Tessa Jowell has outlined radical changes to the way the national lottery is operated.

Launching a government white paper, the culture secretary put a new emphasis on giving the lottery "back to the people".

She called for the lottery to "lead not follow trends" and become more responsive to people's needs.

Forum Response: New Opportunities Fund and Community Fund

Diana Brittan, chair of the Community Fund, and Jill Pitkeathley, chair of the New Opportunities Fund, said: "We will build on the strengths of both our organisations, but the new distributor must be more than the sum of the parts. It will focus on the benefits the lottery can bring to communities, making funding more accessible and putting the customer first.

"We will also explore a range of funding mechanisms - open programmes, reflecting the way in which the Community Fund currently funds the voluntary and community sector, strategic and transformational programmes, delivery via award partners and funding allocations.

"Wherever possible, we will encourage communities to determine their own priorities, and delegate decision-making to the local level.

"We welcome the proposal to raise the ceiling on the 'Awards for All' programme and the pilot scheme for micro grants under £500, which will increase the ease and speed with which communities can get money for worthwhile projects.

"Partnership working across sectors and complementing government priorities will also be key themes - all the more important if the new distributor is given the powers to deliver non-lottery funding. There will be opportunities to fund the voluntary sector and its infrastructure in new and exciting ways which we know will be welcomed.

"We are also delighted that there will be a 12 week consultation period in which the various sectors and the general public can put their views across. We will support and facilitate that consultation.

"Both Funds are looking to the future with an open mind. It is important that we now make progress quickly to set up the new distributor."

Forum Response: National Endowment for Science Technology and the Arts

Jeremy Newton, chief executive of Nesta, told ePolitix.com: "NESTA is not a lottery distributor so the proposals outlined in the paper will not affect the way we operate. However, we welcome the allocation of a new fund for young people.

"Through our own learning programme we have supported a range of truly innovate projects for young people and these demonstrate the wealth of talent that lies dormant in youngsters in the UK.

"For example, the schools of the Kings Cross Education Action Zone received a NESTA award of £27,500 to perform a virtual opera, Carmen@Kings Cross.

"The performance can be viewed live on the web today at www.carmenavalook.com/ny.htm. However, our funds are limited and the new fund for young people will help to ensure even more will benefit from a greater number of opportunities."

Forum Response: The Bingo Association

Sir Peter Fry, chairman of the Bingo Association, told ePolitix.com: "The Association is pleased to see the process of reform starting to move through the Lottery.

"However, if the range of products offered is to be broadened, with the express purpose of enticing more people to participate and increase money raised for good causes, there is also likely to be a corresponding increase in problem gambling.

"The Lottery must meet its responsibilities and should make an appropriate contribution to The General Charitable Trust, which is funded by contributions from all other areas of the gambling and gaming industry."