We are pleased that the important work of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Heritage Lottery Fund has been recognised and that both organisations will be retained, working independently of Government. 

Dame Jenny Abramsky, Chair of the NHMF/HLF, commented: “For HLF, our priority has always been to ensure that Lottery funding is available for the full range of heritage we support. We will continue to work independently across the entire UK with a range of partners in various sectors.

“In England, we have committed to working even more closely with English Heritage as a result of this review, to ensure that our respective roles are defined as clearly as possible, maximising effectiveness for our customers.

“Meanwhile, applicants will be pleased to know that it is very much ‘business as usual’ at HLF. Money set aside for HLF projects is absolutely safe and with around £50m more to spend from 2012/13, we will continue to encourage people to apply for funding to develop great heritage projects for everyone to enjoy.

“The National Heritage Memorial Fund will continue its work across the UK, saving the most outstanding parts of our heritage in memory of those who have given their lives for the nation.”

Notes to editors

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported 33,900 projects, allocating £4.4billion across the UK. 

The Heritage Lottery Fund is administered by the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF). The NHMF was part of the recent review and will be retained to continue its work, saving the most outstanding parts of our national heritage in memory of those who have given their lives for the UK. It currently receives £10million annual grant-in-aid from the Government. To date, the NHMF has safeguarded a diverse range of well over 1,000 iconic objects and places to the tune of nearly £300million. 

Further information

Katie Owen or Alison Scott, HLF/NHMF Press Office on 020 7591 6036/32.  Out of hours mobile 07973 613 820.