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Playgrounds: Bournemouth East
10 September 2025
Lead MP
Tom Hayes
Bournemouth East
Lab
Responding Minister
Matthew Pennycook
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Word Count: 4348
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Tom Hayes raised concerns about playgrounds: bournemouth east in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
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.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
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.
Birmingham Erdington
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 Pennycook
The Minister for Housing and Planning
Government Response
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.
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Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.