18/10/2004 - Students to put the spotlight on Cabinet

Sixth form students from across Cumbria will tomorrow put Cumbria County Council's Cabinet under the spotlight as part of national Local Democracy Week. The Cabinet will answer questions posed by the students, starting at 10.00am, in the main council chamber, County Offices, Stricklandgate in Kendal. 

Approximately 30 students are expected to attend the meeting from the following schools:

• Barrow Sixth Form College.
• Caldew School, Dalston, Carlisle.
• Netherhall School, Maryport.
• The Queen Katherine School, Kendal.
• Ulswater Community College, Penrith.
• Whitehaven School, Whitehaven. 

In the lead up to the event students have been provided with background information about the meeting itself and how local government works in Cumbria. It is expected their questions will cover a wide range of topics about local government, the role of the councillor and items to be debated by the Cabinet.

Following the meeting the students will join Cabinet members for an informal lunch. 

Local Democracy Week runs from Monday 18 October until Sunday 24 October. The theme this year is engaging with young people, due to the falling interest in local politics and declining turnout for elections both nationally and locally. Cumbria County Council is taking part in the week to encourage young people to become involved in the council's service planning, the decision making process and help them develop an interest in politics.