Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Gwynne Excerpts

Monday 17th September 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Foster]

The national planning policy framework provides very robust protection for playing fields. We have also introduced the new designation for green spaces. Both those measures will, I think, help my hon. Friend.

[Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab)]

Surely the Minister should be aware that many local authorities made great use of section 106 agreements in order to secure capital investment in children’s play facilities. Why is he making it more difficult for councils to do that?

[Mr Foster]

The most important thing is to get this country’s economy running again so that local councils can have more funds to provide these facilities. The changes in regulations relating to section 106 will bring forward much-needed new development to help get the economy going again—something the hon. Gentleman’s Government failed to do.