Education secretary Michael Gove has written to local authorities in order to confirm the revised allocations for play capital funding in 2010-11.

Earlier this year, the government decided to shut the Playbuilder scheme, raising concerns that plans to provide new or improved play facilities across England would be shelved. However, the minister has revealed that funding will be available to support play projects despite a total saving of £20.8m from the original £75m capital budget.

Additional support will also be contributed by the Department of Education to help councils meet existing contractual obligations that would exceed the revised grant allocation. North Lincolnshire Council is one of 20 local authorities across the country that have secured 100 per cent of its funding, with a £600,000 grant set to support 12 play schemes.

Deputy leader Len Foster said: "This is one less cut for the people of North Lincolnshire to worry about and I'm delighted that we will soon be able to crack on with the new play areas and give more areas the amenities they deserve." Meanwhile, Swindon Borough Council (SBC) is one of the local authorities that will receive a reduced grant - £403,000 from the £550,000 initially allocated.

SBC said it would draw up a 'refurbishment programme' for the play areas to benefit as part of the second wave funding at the end of the month. Keith Williams, cabinet member for streetscene at SBC, said: "We argued our case strongly to Mr Gove and, while we haven't received the full amount we were hoping for, it allows us to complete the work on many of our remaining play areas."