There were challenging questions, laughs and claps in Redbridge Council’s chamber as young people grilled a panel of councillors and held them accountable on the issues that most mattered to them.

More than 90 pupils from schools across the borough attended the fourth edition of the youth debate to celebrate local democracy week on Monday.

Labour Cllr Elaine Norman, cabinet member for children and young people and deputy leader of the council, told young people she was “very impressed with the enthusiasm and energy of young people wanting to engage with politicians about issues affecting them”.

Young people asked questions about the minimum wage, transport, what should define a curriculum for life, mental health, housing and how to built a more cohesive society.

The topic were related to the Make Your Mark campaign, a nation-wide consultation for young people to vote on the top five issues, which affect them most.

The panel was composed of Cllr Norman along with shadow cabinet member for children and young people Conservative Cllr Alan Weinberg MBE and Liberal Democract Cllr Ian Bond, and Ch Insp John Fish.

The Ilford Recorder’s executive editor, Chris Carter, chaired the debate.

Read the full story in this week’s Recorder.