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Written question asked by Tom Hayes (Labour) on Monday, 7 September 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 September 2026 (named day). It was answered by Florence Eshalomi (Labour) on Monday, 14 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.


Playgrounds

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will consider providing additional funding for a second phase of the Playgrounds Fund in the Autumn Budget.

Answer

The Government is committed to improving access to safe, inclusive and high-quality play spaces. The £18 million Playground Fund will support up to 200 playground improvement projects across 66 local authorities in England, helping more children access safe, inclusive and high-quality places to play. Funding is targeted at areas with higher levels of child deprivation and poorer existing play provision. The fund forms part of the Government's wider Pride in Place strategy, which includes up to £5.8 billion of investment over ten years for 284 neighbourhoods, providing communities with flexible funding that can be used for local priorities, including parks and playgrounds where these reflect local need.

No decisions have been made on future funding arrangements. Any future funding would be subject to the usual Government spending processes. The department will take account of evidence and delivery learning from the current £18 million Playground Fund. The methodology used for the current programme focused on deprivation and access to play provision and future budget decisions on investment in play provision, including the numbers and locations, will be informed by this evidence, the level of need and wider Government priorities.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
27795
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Finance Playgrounds
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk