UK Youth Parliament
News > Ministers called to give evidence to Youth Select Committee
The Committee mirrors the UK Parliament’s select committee structure and gives young people the opportunity to scrutinise and hold enquiries into topics of importance to them. The Committee is made up of 11 young people, including Members of Youth Parliament.
After a welcome from Chair Dara Farrell, the Committee began by quizzing the Ministers on the age that young people should have to pay adult fares, pointing out that this age differs accross Local Authorities and transport providers. Minister Tim Loughton replied:
“For some transport firms when you become 16 you magically become an adult, and in some cases maybe lower than that… In terms of getting discounts on fares, which is the major subject of this inquiry, I would have thought an adult far should start at 18, rather than 16 or 14.”
Minister Norman Baker later gave a promising reponse to a question about how he will ensure young people are directly involved in the discussion between bus companies and local authorities when planning for the future. He said:
“My officials are here today, and I will ensure that when the guidance is issued in better bus areas, it is a requirement that the needs of young people are factored into that consideration before money is handed out.”
Much of the Committee’s further questioning concentrated on safety and accessibility of public transport, as per their terms of reference. After scrutiny from Committee Members over an apparent lack of representation of young people on the Transport disability summit, Minister Norman Baker agreed to ensure that young people were involved in the future.
Further evidence was heard from Transport for London (TfL), the Passenger Transport Executive Group (Pteg) and the Dales Integrated Transport Alliance; followed by representatives from the Staffordshire Youth Council; the Hertfordshire Youth Council and the Suffolk Youth Council.
A second evidence session will take place on Friday 13th July, where witnesses will include BBC Children in Need, Whizz-Kids, Passenger Focus and Sustrans. The Youth Select Committee will publish a report in September 2012 with a government response to follow.
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