Blackburn with Darwen has received the second most lottery funding in the UK per head according to new research, receiving £15.6 million equating to around £46.20 per person.

The National Lottery has funded millions into local economies and according to a study by No Deposit Rewards, the borough ranks second based on recently released government statistics.

The research examined data from the Department for Media, Culture, and Sport, looking at grants with a date awarded during 2024. 

The borough was second behind only the Orkney Islands on the amount of funding received per person, with it receiving £46.20 per person for a total of more than £15m.

Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone was awarded £399,157 to support local young people’s emotional health and wellbeing, with attention paid to building strong relationships in and across communities.

The funding enabled the Youth Zone to be able to receive annual mental health first aid training and to ensure the sector learns to benefit young people.

The borough also saw a large amount of the Lottery funding being allocated to sport and health funding.

Healthy Living was also awarded three-year funding and used the money to address fuel debt in the Bill Busters project.

It was also used to re-establish the Affordable Warmth Forum with Blackburn with Darwen Council and the community to help create a sustainable offer of support for residents in fuel duty and poverty.

The Orkney Islands topped the funding list receiving £76.73 per person, having received a total of £1.68m from the National Lottery.

Other boroughs in the top 10 included Cardiff, Westminster, Belfast, Gwynedd, and Stirling.

A spokesperson for No Deposit Rewards said: “This research highlights the significant impact that National Lottery funding has had on local communities across the UK, especially in areas like the Orkney Islands, which have received the highest funding per head this year.  

“It’s encouraging to see how these funds are being directed towards various sectors, from sports to arts and heritage, contributing to both community development and cultural enrichment.” 

Blackburn with Darwen Council has been contacted for comment.