Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment has he made of trends in the level of funding for (a) parks and (b) green spaces.

Although there is no existing assessment of trends in the level of funding for parks and green spaces, MHCLG in partnership with the Parks Action Group has commissioned research from the New Policy Institute, looking at levels of funding by Local Authorities for parks and green spaces. The Department plans to make this information accessible later this year.

Spending on parks is a matter for local authorities; where local authorities have prioritised the protection and expansion of Green Spaces they have found the funds to do so.

The Government recognises the value of parks and green spaces in providing vibrant and inclusive locations for communities to socialise, volunteer, work, and exercise. Access to green spaces fosters health, well-being, integration, and social engagement. Government will continue to work with the Parks Sector to help support the sustainability of parks and green spaces.