The EFRA Committee’s inquiry will focus on the ecological, environmental and human benefits of green space, and will explore the most effective solutions to making cities greener and nature rich.

The number of people living in urban areas in the UK is expected to increase over the next decade, while the total provision of green spaces is expected to substantially decline, as infrastructure increases to meet the needs of a growing population. The inquiry will explore how green spaces in built-up areas can help meet the environmental and associated health challenges of urban living. The Government has estimated that parks and green spaces in England alone deliver an estimated £6.6 billion of climate change, environmental and health benefits every year. With the important environmental role green spaces play, any loss of these spaces will come at an environmental and social cost. During this inquiry, MPs will probe what environmental and wider challenges urban areas are facing and consider how green spaces address these challenges.

The Committee is seeking views that address any or all of the issues raised in the following:

How successfully are the Government and Local Authorities protecting and increasing urban green spaces, and what trends can be seen in the extent and quality of those spaces?
What environmental challenges are urban areas facing, and how could wider access and inclusion to green spaces (including dog-friendly spaces) address these challenges?
To what extent will Government initiatives such as the Green Infrastructure Framework, the levelling up parks fund and urban tree challenge fund adequately address the issues associated with a lack of green space in towns and cities?

The deadline for submissions is 23:55 on Friday 20 October.