The main things discussed included giving Cabinet an update on our work so far and discussing our action plan for 2017-18. We talked about the difficulties young people face in balancing exam stress and the pressures we face in our education, with positive well-being and mental health. Also, on the agenda was gender equality in PE. This issue was raised at the Vale Youth Forum by members who felt there was not equality of opportunity across all secondary schools in the Vale regarding the PE curriculum.
We also presented the official Make Your Mark results and discussed how departments within the Council can take this information on board in the work they do. We also asked Cabinet to consider taking a Votes at 16 motion to Council - to debate and vote whether the Vale of Glamorgan Council would support lowering the voting age to 16 and 17 in local elections. We are looking forward to hearing back on this soon!
Following the joint meeting, we met with the Youth Champion, Cllr Leighton Rowlands, and Cllr Owen Griffiths. As two of the youngest councillors in the Vale we shared our views on a variety of issues, whilst also updating them on our work. If was really helpful to hear their perspectives and how supportive they are of encouraging young people to get involved in decision-making!
