Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 20, 2024

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: 1.      That this Council resolves to ask the Chief Executive of the City Council to write to the city’s three Labour MPs requesting them to fulfil their party's pledge to reduce the voting age to 16 for all local and national elections, and to urge the Government to legislate for this to happen in time for all elections taking place from May 2026 onwards. 2.      That this Council believes that such a step is both urgent and imperative because: a)      Millions of young people are employed at 16, pay taxes, spend money that benefits the economy, enter post-secondary education, get married and join the Forces.  They should be able to give their opinion on these and other issues by being able to vote. b)      With so much current evidence of voter disaffection the earlier that young people can be meaningfully engaged in decisions that affect their future the better.   c)      In Scotland and Wales young people over the age of 16 can vote in devolved elections.  Their English counterparts should have a similar right. d)      To do so will be consistent with the Council's own record, namely a vote in favour of votes at 16 in January 2015, longstanding support for the MK Youth Council, two representatives in the UK Youth Parliament and - more recently - its commitment to a Youth Mayor, and Deputy.  e)      It will reflect young people's own commitment.  The results of this year’s Make Your Mark ballot organised by the British Youth Council placed Milton Keynes among the top 20 local authorities for both turnout and volume of responses, with 10,051 young people taking part.