House of Commons · Westminster Hall
10 September 2025 · 3 other contributors · 4,348 words
Opened by Tom Hayes Lab Bournemouth East
Responding minister: Matthew Pennycook
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Tom Hayes raised concerns about playgrounds: bournemouth east in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
Firstly, the debate calls for a strategy with objectives and deadlines to support Baroness Taylor's work on play. Secondly, it seeks a statutory duty for councils to assess and support play provision as seen in Wales and Scotland, which England currently lacks.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Eight months ago, the longest debate on playgrounds since 17 years was held. In that period, many playgrounds have closed due to austerity measures, leaving only 35% of children in Bournemouth East within reach of a play area. Over 2 million children across England live more than 10 minutes from a playground and one in eight do not even have a garden.
Encourages the inclusion of wheelchair-accessible swings, sensory play areas, nature zones, and family facilities like toilets in new playgrounds.
The Member for Bournemouth East discussed the importance of play space provision and provided feedback on issues affecting playgrounds in his constituency and around the country.
Highlights that many children in her constituency have no access to high-quality playground equipment and believes funding must be set aside for better standard playgrounds. Highlighted the need for funding to support playgrounds and emphasized the importance of play areas for children's health and well-being.
Government Response
Matthew PennycookThe Minister for Housing and Planning
Matthew Pennycook acknowledges the importance of playgrounds for health and wellbeing, mentioning the planning system's role in securing and protecting these spaces. He outlines a £1.5 billion plan for neighbourhoods to deliver funding for regeneration plans, including upgrading play areas, though he notes that the Government does not intend to place new statutory responsibilities on local authorities regarding play. In response to concerns raised, the Minister indicated that they are considering reforms related to play space provision within national policies. The consultation on new national policies for decision making is planned, which will include input from local communities. Additionally, updates to national design guidance and review of existing guidance on play spaces are underway.