New policy initiatives such as the Localism Act may have more potency in the hands of a younger generation of decision-makers, argues Robert Ashton.

The other day I met a surprisingly young district councillor. As we talked, I realised that he is just weeks older than my son. This stark reminder of the generation gap set me thinking. You see even at my age (57) most of the elected members I meet are older than I am. To Steve, they must seem ancient!

When Steve reaches my age, most of those he shares council chamber with today will be dead and buried. Yet the impact of the decisions they make now, will impact on his life long after they are gone. So it was encouraging to meet someone so young willing to challenge the status quo. But is he going to succeed?

He's a very busy guy, running a successful independent builders' merchant business in a rural market town with his father. His business is half a mile from a B&Q and immediately opposite Jewson's. He understands the need to be different; to focus on the customer and to win business on service not price. Those are skills councils need too.

In short, Steve is exactly the kind of person local authorities need to see elected. The Localism Act and reducing government funding is forcing local authorities to adapt. They have to become more flexible, adaptable and above all else, they have to welcome and value innovation. Younger people are usually more eager to embrace change than those who've seen it all before.

Steve told me he often found being a council member frustrating. Too many of his fellow councillors are more than twice his age. Inevitably, they see the world through different eyes. I'd not be critical of their viewpoint, because it's the product of their lifetime's experience. But right now, we need local government to be looking forward, not back.

I introduced Steve to Tom, another young councillor in the same county. I thought they could give each other the moral support we all need when we find ourselves a lone voice calling for change. They have similar views, unsurprisingly as both are under 30. I hope they can support each other; compare notes and together encourage more from their generation to stand for election.

You see we can't allow Steve's generation to rely on a future created by today's older people. He and others like him need to be supported to take control and create the future they need. The experience of the older generation will help them, but I doubt that their future is completely safe if left in the hands of those with little to look forward to themselves.