HL Deb 19 May 2004 vol 661 c90WA
Lord Judd

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they have taken to ensure that future arrangements for funding voluntary and charitable organisations with lottery funds recognise, and seek to enhance, the role of such organisations in (a) global as well as domestic spheres; (b) public education and advocacy; (c) research; (d) innovation and risk taking; (e) originality; (f) creativity; (g) acting as catalysts; and (h) other similar priorities. [HL2793]

Lord McIntosh of Haringey

Following the merger of the New Opportunties Fund and the Community Fund, the Big Lottery Fund will continue funding for the voluntary and community sector. We have made clear our commitment to at least maintaining the current percentage share of funding for the sector, and to continuing to provide grants for UK charities working overseas. We expect the Big Lottery Fund to be a force for innovation, championing creativity and new ways of working, and mobilising voluntary effort.