Written question asked by Rachael Maskell (Labour) on Monday, 11 July 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 13 July 2022. It was answered by Lia Nici (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 July 2022 on behalf of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.

Urban Areas: Children

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of (a) play areas and (b) child-friendly cities on trends in the level of growth for high streets and urban centres.

Answer: As the analysis set out in the Levelling Up White Paper made clear, social capital is an essential part of successful places and interdependent with economic prosperity. Within the local growth funds, the second round of the Levelling Up Fund is open and my department welcomes bids for play areas from applicants. UK Shared Prosperity Fund will also play a role in allowing local authorities to develop parks and open spaces, with the primary objective to create greater pride in place through cleaner, greener and safer spaces.

Secondary information