22 October 1998

National Lottery Charities Board Publishes Annual Report

Today, the National Lottery Charities Board’s Annual Report was laid before Parliament. The Report covers the year from 1 April 1997 to 31 March 1998.

In the year 1997/98 the Board has: awarded 6,837 grants to charities and community groups, totalling £333 million

• introduced its first continuous grants programme, on the theme of Community involvement, enabling groups to apply at any time and receive quicker decisions on grant programmes
• introduced a grants programme specifically for health and social research projects
• piloted the Small grants scheme, aimed at smaller groups, using a simplified application system
• led the way in developing the Awards for all scheme in Scotland, which provides a "one-stop shop" for small grant applications to the different Lottery distribution bodies announced grants for UK-based voluntary organisations working abroad.

David Sieff, Chairman, National Lottery Charities Board, said: "In the year to 31 March 1998 the Charities Board has developed a new approach to grant-making. We have introduced a range of broad, on-going programmes and also specialist programmes with fixed application timetables. We have made it easier for local community groups to apply for funds through our Small grants scheme. We have also pioneered Awards for all in Scotland - the first "one-stop shop" small grants scheme, to make it easier for small groups to apply for money raised by the National Lottery. These programmes will enable us to do more to help those at greatest disadvantage and to improve the quality of life in the community.

"We have maximised the funds available for grants by keeping down our operating costs. In the financial year 1997/98 our running costs totalled six per cent of our annual income.

"During the last year the Board has liaised closely with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in the drafting and progress of the White Paper and the subsequent legislation on the "People’s Lottery". We were pleased that the new measures reflected many of the policies that we have adopted since 1995.

"Since the Board was set up four years ago, we have consulted widely with the voluntary sector. Under the National Lottery Act 1998 we are required to produce a Strategic Plan to be laid before the Secretary of State next Spring. Our current phase of Consultation will be completed by January 1999 and its results will be incorporated within the Strategic Plan.

"The Board has developed high standards of assessment and objectivity in grant-making that have won praise from the voluntary sector. In the interests of the sector, and in using Lottery money to deliver maximum benefit to those in need, we believe that it is vital that the Board retains its independence."

Media enquiries: Robert Blow 0171-747 5227