Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Christina Rees Excerpts
Wednesday 2nd November 2016

(7 years, 6 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Chris Skidmore Portrait Chris Skidmore
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It is absolutely right that we make the system as efficient as possible and less expensive. To address both those aims, we are undertaking three pilots this year to test new approaches to conducting a canvass. I am also pleased to announce today that there will be 18 more pilots in England and Wales in 2017.

Christina Rees Portrait Christina Rees (Neath) (Lab/Co-op)
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Latest assessments suggest that only 51% of 16 to 17-year-olds are registered to vote, compared with 85% of adults. In Neath, we have had successful voter registration awareness events to encourage under-18s to register. Will the Minister please explain the Government’s plans to promote young people’s registration?

Chris Skidmore Portrait Chris Skidmore
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As part of a democracy that works for everyone, we are determined that young people’s voices will be heard, which means going around the country, as I am doing in the coming weeks, to places such as Sheffield, Manchester and Liverpool to talk to young people about their priorities and how we can ensure that they are fully involved in the democratic process.