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Andrew Mycock: How our democracy can stay young at heart
IT is unclear whether the general public's scepticism of politicians and the institutions they represent has encouraged broader deliberation of the future of British democracy. Such moves should not be seen simply as a knee-jerk response to the expenses scandal.
The Labour Government has radically transformed the constitutional landscape of the UK since 1997, introducing a plethora of reforms which have decisively altered our understanding of government. As part of this on-going programme, the Ministry of Justice set-up an independent Youth Citizenship Commission whose 13 members were drawn from different backgrounds and with different views and experiences concerning democratic youth engagement.
The remit of the YCC was threefold. First, it sought to define what citizenship means to young people. Second, it explored ways to increase young people's participation in politics and promote active
citizenship, reflecting the communication preferences of young people. Third, it led a consultation on whether the voting age should be lowered to 16.
For many, the issue of votes of 16 was of paramount interest. Whether or not young people should be given the right to vote stimulated passionate debate and strong opinions were proffered on both sides.
Some argued that the present voting age violated basic human rights while others insisted that voting at 18 reflected the established principle of a passage to adulthood.
The evidence we analysed highlighted that there was no clear argument or support either way on this contentious issue. Put simply, political and public opinion is divided almost equally.
Among 16 and 17 year-olds, there was a small majority in favour of lowering the voting age though there was very little evidence provided in responses about the benefits or effects of such a move.
All other age groups were against the idea, with some noting that the "age of consent" has actually shifted upwards under this Government. We therefore felt that the decision on voting age is one which should be left to politicians and political parties to debate and decide, thus allowing the democratic process be the final arbiter on this divisive issue.
Although the voting age may well have been the key issue for many within Westminster, the Commission was more concerned with how we could encourage greater youth democratic participation. Although voting may be a key part of democracy, it is only one aspect of active
citizenship.
The Commission sought to help young people – often unfairly demonised or erroneously labelled politically apathetic – develop as active and vibrant young citizens, engaged in the democratic process and assisting their communities.
We found that many young people were already engaged, though often not in orthodox forms of participation such as writing to their MP or taking part in the local school council.
Instead, they are campaigning on issues such as the environment, interacting with others on the internet, or simply helping "good causes" in their local communities. Though this should be understood as active citizenship, such activity is often overlooked by some politicians and the media.
The YCC has made a number of key proposals based upon three key principles; the need to empower young citizens; a duty to connect with young people to facilitate citizenship opportunities and a need to change the way inwhich some decision-making institutions operate.
Among the 16 recommendations we suggested that the Government and devolved assemblies should ensure that the delivery of citizenship education is consistent and effective, with funding for more trained citizenship teachers.
We also support the introduction of a universal system of strong, supported school and class councils, with student representation on school governing bodies.
We believe that national, regional and local public bodies should form youth advisory panels to scrutinise relevant policy, and that local authorities should develop and synchronise youth citizenship opportunities for young people.
We also believe that schools should have a duty to ensure that all eligible pupils are offered supported opportunities to register to vote and stay open on election days.
Most controversially, we recommend the Government should explore whether a compulsory programme of civic service for young people might be worthwhile.
The Commission strongly believes that the issue of voting age is one which can only be considered within the broader context of youth engagement and participation in schools and local communities.
The recommendations represent an important and viable contribution to the social and political well-being of young people and to the overall health of our democracy.
Dr Andrew Mycock is Senior Lecturer in Politics at the University of Huddersfield. He is co-founder of the Academy for the Study of Britishness based in Huddersfield and a member of the Ministry of Justice Youth Citizenship Commission.
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