Young people from Sandwell were given the chance to question all the top bosses at Sandwell Council last week (Wed 25 Nov).

Six young people from across Sandwell asked questions about issues important to them. Topics covered ranged from school dinners to road safety. Councillors and directors have promised to look into the issues raised at the meeting.This meeting is part of a series of events that Sandwell Council has taken part in for this year’s Children’s Commissioner’s Takeover Challenge’.

Children and young people were also invited to ‘take over’ the jobs of council bosses as part of the Takeover Challenge.

One of the young people Ka’mani Anderson said he really enjoyed the meeting. He added:

“It was a really illuminating experience and a great opportunity for young people to see discussions about things happening in the community.

“It was good to meet councillors and directors and find out who’s who.”

Councillor Simon Hackett, cabinet member for children’s services also attended the meeting. He said:

“This was a chance for the young people to see how things work at the council and to hold us to account for decisions we make that affect them.

“The young people that came certainly weren’t shy and asked very relevant questions.

“We have advised the young people on how to raise their issues the council don’t control and we will look into the other issues we can help with.”