Young people ‘Take Over’ Blackburn with Darwen Council

Over 70 young people “took over” Blackburn with Darwen Council on Friday, November 21, as part of Takeover Day 2014.

The event gave children and young people the chance to shadow jobs, get involved in decision-making and offer their opinions on key issues.

Under the guidance of the Leader of the Council, Cllr Kate Hollern, and Executive Members, the young people set a budget which meets the needs of all the borough’s residents, and address the priorities as viewed by young people.

In the morning session held at Blackburn Youth Zone, the young people were divided into groups to look at separate budget areas, and were advised by an Executive Member, with each group looking at how they would allocate resources.

In the afternoon, the groups gathered in the Council Chamber to bring their ideas together and take part in a debate, ultimately deciding a council budget from their perspectives, in a meeting chaired by Blackburn with Darwen Youth MP Harry Kay, Deputy Youth MP Katheja Asif, and Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council Cllr Kate Hollern.

In a lively debate, young people discussed Leisure facilities, registrars and other services, as well as what areas each group would prioritise.

Listen to Cllr Kate Hollern, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, and Blackburn with Darwen Youth MP Harry Kay, talk about the Takeover Day event:

You can view more images from the Takeover Day on the Councils Flickr

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