The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) will take part in the inaugural National Play Conference later this year. The department will speak at the event, which will take place on Friday 9 October 2026 at the University of Warwick.
MHCLG is responsible for national policy across planning, local government and communities in England and has played an increasingly important role in the national agenda for children’s play.
Its contribution to the Conference will focus on two significant developments: the £18 million Playground Fund and the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), published on 17 August.
The MHCLG announced the £18 million Playground Fund earlier this year to create, improve or enhance playgrounds in the areas of greatest need. The programme is supporting 66 local authorities in England, with each receiving £270,000 across 2026/27 and 2027/28 to support three playgrounds. In total, the programme is expected to support up to 200 playgrounds.
Importantly, the Fund goes beyond investment in equipment. Government guidance emphasises accessible and inclusive design, meaningful engagement with children, families and communities, long-term maintenance and how individual projects contribute to wider play sufficiency.
The Conference provide an opportunity to hear directly from MHCLG as the programme moves from allocation into delivery and to consider what the investment can tell us about the future of national and local support for play.
MHCLG will also discuss the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which represents another important step forward for children’s play in national planning policy.
The National Play Conference is held at a pivotal moment for investment, planning policy and children’s play in England.
To book your place at the conference, click here.