PRESS RELEASE FEATURING EYSC

 GIVING YOUNG PEOPLE A DEMOCRATIC VOICE

A PILOT scheme aimed at further engaging young people with the democratic process is being launched on April 18.

The Essex Youth Scrutiny Committee (EYSC) will initially run in the south of the county and will give young people – 13-19 or 25 for those with additional needs – the opportunity to analyse important issues, grill decision makers and put forward recommendations.

The EYSC will have the same support and guidance as a typical Essex County Council scrutiny committee. Like those committees, the EYSC’s final report will be presented to the Scrutiny Board who will incorporate it into a final report for full council.

Cllr Kay Twitchen, Chairman of the Scrutiny Board, said: “The pilot is designed to engage young people in scrutiny work and the democratic process.

 “The EYSC will have the same access to information and witnesses as any other scrutiny committee. In Essex we want young people to have a voice and, alongside the Young Essex Assembly and our youth councils, this committee really will be able to influence the decision makers at the county council.”   

Contributions to the EYSC are not limited to its members, indeed via a new website www.eysc.org.uk, the committee is hoping to encourage young people from across Basildon, Castle Point and Rochford to get involved. The EYSC will also be linking with and complementing the work of the Youth Councils and the Young Essex Assembly. The site will be officially launched along with the committee on April 18.

Via the website people will be able to keep in touch with the activities of the EYSC, take part in weekly polls and contribute to the forum.

Depending on the success of the pilot the EYSC will be extended to cover the whole of Essex.