Written question asked by Nicholas Dakin (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 September 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 October 2010. It was answered by Baroness Teather (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 15 November 2010 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Playgrounds: Construction

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education when he plans to announce his decision on the future of support for Playbuilder schemes; and if he will take steps to ensure that support for local community groups operating such schemes is maintained at no less than present levels.

Answer: Decisions have now been taken on savings to the 2010-11 play capital budget. A total of £20.8 million has been saved from this years play budget, reducing the original figure from £75 million to £54.2 million.Revised allocations for this year have been communicated to local authorities. All local authorities will receive almost two-thirds of their original allocation. We have also provided additional funding to 49 local authorities who have contractual commitments that would otherwise exceed their revised allocation.One of the big successes of the play programme has been the involvement of community groups in helping to improve the availability and quality of local play areas, and we want this level of community engagement to continue. We also recognise the huge efforts of local authorities, partner agencies, the play sector and industry in improving facilities for children across the country.For the future, the Government want to give local people more control over what local money is spent on, and what gets built where, to make the most of the limited resources available. Play England will be providing specific advice and help to communities and local authorities in the current financial year.

Secondary information