By Brenda Robb

A UK wide report heavily focused on what happens in England, why are we not surprised? Just  a brief scan of the further reading reports listed in the appendix backs up the notion that this is fundamentally an English document, somehow they fail to list Play Scotland and the range of documents published to promote play in Scotland. (see www.playscotland.org/resources/)

Contrast this:  

A freedom of information request to all local authorities in 2023 found that almost 800 playgrounds had closed across the UK over the ten years before (amongst those authorities that responded), over 400 of which were in England. The report by the Raising the Nation Play Commission highlighted that where playgrounds did exist, many had fallen into states of disrepair due to a lack of regular maintenance. It received evidence that over the past decade, over half the population (56%) have noted that the quality of their local park or play area had declined

with this local example  https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/environment/play-parks

or this Scottish Government announcement https://www.gov.scot/news/improving-outdoor-play/

or this AI overview:

The Scottish Government is investing a total of £60 million to renew and refurbish play parks across the country. This includes £10 million for 2023/24, £15 million for 2024/25, and £25 million for 2025/26. The funding is allocated to local authorities and is intended to ensure that free, public play areas are safe, modern, and inclusive for all children. The government also requires planning authorities to consider play provision when creating local development plans.  

Key initiatives and funding

Play Park Renewal Programme: A total of £60 million has been committed to refurbish and maintain play parks over the course of the current parliamentary session.
Funding allocation: The funding is being distributed to local authorities in installments:

2023/24: £10 million
2024/25: £15 million
2025/26: £25 million

Past funding: The government provided £5 million in 2021 and another £5 million in 2022 to kick-start the program.

Eligibility: The funding is available for play parks that are owned, managed, or maintained by local authorities and are free and open to the public.

Policy and planning:

Local development plans: The Scottish Government requires planning authorities to incorporate play provision into their local development plans.
Community involvement: Local authorities are encouraged to engage with communities to identify local priorities for play when rolling out projects, as seen in the example from Scottish Borders Council.
Vision for play
Play is essential: The government views play as crucial for children’s social development, resilience, and overall well-being.
National vision: The vision is for play to be “welcomed, celebrated and nurtured,” ensuring every child has the opportunity to play and develop.
National consultation: As part of the national renewal program, the government and Play Scotland have launched nationwide consultations on play parks to gather public feedback, notes The Playwork Foundation.

Thanks to austerity and over a decade of Tory cuts England will need to work hard to catch up 

www.playengland.org.uk/newsblog/seventeen-years-on-why-england-needs-a-new-national-play-strategy

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