Elected Member Briefing - Renewal of play parks funding

About this briefing note

Report by: Mark Butterworth - Head of Environmental and Consumer Services

Date: 8 June 2022

Subject: Renewal of Play Parks - Scottish Government funding and improvements in Perth and Kinross

Responsible Officer: Andy Clegg - Service Manager - Greenspace

Publication

This Briefing Note has been published on the Council's website following circulation to Councillors. Its contents may be disclosed or shared outwith the Council. 

Details

Purpose

This briefing note provides clarification on the funding allocations from the Scottish Government for play park improvements, and outlines the work undertaken in 2021/22 with regard to this funding, following a question at the Scrutiny and Performance Committee meeting dated 8 June 2022.

Briefing information

The Scottish Government made a commitment to renew play parks across Scotland, so that all children have access to quality play in their own community and as part of this established a £60m fund.  An initial £5m was made available across the 32 local authorities in Scotland in 2021/22 from this fund and Perth and Kinross Council received an allocation of £0.140m, based on the agreed funding model of:

1. 95% on population 0-14
2. 5% on rurality

The funding profile of the remaining £55 million is being considered and the Council will be informed of any decision as soon as this is agreed.

Improvements in Perth and Kinross

In Perth and Kinross three play parks benefited from this funding in 2021/22.  These were:

• Perth, North Inch - play area extension
• Coupar Angus, Larghan Victory Park - new climbing unit
• Aberfeldy, Victoria Park - replacement shade sail shelter

A programme of improvement works for a further 49 play parks is being developed and will progress as further funding allows.