The Stage

Jeremy Hunt unveils plans to redirect extra £50m Lottery cash to the arts

Published Wednesday 19 May 2010 at 14:13 by Alistair Smith

Culture secretary Jeremy Hunt has unveiled plans for legislation that will restore the arts sector’s share of Lottery funding to 20%, in a move he claims will generate up to an extra £50 million a year for cultural organisations.

The proposed changes, which will be opened up to consultation before an order is put before parliament later this year, will fulfil a pre-election pledge by the Conservative party to restore the funding which is generated by the National Lottery to its four original good causes.

The arts currently receive a 16.6% share of Lottery cash. Under Hunt’s proposals, this would be increased to 18% in 2011/12 and 20% by 2012/13.

Hunt said he planned to lay an order before parliament by September in order to enact the changes.

He added: “I want to get the Lottery back to how it was originally conceived. That’s why I will restore arts and heritage, as well as sport, to their original 20 % shares of Lottery funding, ultimately providing an extra £100 million each year for arts and heritage - £50 million each - a figure that will be even higher once the Lottery ceases to fund its share of the Olympics and its cultural festival.

“The lottery was set up to fund grassroots initiatives, not as a pot of money for ministers to dip into. At times like this it is even more important to the arts, heritage and sports sectors which is why I am wasting no time in making these changes.

“And, because I want to see a rise in the amount going to voluntary and community organisations, I will make sure that funds to that sector are protected with the Big Lottery fund focusing its support exclusively on that sector.”

Hunt made the announcement as part of a keynote speech on the arts delivered at the Roundhouse in north London. It marked his first official public appearance as Secretary of State.

The consultation document will be availlable from www.culture.gov.uk later this week.