Recreation Spaces

(asked on 7th October 2020) - View Source

Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of including parks and green spaces within the statutory services that councils must provide; and what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the adequacy of funding to local authorities for the provision and upkeep of parks and green spaces.


Answered by
Luke Hall Portrait
Luke Hall
Minister of State (Education)
This question was answered on 12th October 2020

The Government recognises the value of parks and green spaces in providing?vibrant and inclusive?locations for communities to socialise, volunteer, work, and exercise. We are committed to?safeguarding the future of our green?spaces.

We?recognise the pressures councils and our communities?are continuing to face?as a result of Covid-19, which is why we are providing?local authorities with £3.7 billion of un-ringfenced grants.

Along with the measures brought forward?to safeguard local government income drops,?this?additional funding?demonstrates Government’s?continued commitment to make sure councils have the resources they need and?is?sufficient for them to respond to these pressures based on what?they?have told us.

In total, over £28 billion has been committed to local areas to support councils, businesses and communities across?government. This comprehensive package of support?includes direct financial support?and cashflow measures?for councils,?bus and tram services, support for the homeless?and both grants and rates reliefs for businesses, as well as several other?grants.

Reticulating Splines