The YSI strongly welcome news that the SNP Government is to push forward plans to lower the voting age to 16 in local elections. We have long-campaigned on this issue, and are delighted that the Government has found a way to make this idea a reality.

Although Scottish ministers do not have power over Holyrood elections, which are reserved to Westminster, local government ballots are under Scotland's control.

Parliamentary business manager Bruce Crawford is due to make the announcement in a speech to the Electoral Reform Society in Edinburgh.

Mr Crawford will say that while 16-year-olds can get married, pay taxes and serve in the armed forces, they are left to "bite their lip" over decisions that will affect them.

He will say the Scottish Government's support for reducing the voting age to 16 for local government elections is "a starting point".

Mr Crawford will also again call on the UK Government to transfer responsibility for elections north of the border to the Scottish Parliament and warn that "time is running out" for Westminster on the issue.

YSI Convener Alison Thewliss said: "We are delighted that this change is being made. The YSI have long believed that 16-year-olds should be given the vote - if they are paying taxes, then they have a right to a say in how that money is spent.

"Of course, we would also like to see the voting age in parliamentary elections reduced, but as long as there is a Labour Government at Westminster, this will unfortunately be blocked."