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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the (a) quantity, (b) quality and (c) location of public playgrounds.

Playgrounds are an important part of healthy, happy and connected communities. Playgrounds can be found in schools, private housing, public parks and many other places.

Local authorities maintain many public playgrounds. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out that decisions should aim to 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 are proud that this year’s Budget has delivered a real term increase in local government spending. Local authorities can decide how to use funding to best serve their communities, including investing in improving and developing public playgrounds.