Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what discussions her Department has had with (a) local authorities and (b) housing associations on the adequacy of levels of playground provision to meet children’s needs.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Playgrounds are an essential part of social infrastructure and government is committed to improving access to safe play spaces. The provision of playgrounds in parks and public spaces is primarily a matter for local authorities. We support local government and recognise the challenges that local authorities are facing as demand increases for critical services.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is clear that planning policies and decisions should aim to achieve healthy, inclusive and safe places. In addition, the National Design Guide demonstrates how new development can promote inclusive design by creating buildings and spaces that are safe, social and inclusive, with an integrated mix of uses that are accessible for all.

We will use our bold £1.5 billion Plan for Neighbourhoods to bolster a wide range of community assets, including play areas. Over the next decade, the plan will deliver up to £20 million of funding and support to each of 75 eligible communities across the UK, bringing together “neighbourhood boards” to develop local regeneration plans in partnership with local authorities: Plan for Neighbourhoods: prospectus - GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that children have access to (a) safe and (b) well-maintained playgrounds.

Answered by Alex Norris - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

Playgrounds are an essential part of social infrastructure and government is committed to improving access to safe play spaces. The provision of playgrounds in parks and public spaces is primarily a matter for local authorities. We support local government and recognise the challenges that local authorities are facing as demand increases for critical services.

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) is clear that planning policies and decisions should aim to achieve healthy, inclusive and safe places. In addition, the National Design Guide demonstrates how new development can promote inclusive design by creating buildings and spaces that are safe, social and inclusive, with an integrated mix of uses that are accessible for all.

We will use our bold £1.5 billion Plan for Neighbourhoods to bolster a wide range of community assets, including play areas. Over the next decade, the plan will deliver up to £20 million of funding and support to each of 75 eligible communities across the UK, bringing together “neighbourhood boards” to develop local regeneration plans in partnership with local authorities: Plan for Neighbourhoods: prospectus - GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to reduce the number of children in temporary accommodation in Hastings and Rye constituency.

Answered by Rushanara Ali

Investing in preventative services is critical for reducing the number of households and children in temporary accommodation. The Government has made the largest-ever investment in prevention services, increasing funding for homelessness services by £233 million to a total of £1 billion for homelessness and rough sleeping in 2025/26.

The Spending Review has protected this record level of investment for the next three years, and provided £100 million, including from the Transformation Fund, to fund increased homelessness prevention activity by local authorities.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the length of the statute of limitations for medical devices as specified under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.

Answered by Justin Madders - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

Given the importance, breadth and complexity of this area of law – and as I set out in Committee on the Product Regulation and Metrology Act – the Government has asked the Law Commission to conduct a full review of product liability legislation. This includes considering the time limits for bringing claims. Following a wide consultation that will begin soon, I expect the Law Commission to make recommendations later next year.

Found: (Conservative; Harwich and North Essex) (Chair) Lewis Atkinson (Labour; Sunderland Central) Helena Dollimore

Found: Q936 Helena Dollimore: What do you judge of its assessment?

Found: (Conservative; Harwich and North Essex) (Chair) Lewis Atkinson (Labour; Sunderland Central) Helena Dollimore

Found: Q21 Helena Dollimore: I refer the House to my entry in the register of interests.

Found: Q21 Helena Dollimore: I refer the House to my entry in the register of interests.

Found: (Conservative; Harwich and North Essex) (Chair) Lewis Atkinson (Labour; Sunderland Central) Helena Dollimore

Found: Dewhirst (Conservative, Bridlington and The Wolds) (added 21 Oct 2024) 16 of 19 (84.2%)2 Helena Dollimore

Found: Hanna, Colum Eastwood, Deirdre Costigan, Lola McEvoy, Damien Egan, Uma Kumaran, Sarah Coombes, Helena Dollimore

Found: Babarinde Will Stone Marie Goldman Victoria Collins Steve Race Warinder Juss Chris Webb Helena Dollimore

Maternity APPG
Thursday 10th July 2025

Found: (Milton Keynes Central), Shaun Davies MP (Telford), Rt Hon Anneliese Dodds MP (Oxford East), Helena Dollimore