The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is exploring how the youth sector and youth services can better support young people’s participation in democracy and decision-making following the publication of Youth Matters and the upcoming Votes at 16 legislation.

We want to hear from as many workers and young people as possible, particularly those whose voices are not always heard. Your views will help us understand what is already working well, where barriers exist, and where Government could better support young people’s participation outside formal education settings.

this is your chance to comment on local youth councils, UK Youth Parliament, youth combined assemblies, children in care councils, regional groups …… all the ways or not – you have a voice and feel that your gaining experience of democracy and decision making

• people can complete the google form without needing a google account.
• We have decided to extend the deadline for responses for both the survey and the discussion workshops. Please send any feedback from workshop sessions to youth@dcms.gov.uk by 30 September 2026.

Youth Democracy Workshop (July_August 2026) DCMS Youth Democracy Offer_ Discussion Guide Toolkit

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