Labour Town Hall Chiefs have threatened to scrap an innovative Sub Group looking at engaging with Young People because they can't find enough Labour Councillors to volunteer. Labour's Mike Carmody, the Chairman of the Children and Young Person’s Scrutiny Committee told Tuesday’s meeting, (20/7/2010), “"the subgroup has to be ‘politically balanced’, and if it can’t maybe it should be scrapped”. He also called engagement with young people "dead issue".
Chorlton Lib Dem Councillor Victor Chamberlain, who is Manchester’s youngest Councillor, said,
"If some Labour Councillors can't be bothered to engage with young people they should let those of us that will get on with it. I for one think too many of Manchester’s children and teenagers feel excluded and as though their views don’t matter. This group could make a real difference for them and show that the Council does care and wants to include them.”
Lib Dem Children's spokesperson Marc Ramsbottom added,
“Labour Councillors who are refusing to join this group should be ashamed of themselves. This Labour Council thinks it can ignore the views of our younger citizens but I think that is unacceptable. I hope Labour Councillors will reconsider their ‘busy schedules’ and allow this committee to go ahead.”
