Mystery surrounds the recent decision to suspend one of Bath and North East Somerset Council’s longest running democratic projects.
Democratic Action for BANES Youth, known as DAFBY, was set up in the year 2000 to support and enable young people in the local authority to get involved in the democratic process.
Having supported close to 1,000 teenagers since its inception, the council has now suspended all meetings until further notice.
Peasedown councillor Nathan Hartley was one of the first members of the project 14 years ago.
He commented: “A number of young people from around the district, including the Member of the Youth Parliament, contacted me last weekend with their concerns and worries.
“DAFBY has been one of the council’s longest running and reputable projects that has empowered young people to make a difference and encouraged them to go on and influence others and their communities.”
The project has supported no less than 13 members of the youth parliament, and raised money for numerous charitable and good causes.
Members have helped shape council policy, influence government decision making, campaigned for cheaper bus fares and taken part in interview selections for heads of the youth service.
With council staff reluctant to release details about the project’s suspension, young people are wondering when meetings will restart, and where.
Nathan added: “According to young people themselves, there have been difficulties with the recent change of contract with the new organisation that is due to run the project.
“For the last few years, DAFBY have been supported well by Off The Record – the youth support organisation that earlier this year did a fantastic job of managing the UK youth parliament elections in BANES.”
It’s believed that arrangements with Off The Record ceased on 1st April. Mysteriously, information about who will run the project from now on have not been made public.
Democratic Action For BANES Youth was set up in 2000 by the late Kate Scully MBE, well known and respected for dedication to youth work and young people.
A Council spokesman said: “The Council is fully committed to engaging with young people, including strengthening the democratic processes which help to communicate the views of young people to elected councillors.
“The contract delivering this service which is provided on our behalf has come to an end. We are currently in the process of establishing arrangements that will continue this service into the future.”