Youth Parliament

Yesterday's Youth Parliament elections in County Hall was, as you would expect, a positive event showcasing what is good about Cornwall's young people.  The election results are available at: http://www.cornwallyouthforum.org.uk/Cornwall_Youth_Forum/Welcome.html

For anyone who regards this as simply a 'box ticking' activity whereby lip service is paid to young people you could not be further from the truth as the 'voice of the child' is a key priority in Cornwall's Children & Young Persons Plan: http://www.cornwallcypp.org.uk/Default.aspx?page=2   Considerable effort is given to ensuring that the voice of every child is heard including through school councils, youth forum and the children in care council.  Children represent approaching 25% of Cornwall's population and as many of the decisions taken by adults have direct influence on children, e.g. academies and health services reorganisations, it is only right that they have their opportunity to consider and decide their responses and then seek to influence the decision-makers.

2011 is the first year in which young people will have opportunities to present to the Chief Executive and Directors of Cornwall Council as a regular agenda item on their meetings.

Slightly disappointing that just four councillors attended the elections: Neil Burden, who delivered a speech and rather than keeping it bland included STDs in his discussion, Pat Harvey - proving yet again the great support she gives as Cornwall Council chairman, Pat Rogerson and myself.

A number of agencies were on hand including representatives from the Children's Trust and the Devon & Cornwall Police Authority.  Equally importantly there were three Cornish MPs in attendance: Sarah Newton, Sheryll Murray and George Eustice.  I saw no sign of the Duchy's Liberal Democrat MPs.

If you like to see the Youth Parliament in action, with one of the debates led by a Cornish representative, follow this link: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_192005