Youth scrutiny group set to launch
Neil Puffett
Thursday, April 12, 2012
A total of 15 young people from across England will form a new scrutiny group announced as part of Positive for Youth in order to help shape government policy, it has emerged.
In December it was revealed that the National Scrutiny Group of young people will advise ministers on how government policies affect them and their families.
The government has said the group will afford young people the chance to “youth proof” government policy.
The British Youth Council, which is setting up the advisory group, will be overseeing the recruitment process of suitable candidates to the positions.
Each of the 15 members, who must already be a locally-elected representative within their local authority and be 19 or under, will be allocated a “special interest” in a particular area of policy.
The group, alongside a youth select committee, will monitor government policy and advise ministers.
The application process for the scrutiny group opens in May, with the group’s first meeting due to be held in July.
James Cathcart, BYC chief executive, said: “BYC proposed the idea of a national youth scrutiny group to hold government to account but it will take time to get established, and have influence across government.
"It won’t literally scrutinise everything, but will act as the hub that prioritises issues of concern for young people, as well as responding to the government's agenda.
"If it cannot do the work itself it will signpost or ensure another body or project is set up to do so, and will be connected to a network of other youth voice projects and initiatives.
"We hope it will act as an ever present reminder to government to actively take into account young people’s views, especially those too young to vote, or those whose voices are unheard, and provide an opportunity for government to be responsive.
"We really hope they take it, and take young people, seriously.”
Working alongside the scrutiny group the youth select committee will give young people the opportunity to scrutinise and hold enquiries into topics they’re interested in.
BYC has revealed that it will mirror the structure of the UK Parliament Select Committee system and will be made up of 11 young people aged 18 and under, including both elected and reserved seats.
The group’s first inquiry will be held in July and will look at public transport.
