Government reveals £18m investment in playgrounds in Budget

The government has announced a multi-million pound investment in play at the Autumn Budget, with the most deprived areas being prioritised for funding.

The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, revealed details on how the £18m will be spent on refurbishing 200 play areas across England. The investment forms part of the Government’s wider commitment to strengthen communities and “break down barriers to opportunity” under its Pride in Place programme.

The investment in play follows sustained lobbying from Play England, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Play – chaired by Tom Hayes MP – and growing cross-party recognition of the deep inequalities in children’s access to play.

Evidence shows there are stark inequalities across England when it comes to accessing the outdoors – with children from poorer households spending much less time outside than children from wealthier families.

Eugene Minogue, Executive Director of Play England, welcomed the news. He said: “£18 million for 200 playgrounds is a welcome step and a clear signal that play is finally back on the Government’s radar.

“But one-off funding will not close these gaps.

“We urgently need a new National Play Strategy and Play Sufficiency legislation within the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.”