Izzy Lepone 10 June 2025

Council chiefs demand funding to boost children’s play facilities

Council chiefs demand funding to boost children’s play facilities image
© BearFotos / Shutterstock.com.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has called for ‘long-term, consistent funding’ to help councils implement the national play strategy.

In a new report from Raising the Nation Play Commission, researchers have called for Government to invest £125m in a national play strategy to help improve children’s wellbeing.

Detailing the role of councils in achieving the aims of the 10-year strategy, the Commission outlines local authorities’ ‘statutory duty’ to ensure children across England benefit from sufficient opportunities to play.

In response to the report’s recommendations, the LGA emphasised that funding gaps prevent local authorities from supporting children’s right to play and urged the Government to use the Spending Review to invest in councils’ budgets.

Cllr Liz Green, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, said: ‘To help get children playing and physically active, it is vital that we tackle the inequality of access to parks, playgrounds and green spaces, particularly for those living in more economically deprived areas.’

‘However, councils face a funding gap of more than £8bn by 2028/29.’

‘Only with long-term, consistent funding can councils adequately plan ahead and invest to improve facilities’, she added.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Executive Director – Adult Social Care, Health & Wellbeing

Sefton Borough Council
£131,208 (Hay 1)
Lead with Purpose. Build on Excellence. Shape the Future of Health and Wellbeing in Sefton. Sefton (Metropolitan borough), Merseyside
Recuriter: Sefton Borough Council

Strategic Finance Business Partners (five roles)

Nottingham City Council
up to £80k
Nottingham is a bold, vibrant, and exciting Core City at the heart of the UK, alive with potential and ambition. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Director of Finance (Strategy) – deputy S151

Nottingham City Council
up to £125k
Nottingham is a bold, vibrant, and exciting Core City at the heart of the UK, alive with potential and ambition. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Customer Specialist

Essex County Council
Up to £25081.00 per annum
Customer SpecialistPermanent, Part Time£25,081 pro rataLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Customer Specialist

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum
Customer SpecialistPermanent, Part Time£25,081 to £27,653 pro rataLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner