Questions Without Notice from Party Spokespeople

Part of 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services – in the Senedd at 1:54 pm on 28 February 2018.

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Photo of Alun Davies Alun Davies Labour 1:54, 28 February 2018

I'm not entirely sure of the point that the Member seeks to make, but I will say to him that the decision to extend the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds in local elections—and I hope the National Assembly will follow in due course—is that we're talking about extending and deepening a franchise to enable people throughout our communities to play an active role in taking decisions upon the future of those communities. It is the view of this Government, and I think of people on most sides of this Chamber, that 16 and 17-year-olds certainly should have the capacity to be engaged in political debate and discussion, and should have the ability to vote and take part in decisions that will affect them and their friends', neighbours' and families' lives. I think we are in a process of renewal and change at the moment. I'm looking at extending the franchise in order to enable us to hold local elections on the new franchise, which will also seek, of course, to ensure that all foreign nationals who are resident and living in our communities will also have the vote.