In the vibrant landscape of West Yorkshire, where progress and community development take precedence, there's a crucial voice often overlooked: the voice of students. With the upcoming mayoral elections on the horizon, there's a unique opportunity to ensure that the concerns and aspirations of our student population are not only heard but acted upon.

Empowering Future Citizens:

Led by Taha Khan, President of Huddersfield Students' Union, students are not mere individuals pursuing education; they are the architects of our future society. By engaging with students and incorporating their perspectives into policymaking, we can cultivate a generation of empowered citizens actively shaping their communities.

The Call for a West Yorkshire Commissioner:

To bridge the gap between student communities and local governance, we urge all mayoral candidates to pledge their commitment to establishing a West Yorkshire Commissioner for future voice. This dedicated role will serve as a liaison between Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) Students' Unions, as well as local Youth Councils, ensuring that student concerns are given the attention they deserve.

Addressing Student Concerns:

Recent research conducted by the National Union of Students (NUS) highlights pressing issues faced by students in West Yorkshire, including the need for more affordable accommodation, greener public transport and housing, and improved measures to tackle sexual violence and misconduct on campuses.

Pledges for Action:

In response to these findings, we're calling on all mayoral candidates to make specific pledges:

1. Affordable Accommodation: Initiate discussions on improving the affordability, quality, and access to accommodation for students within West Yorkshire.
2. Greener Public Transport and Housing: Invest in greener public transport and housing initiatives while addressing the financial implications of transport for students and apprentices.
3. Tackling Sexual Violence: Invest in communication strategies to tackle sexual violence and misconduct, enhancing safety infrastructure for all students and apprentices across the region.

United Front:

Led by Taha Khan, President of Huddersfield Students' Union, and supported by a coalition of student unions from across West Yorkshire, we stand together in urging candidates to prioritize these vital issues. Our collective voice is a testament to the importance of student engagement and the power it holds in driving positive change.

Response from Bob Buxton:

To date, we've received a promising response from mayoral candidate Bob Buxton. He has expressed his support for our pledges and outlined his existing campaign initiatives, including building more houses with solar power subsidies, establishing a West Yorkshire Metro for greener transport, introducing a Yorkshire Travel Pass for lower fares, and advocating for a 'zero tolerance' approach to crime.

Important Dates:

As the deadline for voter registration approaches on April 16th and the voting day looms on May 2nd, it's crucial for all eligible voters to make their voices heard at the ballot box.

In Conclusion:

As the mayoral race heats up, let's not forget the voices of tomorrow. By amplifying student voices and incorporating their perspectives into policy decisions, we can build a brighter future for all residents of West Yorkshire. Together, let's ensure that every candidate hears, listens, and responds to the needs of our student community.

Signed,

Taha Khan, President, Huddersfield Students' Union

Emily Tabern, Union Affairs and Communication Officer, Leeds University Union

Kelsey Howard-Matthews, President, Leeds Trinity Students' Union

Qasim Hussain, President, Leeds City College Students' Union

Dhruv Dev, President, Leeds Beckett Students' Union

Courtney Lister, President, Kirklees College Students' Union

Hamza Khan, Union Affairs Officer, University of Bradford Union of Students