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Funding for Councils
About Funding For Councils
We recognise the ongoing commitment local authorities make to maintaining and improving parks and public play spaces for their communities. High-quality, inclusive play equipment plays a vital role in supporting children’s physical health, social development and overall wellbeing, while also enhancing the wider public environment.
With increasing budget pressures, we would like to highlight a range of funding opportunities and practical approaches that councils may wish to consider when planning new play areas or refurbishing existing facilities.
National & Government Funding Programmes
Levelling Up Parks Fund (England)
A UK government scheme offering capital and revenue funding for local authorities in qualifying areas to improve parks and outdoor spaces — which can include play areas, landscaping and community facilities.
Play Park Renewal Funds (Scotland & Wales)
- In Scotland, councils are receiving multi-million-pound budgets to support play park renewal, improving safety and quality of playgrounds across communities.
- In Wales, the Welsh Government has allocated millions to help local authorities upgrade play spaces and create safer, more inclusive outdoor areas.
Community, Environmental & Foundation Grants
These funding pots are often open to local authorities, community councils or partnerships between councils and local groups:
Veolia Community Grant Scheme – Grants typically in the £10,000-£75,000 range for community outdoor space projects, including play areas.
FCC Community Fund – Community grant funding through the Landfill Communities Fund, which can support play area creation and enhancement.
Enovert Community Trust – Supports projects including play areas near communities and green spaces.
National Lottery Awards for All (England & Wales) – Small-to-medium grants (e.g., £300–£20,000) for community play space projects; parish/local councils can apply.
Groundwork / Tesco Stronger Starts (community grants) – Grants via public vote that can support community play initiatives — councils can partner with local organisations to apply.
Developer Contributions & Planning-Linked Funding
Councils can sometimes secure funding for play areas through planning mechanisms:
Section 106 agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions from developers can be negotiated (or required) to provide funding or land for play equipment and spaces in line with local planning policies.
Partnerships & Match-Funding
Many successful council play projects combine multiple funding streams:
Match-funding with community groups or voluntary organisations can broaden eligibility for certain grants (e.g., local charities partnering with the council to co-apply).
Corporate sponsorships & CSR partnerships with local businesses can provide additional financial or in-kind support where budgets are tight.
Crowdfunding campaigns overseen by the council or in partnership with a council-approved charity can help raise local support and funding.
Tip: Councils often need to demonstrate community engagement (e.g., surveys, consultation with families and young people) in order to strengthen bids or satisfy funding criteria.
Longer-Term Financing Options
Beyond direct grants, local authorities can also consider strategic financing approaches:
Borrowing via the UK Municipal Bonds Agency can allow councils to raise capital for infrastructure projects (including park and playground enhancements) at competitive rates as part of longer-term investment planning.
Example Funding Uses
Funding sources above can typically be used for:
- Purchasing and installing new play equipment
- Refurbishing or replacing existing playground structures
- Improving accessibility (e.g., inclusive play surfaces or equipment)
- Landscaping and safety enhancements
- Community engagement around the play space design
Summary Checklist
Funding routes councils can explore:
Government grant programmes (national/local government)
Community & environmental trusts (Veolia, FCC, landfill funds)
Lottery and community grant funds
Planning-linked developer contributions (Section 106 / CIL)
Partnerships & match-funding with local organisations
Corporate and private sponsorship
Capital borrowing mechanisms for long-term projects
