UK national lottery funding too concentrated in south, Nandy says

Culture secretary launches first review of how money is spent in more than two decadesFunding from the national lottery is too heavily concentrated in the south, the culture secret

By The Guardian

2026-07-01T16:31:33+00:00

Culture Secretary Nandy has declared that national lottery funding is too heavily concentrated in the south of England, marking the launch of the first comprehensive review into how billions raised by ticket sales are distributed in more than two decades. The announcement signals a significant shift in how the UK approaches the allocation of public money derived from the lottery, with Nandy stating that the current model governing these funds is “showing its age” and failing to reflect the needs of communities across the whole country.

Her comments align closely with the devolutionary pledges made by Andy Burnham, who has argued that if he becomes prime minister, he will transfer more power from London to regional leaders, ensuring that decision-making is closer to the people it affects. The review, which Nandy has personally launched, aims to scrutinise the mechanisms that determine where lottery money goes, with a specific focus on the disparity between the south and other regions.

Data and observations suggest that the south has historically received a disproportionate share of the funding, leaving northern communities and other areas with fewer resources for cultural projects, community initiatives, and infrastructure improvements. Nandy emphasised that this imbalance is not just a matter of fairness but a practical issue that undermines the potential for growth and development in regions that have been overlooked for too long.

By initiating this review, the government is taking a concrete step to address these long-standing inequalities and to ensure that the benefits of lottery sales are shared more equitably. The timing of the review is particularly significant, as it comes at a moment when the UK is grappling with broader questions about regional equity and the distribution of power.

Nandy’s remarks echo the growing sentiment that the current system, which has been in place for over 20 years, is no longer fit for purpose. The model governing how lottery money is spent has not been updated to reflect the changing demographics and economic realities of the country, leading to a situation where the south continues to dominate while other regions struggle to access the funds they need.

This review is expected to bring fresh scrutiny to the issue, with the government seeking to identify the root causes of the disparity and to develop a more balanced approach to funding. Andy Burnham’s pledge to devolve more power from London if he becomes prime minister adds another layer of context to Nandy’s announcement.

Burnham has argued that regional leaders should have more control over how money is spent, ensuring that decisions are made closer to the communities they affect. This approach is seen as a way to address the concentration of power and resources in London and the south, and to give regions a greater say in their own development.

Nandy’s comments chime with this vision, suggesting that the review could lead to a more devolved system where regional leaders have more influence over the allocation of lottery funds. The review is expected to involve a wide range of stakeholders, including regional leaders, community groups, and cultural organisations, all of whom will be asked to provide their views on how lottery money should be distributed.

The government is seeking to gather evidence on the impact of the current system and to identify areas where changes are needed. This process is likely to be thorough and detailed, with the government aiming to produce a report that outlines a clear path forward for the allocation of lottery funds.

The report is expected to include recommendations for how the system can be updated to ensure that funding is shared more equitably across the country. Nandy’s announcement has been welcomed by many who have long argued that the current system is unfair and that the south has received too much of the funding.

Regional leaders and community groups have expressed hope that the review will lead to a more balanced approach, where all parts of the country have access to the resources they need. The government is also expected to consider the views of cultural organisations, which have often been left out of the funding process due to the concentration of resources in the south.

By involving a wide range of stakeholders, the review is expected to produce a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to the allocation of lottery funds. The launch of the review is a clear indication that the government is committed to addressing the issue of regional disparity in lottery funding.

Nandy’s statement that the current model is “showing its age” underscores the need for change and the importance of updating the system to reflect the needs of the whole country. The review is expected to be a significant step forward in the UK’s efforts to ensure that lottery money is shared more equitably, and that all regions have access to the resources they need to grow and develop.

As the review progresses, it is likely that new insights and recommendations will emerge, providing a clearer picture of how the system can be updated to ensure that funding is shared more fairly across the country. The implications of the review are far-reaching, with the potential to reshape how lottery money is allocated and to ensure that all parts of the UK have access to the resources they need.

Nandy’s announcement is a clear signal that the government is committed to addressing the issue of regional disparity and to ensuring that the benefits of lottery sales are shared more equitably. The review is expected to be a thorough and detailed process, with the government seeking to gather evidence on the impact of the current system and to identify areas where changes are needed.

As the review progresses, it is likely that new insights and recommendations will emerge, providing a clearer picture of how the system can be updated to ensure that funding is shared more fairly across the country. The launch of the review is a significant moment in the UK’s efforts to address regional disparity and to ensure that all parts of the country have access to the resources they need.

Nandy’s statement that the current model is “showing its age” underscores the need for change and the importance of updating the system to reflect the needs of the whole country. The review is expected to be a thorough and detailed process, with the government seeking to gather evidence on the impact of the current system and to identify areas where changes are needed.

As the review progresses, it is likely that new insights and recommendations will emerge, providing a clearer picture of how the system can be updated to ensure that funding is shared more fairly across the country. The government’s commitment to addressing the issue of regional disparity in lottery funding is a clear indication that it is taking concrete steps to ensure that all parts of the UK have access to the resources they need.

Nandy’s announcement is a significant moment in the UK’s efforts to address regional disparity and to ensure that all parts of the country have access to the resources they need. The review is expected to be a thorough and detailed process, with the government seeking to gather evidence on the impact of the current system and to identify areas where changes are needed.

As the review progresses, it is likely that new insights and recommendations will emerge, providing a clearer picture of how the system can be updated to ensure that funding is shared more fairly across the country. The launch of the review is a significant step forward in the UK’s efforts to address regional disparity and to ensure that all parts of the country have access to the resources they need.