Young people in Salford want a Living Wage for all.
That’s the results of a poll which saw 6,726 young people take part.
It was organised by Salford Youth Council, who represent the views of 11 to 18 year olds in the city. With the help of staff, students from school councils across the city ran the survey in their schools and each voter had to choose the issue they cared most about.
A Living Wage for all came first with 1,377 votes ahead of schools teaching life skills which came second with 976 votes. Transport made third place with 891 votes. The turnout was 32.4%
It was part of a nationwide survey by UK Youth Parliament and the results decide which topics are debated by members of youth parliament in the House of Commons in November.
Laura Edwards, Salford Member of Youth Parliament, said: “It’s higher turnout than in some recent local elections which I think shows that young people do care about politics, particularly when it’s issue based. l look forward to meeting with the Youth Council to discuss how we can work on the issues that we, Salford’s young people, have made clear we want changing.”
And this week it is Local Democracy Week 2015, which aims to get young people involved in local politics and provide opportunities for them to have their voices heard.
Salford City Mayor Ian Stewart said: “It is wonderful to see young people getting involved in politics.
“They are the future of this city so it is important they have their voices heard.”
Salford City Council is asking people to make sure they are registered to vote ahead of the elections next year.
Letters have been sent to more than 113,000 homes asking people to confirm who is registered to vote at that address. Details can be confirmed by text, online or by post.
By law each household must respond to the form and anybody who does not could receive a fine of up to £1,000. Households have until 30 November 2015 to return their household registration forms but are encouraged to respond as soon as possible. For further information please call 0161 909 6560 or email elections@salford.gov.uk
