Local government leaders and children’s campaigners have become so alarmed at the disaffection of young people from the political process that they intend stepping up attempts to improve the situation.
The way forward will be charted at a conference in Stirling today (Friday) organised by Children in Scotland and the Scottish Local Government Information Unit, which want young people involved in planning the council services they use.
Rosemary McKenna, former president of the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities and the new Labour MP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, commented: “Convincing children that democracy works for them could not be a higher political priority.”
Stirling is a leading council in overhauling its services to young people, having set up a children’s committee which includes a pupil member.