The Government is now consulting on its plans to change how the lottery good cause money is divided between arts, heritage, sports and the Big Lottery Fund. If these plans go ahead they will have a major impact on local community groups. Opposition to the cuts needs to be voiced before the closing date of 21 August 2010.
Under plans from the Westminster coalition Government the apportionment to the Big Lottery Fund will be cut to 40%. In return for the cut of 50% to 40% for the Big Lottery Fund the Government is planning for 100% of Big Lottery Fund funding to be committed to the voluntary and community sector only - however, this is not outlined in the Draft Order under consultation but contained as a commitment in a letter from the Minister, Jeremy Hunt.
The changes would be introduced in two phases in April 2011 and April 2012. The current spending plans of the Big Lottery Fund will be affected by the reduction in income over the period to 2012 and beyond. This will have a direct and negative impact on the funding to the voluntary and community sector.
NICVA is keen to hear responses on the following questions:
- Do you have concerns about the decrease in funding allocated to the Big Lottery Fund?
- Do you have any concerns about the increase in allocations to the Arts Council, Sport NI or Heritage Lottery Fund?
- What assurances would you like to receive on the level of funding received by the voluntary and community sector from the National Lottery in relation to funding allocation to the Big Lottery Fund and the other lottery distributors?
Responses to NICVA should be directed to Neil Irwin (neil.irwin@nicva.org). You can also send your views directly to Government at lottery@culture.gsi.gov.uk
The Rural Community Network is also working on this issue and will be organising consultation events - for further iinformation please contact linda@ruralcommunitynetwork.org
