I just read this on BBC News:
Teenagers are to be offered financial incentives not to behave badly – as the government puts forward plans for modernising youth services.
Teenagers from low-income families could receive £12 per month on an “opportunity card”, to spend on activities such as sport and music.
Yes, you read that right. The government is to offer teenagers in England and Wales (who qualify for free school meals, remember this is the Means Test Party) a £12 per month bribe (called an ‘opportunity card’ to satisfy the PC brigade) to spend on [more or less] whatever the hell they like- provided they avoid ‘antisocial behaviour’ (funny, I thought the incentive to avoid crime was not going to jail).
Apart from the fact that it is Old Labour class warfare again (why does a child with parents on a moderate income not deserve the same reward for good behaviour as a child with parents on a lower income?), the principle of bribing people not to commit crime is a very dangerous one indeed.
[EDIT] Hey, two in one day:
Youngsters in a north east town are to be rewarded if they are seen putting litter in bins.
Those spotted disposing of their rubbish the right way in Fraserburgh will receive gift vouchers as part of the Bin It ‘n Win It campaign.
This one hasn’t even had any democratic oversight. Surely quangos (the Fraserburgh Future Partnership is responsible for this tripe) should be required to spend our money in more worthwhile ways than this? [/EDIT]