South Cambs is a growth area, with 70,000 homes to be delivered in major new communities and existing villages. We know that many of these new homes will attract young families and the number of young people in the District will rise. It is therefore hugely important that the voice of young people is heard in the development of the Council’s policies for the future of the District. This Council encourages youth engagement in local politics and supports the greater involvement of young people in decision-making at the Council and requests Cabinet to establish a cross-party Members’ Task & Finish Group to consider options for delivering this.
Decision:
The following motion was LOST:
South Cambs is a growth area, with 19,500 homes to be delivered in major new communities and existing villages. We know that many of these new homes will attract young families and the number of young people in the District will rise. It is therefore hugely important that the voice of young people is heard in the development of the Council’s policies for the future of the District. This Council encourages youth engagement in local politics and supports the greater involvement of young people in decision-making at the Council and requests Cabinet to establish a cross-party Members’ Task & Finish Group to consider options for delivering this.
Minutes:
Councillor Heather Williams moved and Councillor Nigel Cathcart seconded the following motion, as set out in the agenda:-
“South Cambs is a growth area, with 70,000 homes to be delivered in major new communities and existing villages. We know that many of these new homes will attract young families and the number of young people in the District will rise. It is therefore hugely important that the voice of young people is heard in the development of the Council’s policies for the future of the District. This Council encourages youth engagement in local politics and supports the greater involvement of young people in decision-making at the Council and requests Cabinet to establish a cross-party Members’ Task & Finish Group to consider options for delivering this.”
Councillor Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer stated that the figure of 70,000 homes was incorrect and possibly referred to residents. He proposed the motion be amended to include the correct figure of 19,500 homes. Councillor Bridget Smith seconded this amendment, which Councillor Heather Williams, as the mover of the motion, accepted without debate.
Councillor Heather Williams expressed the hope that this motion would enjoy cross-party support, as it was not intended to be critical of the current administration and its only aim was to promote youth engagement.
Councillor Nigel Cathcart advocated the importance of youth engagement in the political process for the benefit of the wider society. He considered the motion to be viable and reasonable and urged councillors to support it.
Councillor Bridget Smith, as a former champion of young people and vulnerable adults for the Council, expressed her support for youth participation and the engagement of hard to reach groups. She listed the work that had been carried out in the past, including the setting up a Youth Council, and provided details of work currently being undertaken within the Council and by existing councillors. However, she regarded youth engagement as “business as usual” and did not consider that a cross-party task and finish group was necessary to continue the promotion of this work.
Councillor Sue Ellington spoke in favour of the motion and stated that she had helped set up the Youth Council.
Councillor Brian Milnes stated that youth engagement could not be imposed from the top, but needed a catalyst, such as Greta Thunberg, to get young people interested in politics.
Councillor Graham Cone asserted that a Task and Finish Group would be a positive way to consider how the Council could better promote youth engagement.
Councillor Gavin Clayton recognised the challenge in trying to engage with young people and suggested that technology could be used. He lamented the fact that Cambourne did not have a youth club.
Councillor Peter Topping supported the motion and did not believe that the current activities referred to by the Leader adequately responded to the aspirations for youth engagement in the motion.
Councillor Deborah Roberts recommended that different ideas should be tried and evaluated and felt that a Task and Finish Group could help to facilitate this.
Councillor Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya explained that many councillors worked with children, but engaging them directly in politics was more challenging. She suggested that A-Level students be encouraged to attend Council meetings.
Councillor Dr. Tumi Hawkins commented that young people had engaged with planning issues and these issues could be promoted without setting up a Task and Finish Group.
Councillor John Williams spoke of the need to engage with young people on issues that were important to them, such as the environment and promoting renewable energy. Councillor Pippa Heylings reminded Council that children from the Histon and Impington Eco Group had addressed a recent Climate and Environment Advisory Committee meeting and local children aged 8-10 years old had also spoken at a Parish Council.
Councillor Anna Bradnam stated that setting up an extra Task and Finish Group was unnecessary to promote youth engagement.
Councillor Heather Williams explained that the setting up of a Task and Finish Group would allow the Council to build on the work already being carried out.
Upon the motion being put, a vote was taken and were cast as follows:
In favour (14):
Councillors Ruth Betson, Dr. Shrobona Bhattacharya, Tom Bygott, Nigel Cathcart, Gavin Clayton, Graham Cone, Dr. Douglas de Lacey, Sue Ellington, Mark Howell, Deborah Roberts, Peter Topping, Bunty Waters, Heather Williams and Nick Wright.
Against (24)
Councillors Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Anna Bradnam, Dr. Martin Cahn, Dr. Claire Daunton, Clare Delderfield, Peter Fane, Neil Gough, Jose Hales, Bill Handley, Philippa Hart, Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Pippa Heylings, Steve Hunt, Peter McDonald, Brian Milnes, Dawn Percival, Judith Rippeth, Bridget Smith, Hazel Smith, Dr. Ian Sollom, Dr. Aidan Van de Weyer, John Williams and Eileen Wilson.
Abstain (0)
The Chairman declared the motion to be LOST.