Decision details

The Head of Community Wellbeing and Resilience, together with Mr D  Lewis-Rowlands (RCT Member of the UK Youth Parliament) provided Members with an overview of the outcomes of the Votes at 16 Consultation in response to the UK Youth Parliament National Make Your Mark Campaign.

Members were advised of an 8 week consultation with all residents of the County Borough, with  452 young people engaging in the consultation and 161 adults.   The RCT Member of the UK Youth Parliament commented that  349 young people were in support of the votes at 16.  It was also highlighted that a  large concern from residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf regarding the Votes at 16 campaign relates to their belief that there is a lack of education and information available to everyone, not just young people.  A commitment to improve education and more readily available information could have a significant positive impact on voter engagement including the 5,253 potential additional voters within Rhondda Cynon Taf.

The Cabinet Member for Children & Young People welcomed the consultation feedback and also took the opportunity to thank Mr Lewis-Rowlands for his contributions to RCT through the Youth Forums.  The Cabinet Member spoke of taking forward a piece of work in respect of improving education, awareness and information for residents across the County Borough in respect of voting rights and democracy.

County Borough Councillor P Jarman also spoke on this item.

Following discussions it was RESOLVED:

1.    To support the Rhondda Cynon Taf County Youth Forum with its Votes at 16 campaign activities by promoting them via the Council’s formal communication channels including the corporate website and social media platforms.

2.    To support the Rhondda Cynon Taf County Youth Forum to conduct further research into the type of information members of the public would like to see available to improve their knowledge and understanding of voting in response to the consultation findings.

3.    To make a commitment to improve the information and communication available to residents of all ages on politics, local government and voting within Rhondda Cynon Taf prior to the next election period.