Spotlight on local democracy (From York Press)

Spotlight on local democracy

7:47am Tuesday 16th October 2012 in News

A SERIES of events are throwing the spotlight on local democracy in York this week.

As part of the York 800 celebrations, marking eight centuries since the city received its Royal Charter and the start of local decision-making in the city, City of York Council has outlined its role in Local Democracy Week, which runs until Sunday.

The events, details of which are at york.gov.uk, include:

• Councillors revealing their inspiration for entering politics with a snapshot of their stories displayed in Guildhall

• Huntington Primary School pupils visiting the Mansion House and playing councillors in a mock budget-setting meeting

• Leading councillors being quizzed by York’s Youth Council

• A Question Time event at Heslington Hall tomorrow at 6.30pm, chaired by Colin Mellors, University of York’s Pro-Vice Chancellor for Business and Community, with a panel of councillors and student ambassadors. To attend or pose questions, email democratic.services@york.gov.uk, or hand your questions in at the Guildhall, St Leonard’s Place Library Square offices or York Explore library learning centre before noon today.

• Free Mansion House tours at 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with prior booking not required

• An exhibition entitled I Don’t Do Politics at York’s community centres throughout the week, aiming to encourage more people to vote and take part in local democracy. More details are available by emailing kay.bailey@york.gov.uk or phoning 01904 551818.

A free public lecture entitled York 800 Years Ago: The King, The Charter and the City at 6pm on Friday in the council chamber. To book, email Fiona.young@york.gov.uk or phone 01904 551027.