Nursery World - Labour rethinks funding renege

SkillsActive and The Children's Play Council have welcomed conciliatory moves by the Government to heal the rift over Lottery funding for play. Play campaigners warned that hundreds of play projects were threatened by the Government's decision not to ring-fence 200m of Lottery money earmarked for play (Nursery World, 27 January).

Play campaigners warned that hundreds of play projects were threatened by the Government's decision not to ring-fence 200m of Lottery money earmarked for play (Nursery World, 27 January).

It is feared that providers will have to compete with other projects for the money. But, in an adjournment debate at the end of January, Lottery minister Estelle Morris, who leads the Government on play policy, accepted that the current offer for play is 'different from what was pledged originally' and indicated her willingness to meet the play sector and Big Lottery Fund (BLF) to find a solution.

Adrian Voce, director of the Children's Play Council said, 'We have worked hard to represent the views of the play sector to the Government on this issue and we will continue to do so. We look forward to working with Government and the BLF to ensure that the money reaches the play areas and communities that need it most.'

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included