29-07-03

Edinburgh's share of lottery cash at its lowest level since game began – Barrett

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today encouraged community groups across Edinburgh to consider applying for lottery grants after new figures showed the City's share of awards is at its lowest level since the lottery began.

In answers to parliamentary questions tabled by Mr Barrett, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport admitted that 182 lottery awards were made to projects in Edinburgh last year, down from 264 in 2001. 

However, the figures also showed that Edinburgh's overall share of allocated lottery cash was 0.89%, down from 3.15% in 1996 and at its lowest level since the lottery started in 1994.

In a statement, John Barrett MP said:

"One of the strongest arguments for creating a national lottery almost 10 years ago was the financial contribution it would make to good causes, not just big national charities but to smaller community groups as well.

"Although Edinburgh has received over £236 million in awards since the lottery began, its overall share of the cake has gradually decreased over the years.  The £12 million Edinburgh received last year was actually less than 1% of the total cash given out.

"I accept that with lottery tickets sales falling, the total money available for good causes is also decreasing.  However, only one in every 150 awards last year went to Edinburgh based projects. That is why it is important for local community groups to be fully aware of the money which is on offer and make a claim if they think they are eligible.

"By phoning the Awards for All helpline on 0845 600 2040, local groups can find out more information on whether they are eligible for lottery money and get further details on how to apply. I will certainly be encouraging groups in my own constituency to do so."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Answers to Parliamentary questions tabled by John Barrett and additional information received through the website of the Department of Culture Media and Sport gave the following information.

	Value of awards (£)		Edinburgh Share of UK Award (%)
	UK	City of Edinburgh Local Authority Area
1995	983,431,694	28,466,092	2.894
1996	1,715,275,728	54,088,417	3.153
1997	2,403,172,676	25,138,409	1.046
1998	2,493,993,688	25,232,659	1.012
1999	1,392,743,642	26,672,871	1.915
2000	1,154,319,056	13,572,761	1.176
2001	1,455,245,450	34,795,749	2.391
2002	1,351,465,150	11,978,552	0.886

2. 'Awards for All Scotland' is a special lottery grants programme for small community groups looking for small sums of money. Awards for All's main aim is to fund projects which involve people in their community, bringing them together in a wide range of different activities. Applications can be made at any time, the application form is simple and a decision is given within three months. More information is available by telephoning 0845 600 2040 or visiting www.awardsforall.org.uk/scotland/index.html

3. Groups can apply if they

• are a non-profit group based in Scotland
• need between £500 and £5000
• can spend your grant within one year
• have a constitution or set of rules which you have adopted
• have a bank or building society account in the name of your group
• have annual accounts or statements of income and expenditure
• have an annual income last year was under £20,000

Sports groups should be affiliated to the relevant governing body, if this is required for safety.

4. Larger groups and charities can apply to the National Opportunities Fund, the Heritage Fund and the Communities Fund.