Cross-party support grows for new law requiring councils to protect and expand play spaces across England
Playgrounds across England must be rescued from neglect to prevent children spending their childhoods “glued to screens”, MPs have warned, as a fresh push to enshrine play into planning law gains momentum in Westminster.
A cross-party alliance of MPs is rallying behind an amendment to the Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill that would place a legal duty on local authorities to maintain existing play spaces and ensure that new developments include inclusive, high-quality areas for children to play.
The amendment, introduced by Labour MP Tom Hayes, is due to be debated in the Commons on Monday. So far, it has drawn support from 49 MPs across Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Greens, and a number of independents.
The proposed “play sufficiency duty” would bring England in line with Scotland and Wales, where councils are already required to assess whether there are enough play areas in their communities and to take steps to address any shortfall.
Speaking to the PA news agency, Mr Hayes, who represents Bournemouth East, said: “When playgrounds are left to rot, and we have the power to put things right, what message is that sending to families?
“New Clause 82 is a common-sense, no-cost way to protect the play spaces we have today and ensure developments in the future focus on children.”
His amendment would also allow councils to withhold planning permission from developers if proposals would result in a net loss of play space. New estates, under the plans, would be required to include “high-quality, accessible, inclusive” play opportunities, featuring natural elements and integrated within wider public spaces.
Mr Hayes, who led a rare Westminster Hall debate on playgrounds earlier this year, emphasised how crucial such spaces are for children’s development, especially in an era where digital entertainment dominates leisure time.
“The Government must be on the side of playing children, just as it claims to be on the side of working people,” he said.
He noted that the January debate on play was the first in seven years and the longest in 17 years – dating back to the last time a national play strategy was introduced under a Labour government.
“Children sitting GCSEs this year weren’t even alive the last time a government funded playgrounds,” he said. “Today children end up indoors, glued to screens because they don’t have safe play spaces. For families on tight budgets, paying for indoor play isn’t an option.”
He described many modern estates where rusted swing sets and barren patches of tarmac have replaced vibrant play areas. “Children growing up in cramped flats rely on playgrounds,” he added. “My amendment supports their right to play and provides inclusive play areas for children with special educational needs and disabilities, too.”
The move comes amid rising concern from parents, teachers and child development experts that outdoor play is being sidelined. Campaigners argue that safe, engaging outdoor spaces are essential for children’s physical and mental wellbeing.
A Government spokesperson responded by defending its record, saying: “We are taking decisive action to give people opportunities to thrive in outdoor spaces as part of our plan for change.
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“Through our landmark Planning and Infrastructure Bill we are delivering the change communities need, and the national planning policy framework sets strict rules to maintain existing playgrounds and support the provision of new ones.”
The spokesperson also pointed to a £15 million investment to help schools in disadvantaged and nature-depleted areas to create greener spaces where children can connect to nature and play.
Despite this, backers of the amendment argue that without a legal obligation, playgrounds will continue to fall through the cracks of underfunded councils and short-term planning priorities.
As MPs prepare to debate the future of England’s planning system, many will be asking whether the country’s children deserve a better space to grow, explore, and simply play.
