CEREDIGION youngsters were given the chance to ask questions of politicians about issues affecting young people.

On July 14, Ceredigion Youth Council held their sixth question and answer session in the council chamber and had the chance to ask influential decision makers about issues which affect young people.

Those on the panel included Ceredigion MP Ben Lake; Ceredigion County Council’s corporate director Barry Rees; Sara Jermin, head of communications and performance, children’s commissioner for Wales office, and Cllr Bryan Davies, leader of Ceredigion County Council.

A youth ballot called Rhoi dy Farn Ceredigion was held in March, which saw more than 2,100 local youngsters voted on issues that mattered to them and a series of questions were prepared and presented to the panel.

Topics discussed included transport, the cost-of-living crisis, education and employability.

Ifan Meredith, chair of Ceredigion Youth Council, said: “This successful event has been a key opportunity for young people across Ceredigion to share their opinion on current issues. It was a privilege to chair this event where a variety of responses were received from the panel. I hope that the panellists will continue to consult and consider the views of young people in Ceredigion.”

Cllr Bryan Davies said: “It was a pleasure to be a part of the panel to discuss important themes affecting young people in our county.

“The standard and maturity of the discussion was exceptional, which is very encouraging for the future of Ceredigion. The cabinet and myself included look forward to discussing these themes that are ever so important to our young people.”

Aled Lewis, Ceredigion’s member of UK Youth Parliament, and pupil at Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron, opened and closed the event, which was hosted by Ifan Meredith, the youth council’s chair and pupil at Ysgol Bro Pedr.