The Governance of Britain Green Paper, published in July 2007, highlighted the need for the Government to engage with young people and encourage them to play an active part in British society.
The Youth Citizenship Commission was set up to examine ways of developing young people’s understanding of citizenship and increase their participation in politics.
On 29 February 2008 Professor Jonathan Tonge of Liverpool University was announced as chair of the Commission. There are 13 other commissioners, including 3 young people and 8 individuals from a variety of professional backgrounds.
Terms of Reference
The Commission will focus on young people aged 11-19 and will:
1. Examine what citizenship means to young people
2. Consider how to increase young people’s participation in politics; the development of citizenship amongst disadvantaged groups; how active citizenship can be promoted through volunteering and community engagement; and how the political system can reflect the communication preferences of young people.
3. Lead a consultation with young people on whether the voting age should be lowered to 16.
The Commission will report to the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Justice and the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families in Spring 2009.
Views can be sent to the YCC mailbox - ycc@justice.gsi.gov
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