Confusion over whether children with gardens are allowed to use public playgrounds

Government guidance says playgrounds are “primarily open” for those who do not have access to private outdoor space.

But No 10 and Health Secretary Matt Hancock rejected this on Thursday, saying all families can use playgrounds.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “It’s reasonable for any families to take their children to the park and to use playgrounds.”

The confusion came after a statement from the Cabinet Office highlighted the official guidance.

“Playgrounds are primarily open for use by children who do not have access to private outdoor space, like their own garden,” the Government website says.

Mr Hancock, who has been photographed playing rugby with his sons in the park, told Sky News: “That is the first I have heard of that.

“The rules are really clear which is that exercise outdoor with members of your own family or one other person one-to-one – where you keep that social distance – that is OK. We specifically kept that in the rules.

“Of course going to the park with your kids to play rugby is not only allowed but is totally fine.”

The Prime Minister’s spokesman also sought to clarify the rules on whether parents can socialise when they take their children to play parks.

“Obviously we accept that’s not possible for children but we’re asking for adults to maintain the two-metre rule when they are in those sorts of circumstances,” he said.

“People can, and it’s perfectly reasonable, as the Health Secretary set out, for them to take children to playgrounds or parks for the purposes of exercise but we’re asking people not to do so for the sole purpose of socialising.”

In a statement issued earlier by the Cabinet Office, a Government spokeswoman said: “Playgrounds are primarily for use by children who do not have access to private outdoor space, and while parents, guardians or carers are allowed to take children to a playground for exercise, they must not socialise with other people while there.”

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