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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether her Department plans to renew play equipment in (a) parks and (b) public 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. We have listened to voices across the sector and it was prioritised at the Budget, where we announced over £4 billion in additional funding for local government services, including £1.3 billion provided through the Local Government Finance Settlement. Overall, the provisional Settlement will mean local government receives an around 3.2% real-terms increase in Core Spending Power.

The National Planning Policy Framework, which local authorities are expected to consider when developing their Local Plans, is clear that planning policies and decisions should aim to achieve healthy, inclusive and safe places.