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RESOLVED:

1.      That this Council:
a)           
recognises the Milton
Keynes Youth Council as an essential platform that empowers
11–18-year-olds to use their voice to represent young people
whilst bringing about social change across the city.
b)           
praises the work of
all past and present MKYC members for their outstanding
contributions including their campaigns on youth crime as well as
wellbeing and mental health.
c)            
supports the principle
of running elections as a way of engaging young people in democracy
and encouraging future participation.
d)           
gives thanks to 94
students who put themselves forward for a youth councillor position
for the 2025/2027 term, demonstrating their dedication to the city
of Milton Keynes; and
e)           
expresses gratitude to
Milton Keynes City Council officers and to local schools for
assisting with MK Youth Council Elections which took place in
February.

2.      That this Council notes that
over 21,000 votes were cast in MK Youth Council elections, which
shows a strong willingness for young people to get involved and
work alongside the City Council.

3.      That this Council believes that
as Milton Keynes continues to grow and move towards its plan for
2050 it is more important now than ever that young people are
actively involved in shaping the future of their city.
4.            
That this Council
resolves to:
a)           
dedicate time for MK
Youth Council members including the Youth Mayor and Deputy Youth
Mayor to ask questions at Full Council and Cabinet meetings to
ensure the voices of young people are heard;
b)           
ask the executive to
consider how Youth Councillor’s views and opinions are
embedded in the City Council’s policy development;
c)            
explore further
opportunities for youth engagement in local government, to allow
young people to have a say in policies and initiatives that impact
them; and
d)           
encourage the
Government to bring forward proposals to lower the minimum voting
age to 16 in its forthcoming Elections Bill this spring.