079/05
14 June 2005
Bill To Give Public A Greater Say On Lottery Funding Reaches Parliament
The National Lottery Bill received its 2nd Reading in the House of Commons today.
Lottery Minister, Richard Caborn, said in his opening speech:
"The National Lottery is now part of the national way of life. 70% of us play on a regular basis, buying over 4.7 billion tickets last year. Sales are rising and the Lottery has now raised over £17bn for good causes.
"But its success can't be taken for granted. We need to move forward. We need to get money out to good causes quicker. We must involve the public more in deciding where Lottery money goes. And we must get more of the money out to the front line, not tied up in administration.
"The Big Lottery Fund is at the heart of the reforms I am presenting to the House. The Fund will also be a centre of Lottery excellence, developing cutting edge ways of involving the public in decisions about grants and programmes. It will also save up to £16m a year in administration costs.
"The Lottery story so far is one to be proud of. The Bill aims to keep it that way."
Notes to Editors
1. A copy of the Lottery Bill is available from http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmbills/006/2006006.htm
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