Local taxes should be changed to stop the UK’s parks deteriorating or becoming preserves of the wealthy, a think tank has suggested.
A report by Policy Exchange said local authorities should consider rewarding park, allotment and cemetery volunteers with council tax rebates of up to £1,500 a year.
The report argued the rebate would ‘encourage people of all ages, backgrounds and income groups to become actively engaged in their local communities’.
It also suggested residents should be given a vote on whether to introduce a compulsory levy on properties within a set distance of a park or urban green space.
A synopsis of the report read: ‘Providing free outdoor space for exercise, socialising and relaxation, parks can benefit both physical and mental health.
‘However, on average, local authority spending on open spaces was cut by 10.5% between 2010/11 and 2012/13, and there is no ring-fence protecting the budget spent on maintaining green spaces.’
A previous report published by the Heritage Lottery Fund warned almost half of councils are considering selling off their local parks.
