A report has recommended that a new community lottery in Lichfield and Burntwood be approved.

The proposals have been drawn up by Lichfield District Council for the new fundraising initiative to support local good causes.

The local authority intends to run a large society lottery, which would see proceeds of more than £20,000 for a single draw.

There had been worries that the use of a gambling mechanism could cause issues for local residents, but a report from Cllr Ashley Yeates, Cabinet member for housing and community suggested this was not the case.

Ashley Yeates
Cllr Ashley Yeates

“Concern was raised at a previous meeting of the community, housing and health overview and scrutiny committee that those who could least afford to play lotteries spent most playing them,” he said.

“This is the case for some types of lotteries where people are playing in the hope of a large win.

“By analysing [the Aylesbury Vale Lottery] demographic data, social factors, population and consumer behaviour this shows that the majority of players (82%) come from the three most affluent categories, with only 17% coming from the least affluent.

“Lotteries are the most common type of gambling activity across the world, and considered to be a ‘low risk’ form with respect to the emergence of problem gambling.

“This is because it is a relatively controlled form of gambling and part of the motivation for many individuals will be supporting good causes, with the possibility of winning an added bonus.”

A study by the council has revealed that operating a lottery could raise more than £48,000 for good causes in the region each year.

Cllr Yeates added: “Lichfield District Council currently supports a range of community and voluntary sector groups within the area through grants totalling £200,000.

“The sector faces increasing demand – linked to our ageing demographics – and financial pressures as partners cut funding.

“This requires us to explore new ways of generating income to enable essential support.

“During the last round of funding bids for the larger grants there was only adequate funds to meet one third of the demand.

“There are now over 60 local authorities operating a community lottery scheme as a means of accessing new funding to support local good causes and this report seeks to gain agreement to establish one for the Lichfield district.”

The proposals will be considered at a meeting of Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet on 12th November.

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