Learning about Local Democracy
As part of a nationwide drive to combat apathy among young voters, Wealden District Council and the arts group Act-On-It visited four local Community Colleges to explain how local democracy works and why their vote is important.
But democracy has no need to be dull as the year 12 and 13 students at the colleges found out. Presentations included a mock Question Time show, with the students helping present the official views of the Conservative, Green, Labour and Liberal Democratic parties on a number of hot topics; and Desert Island Democracy, in which students have to share an imaginary island with castaway Barry Manalone and decide on the best form of government.
There was time for real Question and Answers when students quizzed the district councillors about local issues such as street safety, supermarkets, public facilities and poor transport links. Further sessions discussed the wide range of local government responsibilities.
“The students have been very engaged this year,” said Councillor Mrs Margaret Kirkpatrick, Cabinet member for Housing and Community Development who opened the events. “The Question and Answer sessions, in particular, have been very productive. I feel the whole Local Democracy Campaign experience has been very positive.
“We have enjoyed it and believe it is worthwhile, and I am sure the students thought so as well.”
During this year’s Local Democracy Campaign – originally it was Local Democracy Week, but the event has now expanded nationally to include a wide range of dates – Wealden District Council and Act-On–It visited four Community Colleges: Heathfield, Uckfield, Uplands in Wadhurst and Hailsham; and spoke to over 500 students.
