The Local Government Association (LGA) is urging the UK Government to commit long-term, consistent funding to support councils in implementing the national play strategy, aimed at enhancing children’s wellbeing through improved access to play spaces.
According to a new report by the Raising the Nation Play Commission, an estimated £125 million investment is needed to fund the national play strategy over the next decade. The strategy aims to ensure every child in England has access to high-quality, safe, and inclusive play opportunities.
The report outlines that local authorities have a statutory duty to guarantee these opportunities. However, the LGA warns that without appropriate funding, councils will struggle to deliver on this responsibility.
In a statement responding to the report, Cllr Liz Green, Chair of the LGA’s Culture, Tourism and Sport Board, stressed the urgent need to address inequality in access to parks, playgrounds, and green spaces — particularly in deprived areas.
“To help get children playing and physically active, it is vital that we tackle the inequality of access to recreational spaces,” said Green. “But councils face a funding gap of over £8 billion by 2028/29.”
She added that only with sustainable, long-term investment can local councils plan, upgrade, and maintain essential facilities for children and communities.
The LGA is now calling on the Government to prioritise funding for the play strategy in the upcoming Spending Review to help secure the long-term health and wellbeing of children nationwide.
