Students question councillors

Students at St Cuthbert’s RC High School met three local councillors as part of a three week project aimed at increasing young peoples’ awareness in the importance of democracy.

Sixth formers met with council leader Irene Davidson (Lib Dem), Councillor Robert Clegg (Con) , Councillor Farooq Ahmed (Lab) and township officers to take part in interactive debates and workshops designed to increase students’ awareness of the wide ranging services that Rochdale Borough Council provides.

Research published by the Youth Citizenship Commission (YCC) after the last election showed that 82% of young people in the UK did not trust politicians to make the right decisions for them. It is hoped that projects like this will help young people have more of an affinity with voting, especially at this time with local elections only a few weeks away.

Jack Lofthouse, elected Member of the UK Youth Parliament said: “I think it’s very important that young people have a chance to vote in their own elections as it will encourage them to vote when they are 18 and contribute as young citizens. It’s important that we have a say in things that affect our lives like education, jobs and having something to do and somewhere safe to hang out.” 

The council will look to roll out similar projects with other schools in the future.