News

Voluntary sector chiefs have written to the Big Lottery Fund requesting documents under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 about how a decision to fund the government's school meals initiative was made.

The Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations has reacted angrily at the Big Lottery Fund giving £45m to the School Food Trust.

Chief executive Stephen Bubb said: "This is a completely improper use of lottery money to support a government initiative."

He said the association had written to lottery chair Sir Clive Booth asking for an explanation of the decision and proof that it was made without government interference.

Last week, the Big Lottery Fund announced the funding framework for 2005-9. Children's play will get £155m, environmental programmes will receive £354m, well-being programmes £165m and international grants £60m.