Young people engage in local democracy at Pizza and Politics event
25/03/2025
Its hoped the session will encouraging them to participate in politics
Young people from across our area joined local councillors and Banbury’s MP at an event designed to help them understand local democracy and encouraging them to participate in politics.
The Pizza and Politics event was organised by Oxfordshire County Council and held at Banbury Children and Family Centre on March 14, with thirty-six 11 to 18 year-olds attending.
They shared their thoughts on issues such as climate change, diversity, inequalities and the community, and health and wellbeing. Other areas of interest included sustainable transport and travel, opportunities for children and young people, and housing, homelessness and creating nice places to live.
MP Sean Woodcock held a question-and-answer session, alongside local councillors. Questions ranged from how young people could get involved with local politics, how to increase affordable housing, and the impacts that technology and social media have on young people’s mental health. Encouraging more people to cycle was also discussed.
Group discussions focused on what it’s like being a young person in Oxfordshire, looking at areas such as having a voice, feeling safe, staying healthy and learning skills for life.
Similar events were also held in Oxford and Didcot, involving over 100 young people overall.
The Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, Councillor Liz Leffman attended the events in Banbury and Oxford. She said: “I would like to thank our young people from across Oxfordshire who attended our pizza and politics events across the county.
“I was inspired by their questions and contributions, which were insightful and eye-opening, and will ensure that young people’s voices continue to be heard as part of our future generations programme of work.”
The Pizza and Politics events form part of the county council’s Future Generations work, which seeks to put the wellbeing of future generations at the heart of their decision making.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
