The Liberal Democrats believe that everyone should have the chance to take part in sport. We believe that the arts and culture are important because they enrich our lives, teach our children about their heritage and bring communities together. We will target funding to those who need it most. We will also stop public playing fields being lost and improve access by ensuring that facilities are open when people need them. We will stop lottery money being controlled by Government, so that local projects get an equal chance for funding. We also recognise the crucial importance of the creative industries to our economic prosperity. The creative industries are growing faster than any other sector and in 5 years’ time will be as important as the financial services industry has been for the past 10 or 15 years. In order to ensure our creative future is as bright as possible we will support ailing media markets and provide support to new creative business ventures.

Use cash in abandoned betting accounts to improve sports facilities – Millions of pounds are lying in abandoned betting accounts. We believe this money can be put to good use going back into grassroots sport and will set up a capital fund for improving local facilities and supporting sports clubs.

Help creative business ventures – New start-ups in the creative industries often struggle from a lack of support in challenging commercial environment. In order to help more new businesses get off the ground we will set up a ‘Creative Enterprise Fund’ offering training, mentoring and small grants or loans when appropriate.

More lottery money into arts, heritage and sport – Reform the National Lottery. To replace some of the funds taken from good causes to pay for the Olympics, we will change the way the National Lottery is taxed to deliver millions of pounds more for good causes, prizes and the Exchequer.

Safeguard independent media – We will ensure that the BBC remains strong, free from interference and securely funded, not least to provide impartial news, independent of political and commercial pressures. We will also bring forward measures to support ailing commercial media producers, both local and national.