Lottery money will be hijacked by Government claims Solihull MP

10.46.17am GMT Mon 31st Oct 2005

Solihull Member of Parliament Lorely Burt has backed moves in Parliament to oppose plans for a Big Lottery Fund, saying the Government will use the money for political projects.

"Lottery money should be used for community projects that would not ordinarily receive Government funding" said Lorely Burt, Member of Parliament for Solihull. "I have grave concerns that the National Lottery Bill currently going through Parliament will allow the Government to take control of a greater share of Lottery money for politically determined projects.

"There are so many worthwhile ways to promote the arts, recreation and education through lottery funding without Government interference," Lorely added. "The fear is the a Big Lottery Fund will lead to even more Lottery money being used to fund projects that should be properly funded by Government."

Mrs Burt is supporting a national petition run for the Advancement of Arts, Recreation and Education to oppose the new Bill.