Written question asked by David Marshall (Labour) on Thursday, 11 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 November 2004. It was answered by Baroness Morris of Yardley (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 November 2004 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will make a statement on the contribution of the National Lottery to reducing poverty in deprived areas of the UK. - Including figures.

Answer: Mr. David Marshall: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on the contribution of the National Lottery to reducing poverty in deprived areas of the UK. [198671] Estelle Morris: Since its launch in November 1994 the National Lottery has raised more than £16 billion for the good causes, with over 180,000 projects benefiting from awards across the UK. Although it can be difficult to determine precisely the extent of their contribution to reducing poverty, a significant number of Lottery-funded projects have helped to regenerate inner cities, create employment and strengthen communities. This is supported by the conclusions of an independent report commissioned by Camelot and published in November 2004 by the Henley Centre. It concluded that there was "consistent and clear evidence" of improved economic and/or social outcomes; and that "the vast majority of awards are inclusive in their effort". Henley Centre comments that this trend has become marked since 1998, when Lottery distributing bodies were required to address more strongly social and regional projects.

Secondary information