Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, with reference to the guidance entitled National Model Design Code: Part 2 Guidance Notes, published by his Department in June 2021, how his Department defines the terms (a) inclusive and (b) accessible in the context of the creation of play friendly spaces that are accessible and inclusive for all.

The Government's National Planning Policy Framework encourages the creation of places that are safe, inclusive and accessible and which promote health and well-being. In support of this, the National Model Design Code, which guides the production of local design codes, encourages the design of children's play areas to be inclusive and accessible.

Local planning authorities are responsible for the achievement of these objectives locally and can influence the development of play areas through their local planning policies and decisions.

We aim to review the national planning and design guidance periodically, in consultation with relevant organisations.

The department does not hold data on the number and proportion of playgrounds that are accessible to disabled children in England.