Local Democracy Week

Open Forum

Local Democracy Week is set to take place from Monday 15 to Sunday 21 October. This is the seventh year that the City Council has supported Local Democracy Week, a national campaign to encourage residents, communities and young people to take a more active part in how the council makes decisions.

The majority of young people do not view local politics as a dominant force in their daily lives. Research for the Local Government Association by Ipsos MORI shows that just a quarter of 11-16 year olds believe that their local councillor is the best person to approach in order to change something in their community. And when asked who they respect most outside their family, only 1% chose politicians. The same number chose their dog!

So how can we change this? By bringing politicians and young people closer together. This is an ideal opportunity for young people to get involved and make a difference in their local communities and begin to develop a voice as part of the political process. The same research shows that just one in three 11-16 year olds have ever met a councillor or MP, and states that those who have 'are more likely to express feelings of political engagement and interest'.

The City Council has organised the following events:

Young Mayor being held Monday 15 October 2007, between 1pm - 3pm, in the Council Chamber at the Civic Centre. Four primary schools have signed up to take part in the Young Mayor elections, they are Hayton CE School, Brook Street School, Warwick Bridge School, Stanwix School and last year's Young Mayor Lucy Teasdale from - The Bishop Harvey Goodwin School.

Chaired by the Mayor, each Young Mayor candidate will present their manifesto to an audience of classmates, family, councillors and staff. The candidate will say why he/she would like to be Young Mayor and why they would make a good Young Mayor. After each presentation, there will be a question and answer session followed by a vote, in true election style, with voting slips, a polling booth and ballot boxes. The winning candidate will become Young Mayor 2007.

Political Speed Dating being held on Wednesday 17 October 2007, between 1.30 - 2.45pm, at North Cumbria Technology College (NCTC) Conference Centre, Harraby and is targeted at secondary aged pupils.

NCTC, at Harraby has volunteered to host the event this year. It will involve a number of councillors and ten pupils. Each session is three minutes long with a two-minute break for the students to assess and score how well they thought the Councillors tackled the questions and the issues raised.

The topics for debate will centre around Carlisle City Council services and Carlisle Renaissance, providing councillors with an opportunity to find out what young people think about these two subjects and how they impact on young people.

Cllr Mike Mitchelson, Leader of Carlisle City Council said:

Local Democracy Week provides a focus for young people to learn about the decision making process as well as getting them to voice issues which are important to them. Political Speed Dating appeals to older pupils where they can meet councillors face to face and talk about City Council Services

The Mayor of Carlisle Cllr Mrs Elizabeth Mallinson said:

The Local Democracy Campaign is about making young people more aware of their local council and establishing a connection, work that is proven to deliver results.