NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Use 14 January 2010 SNP OUT OF TOUCH ON LOTTERY FUNDING Perthshire Conservative politicians have hit back at claims from the SNP that Big Lottery Funding would be cut in Perthshire. Yesterday SNP politicians claimed that a Conservative Government would implement a “twisted set of priorities”, which would mean that funding would be removed from Perthshire schools and other good causes. Responding to the accusation, Mid-Scotland & Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said: “The Conservative Party is committed to restoring funding from the lottery to its original four good causes. The Big Lottery Fund will only support projects in the voluntary and community sectors. “This Conservative position has been widely welcomed by the voluntary sector in Scotland and elsewhere in the UK. A Conservative Government will mean more funding for voluntary and community projects in all parts of the country. “I am astonished that the SNP are opposing this initiative to put more cash into the voluntary sector. They must know as I do that many voluntary organisations are currently facing severe pressure on their budgets due to the recession, and the situation will only get worse as Government budgets are squeezed in years to come.” Conservative Candidate for Perth and North Perthshire Peter Lyburn added: “This outburst from local SNP parliamentarians just demonstrates how out of touch they are with what is happening on the ground across Perthshire. Voluntary groups involved in a whole range of activities from helping the homeless to working with disadvantaged youngsters to assisting the elderly and disabled are crying out for extra cash and a Conservative Government will ensure that the Big Lottery Fund is able to deliver that. “Funding for schools is a matter for our local authorities who are grant-aided by the SNP-controlled Scottish Government. If schools need money for projects then it is up to the local council and Scottish Government to provide this, it should not be done at the expense at our vital voluntary sector. “The SNP know that they are irrelevant in a British General Election. Raising issues like this will do nothing to shore up their failing support in Perth & North Perthshire.” ENDS   back to top of page