'Politicians need to put themselves in our shoes' say teenage voters

There are just hours to go before people take to the polls across Bradford; every single council seat is up in the local elections this Thursday. In the city often dubbed as one of the youngest in the UK, what do teenagers want to hear from the people who ask for their votes?

"Young people need a voice," Charlie tells the BBC.

The 17-year-old is too young to be able to cast a vote this week but, despite his age, the trainee plumber is keen to have a say on decisions made in his city.

Charlie spoke to the BBC at Bradford College where he and 21 of his fellow students were asked what they believe are the biggest issues facing their generation.

"At the moment it is not having a say in things we should have a say in," he replies.

Accessibility is among his concerns, with cost proving to be a barrier when trying to navigate his home city.

"It is difficult for some of us driving-wise; insurance-wise and tax-wise," Charlie says.

"[Costs] are quite high, so it is quite difficult for some of the young people."

A planned tram system for West Yorkshire was delayed last year, after the government carried out a review of a project.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) had hoped trams would be running on two lines in Leeds and Bradford in the early 2030s, however it is now likely to be the late 2030s.

"Public transport should be made more accessible," Charlie suggests.

"And insurance, I do not think it should be as high."

At 18 years old, Charlie'scollege-mateKayden is old enough to head to the polls on Thursday.

Despite that, the carpentry apprentice is so disenfranchised with politicians he has no plans to vote.

"I feel like there are a lot of fake promises," he explains.

"Everybody says they will do stuff and then when they get in power they do not tend to do the things that they say."

Of the 22 students we asked whether they trust politicians, not one said they did.

"I do not believe any of the parties really will keep their promises and improve the country," Oliver tells the BBC.

The engineering student believes global issues are the greatest influence on the local race, regardless of party pledges.

Just two students said they believed their vote would make a difference to Bradford, which has just celebrated its year as the City of Culture.

None believed politicians understand the issues that are affecting young people.

"I just do not think they put themselves in our shoes," Liv muses.

Despite her lack of trust in elected representatives, the engineering student is still planning to vote on Thursday.

"I think, as a woman, we obviously fought so hard just to be able to vote in the first place, so I think it is important for me to share my opinion.

"It might make a bit of a change," she hopes.

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