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 issues guidance on (a) inspection and (b) maintenance standards for local authority-owned playgrounds.

The Government recognises the importance of safe, high-quality playgrounds for children and families. Responsibility for the provision, inspection, maintenance and management of local authority-owned playgrounds rests with individual local authorities, which are best placed to assess local needs and priorities. My department does not currently plan to issue guidance on these matters but will keep this under review in the usual course of business.