Young’s voice at county level
Report by Rhys Griffiths

FOUR budding politicians from Dover district have been given the chance to have a say in how the county is run after being elected to the Kent Youth County Council.

The students emerged victorious from an election which saw children across Kent cast more than 30,500 votes at 150 polling stations.

Three Dover Grammar School for Boys pupils, 15-year-old James Tapley and 14-year-olds Luke McNicholas and Ranulph Goldfinch were voted on to the council. The quartet is completed by 15-year-old Castle Community College student Natalie Hussey.

A total of 48 youngsters were voted onto the council from across the county. They will work closely with politicians and officers when it comes to shaping policy for young people in Kent.

James said: “I would like to start with the issue of things for young people to do. There are currently not enough things for young people to do in Dover and Thanet. I want to campaign for more leisure activities such as bowling, ice skating and improved leisure centres.

“Secondly, I would like to raise the issue of the Freedom Pass, a bus travel concessions card available in Kent. I will campaign to lower the price and make it available on other types of transport such as trains.

“This would enable us to know Kent better and also reduce our carbon footprint. I also want to extend the age limit to 18 so that all young people aged 11 to 18 can benefit from affordable public transport.”

Anyone aged 11 to 18 and living within KCC boundaries, could vote or stand for election. Members are elected for a year with the option of continuing for a second year to support newly elected members. Mike Hill, KCC cabinet member for community services, said: “I am always so impressed by the enthusiasm and professionalism of KYCC members and their determination to make a difference for the young people of Kent.

“Their hard work can bring about real changes to how services are run and the facilities available to them and I look forward to meeting the new members of this respected organisation.”