Question time event comes to Barnstaple council chamber

Pupils from across North Devon will have the chance to quiz local community leaders in a ‘Question Time’ style event.

 

On Tuesday 2 November, students from Pilton College, Braunton College and Park School will be taking part in the debate, which will be chaired by North Devon Council’s Acting Chief Executive, Mike Mansell in the council chamber.

 

The first half of the hour-long debate will focus on the local economy and the effects of the upcoming budget cuts on local services. Students will then have the opportunity to question the panel on subjects of their choice including crime, leisure facilities and education.

 

The panel will consist of:

* Councillor Des Brailey (Leader of North Devon Council)

* Councillor Brian Greenslade (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group)

* Inspector Tom Holmes (Devon and Cornwall Police)

* Andy Cooper (Editor of the North Devon Journal)

* Jan Dayman (Green Lanes Centre Manager)

 

Councillor Des Brailey says: “We are delighted to host this event. It is essential we continue to engage with young people as they have a huge amount to give the community. In the past, when we’ve held similar events, councillors have been impressed with the knowledge and interest that the students have. I look forward to hearing what questions we will be asked.”

 

The debate is part of a programme of light-hearted events organised by North Devon Council as part of the Local Democracy Campaign. This is a national initiative aimed at raising awareness of the role of local authorities.

 

Last month, as part of the campaign, councillors took part in political speed dating event where students from three schools were given three minutes to quiz a councillor on anything they wanted. The students also had a go setting the council’s budget by allocating “Monopoly-style” money to the services the authority provides.

What questions would you like ask the panel if you had the opportunity? Let us know by commenting in the box below!

Picture by o5com on Flickr.