Play providers battle to maintain free services despite severe cuts

The resulting lack of policy direction has seen the play sector subjected to some of the severest cuts in children’s services.

Just last month, Camden announced it was cutting £2.8m from its play budget, no longer offering a universal service. The authority is by no means alone.

But across the country, councils and voluntary organisations are developing ways to sustain play services to ensure they remain free for children and families.

In Dudley, the Sycamore Centre, an adventure playground in the deprived Castle and Priory ward, has taken steps to diversify its income. By offering schools, voluntary groups, conferences and even private birthday parties the opportunity to hire out the centre for a fee, at times when the centre would otherwise be closed, it is able to keep public access free. It also has a management committee made up of local parents, which seeks out fundraising opportunities, including sponsorship from businesses.