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

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what financial support is available to local authorities to improve safety at existing children's playgrounds, including through the installation of fencing and other protective measures.

Local authorities and playground operators are responsible for the provision, design, safety and maintenance of children's playgrounds. Local authorities can fund improvements form their local budgets, supported by the Local Government Finance Settlement. By the end of the multi-year Settlement (2028-29), the government will have provided a 15.5% increase in Core Spending Power for local authorities in England, worth over £11.4 billion, compared to 2025-26. In addition, the Government is providing £18 million through the Playgrounds Fund to support 66 local authorities to create or improve up to 200 playgrounds, including improvements to safety and accessibility. Areas in receipt of the £150 million Pride in Place Impact Fund or £5.8 billion Pride in Place Programme funding can also choose to invest it in parks and playgrounds where this reflects local priorities.

The Government is not planning to introduce further national guidance or minimum separation standards. Established playground safety guidance provides for the use of appropriate fencing and gates where necessary to separate children's play areas from their surroundings.

For example, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents recommends that, where fencing is provided, it should be at least one metre high and designed in accordance with relevant British and European safety standards. Decisions on fencing or other measures to prevent dogs entering play areas are for local authorities and playground operators, taking account of local circumstances.