The British Youth Council, known informally as BYC, was a UK charity that worked to empower young people and promote their interests.

In 1963, the Council gained independence from the British Government and became a UK charity championing the opinions of young people.

In 1971, BYC organised the annual World Assembly of Youth event in Manchester where Prime Minister Edward Heath was the keynote speaker.

In the late 1970s, the organisation elected David Hunt as chair (now a member of the House of Lords) as well as Janet Paraskeva (now First Civil Service Commissioner) and Peter Mandelson.

They also attended the 11th World Festival on Youth in Cuba where motions were passed on the human rights records of the USSR and USA.

These annually elected trustees employed 14 staff and 10 full-time volunteers and managed a body of young campaigners and media spokespeople.

The coalition consists of various organisations and political parties and is led by the Children's Rights Alliance for England, the National Union of Students and the Scottish Youth Parliament.

Prior to the 2015 General Election, the Council became a founding member of the UK branch of the League of Young Voters The League's steering group consists of the Scottish Youth Parliament, Northern Ireland Youth Forum, Bite The Ballot and the National Union of Students.