Tonight, I was summonsed to attend a ‘full Council’ meeting of all 66 councillors.   Only tonight it was the ‘Youth Parliament’.  The ‘Parliament’, consisting of young people from across Wirral, had met all day to discuss issues, not least how the Council can better reflect the needs of young people.

Sadly, the event for me was marred by what can only be described as a hysterical rant masquerading as poetry.  The performer was under the impression that mock anger and frustration was more important than content and while many of the words rhymed, I’m afraid the performance left me cold, almost to the point of walking out. 

UPDATE: having slept on this, I’m sorry I didn’t leave the room.  Next time, I will.

The actual discussions afterwards with some of the students was much better and their view was useful and their understanding of the system, which frustrates most of us, was hopefully expanded on hearing of the why the process affects the outcome.  There were also some interesting and touching insights into the one or two of the Councillors in my discussion group.

All this attempt to engage with young people was soured when I learned afterwards that the Cabinet is set to consider moving the youth services to ‘district-based services’ and, judging by the current financial mess we are in, that won’t mean investment!