Published: Tuesday, 1st July 2025
The Council Chamber in Cannock was buzzing with curiosity and purpose this week as local primary schoolchildren stepped up to ask their elected Councillors tough questions about climate change.
Children from Heath Hayes Academy visited Cannock Chase Council on Monday 30 June as part of an educational initiative aimed at encouraging youth engagement in environmental issues and local democracy. The pupils, aged 9 and 10 had the opportunity to sit in the seats of local councillors and present their own questions about climate action, sustainability, and the future of the planet.
From asking about the Council’s plans for renewable energy, protecting green spaces, and the future of climate change in Cannock Chase, the students brought insight, urgency, and a strong sense of civic responsibility.
Councillor David Williams, Deputy Leader of Cannock Chase Council said: "It was inspiring to see how engaged and informed these young people are. Their questions were thoughtful and challenging - and rightly so. They reminded us that our decisions today directly impact their futures."
The Council will soon launch its new Climate Change Strategy, outlining how it plans to reduce its carbon footprint and address the impacts of climate change on the local community.
This visit is part of the Council’s broader commitment to climate education and public engagement, one of the strategies objectives.
Schoolchildren across the District have also been taking part in the Great Imagining Staffordshire programme. Funded by Cannock Chase Council and The Great Imagining, the sessions are part of an exciting creative initiative designed to spark imagination, encourage sustainability thinking, and give young people a platform to express their ideas for a greener, fairer, and wiser future through live art, poetry, performance, and storytelling.
Emma Lee, Teacher at Heath Hayes Academy, said: "This experience gave our pupils a real sense of empowerment. They saw that their voices matter - and that they have a right to ask questions and expect answers."
The Council hopes this event will become a regular feature, continuing to build bridges between young people and policymakers on one of the most pressing issues of our time.
If you would like to get involved in the Council’s plans for climate change email climatechange@cannockchasedc.gov.uk.