Funding boost for local charities from Conservative plans

West Lancashire's charities and voluntary sector organisations could see a boost of £287,000 a year from Conservative plans to refocus the national lottery on good causes Adrian says.

Adrian has warmly welcomed the new Conservative plans which are likely to be worth an extra £186million to the original four ‘good causes' – arts, sports, heritage and charities.

The plans include returning the Lottery to its original four good causes, not funding government pet projects from some of the proceeds. In addition the National Lottery Commission would be abolished and its regulatory functions given to the Gambling Commission – thereby cutting an unnecessary quango.

In addition, a ban would be introduced on Lottery Distributors having public relations departments and Conservatives would introduce a cap of 5% on administration costs at the Lottery distributors.

Adrian said, “It's scandalous that administration costs have rocketed at the lottery distributors. In 2002 the National Lottery Heritage Fund took 6% of funds in administration, last year that had more than doubled to 13%. A cap on administration will ensure that more money can reach the good causes for which the lottery was intended.”

Adrian concluded, “Under Labour the Lottery has been used as a political tool to fund government pet projects. This ministerial meddling will end under a Conservative government.”

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