The play strategy, published last December, committed £235m to more than 3,500 new or renewed play areas by 2011. But members of the sector are worried that once funding for play spaces is spent, the importance of play across all children's services will be forgotten.
Melian Mansfield, chair of London Play, told CYP Now: "There is no statutory requirement for local authorities to put money into play other than for play areas. When that runs out, it is up to them to continue funding."
Play consultant Phil Doyle said funding should have been more evenly spread between new play spaces and more dedicated play staff at a senior local level.
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