Cuts risk for school holiday activities - council

The government-funded programme paid for sports, drama and art activities in York

School holiday activities and childcare places for low-income families in York are at risk of being cut, a report has warned.

A City of York Council report noted government funding for the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme was due to end in March.

The scheme pays for sports, arts and crafts, drama and dance activities for young people, along with food.

The council report highlighted "the need for us to find new ways of working together to grow and sustain a meaningful youth offer locally".

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the report came as the council's executive was set to discuss plans for a local youth strategy on Thursday.

The strategy aims to help disadvantaged and vulnerable young people and offer them activities to help build skills and relationships.

It includes plans for a "give it a go week" to showcase different activities for kids, with council funding worth £40,000 per year proposed for the broader strategy.

£45,000 for Christmas activities

Council officials are also looking at bidding to the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority for cash to offer young people "cultural passports" and a "youth zone".

York has received around £1.47m for local activities through the HAF programme since 2021.

About £45,000 has been set aside for 14 projects across York during the Christmas holidays.

Council figures showed 1,870 children took part in the programme during the Easter holidays in 2023, with 1,381 joining in summer and 1,520 taking part over Christmas.

The report stated bookings in this year’s summer holidays had exceeded previous runs.

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