Stephen Bubb, chief executive of ACEVO, told delegates at The Big Lottery Fund – Proving Your Worth conference in London today that the organisation expects the Government to uphold its assurances of continuing a demand-led “open programme” of funding.

“ACEVOs position has always been clear – there should be a 50-50 split between open access, demand led programmes and those determined by national, government priorities,” he said. “The Consultation document, launched by the Big Lottery Fund, has proposed both open and national programmes – we support this. The sector will be keeping a close watch to ensure that promises are kept.”

He went on to say “the public expect lottery money to go on good causes, not propping up pet whims of Government departments or making up for cuts. The best way to do this is through the country’s voluntary sector.”