In November, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) launched a consultation document to gather views on what proportion of lottery money should be allocated to the three good causes of arts and film, sport and heritage when current policy expires in 2009.

Currently, each sector receives 16.7 per cent of money raised for good causes, but the DCMS is seeking views on whether changes should be made to how lottery money is spent on each cause.

It has already declared however, that – with the exception of the Olympic Games – no new good causes will be added.

In a statement, the DCMS said: “The bottom line is that we want to know how you want your lottery money spent in the future.

“For the first time ever, we are asking you to tell us about the projects you most value and how you think lottery money can be best spent to improve the UK.”

Liz Terry, editor of Sports Management magazine, has called on the sports industry to make sure it speaks out.

“With the perception of previous sporting success in government and the London Olympics build-up already well underway, it’s to be hoped that sport will continue to receive significant funding at all levels,” she said.

“However, the lottery consultation process has not been well publicised, so it’s in the best interests of the industry for operators and policymakers who have not already done so to speak out now to ensure the money is allocated and spent wisely.”