Devolution decision could sway young voters

The poll, run by ComRes, discovered that just 32 per cent of 18-24 year olds said that they were certain to vote in the upcoming general election. However, 64 per cent of those surveyed said that a manifesto commitment to shift public service power and funding from Westminster to local communities would encourage them to vote on 7 May.

The survey also unveiled how 51 per cent said that the national TV debates would encourage them to vote, and 26 per cent admitted than celebrity influence could be a factor. Three-quarters of the 18-24 year olds questioned strongly believe that their local council is best placed to make decisions regarding pueblos service, compared to the 12 per cent who retain that MPs are better placed.

LGA Chair Cllr David Sparks commented: "What really matters to young people across the country is receiving a good education, having access to jobs and the chance to get onto the housing ladder. Our poll shows these are the important issues at stake at this election for 18 to 24-year-olds and that they want these big issues tackled by their local area and not by MPs in Westminster."

The LGA has broadcasted how devolving power to local areas could save the £11 billion and allow local government to build new homes, halve the unemployment among young people and reduce long-term unemployment by a third.

Sparks continued: "Devolving greater powers to communities across England would free councils to take decisions based on what young people actually need and want and get on with the job of improving transport, creating jobs and providing desperately needed new homes."

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