Overview

This bill proposes lowering the voting age to 16 for all UK elections and referendums and introducing a new curriculum on citizenship and the constitution in schools in England and Wales.

Description

Part 1: Young People's Enfranchisement amends existing legislation to reduce the voting age to 16 for parliamentary, local government, and all UK-wide referendums. It also mandates electoral registration officers to take steps to register 16 and 17-year-olds and prepare to register 15-year-olds.

Part 2: Young People's Education (Citizenship and the Constitution) introduces a new curriculum, "Citizenship and the Constitution Education" (CCE), into maintained schools and other state-funded schools in England and Wales. CCE aims to develop pupils' understanding of democratic processes, the UK's constitutional arrangements, and their role as citizens. The curriculum will be determined by schools but must adhere to principles of accuracy, balance, political impartiality, age appropriateness, and the encouragement of acceptance of diversity and understanding of responsibilities and rights. The Secretary of State will provide guidance and ensure CCE is incorporated into teacher training.

Part 3: General details financial provisions for the implementation of the bill, specifying that costs will be met from government funds. It outlines the extent to which the bill applies across the UK (Parts 1 and 3 to the whole UK, Part 2 to England and Wales), and its commencement dates, with Parts 1 and 2 coming into effect on different dates.

Government Spending

The bill states that any expenditure incurred due to its implementation will be met from money provided by Parliament. No specific figures are given.

Groups Affected

• 16 and 17-year-olds: Will gain the right to vote in all UK elections and referendums.
• Schools in England and Wales: Will be required to implement the new CCE curriculum.
• Electoral Registration Officers: Will have new responsibilities regarding the registration of younger voters.
• Teachers: Will need to incorporate CCE into their teaching and undergo related professional development.
• Political Parties: May need to adapt their strategies to engage with a wider electorate.

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