To inform Cabinet of the requirements of the play sufficiency statutory duty in Wales and the approach that has been taken in Bridgend in response to the requirements and to seek approval of the proposed action plan in response to the play sufficiency assessment.

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing submitted a report, that informed Cabinet of the requirements of the play sufficiency statutory duty in Wales, and the approach that has been taken in Bridgend in response to the requirements, and to seek approval of the proposed action plan in response to the play sufficiency assessment.

The report outlined some background information, following which, the Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing advised that Bridgend County Borough Council recognised that to achieve its aim of creating a play friendly county and to provide excellent opportunities for our children and young people, it would be necessary to work with partners and other stakeholders towards this purpose. The Welsh Government’s core aims for children and young people recognised that this duty may mitigate the negative effects of poverty, build resilience, and support the development of physical, social, mental, emotional and creative skills. It also recognised the benefits of experiential learning, physical activity and in some contexts therapy.

She went on to add, that there was an emphasis on meeting the diverse needs of children, including those who are disabled, and children of differing ages up to and including 17 years.  There was also recognition of the impact of poverty and isolation on access to play and recreation.

The Play Sufficiency assessment (attached at Appendix 1 to the report) should contribute to the overall needs assessment being conducted by the Public Service Board and the action plan for securing sufficient play opportunities should be linked to the Single Integrated Plan the Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing.

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing advised that Bridgend County Borough Council had been required to complete the second phase of assessment, and a draft copy of this document had been provided to Welsh Government, together with an Action Plan based on the resources available to the local authority.

She explained the issues/assessment to be taken into account in undertaking the Play Sufficiency Assessments were shown in paragraph 4.9 of the report.

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing then referred to paragraphs 4.10 – 4.13 and certain partnership working arrangements required to take the proposals in the report further forward.

In terms of the Action Plan, the assessment had identified a number of issues to be addressed within this. The Action Plan was shown in Appendix 2 to the report.

The Cabinet Member Children’s Social Services and Equalities welcomed the report, as she was pleased to see positive action being taken with regard to both informal and formal play opportunities as described in the report. She looked forward to meeting Officers and Cabinet Members with a view to addressing certain issues within the Action Plan.

The Cabinet Member Regeneration and Economic Development, asked the presenting Officer to consider bringing the report to the attention of the Planning Department in order to consult with Officers there upon areas detailed within the Local Development Plan, that had been allocated for open space/recreation

RESOLVED:                        That Cabinet:-

  1.         Noted the responsibilities of Bridgend County   Borough Council to assess and secure a sufficient quantity and quality of play for children and young people.

  2.            Approved the Action Plan attached at Appendix 2 to the report in response to the play sufficiency assessment.

  3.       Noted that progress of the Action Plan will be periodically reported to Cabinet during the three year cycle of the plan.