National Lottery Bill 2005

In 2004, a National Lottery Bill was introduced to formalise a merger of the New Opportunities Fund, the Communities Fund and the Millennium Commission into the Big Lottery Fund. The Bill was intended to streamline applications, reform the licensing and regulation of the Lottery and enable distributors to take account of public views when making funding decisions. Savings due to increased efficiency would count as additional funding for good causes and distributors would be discouraged from maintaining high balances. Funds intended for one good cause would not be reallocated to another.

NCA briefings were prominent as the Bill progressed, with the NCA's position on additionality, transferring balances between distributors and consultation with arts organisations being particularly noted. A number of MPs and peers quoted from NCA briefings in Parliament. In March 2006, the NCA worked with the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) to lobby for an amendment to the Bill to ensure that distributors report on how they have maintained independence from Government.

For detailed information please follow the links below:

• Progress of the Bill
• NCA briefing paper Lords Committee of the Whole House, March 2006
• NCA briefing paper, Lords Second Reading, February 2006
• NCA briefing paper, Standing Committee, Amendments to the Bill,October 2005
• NCA members briefing October 2005
• NCA briefing paper, Report Stage and Third Reading, January 2005

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