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Keep kids engaged

ENGAGING young people in mainstream politics is a bit of a vicious circle. Many young people are, at best, turned off from modern politics or, at worst, alienated by it.

Some politicians can, in turn, disregard young people’s needs as they are less likely to vote. And so the cycle continues.

But are young people politically apathetic? I don’t think they are. It’s true that fewer 18 to 24-year-olds may be turning out to vote than their older counterparts but there is evidence to show that they are more engaged in other ways.

With yet another national vote looming, young people have another chance to influence national politics. In fact, 750,000 British teenagers who were too young to vote in the referendum last year will have their first opportunity to vote on June 8.

In the children’s sector we need to use our contact with young people to emphasise how political engagement could change lives.

Politicians need to do more to bring young people into the political mainstream so they can have a say in key issues that affect them.

Large-scale opting out by a whole section of society is not a sign of a healthy, representative democracy.

HUGH SHERRIFFE, Barnardo’s regional director

Small firms need help

MANY small businesses have seen large rises in their business rates bill as a result of this year’s revaluation.

This threatens jobs, living standards and community life in our area. Local authorities do not set business rates, but the Government is expected to give £1,595,000 over the next five years to Wiltshire Council so it can help those affected. It’s up to Wiltshire Council to decide how this money is spent.

We’re asking Wiltshire Council to sign up to FSB’s Small Business Principles to make sure those who need it get help. We are calling on the councils to commit to focusing this money on micro and small businesses, particularly those hardest hit by the revaluation; commit to distributing funds as early as they can and refunding those who overpay; proactively approach those in need; make any application process as straightforward as possibleand pass a motion making clear the council understands the impact rates have on businesses in our area.

Small local businesses help make our area a great place to live. The council now has money available to help them. They must use it.

MARY WEBB, Federation of Small Businesses Wiltshire

Hospital is the best

I HAVE heard gossip and rumours concerning the Great Western Hospital in Swindon. I spent 11 days in GWH. From the minute I entered A&E, I got the best care. The doctors, nurses and others for physio etc, are superb. The nurses are working 13 hours, some even more.

June is enough to know who I am for the ones who remember me. God bless them all.

NAME & ADDRESS SUPPLIED