The Welsh government yesterday announced that £2m would be made available to local authorities to help them deliver play opportunities for children in their areas.

Under the Children and Families (Wales) Measure 2010, councils have a duty to assess for and then secure sufficient play opportunities for children in their areas.

This legislation — the first of its kind — aims to ensure every child has a wide range of challenging and interesting opportunities to play and enjoy their leisure time.

The new funding will help local authorities implement the actions identified in their 2018-19 play action plans, and deliver their 2019 play sufficiency assessments.

‘In Wales, we’re proud that we lead the world on ensuring our children have the legal right to play,’ said the minister for children, Huw Irranca-Davies.

‘I am firmly committed to ensuring we continue to improve opportunities for all children and young people to play in safety and, in particular, to support improved access to play for children with disabilities.’

The £2m will go towards play equipment, inclusive after-school and holiday provision for children with complex needs, Saturday play sessions for young carers aged 7 to 17, and other projects.

‘There’s increasing concern about the mental and physical health of children and young people,’ said Mr Irranca-Davies.

‘At the same time, we know playing makes a significant contribution to the fitness and well-being of children and improving perceptions of well-being amongst children and their families.

‘I am therefore really pleased to make £2m of funding available to help our local authorities deliver sufficient play opportunities for children and young people in their areas. ‘This will help ensure Wales truly is a play friendly country that meets the needs and rights of all our children.’