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London Play and the capital’s play sector breathed a collective sigh of relief following the Leaders Committee of London Councils decision at their meeting on 14 November to reinstate a number of voluntary sector activities in London as ‘priority areas’ – including “second tier support to promote play". This is part of a standstill budget to support London's voluntary and community sector of approximately £28 million for 2007-08, to be distributed via a new method namely through commissioning services. London Play Director Dr Ute Navidi said: “Whilst awaiting confirmation from London Councils on how the decision will impact on London Play, we feel that a degree of funding predictability has been returned to our organisation. We want to thank everyone who actively supported our efforts to keep London Play alive, and are grateful to London Councils under the leadership of Cllr Merrick Cockell for agreeing to continue funding second tier support to help us promote play.” Cllr James Kempton, Lib Dem Leader of Islington Council and London Councils Executive Member for Children and Young People told London Play: “The Liberal Democrats were determined that London’s children and young people should not lose out in this review of voluntary sector grants. I’m pleased that we were able to use our new influence in London to stop the proposed cuts to funding for voluntary groups working with needy young people. In particular, I'm delighted that services to promote play, such as the work done by London Play, will continue to be funded.” Melian Mansfield, Chair of London Play, said the decision is a ‘great relief’: The decision was greeted with joy by play organisations in London boroughs. The following message from Glynis Ryan, Childcare Development Adviser, London Borough of Hillingdon, stands for all expressions of support received by London Play: “Many congratulations to you for all your hard work to ensure you are able to keep up the high level of support to the sector!” Notes London Play campaigns for more and improved out-of-school play services for children and young people across London, and supports playwork in the capital. Registered charity no. 1104731, company no. 4055882. Contact London Play: tel. 020 7272 2464, www.londonplay.org.uk For more information please contact Dr Ute Navidi, Director, on 020 7272 2464 or [email protected].
“This is good news for children in London as we can continue the campaign for their right to access places to play - and there's still a long way to go – and to provide support and information to the play sector. The campaign to keep our London Councils funding itself raised the profile and importance of play across London – and the world! Many who may not have heard of London Play before now know we exist and what we do.”