Mick Grant

I am due to head to Nottingham next week for the next meeting of The Alliance. I have blogged before about their campaign to ensure National Lottery funding is distributed equally and not just to London and the Olympics and the matter is on the agenda again.  In total £2,175-million will be diverted to the Olympics, the equivalent to £35 per head of the entire population.

Andy Burnham MP has taken up the cause for us and members of The Alliance have met with him to discuss concerns. There is no doubt we should support the Olympics and as a keen cyclist I am glad we are hosting such a prestigious event, but I would hope that is not to the detriment of local groups and organisations. They also play the lottery and should receive their fair share of cash earmarked for good causes.

I shall also be attending an incapacity benefits conference on June 11 and will post on my blog my thoughts after both meetings.