Anglesey’s Youth Council Have Their Say
A group of young people have played a prominent role in the process of setting the Anglesey budget this year.
Members of Anglesey’s Youth Council, Llais Ni, voiced their opinion as part of the recent consultation on the 2017/18 budget proposals.
The council organised a variety of workshops with the Youth Council and other youth groups to ensure that the young people’s voices would become an important part of the consultation on spending priorities.
During the special workshop members of Llais Ni had a discussion with the Head of Function and Resources, Council leader, Children and Young People’s Champion and the Council’s Scrutiny Manager. It was an opportunity for them to present their comments, concerns and their suggestions on the proposed budget, and to gain a better understanding about the council’s scrutiny process and how decisions are made.
During the consultation process a question and answer session was also organised with the Council leader for MonFM, as well as meeting with Anglesey’s young people in their schools and community groups, such as Young Farmers and youth clubs.
Anglesey’s Children’s and Young Peoples Champion, Councillor Llinos Medi Huws explained, “Following these events, we worked together to write a report that outlined the young people’s concerns regarding the budget. The report recently went before the Corporate Scrutiny Committee with the members considering their comments.”
“It was a privilege to represent the young people and it was nice to see six members of Llais Ni Youth Council appearing in front of the Committee following an invitation from the Chairperson, Councillor Meirion Jones. During the meeting, several members of the Corporate Scrutiny Committee praised the young people for presenting their comments and recommendations so maturely.“
The Council’s Leader, Councillor Ieuan Williams added, “It was very nice to have discussions with the Island’s young people during the number of events that were scheduled in order to shape this year’s Budget. They had clear concerns regarding raising the cost of school dinners and strongly opposed the intention to raise the cost of school bus transport for pupils who live 2-3 miles away from the school. They also felt strongly that the Council should prioritise protecting Statutory Services.”
“It was encouraging hearing the young people’s opinion and the feedback we received from them, stakeholders and others through the scrutiny process lead to changes in terms of our proposals for this year’s budget.”
The Executive Committee amended two of the most contentious proposals that were – the significant increase to school transport costs and the costs of school dinners. The proposal now recommended an increase of 10p for every school meal every day and an increase of £10 a year for school transport.
The Full Council agreed on the Budget for the Council for 2017/18 on Tuesday, 28th February.
Llais Ni’s Development Youth Officer, Awen Dodd said, “Members from Llais Ni were given the golden opportunity to present their challenging comments regarding the Budget to the Corporate Scrutiny Committee, and that ensured that the voice of the local children and young people was a prominent part of the process of making decisions and policy making.”
“This is the first time ever that the Youth Council has presented such report to the Corporate Scrutiny Committee and I’m very proud of the young people’s maturity. It was a pleasure to work with the young people and encouraging seeing their opinions be considered so intensely during the process of finalising the proposals for the 2017/18 Budget.”
If you would like to join Anglesey youth Council, Llais Ni, please contact Awen Dodd on (01248) 725807 or email: llaisni@ynysmon.gov.uk
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