§ 25. Mrs. GordonTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if funds from the new opportunity fund's green spaces initiative will be available for playing fields. [98991]
§ Kate HoeyYes. In line with its policy directions the New Opportunities Fund will spend at least 75 per cent. of the £125 million allocated to the Green Spaces and 53W Sustainable Communities initiative on projects including urban and rural green spaces, children's play, organised and informal sport, playing fields and access to the countryside. As also required by its policy directions the New Opportunities Fund exploring with Sport England ways of collaborating with other initiatives in these areas.
§ 27. Mr. WattsTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will make a statement on the benefits to children of the green spaces initiative funded by the new opportunities fund. [98993]
§ Mr. Chris SmithThe emphasis in the initiative on urban and rural green spaces, children's play, organised and informal sport, playing fields and access to the countryside will provide opportunities that will greatly improve the health, happiness and social well-being of children, particularly in areas of multiple deprivation.