Youth survey

Young people across Herefordshire believe they do not have a big enough say in local issues, according to one of the biggest ever youth surveys carried out in the county.

Fifty seven per cent of teenagers questioned as part of Herefordshire Council’s survey said they did not have a voice in the local decision-making process.

But 19 per cent believe Herefordshire Council did give them enough opportunity to influence important decisions – compared with 14 per cent in a similar survey in 2003.

More than 3,000 people, aged between 13 – 18, responded to the survey, a partnership between Herefordshire Council Youth Service team, Connexions, The Herefordshire Partnership and Transportation.

The survey, posted out to more than 10,000 addresses across the county including Hereford, Ross and Leominster, covered a wide range of issues such as services provided, health, transport and local democracy.

Other major findings revealed that 73 per cent of young people felt that health, and health services, were important to them and did not need a lot of improving.

School and learning were also highlighted as important and well delivered while leisure facilities and transport links were identified as needing a lot of improvement.

Connexions was by far the most popular information service used by young people (66 per cent), libraries (42 per cent) were second with web-based info sites taking third place (28 per cent).

Seventy six per cent believe there should be a Youth Council established in Herefordshire to empower young people and encourage them to speak out.

Now, in an attempt to raise the profile and influence of young people, Herefordshire Council is backing a bid to create a Youth Council.

The Youth Council Action Group, which has already met cabinet members from the council, hopes to stage its first election early next year when candidates will battle it out for the 25 seats up for grabs.

The seats will be geographically split across the county and include a Hereford North and South Ward, a Leominster Ward and a Bromyard Ward as well as seats in Ross-on-Wye, Ledbury, Kington and Golden Valley.

Candidates, aged between 11 – 18, will be sought through schools, youth clubs and other community groups, who will receive publicity material in the near future.

Votes are likely to be submitted via a special text number, which could be set up and announced nearer the time.

Cllr Roy Stockton, Cabinet Member (Community Services), said: “This is one of the biggest ever youth surveys conducted in the county and it will be a valuable resource in determining what young people want and need.

“It is disappointing to learn that such a high percentage of young people felt marginalised in the decision-making process.

“This is an issue which we are trying to tackle through a series of means, in particular the launch of the Youth Council.

“If successfully established, the Youth Council would be consulted on a wide variety of issues which would enable young people to be involved in the local decision-making process.

“But this is a two-way process which needs engagement from young people if it is to be a success.

“We would like to hear from young people who would like to stand as potential candidates for the Youth Council.”

For more details about the Youth Council contact Amy Lunt on (01432) 383008.

Cabinet members are also available to attend schools to discuss local government.