Kent Youth County Council (KYCC) – is a group of young people, aged 11 to 18 who live, work, or go to school in Kent, elected to represent your views and those of your peers.
Each of Kent’s 12 districts elects 4 members, plus 12 community seats, making sure KYCC represents all communities in Kent.
Every year, KYCC members vote on 3 key issues to campaign on. In 2025, the campaigns selected were:
- Free School Meals and Tackling Poverty (4,085 votes)
- Public Transport (3,269 votes)
- Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing (2,764 votes)
As well as working on the year’s campaigns, KYCC members also have the chance to take part in project groups. In 2025, members chose to focus on:
- Feeling Safe in Kent
- Opportunities for Young People
- Tackling Discrimination
- Life Skills / Learning to Be Independent
“I enjoy working with others and making sure we are going to make a difference.” – A KYCC member on what they most enjoy about KYCC.
Young people meet monthly on Saturdays at County Hall in Maidstone to work on campaigns and projects. Train tickets and travel expenses will be reimbursed, while snacks and drinks are provided.
“Making a difference in Kent alongside other amazing young people and having fun with friends!” – A member on what KYCC means to them.
Want to stand for election?
Currently, the Kent Youth County Council (KYCC) elections have been delayed while Kent County Council (KCC) undertakes an internal review of its participation arrangements and youth voice structures.
We will keep the date of future KYCC elections under review. The timing will be determined in line with developments relating to local government reorganisation and future electoral arrangements, noting that we cannot run elections at the same time as local government elections.
Although KYCC elections are being postponed, opportunities for young people to influence decision making across Kent will continue. These opportunities remain open to young people across Kent and provide valuable ways to engage. Young people can register their interest at Kent Youth Voice – Kent County Council.
UK Youth Parliament
As a KYCC member, you could be elected as one of Kent’s 8 Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) and represent Kent nationally.
As an MYP, you’ll:
- Represent your community on the national political stage
- Speak to decision-makers
- Raise awareness of the issues that matter to you
You’ll get the chance to attend the UK Youth Parliament Annual Sitting in the House of Commons, where young people from across the UK debate and vote on policy.
In 2024, MYPs voted to campaign on:
- Lowering the Voting Age to 16
- Period Dignity
MYPs also attend an annual conference to discuss the most pressing issues affecting young people. These discussions contribute to the creation of the new UK Youth Parliament Manifesto and influence national policy.
“The chance to be in UKYP and actually debate in the House of Commons was really cool.” – A KYCC member on their experience as an MYP.