure designed to promote open discussion. There will be three Youth Council meetings each year - one in-person and two online - with plenty of opportunities between meetings to get together and get things done.

The Youth Council is supported directly by the Chair, as well as other East Suffolk councillors and officers.