Given the emphasis on the so-called ‘big society’, you might think that the Big Lottery Fund’s spending on a variety of social, community and environmental projects would be increased. Not so. A Department for Culture, Media and Sports consultation suggests that the Big Lottery Fund’s share of funding should be cut from 50% of the total of ‘good causes’ funding to 40%, with the proportion allocated to sport, arts and heritage increasing to 20% each from April 2012. 

The rationale for the change is a ‘belief’ that some of the funding has been used for projects that are statutory responsibilities – no evidence of this however – and that more cash for cultural activities was the Lottery’s ‘original purpose’.

So, instead of projects that build a ‘big society’ and support some of the most vulnerable people in that society, there will be more funding for activities that, for the most part, are accessed and enjoyed by the most well-off.  Yes, cultural activities are an extremely important part of life and should be available for all to enjoy, but at the expense of health, educational and other charitable activities? – no.

Closing date for the consultation – which has had little media or other coverage – is 21st August.