29 Jul 2002
Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell today urged Scots to make their views known on how money raised for good causes by the National Lottery should be spent in Scotland.
Helen Liddell said:
"The National Lottery is not just about buying a ticket and hoping to win. While luck can favour the few, the money that the Lottery raises can and should benefit the many.
"The Review of Lottery Funding launched today gives everyone, from the person who plays the Lottery or benefits from a Lottery funded project, to those who run the projects, the chance to get their voice heard on how the money should be distributed in Scotland."
The consultation includes a number of proposals including one-stop shops to make it easier to apply for Lottery funding; ensuring that the distribution bodies work closely together; and introducing micro-grants of less than £500 to help small local projects.
So far in Scotland the National Lottery distribution bodies:
Helen Liddell added:
"The Lottery has already made a difference to the lives of millions of Scots. It helped the people of Gigha purchase their island, and it is helping to regenerate the Forth and Clyde and Union Canals, including the magnificent Falkirk Wheel. It helped to rebuild Hampden as a fitting home for our national football team, and has benefited many of our galleries and museums.
"I urge Scots to take part in this consultation. This is an opportunity to help shape the future of the Lottery and we want to make certain that as many people and organisations as possible make their views known."
NOTES FOR NEWS EDITORS
1. The consultation document, Review of Lottery Funding, is available on the DCMS website http://www.culture.gov.uk/lottery
2. The closing date for responses is 30 October.
3. The DCMS website also contains detailed information on lottery awards so far. The information on the website shows splits for Scotland, local authorities and Parliamentary constituencies.
4. The National Lottery is a reserved matter under the Scotland Act. However, some aspects have been devolved to the Scottish Government so that they are consulted on appointments, policy and financial directions, strategic plans and give Directions to the Scottish Arts Council and Scottish Screen.