Public parks and green spaces are essential for community well-being but face significant funding challenges. Local authority parks budgets have decreased by about 8% since 2008, whereas London's population has increased by over 15%. This decline in funding results in a deficit of quality green spaces for the growing population. Parks contribute positively to areas by enhancing air quality, reducing flood risks, and promoting physical and mental health. A lack of a national strategy for parks underscores the pressing need for policy support and consistent investment to improve and maintain these vital spaces.
Green-space managers would gladly deliver more parks that integrate children's play with adult socialising, but to do this they need funding not just to develop these spaces but, critically, to maintain their quality long-term.
Local authority parks budgets have fallen by approximately 8% since 2008, while the capital's population has grown by more than 15%, meaning more than a million more people needing access to quality green space.
These spaces provide year-round value by cooling the surrounding areas, improving air quality, reducing flood risk, supporting physical and mental health, and offering vital habitats for nature.
We currently have no minister for parks and no national strategy for green space, despite knowing how critical they are to our quality of life.
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