TEENAGERS will be able to choose “youth mayors” to represent their interests to local politicians under plans designed to involve alienated youngsters in their communities.

Ministers believe the move may help to interest apathetic teenagers in politics as well as tackle vandalism among bored youngsters by encouraging them to take a more active role in running their communities.

The idea, which will be announced in a youth green paper next month, is aimed at giving teenagers more of a say in how taxpayers’ money is spent when it affects them. They may be asked for their views on youth clubs, DJ training centres or other out-of-school activities.

Schools could elect youth mayors who would voice the demands of their peers at local political level. The government believes young people would feel less disaffected if they had a voice in the community.

Children will not be allowed to vote for outrageous initiatives. “They will be given a sensible range of choices for what money is spent on,” said one government insider.

“We want to get bored kids off street corners where they are causing trouble, but we are not going to allow them to spend taxpayers’ money willy-nilly on setting up drug dens or whatever.”

Downing Street is keen on the idea, which is likely to be included in Labour’s general election manifesto. Matthew Taylor, head of the Downing Street policy unit and the official charged with drafting the manifesto, is said to be a driving force in developing policies to engage young people.

Tony Blair believes tackling youth crime and antisocial behaviour should be at the forefront of his agenda for the forthcoming election and any third term in power. The green paper, entitled Things to Do and Places to Go, may lead to proposed legislation next year, although it is unlikely to be on the statute book in time for the election, expected in the spring.

The consultation document will be launched by Margaret Hodge, the children’s minister.

Welfare experts have been increasingly anxious that the government should focus on policies to encourage youth participation. They have been concerned that many policies, such as those under the Antisocial Behaviour Act, risk alienating young people.

Many older children complain they no longer feel they can walk in some city and town centres in the evening without an adult. In the West End of London the Metropolitan police have said officers may escort home children who are unaccompanied by an adult after 9pm.

The government also plans to appoint a children’s commissioner. The appointee will oversee directors of children’s services in local authorities.

Floella Benjamin, the former children’s television presenter, is a frontrunner to take the post. Esther Rantzen, another former presenter who works for a children’s charity, is said by government sources to be keen on the job, but is not considered a favourite by ministers.

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