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12
Dec 2021
Harrogate lottery a ‘lifeline’ for charities during covid
Yorkshire’s only council-run lottery has been described as a “lifeline” for charities during the pandemic after thousands of pounds was raised for good causes in the Harrogate district.
Harrogate Borough Council launched the Local Lotto in 2018 despite some concerns over encouraging gambling and it has since raised more than £161,000 through the sale of £1 tickets with funds from each going to the buyer’s choice of charity.
This includes £56,000 raised over the past year when many charities have struggled to survive due to donations drying up during covid.
Ann Duncan, partnership and engagement manager at the council, told a cabinet meeting on Wednesday that the lottery had been a “lifeline” during this time. She said:
£25,000 jackpot
The council takes no income from the £1 ticket sales with 60p from each going to the buyer’s choice of charity, 20p into the prize fund, 17p to an external lottery manager and 3p to cover VAT.
Funds raised are paid to signed-up charities selling tickets and around £19,400 has been handed out in winnings over the past year.
Some buyers have won up to £2,000, although the top prize of £25,000 has yet to be claimed.
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The Local Lotto is also linked to the council’s Local Fund – a pot of cash which charities can apply for grants from.
Councillor Stanley Lumley, a Conservative who represents the Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale Moors ward, described the council’s decision to launch the lottery as “controversial” but said it had proved to be a “great success”. He said:
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