§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received in favour of making the care and repair of existing sports facilities eligible for lottery funding; and if he will make a statement. [41134]
§ Mr. BanksI have received several representations calling for Lottery funding to be made available for the care and repair of existing sporting facilities.
The English Sports Council, who are responsible for the distribution in England of the Lottery Sports Fund, are in constant dialogue with the Local Government Association, Chief Leisure Officers and Governing Bodies of Sport about the need for the funding of existing sports facilities.
The Bill to reform the National Lottery will widen access to the benefits of the Lottery and allow a more strategic and co-ordinated approach to distribution to reflect identified needs. As part of this new approach, I hope the English Sports Council will plan to introduce in future a suitable programme under which existing sporting facilities can apply for funding from the Lottery.