To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what steps she has taken to encourage the planting of trees in (a) urban streets and (b) other urban locations; and if she will make funds available to local authorities for the planting of trees in urban areas. (139153)

We have funded Trees for Cities, through the Special Grants Programme, to develop guidance to enable local authorities, communities and other local groups to work in partnership to plant new trees. Pilot programmes have been established in Bristol, Kettering, Leeds, London, Manchester and Reading.

Funding is provided through revenue support to local authorities for the planting and maintenance of trees. We have made more money available for urban parks over the past five years though the Liveability Fund, and the Safer and Stronger Communities Fund. We also provide continued support to local authorities to improve the quality of their parks through the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment Space enabling scheme and our How To Programme.

The quality of urban parks has improved since 2000, as recognised by the recent National Audit Office report, “Enhancing Urban Green Spaces”. We remain committed to supporting local authorities deliver quality parks and green spaces through our Cleaner, Safer, Greener Communities programme.