Government proposes legislation to stop councils charging Parkrun for use of public parks

The Government has launched a consultation on proposals to legislate “to put it beyond doubt” that local authorities, including parish councils, in England cannot charge Parkrun or Junior Parkrun for the use of public parks.

Parkrun organise free, weekly five kilometre runs in local parks every Saturday morning.

The consultation paper, which can be viewed here, states: “In particular the proposals are for the Secretary of State to exercise his powers under section 151 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 to make regulations to prohibit, limit or repeal powers for a local authority to make a charge, which will also inform any future proposals to exercise his powers under section 5(3) of the Localism Act 2011 to prevent local authorities in England from using the General Power of Competence to charge parkrun or junior parkrun for the use of a public park.

“We are also consulting on whether the proposals should be extended beyond parkrun and junior parkrun, to other organisations or types of use of public parks.”

The consultation runs until 5.30 pm on 5 July 2017.

“We as a government support the principles behind these events, which provide a great way to use our parks, are excellent examples of communities organising events on a voluntary basis and enable the public as individuals, families and groups to enjoy healthy exercise,” the paper says.

On 12 April 2016 Stoke Gifford Parish Council voted to impose a charge on parkrun for the use of Little Stoke Park, a local park in the parish.

“Such a decision is entirely contrary to the objectives of this government both for health and for voluntary community action,” the consultation paper says.

It adds: “The government does not consider it appropriate for a local authority to charge a volunteer community seeking to provide a free weekly event for the use of a public park, overturning our long standing convention of free access to parks for their everyday use.”

It says the Government considers it important that action be taken to prevent other local authorities from following Stoke Gifford Parish Council’s example.