The Conservatives are planning a reform of the National Lottery, which they believe would put a stop to political interference and help free up an extra £182m a year for good causes.

They are planning to propose a Bill that will ensure the money goes to the arts, sports, heritage and voluntary sectors.

The Conservatives claim the additional cash it would deliver could provide 74 swimming pools or 173 athletics tracks a year, or restore funding to all organisations under threat from Arts Council cuts.

The National Lottery Independence Bill as it will be known, would introduce a gross profits tax regime for the Lottery and cap the administration costs of the bodies which distribute the money.

The plans would also involve the renaming of the Big Lottery Fund to the Voluntary Action Lottery Fund to reflect the change of emphasis in its activities.

Since 1998, £3.8bn for the National Lottery's four "good causes" has been diverted to fund government priorities like health and education, Conservatives say.

David Cameron says the Tories' proposal will "stop ministers grabbing Lottery cash". The government have denied the Lottery was subject to political interference.

Launching the bill, Mr Cameron said: "By funding grassroots initiatives that have nothing to do with politicians the National Lottery puts power into the hands of communities and allows them to transform their quality of life.

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