2 July 1998

National Lottery Charities Board welcomes National Lottery Act 1998

Today the National Lottery Act 1998 receives Royal Assent.

The National Lottery Charities Board welcomes the passing of the new Act. Many of its provisions reflect the Charities Board’s priorities and achievements. The Government’s thinking behind the Act was outlined in ‘The People’s Lottery’ White Paper, which was published in July 1997 and generally welcomed by the Board at the time.

The Board has already put into practice some of the detailed proposals outlined in the White Paper and the Act. Since its first grant announcement in October 1995, the Board has awarded more than 14,000 grants, totalling over £840 million. The Board has distributed Lottery money to the voluntary sector, helping those at greatest disadvantage and improving the quality of life. The Board’s budget is allocated fairly and distributed to all parts of the UK based on population weighted for deprivation factors. Grants have ranged from £500 to over £1 million.

Timothy Hornsby, Chief Executive, National Lottery Charities Board, said: ‘The Charities Board particularly welcomes the new powers it has received under the legislation. Under the terms of the Act the Board proposes to use its new powers of delegation to decentralise its grant giving even more. In England there will be delegation to Regional Advisory Panels, who represent a broad spectrum of local knowledge. The Board will consider how to broaden the composition of grant making Committees in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

‘Under the Act the Board will now also have the power to solicit applications. Previously the Board could only respond to applications in line with our published criteria. The Board will now be able to consider - subject to the outcome of discussions in its draft strategic plan - targeting particular areas or needs.’

The Board aims to publish its draft strategic plan in the autumn for consultation with the voluntary sector, local authorities, funding bodies and others who want to comment.

The Act enables Lottery distributors to collaborate in delivering their strategies. The Board has anticipated this requirement by co-ordinating the ‘Awards for All’ scheme in Scotland. This scheme, which funds small groups, is being jointly administered by the Charities Board, the Arts Council of Scotland, the Scottish Sports Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

‘Awards for All’ will also be piloted in England in the East Midlands in the autumn. Meanwhile the Board’s Small Grants Scheme will roll out across the UK in July. One of its major benefits is a simplified application process.

For further information call the press office: 0171 747 5200.