Young politicians put climate change at top of town hall talks

The Takeover Challenge event was launched in 2007 by the Office of the Children’s Commissioner as a fun way for organisations across England to open their doors to children and young people to take over adult roles.

Rotherham Council has opened its chamber at the town hall on a frequent basis, and the post-pandemic session saw youngsters discuss topics including electric vehicles, recycling, nature and energy efficiency at public buildings.

Rotherham Youth Cabinet member Curtis Yip said: “For years, climate change has become an issue where many people talk at young people, about young people, but very rarely talk with young people, so involving youth cabinet members in the local decision-making process will politically democratise young constituents across Rotherham.

“Given that the issue of climate change intersects with many other issues oppressing young people’s lives, such as transport, education, health, and wellbeing, we have prepared a diverse range of questions for the council covering the different areas and avenues to climate action, for comprehensive and holistic scrutiny.

“With great work already achieved by young people from the Regional Youth Climate Assembly, Yorkshire & Humber, on a regional and national scale, it is now time to focus on the local level where ripples of change can turn into waves of global action.”

The youth cabinet is a group of 11- to 18-year-olds who work on campaigns and help influence decisions which affect Rotherham’s younger generation.

Cllr Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, said: “The takeover challenge is an excellent way for young people to get to the heart of what matters most to them.

“It was great to see the youth cabinet getting involved and raising important questions on climate change, an issue that has had a devastating impact not just locally but worldwide.”