Young people ‘take over’ Council

Young people will be “taking over” Blackburn with Darwen Council on Friday, November 21, as part of Takeover Day 2014.

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

Around 50 young people will, under the guidance of the Leader of the Council, Cllr Kate Hollern, and Executive Members, set a budget which meets the needs of all the borough’s residents, and address the priorities as viewed by young people.

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

In the afternoon, the groups will gather in the Council Chamber to bring their ideas together and take part in a debate, ultimately deciding a council budget from their perspectives, whilst also electing their own ‘Mayor’.

The Council Leader and Executive Members will use this information in helping formulate the council’s budget for 2015/16.

Cllr Kate Hollern, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said: “As a Council we are very keen to make sure the voices of young people are heard, especially in these extremely tough times we are facing.”

“As a borough with one of the youngest populations in the country, and a recent survey showing Blackburn is the ‘youngest town in Europe’, it is extremely important we listen to young people and that they shape the decisions we make, and this is a fantastic way to ensure their voice is heard.”

This year the Children’s Commissioner for England hopes thousands of children and young people around the country will be part of Children’s Commissioner Takeover Day.