MPs will debate a Private Members Bill today aimed at axing the cap on sales limits on charity lotteries.

The Bill has been introduced by Lib Dem MP for North East Fife Wendy Chamberlain and receives its second reading in the House of Commons today (Friday).

Chamberlain has been working with the People’s Postcode Lottery on the Bill, which is backed by more than 100 charities.

Charity lotteries are regulated by gambling legislation and have been in place for 60 years.
They generate £420m a year for good causes but they are the only type of gambling subject to annual caps on sales.

Reform had been pledged by the previous Conservative government but was not acted on.

“Charity lotteries play a vital role in supporting charities large and small across Britain, yet they are subject to limits on their sales, which ties them up in red tape, and restricts their effectiveness,” said Chamberlain.

“I have seen for myself the benefit to local charities from lottery funding. Good causes ranging from farming experiences and skill building for people with additional support needs, to walking groups and local community projects that have received funding within the last year in North East Fife alone."

She added: “These limits have no obvious purpose and removing them would cost the Treasury nothing, yet it will help boost charities at a time when they face a difficult fundraising environment.

“It is bizarre that every other type of gambling product has no limit on sales, yet the product that does so much good for society through supporting our charities is capped.

“That is why I am hopeful to have Government support this Friday and help boost charity lottery fundraising”.

Charity sector support

The People’s Postcode Lottery estimates that removing the sales cap could create an additional £175m in income for it supports charities over the next five years.

“The charity lottery sales limits are causing increasing difficulties for charity lottery fundraising at a time when charities need these vital funds to respond to the impact of the cost-of-living crisis,” said People’s Postcode Lottery managing director Clara Govier.

“We welcome Wendy Chamberlain bringing forward this Bill and urge MPs cross Parliament to support it.”

Among charities impacted is Magic Breakfast, which tackles food poverty among children.

“At Magic Breakfast we are responding to vastly increased need, yet because of the charity lottery sales limits our funding from charity lotteries cannot increase.

“We join leaders across the charity sector who are calling on Parliament to take action and resolve this issue as soon as possible. We therefore welcome this Bill from Wendy Chamberlain MP and urge the government to back it.”

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