Background

Research for the Local Government Association (LGA) by Ipsos MORI showed that just one in three 11-16 year olds had ever met a Councillor or an MP, and stated that those who had were more likely to express feelings of political engagement and interest.

The aim of Local Democracy Campaign is about making young people more aware of their local Council, what Councillors do, who their local Councillors are and the role and function of the City Council.  Currently, most young people do not view local politics as a dominant force in their daily lives with just 25% of 11-16 year olds believing that their local councillor is the best person to approach in order to change something in their community.

In an effort to change the perception and/or understanding of how the Council and its Councillors work and to encourage young people to engage with the Councils, Derry City Council organises various events during Local Democracy Week as an exercise in bringing politicians and young people closer together.  All events are led by the Mayor.