I read with interest an article on the BBC website today about how research from BBC Wales shows that Welsh councillors are not getting any younger.
A few years ago the Welsh Assembly had a scheme to “pay off” long-standing councillors, in an initiative to get younger men and women into our local councils.
I’m 34 in a few week (27 April if anyone wants to send me birthday wishes!) and if I am elected I will be among the 3.3% who are under 35! The average age of councillors is still 61 in 10 local authorities surveyed some years ago.
I am absolutely in favour of encouraging younger people to get involved in local politics and public services. It does however frustrate me that £1.6 m of the taxpayers’ money (our money) was spent on a scheme that gave councillors a cash incentive if they stood down.
What makes it all the more frustrating is the BBC Wales survey that found four years on, the average age of councillors in those 10 areas remains 61.
I think I should point out that I’m not having dig at old counsellors. For every old and ineffective councillor there is another one thats bring great experience and wisdom. We need a mix of older and younger councillors – after all councillors should be a true reflection of the area they represent.
Encouragingly, the survey found that Powys had the most noticeable drop in the average age of councillors. If I’m elected on May 1st, the Powys figures will look even better!
Posted by russellgeorge 
