News ? Lottery funds compromise

The Big Lottery Fund has set out a framework to determine its funding policy for the next four years, following a major review of its funding priorities. The new structure will continue to support the Big Lottery Fund?s three themes ? community learning and creating opportunity; promoting community cohesion and safety; and promoting wellbeing. Under the terms of the framework, which will be rolled out in the autumn, one third of funding will be available in an open application procedure with funding apportioned on a demand-led basis.
The remaining two thirds of available funds will be allocated to a range of strategic programmes set down by Government. These include voluntary and community sector infrastructure, programmes targeting the environment and community health, and an international grants programme. The funding review was dogged by criticism that the Government was attempting to dictate policy to an independent charitable funding stream. The Fund has published this structure following a consultation period in England. Negotiations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales are ongoing and strategic priorities are likely to vary across the UK.