The Scottish Government is pressing the UK Government to lift the £50 million annual cap on charity lottery sales, which limits the potential of Scotland’s charities to raise much-needed funds for communities in Renfrewshire, and across Scotland.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville wrote to the UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport last week describing the cap as an outdated restriction that limits charities’ capacity to address rising demands. Under current UK law, charity lotteries must adhere to the cap – a constraint unique to charity fundraising, and not applied to any other gambling products.
Scottish charities, like the People’s Postcode Lottery, have welcomed the call for change, stating that these restrictions limit their ability to fundraise effectively at a time when their support is urgently needed across Scotland.
The Scottish Government sees removing the cap as a cost-free solution that could make a positive impact on Scottish communities, especially in the face of worsening Westminster austerity.
Natalie Don-Innes MSP said: “Scotland’s communities need support now more than ever, and removing this outdated restriction is a simple, cost-free way to give charities the freedom to raise more funds to support people better.
“This cap holds back the ability of charities to raise funds that could be used to respond to rising demands on charities. Lifting it would make a real difference in Scotland.
“So along with the Social Justice Secretary’s letter, I am urging the UK Government to scrap the cap of charity lottery sales and support charities to make a difference both here in Renfrewshire North & West, and across Scotland.”
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