Parliamentary Debate: Provision of playgrounds by local authorities

At Play England, we are delighted to announce another significant step in our mission to protect and promote children’s right to play. Building on the success of securing vital changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to safeguard formal play spaces, we have now partnered with Tom Hayes MP to secure a parliamentary debate on the ‘Provision of Playgrounds by Local Authorities’ which will take place on 8 January 2025 at 4.30pm.

This debate presents a crucial opportunity to address the growing threats facing playgrounds. Budget pressures, competing priorities, and the absence of robust national safeguards are leaving play spaces at risk. These challenges underscore why the recent NPPF amendment is such an important step towards protecting, enhancing, and providing play spaces for future generations.

However, there are pressing questions about how these protections will be implemented under a single framework for England. For the NPPF changes to have meaningful impact, clear and actionable guidance for local authorities will be essential to turn policy into enforceable protections that make a real difference on the ground.

That’s why Play England’s manifesto advocates for play sufficiency legislation - a transformative measure that would require local authorities to assess and ensure adequate play opportunities for all children. Such legislation would provide a framework to support children’s health, wellbeing, and development through access to safe, inclusive, and high-quality play opportunities and environments.

The success of play sufficiency legislation in Wales demonstrates its potential. By placing a statutory duty on local authorities, Wales has ensured that children’s right to play is not only recognised but also prioritised, valued, and protected. England urgently needs to follow suit to address the decline in children's play over recent decades and to create a fairer system that ensures every child access to safe, inclusive, and high-quality play environments.

The upcoming debate is a vital moment to strengthen our momentum and continue making the case for play sufficiency legislation. By raising this issue in Parliament, we aim to ensure that the importance of play is fully recognised and embedded across government policy and wider society.

We call on local authorities, policymakers, and communities to join us in safeguarding the future of play spaces and championing play sufficiency legislation. Together, we can ensure that every child, regardless of where they live, has the opportunity to play, grow, and thrive in a nation that truly values their right to play.

As we move into 2025, the future of play and Play England looks brighter than ever.