18 May 1999

Charities Board presents plans for next three years

The National Lottery Charities Board’s Strategic plan, laid before Parliament yesterday, heralds a new era for the Charities Board’s grant-making policies.

The Strategic plan sets out the Board’s funding priorities for the next three years, based on exhaustive analysis of social need throughout the UK and after extensive consultation with all parts of the voluntary sector.

The publication of the Strategic plan coincides with the appointment of Lady Brittan as the New Chair of the UK Board.

Diana Brittan said: "This is an exciting time to lead the Charities Board. We are the largest independent general purpose grant maker in the UK and the biggest source of non-government funding for the voluntary sector. But need will always outstrip resources. Our Strategic plan seeks to build on the Board’s experience so far and to make our support for the voluntary sector more flexible and better targeted."

Tom Jones Chair of the Board in Wales said, "In her career, Lady Brittan has shown a commitment to social justice and equality of opportunity and we welcome her appointment at the beginning of an exciting new period for the Charities Board in the UK. The Strategic plan will reinforce our ability to respond to the voluntary sector throughout the UK and also respond specifically to country needs. In Wales, our consultation showed that lack of access to transport is a key cause of disadvantage. Therefore, we will make £3 million a year available to community transport schemes."

Among the new developments that are outlined in the Strategic plan are:

• Improved support for voluntary sector infrastructure
• Further co-operation with the other Lottery distributors to simplify access to Lottery funding
• Country and regional priority grant-making
• The opportunity for more funding for areas that have missed out on their share of the funding
• Evaluation of grants to improve future grant-making
• Plans for using the new powers of solicitation to help disadvantaged groups

A summary of the Strategic plan is now available.

Those wishing to obtain a copy or any other information relating to the Charities Board should call 0345 273273.

Media Contacts: Hanna or Myrddin, 01286 675221.