THE allocation of £6 million of Lottery money for the improvement of school and community sports facilities in the area is to be welcomed.

But, as you rightly point out in your editorial (November 19), it is now clear that Lottery money, particularly the New Opportunities Fund, has been totally politicised.

The National Lottery was always supposed to provide additional funds to those of the treasury, not to be used as a substitute for it. However, the present Government set up the New Opportunities Fund in 1999 since when about £1 billion has been "allocated" on the direction of ministers, for various causes.

In June Health Minister Yvette Cooper announced that "we" were pouring millions into palliative care in the NHS. On April 4, Tony Blair announced in Parliament that "we" have committed £160 million of New Opportunities Fund money to a programme of environmental renewal.

And now we have the announcement, yet again by the Prime Minister, of £500 million "allocated" for improved sports facilities.

Who is doing the "allocating"?

The New Opportunities Fund is an unelected, unaccountable quango, clearly being used by this Government as a ready source of additional revenue.

Having battered tax payers with stealth taxes during the last four and a half years they now intend to do the same with Lottery funds while our worthy leader gets the plaudits.

Action is required now to ensure the allocation of all Lottery money is independent and free from the control of politicians.

Richard Starks,

The Green,

Elvington, York.

Updated: 10:42 Thursday, November 22, 2001