EPPING Forest Council's budget meeting will consider providing about £1,000 towards the work of the Epping Forest and Harlow Youth Parliament member.o

Ben Murphy, who stands down from the position at the elections on January 26, outlined the work of the Youth MP when he attended last week's executive committee meeting.

Harlow Council had already agreed to give £1,800 towards capital costs and £500 for revenue costs.

Epping Forest's contribution will be discussed at the budget-setting meeting. In the meantime, the council is helping Mr Murphy to obtain a second-hand computer.

He had sought a total of £2,590, to cover computer, telephone and travel costs.

The council's leisure and health portfolio holder, Jon Whitehouse, said: "There's a job to be done here representing young people. I think that it's right and proper that we give them financial support."

Councillor John Padfield said: "A few years back we did recognise Ben Murphy as our Young Citizen of the Year and I'm delighted to see that life has moved on and he has still a major role to play."