This Order amends section 23(1) of the National Lottery etc. Act 1993 by substituting the Arts Council of England, the Scottish Arts Council and the Arts Council of Wales for the Arts Council of Great Britain. The Order specifies the percentages of the sums paid into the National Lottery Distribution Fund, allocated for expenditure on or connected with the arts, which are to be held in the Distribution Fund for distribution by these bodies. The sum of the percentages equals the percentage which was formerly to be held for distribution by the Arts Council of Great Britain. The Order further amends section 23(1) by substituting the Arts Council of Northern Ireland 1994 for the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

The Arts Council of England and the Arts Council of Wales were incorporated by Royal Charters granted on 30th March 1994. The Scottish Arts Council was incorporated by Royal Charter granted on 1st April 1994. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland 1994 is a company limited by guarantee (company no. NI 28253).