HC Deb 15 October 2003 vol 411 cc271-2W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on(a) the action she is taking to ensure the equitable allocation of good cause Lottery money and (b) the use of Lottery funds for sport-related activities. [131939]

Estelle Morris

The Government are keen to see all areas and groups receive a fair share of Lottery money. Reforms introduced under the 1998 National Lottery Act, the revised policy directions issued to distributors in the same year, and the introduction of targeted programmes such as the Fair Share initiative were designed to help ensure the equitable allocation of Lottery funding. The National Lottery Funding Decision Document, published in July of this year, contained further proposals to make it easier for communities to access funding.

Lottery investment in sport aims both to foster World Class achievers and promote physical activity at all levels. It does so by providing funds directly to elite athletes and to Sports Governing bodies, and also by giving funding for equipment, coaching and facilities infrastructure in communities across the UK.

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