Swinney to announce £25m funding for councils to improve play parks

First Minister John Swinney is expected to announce £25m in funding for councils to improve existing play parks.

Speaking ahead of a visit to a park in Kirkintilloch, East Dunbartonshire, the First Minister said the funding was part of a play-based action plan and “vision statement” and would be provided to all local authorities.

Before the latest meeting of the travelling Cabinet in the area on Monday, Swinney said: “Playing is key to a child’s healthy development, and by enabling councils to invest in outdoor play parks, we will ensure families can access a safe, high-quality place to play within their communities.

“This is all part of my driving mission to eradicate child poverty.

“Other steps we are taking include investing £3m to develop mitigations for the UK Government’s two-child benefits cap, £37m to deliver the expansion of the free school meals programme, and putting more money in families’ pockets through the Scottish Child Payment.”

Tony Buchanan, children and young people spokesman for local authority body Cosla, said: “Cosla welcomes today’s launch of the Play Vision Statement and Action Plan, play is very important not just for the enjoyment it brings, but also for the part it plays in developing children and young people’s social skills, interests, and curiosity.

“It also assists in developing relationships between parents, carers and other children and young people.

“The play vision statement and action plan provides a good roadmap for how play can be encouraged and supported.”

Marguerite Hunter Blair, chief executive of Play Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating this clear commitment from the Scottish Government to play opportunities and experiences for all our children and young people.

“It is fantastic that children’s rights and voices are at the heart of this new vision for play alongside an enthusiastic cross-sectoral collaboration.

“The clear message coming from the versions of the plan that children have co- produced is simple – more play and better play is good for everyone.”