Submitted by crinadmin on
Summary: London Play is disappointed to learn that £200
million of lottery money, promised by the
Government for children’s play before the last
election, will no longer ring-fenced. The charity
warns that the most deprived children in the
capital will suffer as a result.In a letter released today, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell says that she is
aware that “there has been some consternation amongst the play sector
about the decision – and the possibility that we are now reneging on our
commitment”.
London Play Director Dr Ute Navidi comments: “I am not sure
whether ‘consternation’ describes how our members will feel about the
missing £200 million. They have told us that this lack of money exclusively
dedicated for play will mean that children’s play in the capital will suffer –
with disabled and poor children being the hardest hit.”
Consulting with London’s play sector on the Government turn-around,
London Play was told:
- “A ring-fenced budget is essential for long-term viability and future
planning - many posts may suffer”;
- “We wanted to set up inclusive groups for children with disabilities and
their siblings”;
- “Training for inclusion [of disabled children] will be affected”;
- “Good quality outdoor space attached to halls – that’s what we now
won’t have”;
- “This funding would have supported developments in response to unmet
play needs”;
- “Voluntary groups in our area are likely to suffer from not having this
major investment opportunity”;
- “No-ear-marked funding means it will now go to meet other local
authority priority needs”.
London Play is also deeply concerned that if and when the money finally
materialises – and Jowell says she expects this to happen “between 2006
and 2012” – it will no longer be dedicated for play.
London Play will continue to work with the Mayor’s Office through the
Children and Young People’s Unit and with many other partners to make
the capital a city where children can play. Time will tell how hard the blow
of today’s announcements will be felt by London’s young citizens.
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1. London Play is a London-wide voluntary organisation which supports
and develops play services for children across London. London Play
campaigns to promote children’s play as a human right, as declared in the
UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. www.londonplay.org.uk
2. Tessa Jowell’s letter and the Play Review are available from the DCMS
website:
http://www.culture.gov.uk/global/publications/archive_2005/govt_repons_
gsap.htm
3. There is increasing research evidence that a range of health problems
are associated with the decline in play opportunities. ‘Free play’ is the most
effective way to ensure the Chief Medical Officer’s recommended minimum
daily physical activity for children (60 minutes), and that. There is also
evidence that access to free play, leisure opportunities and open spaces
alleviates the effect of disadvantage on young people’s wellbeing. See the
Children’s Play Council publications for further information:
www.ncb.org.uk/cpc/index.htm
4. The ‘Sort it Out’ report, published by the Office of Children's Rights
Commissioner for London in 2001, surveyed more than 3,000 young
Londoners views. It showed that they place a high value on being able to
play out but that London’s play spaces are often poorly maintained, too
expensive or hard to get too, and that they often experience harassment
from adults or older children.
5. London Play director Dr. Ute Navidi is available for interview.