Local Democracy Week 2009

Boroughs activities promoting democracy and the role of councillors

In October 2009, many boroughs ran activities to increase awareness of the role of councillors and the function of the council itself during Local Democracy Week. For more information, please email emma.stewart@londoncouncils.gov.uk (020 7934 9754).

London Borough of Barking and Dagenham

Barking and Dagenham held three events to promote democracy to young people during Local Democracy Week 2009.  The focus on young people kicked off with the Barking And Dagenham Youth Forum elections (known as BAD Youth Forum) held in each of the borough’s nine secondary schools where pupils’ voted until just two representatives from each school, one male and one female were elected to the forum. 

The young persons theme continued when the 5-12 year old Children’s Forum ‘Let our voices be heard’ meeting gave primary school children an insight into the workings of local government, local politics and civic pride. The forum, held in Barking council chamber included appearances from the leader of the council, the local MP Jon Cruddas and many activities including, voter participation, quizzes and open discussions.  Finally, local schools’ sixth form politics students visited the council chamber for a presentation on local democracy and current affairs, and heard from London Assembly Member John Biggs as well as Barking and Dagenham cabinet members.

For more information contact john.dawe@lbbd.gov.uk (020 8215 3000)

Local Democracy Week at Brent

The week started with the Get Involved Fair in Willesden Green Library. Staff were on hand to explain how local people could have their say on local decisions that affect them. There was also information on how to become a councillor, vote in elections, become involved in overview and scrutiny and much more.

Other events during the week included:

• Meeting the Mayor - school pupils met and quizzed the Mayor.  The visit also included a tour of the main areas of the Town Hall, a visit to the Council Chambers and an explanation on the role of the Council and Councillors in local decision making.  Brent Youth Parliament promoted their campaign 'break the stereotype, fix the impression'' The campaign encouraged older people not to stereotype against the young and for the young people to do something about the stereotypes that face them.
   
• Councillors participated in activities in their wards such as visiting schools
  
• Councillors took part in question time style youth debates in two secondary schools in the borough
  
• the mayor's blog and chat forum 'Ask the Mayor' were promoted

For more information call 020 8937 1034, email localdemocracyweek@brent.gov.uk

London Borough of Ealing

Ealing council organised a variety of events to mark Local Democracy Week in October 2009.

Mayor's Competition - pupils in Years 4 to 6 told Ealing's Mayor how they would run the council by sending in their paintings, poems, prose, etc.. The winner accompanied the mayor for a day as she carried her mayoral duties.

Dem-games on Ealing's website Opens in a new window for various age groups. The Dem-games were uploaded onto the website for Local Democracy Week itself.

Question Time - An event similar to the BBC's Question Time but for 17/18 year olds. The panel included the leader of the council, Stephen Pound MP, local councillors, a police representative and the Youth Mayor. Karl Mercer, BBC London's Chief Reporter was the question master.

Council meeting - Officer/Member Role Play . A group of Year 6 pupils from Hobbayne School role played at a staged Council meeting by taking on the role of the Mayor, Chief Executive, Leaders, Whips, Cabinet members, etc.. They had a small script of what to say and followed a council agenda. A visit to the Mayor's parlour and tour of the Town Hall followed.

Political speed dating - This was a popular event held at Cardinal Wiseman high school. Some students from years 12 and 13 quizzed a number of Ealing councillors on a variety of topics and then cast their votes for the most popular councillor.

Democratic Services are more than happy to visit schools at any time to talk to students about all aspects of local democracy. We advertise this through the schools Gateway communication, via council publications and by way of our Youth Connections Team.

For further information on janet.smith@ealing.gov.uk (020 8825 5319).

London Borough of Islington

Islington took part in the British Youth Council Councillor Shadowing Programme which it launced during Local Democracy Week. Islington was one of the four pilot councils (and the only London authority) that ran this programme during the summer).

Young people from Islington's schools have been running photo booths in different locations of the borough and asking important local people, particularly local politicians to come and have their portraits taken. An exhibition featuring the photographs taken as part of the programme was held during Local Democracy Week in the Town Hall. More details available at http://cubittartists.org.uk. Contact Daniel Baker, Education Coordinator at Cubitt, education@cubittartists.org.uk (07879 852916).

Islington's Council Leader organised a number of separate meetings with young people, the local community and the business sector as part of Local Democracy Week and continued with his supermarket surgeries. The supermarket surgeries took place in various supermarkets across the borough giving local people the opportunity to raise any issues or comments they had about the borough. The surgeries were very successful so far with over 200 people coming to them.

For more information contact john.lynch@islington.gov.uk

London Borough of Merton

Merton held an informal open evening for prospective councillors.

It was a non political event, pitched at those people who were thinking of becoming a councillor but were not sure what it would entail.

Serving members spoke briefly about their experiences as councillors when first elected. Details were also given about members’ roles and the support that they receive from the council.

Merton councillors held workshops with children from local schools, laying on tours of the Civic Centre and meeting the Mayor in his Parlour. Local MP Siobhain McDonagh showed a group of Merton schoolchildren around the House of Parliament

For more information contact paul.bateman@merton.gov.uk (020 8545 3359).

Other events included:

Merton Youth Parliament meeting Merton Council's Cabinet and ShadowCabinet to find out their views on key issues in a spot of speed dating.

Stephen Hammond MP visiting Ursuline High School for a debate on aspects of democracy.

The Mayor of Merton chairing a Question Time for Merton Children's Council and Merton councillors at a local school.

For details visit www.merton.gov.uk/council/getinvolved/localdemocracyweek

London Borough of Sutton

Sutton held an event open to members of the public with sessions to explain how to get involved in community events whether as a councillor, governor or charity trustee.  A councillor, magistrate, school governor and trustee were present to give a quick talk and to answer questions.  A range of materials and information was available to help people better understand these roles.  Contact either julie.young@sutton.gov.uk (020 8770 5243) or ben.unsworth@sutton.gov.uk (020 8770 5114) for more information.