VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Playing Fields

Asked by Mr Louie FrenchConservativeMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 5 January 2026UIN 98863

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the answer of 9 December, to question 96967 on Sports: Facilities, if he will make an assessment of the (a) distribution and (b) availability of sports pitches by local authorities.

Answered by Matthew Pennycook

The government has no plans to make an assessment of the adequacy of the (a) distribution and (b) availability of sports pitches by local authorities.

The National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that it is for local planning authorities to make assessments of the need for open space, sport and recreation facilities in their areas (including quantitative or qualitative deficits or surpluses), and opportunities for new provision.

Information gained from the assessments should be used to determine what open space, sport and recreational provision is needed, which plans should then seek to accommodate.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim