Local Democracy Week 2010

Pupils from secondary schools in the district will get the chance to debate in the Council Chamber and quiz Councillors as part of a day of activities at Dover District Council next Friday (22 October) in support of Local Democracy Week.

The day is being organised by DDC's Democratic Support team, and is the tenth in a series of popular annual events. The day will include a 'Question Time' style debate, where students can put questions to Kent County Council and Dover District Council officers on the themes of: things to do/places to go; youth services; young people staying safe; and litter/recycling. There will also be a fun session of 'political speed-dating' where pupils will have the chance to quiz Councillors and award them marks.

Students will be attending from Astor College for the Arts, Castle Community College, Dover Grammar School For Girls, Sandwich Technology School and St Edmund's Catholic School. The event is designed to help students gain an understanding of the roles of Dover District and Kent County Councils, and learn how democracy works at a local level.

Cllr Sue Chandler, Dover District Council Cabinet Member for Community, Housing and Youth said: "This will be the tenth consecutive year that we have supported Local Democracy Week, a national initiative designed to raise young people's awareness of how democracy works at a local level. There will be events going on all over the country, and we are delighted to be a part of that, helping to give our young people an active voice in the district."