22 March 2026

Children in Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland are set to benefit from new funding from the Labour Government to upgrade local playgrounds.

Both local authority areas have been selected for a share of a new £18 million national fund, which will support new and improved play spaces in 66 communities. The funding is aimed at areas with high levels of child poverty and the poorest access to quality places to play.

The announcement forms part of the Government’s wider Pride in Place programme, which is backing neighbourhood renewal, stronger high streets and better community facilities.

The funding will go directly to councils rather than through a bidding process, allowing local areas to move ahead more quickly with plans for new or upgraded playgrounds.

The news follows recent confirmation that more primary schools across both south Middlesbrough and East Cleveland will benefit from Labour’s free breakfast club rollout, with 1,578 children across the constituency now set to have access to the scheme. Together, the measures form part of the Government’s broader effort to support children and families and strengthen communities.

Luke Myer MP said:

“This is really good news for local families. Safe, well kept play areas matter. They give children space to play, socialise and be active, and they make a real difference to everyday life.

“I’m pleased that both Middlesbrough and Redcar and Cleveland have been included. In places like ours, where too many children have grown up with facilities being chipped away over time, this kind of investment can have a big impact.

“It also builds on the wider work Labour is doing to give children the best start in life, whether that is free breakfast clubs, childcare expansion or stronger local communities through Pride in Place. The key thing now is making sure this money is spent where it will make the biggest difference.”

Residents with views on where the funding should be spent locally are encouraged to get in touch.