Funding for play areas has been brought forward as part of the drive to counter the recession. Ed Balls, Children’s Secretary, said Pounds 30million, due to be spent in 2010, will now be available next year. It means all local authorities will now have access to at least Pounds 1million towards creating and improving play areas by spring 2009. Sixty-three authorities already have funding, the remaining 89 will get money from next April.
