HC Deb 07 January 2003 vol 397 cc115-6W
Geraldine Smith

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps the Government is taking to provide additional funding to local authorities to improve the standard of public open spaces. [86946]

Mr. McNulty

The Government set out its vision for improving the standard of public open spaces in the report "Living Places: Cleaner, Safer, Greener', published on 31 October. Living Places set out a number of ways in which the Government are already offering support, including financial, to local authorities, as well as other delivery agencies, so that they can better manage and maintain high quality public spaces.

In addition Living Places also contained a package of measures specifically aimed at urban green spaces. In particular the Government recognises the need for better use of existing support and to attract new resources for urban parks and green spaces. We will be working closely with relevant Government Departments, agencies and the new CABE Space unit to address this issue.