New Forest District Council’s community lottery could generate up to £67,000 for local good causes

A new community lottery being considered by New Forest District Council would make a “real difference” to local good causes and organisations – with up to £67,000 in additional income.

As reported in the A&T, members of the cabinet had requested officers produce a detailed report on how the scheme could be successfully run in the district to provide further funding opportunities for voluntary and community groups, in addition to the council’s annual community grant programme.

A presentation from community lottery operator Gatherwell, which operates in over 120 other local authorities, explained the allocation of the £1 ticket income distributes 60% to good causes, 18.2% to prizes, 18.2% for running costs and 3.6% VAT, which can be claimed back by the council.

Weekly prizes range from free tickets to cash of up to £25,000, and there is no risk the council will have to fund any of the prizes, no matter how many tickets are sold. The cabinet is set to make a decision on the idea when it meets on Wednesday. If approved, the lottery would launch in around six months.

NFDC’s cabinet member for housing and communities, Cllr Dan Poole, said: “A community lottery could be a fantastic way to support the many organisations that make a real difference to our residents and communities. By giving people the choice to support their preferred good cause while taking part in a fun and responsible lottery, we can help generate much-needed additional funding for local groups.”

Tickets would be available online, with participants choosing which organisation to support.

It will cost the council £5,200 to set up the lottery, with annual costs of just over £1,000, and could generate additional funding for local good causes of up to £67,000 per year, which the councils says would provide “much-needed ongoing financial support to a sector where many organisations are struggling financially”.