Editorial: Positive Activities is more than a holiday

The concept, especially the holiday bit, always grates with some people.

A recent article in the Islington Gazette about the programme, headlined "Scrap holiday scheme that rewards yobs", quoted the chairwoman of a local tenants' association saying that the "yobs" thought they were untouchable when they came back from their trips.

But look beyond the knee-jerk "treats for cheats" angle and PAYP can be seen in terms of opportunities for young people less fortunate than others, which has the knock-on effect of solving a problem for communities and consequently makes the Government feel better about providing the funding.

The 2005-06 planning guidance for government offices and groups that deliver PAYP programmes asked for assurances about process and the content and quality of project plans received, with particular emphasis on ensuring that "positive outcomes will be achievable".