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02
Dec
Harrogate district’s Local Lotto faces uncertain future
A weekly lottery that has raised more than £376,000 for good causes in the Harrogate district faces an uncertain future.
Harrogate Borough Council set up The Local Lotto in 2018 to help community groups survive at a time of shrinking local authority grants. The jackpot is £25,000.
But North Yorkshire Council, which inherited the lottery when Harrogate Borough Council was abolished in May 2023, said in a new report the lottery is “not viable” due to its demands on council resources and the lottery’s “modest” performance.
The report recommends the council withdraws from the scheme and does not run a procurement exercise “due to cost, complexity and diminishing returns” when its contract with external lottery manager Gatherwell Ltd expires in May next year.
Rachel Joyce, the council’s assistant chief executive for local engagement, told the Stray Ferret:
It is our desire to see it continue and we believe that by handing the day-to-day running of it to a voluntary, community and social enterprise partner it is possible for it to thrive.
Unfortunately, as we face more and more demands on our budget, it is important that we examine the viability of the services we provide so we can achieve the best outcomes for all North Yorkshire residents.
The income raised by The Local Lotto, while welcome, has to be set against increased regulation and liabilities and the extent of the area it covers.
We feel an outside organisation could potentially dedicate more time and resources to operating and promoting the lottery, ensuring more charities benefit from its undoubted good work.
What is The Local Lotto?
Draws take place every Saturday for a £25,000 jackpot and smaller weekly prizes.
Of the £1 ticket fee, 60p goes to good causes. The Stray Ferret recently reported here which ones benefited this year.
Prizes account for 20p, Gatherwell receives 17p and 3p goes on VAT.
A total of 122 voluntary organisations are currently registered to raise funds through the lottery.
The report says “most causes generate modest income (under £500/year)”. It adds there is “low engagement” among community groups and other grant schemes “offer more efficient and scalable support”.
The Local Fund is run as a partnership by the council, Harrogate & District Community Action and Two Ridings Community Foundation.
Elaine Stevenson, chief executive of Harrogate & District Community Action, said:
“We’re aware of the forthcoming changes and support the exploration of transferring to a local community provider if that’s an option, so it can survive and continue to thrive.”
A spokesperson for Two Ridings Community Foundation said:
“At the present moment Two Ridings Community Foundation doesn’t have any comments on this report.”
The council is expected to make a final decision about The Local Lotto by December 9.
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