TORIES PROMISE SPORT CASH

The proposals would see a ban on funds being used for health and education projects, which the party insists should be paid for by the Treasury.

The loophole has resulted in some £4 billion being diverted from good causes over the past decade, according to shadow culture secretary Jeremy Hunt.

Mr Hunt said a Conservative government would focus the Lottery back on its original four pillars of sport, the arts, heritage and charities.

The changes would boost sport funding by nearly £47 million from the current level of £205 million, he said. A new tax regime for Camelot, the Lottery operator, would free up a further £45.4 million a year - with £11.35 million of that earmarked for sport.

Mr Hunt said: "The results in Beijing have lifted the curse of dashed expectations that so often hangs over British sport. Now we need to build on this by getting more young people involved in sport.

"Our reforms will secure more funding for grassroots sport, which has to be the solid foundation on which future sporting success is built."