Arts and heritage organisations are losing out on funds because the lottery has veered from its original remit according to Jeremy Hunt, the shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport.
"The lottery has been damaged because money is being diverted from good causes to pay for government programmes," he said. Hunt added that £3.8bn has been lost since 1998.
The Conservatives' National Lottery Independence Bill proposes generating an extra £182m for good causes.
But a Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokeswoman said: "Changes to the lottery 10 years ago - earmarking funding for health, environment and education projects, as well as the voluntary sector - reflected the public's view about what type of causes should benefit."
"The lottery has been damaged because money is being diverted from good causes to pay for government programmes," he said. Hunt added that £3.8bn has been lost since 1998.
The Conservatives' National Lottery Independence Bill proposes generating an extra £182m for good causes.
But a Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokeswoman said: "Changes to the lottery 10 years ago - earmarking funding for health, environment and education projects, as well as the voluntary sector - reflected the public's view about what type of causes should benefit."
