Just a third (32 per cent) of 18 to 24-year-olds polled by ComRes, for the Local Government Association (LGA), said they are certain to vote in May’s election.
Almost two-thirds (64 per cent) said a manifesto commitment to shift power and funding for public services from Westminster to their local community would be important in enticing them out to the ballot box on May 7.
Half (51 per cent) said national TV debates between the main party leaders would encourage them to vote and just 26 per cent would be persuaded by celebrities.
Other findings of the survey of young people include:
73 per cent said decisions about how local public services are run should be made by their local council rather than national government in Westminster.
Three-quarters (75 per cent) of 18 to 24-year-olds believe their local council is best placed to make decisions about services for young people in their area as opposed to MPs (12 per cent).
Seven in 10 (71 per cent) said they would find it easier to influence services run by their local council rather than those run by MPs in Westminster.
Despite young people trusting councils more than central government and MPs when it comes to their local area, too many local decisions – such as how to give young people the advice, skills and experience needed by local businesses – are dictated by government.
http://www.local.gov.uk/web/guest/media-releases/
/journal_content/56/10180/7166749/NEWS
East Devon Watch 