Written question asked by Andy Reed (Labour) on Thursday, 13 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 19 May 2004. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 May 2004 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what assessment he made of adjusting planning guidance on sports and leisure facilities to take account of the Government's targets to raise participation.

Answer: Mr. Reed: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he made of adjusting planning guidance on sports and leisure facilities to take account of the Government's targets to raise participation. [174054] Keith Hill: National planning guidance for Open Space, Sport and Recreation (PPG17), published in July 2002, already provides the framework for raising participation. It includes an objective for the planning process to promote healthy living and prevent illness. The guidance requires local authorities to assess the future as well as the existing needs of their communities for sports and recreational facilities. Authorities are expected to keep these assessments up-to-date and to use them to set standards for inclusion in their plans.

Secondary information