§ Lorna FitzsimonsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what work is being done to address the effect on the finances of organisations in the not-for-profit sector of the demand for matching funding for projects sponsored by the European Union or the National Lottery. [90307]
§ Mr. BoatengA code of good practice on voluntary sector funding is being prepared jointly by the Government and the sector's Working Group on Government Relations. The code will address, among other matters, issues concerning match funding.
European Structural Fund aided projects must be match funded by a national contribution. This ensures local ownership and commitment to the project. There are no plans to change fundamentally these arrangements.
The National Lottery Charities Board does not require match funding. This acknowledges that the Board funds many small local groups and organisations that are unlikely to be able to raise partnership support.
The Directions issued to other Lottery distributors require an element of partnership support from applicants for Lottery funding. This provides evidence of community support for a project and allows many more projects to be funded. The Directions encourage a flexible approach, linked closely to an applicant's realistic ability to raise 108W partnership support, and by giving consideration to volunteer time and in-kind contributions.