Written question asked by David Laws (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 17 July 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 21 July 2008. It was answered by Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Labour) on Monday, 1 September 2008 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Playgrounds: Disabled

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what estimate he has made of the proportion of local authority playgrounds which have facilities suitable for children who use wheelchairs.

Answer: Provision of playgrounds is a local authority responsibility. In planning and providing playgrounds local authorities ensure that there is suitable access for all children and comply with the disability discrimination legislation.In the Children’s Plan we committed to invest an additional £235 million to fund up to 3,500 public play areas nationally by 2011. The £235 million investment will build on existing funding, and provide a real opportunity to transform play areas throughout the country. We have been clear that the additional play areas should be accessible by disabled children.This Government are fully committed to improving the life chances of disabled children, through an ambitious programme for transforming services.

Secondary information