SCHOOLCHILDREN stepped into the shoes of some of the county’s top councillors as part of a ‘takeover’ initiative at Oxfordshire County Council, with lively debate on issues including Brexit.

Around 40 children and teenagers aged between 12 and 17 from across Oxfordshire took part in the ‘takeover’ of the council chamber at County Hall on Friday morning.

The group took part in debates and discussions and went on to cast votes on important issues such as Brexit, lowering the voting age to 16 and the legalisation of cannabis.

They also met with some of the county councillors, including council leader Ian Hudspeth among others and quizzed them on their role and their responsibilities as part of the takeover project.

Cabinet member for Children and Family Services at the council Melinda Tilley praised the initiative.

She said: “It is so important to encourage young people to find out about local parliament and democracy.

“And even more important for councillors to hear what young people think about local and national issues.”

Newly appointed cabinet member for education Steve Harrod who took part in the scheme called the experience ‘humbling’ and said that the council could have a lot to learn from the youngsters.

He said: “I think it was a tremendous opportunity for children and teenagers to see what local government is all about and get a better understanding of that.

“I would hope it would give them some encouragement to get involved even if it is just in so far as voting never mind putting themselves forward to becoming members of some form of local government.

“It is just such a tremendous opportunity for us as councillors to get some feedback.

“I found it very interesting, actually quite humbling to see the level of involvement with the youngsters some as young as 14 tackling serious issues in debates.

“It really brings home for me that we can take the youth for granted.”

There was also group discussions in the afternoon on the formation of a new youth forum to advise on future decisions made by local councils, the NHS and voluntary organisations.

The day also showcased some of the work of around 400 young people on a project set up last year called Find Your Voice.

As part of the project participants produced videos, plays, soundscapes and written poems expressing their views about life today and what they wanted to change.

Cabinet member for Cultural Services Lorraine Lindsay-Gale said: “The Find Your Voice project showed that children and young people in Oxfordshire are very engaged and care passionately about the issues affecting them and their communities.”

She added: “It was great to meet them and hear some strong views and lively debate.”