Issue - meetings

Reporting Person – Ray Morgan

The Executive received a report which set out a recommendation from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee asking the Executive to support the proposal to seek the introduction of a community lottery scheme for the Borough of Woking through an External Lottery Manager (ELM).  Councillor Hughes, Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, reported that the Committee had received an interesting presentation by Gatherwell, an ELM, which had answered the Committee’s questions.  It was noted that the cost to the Council was relatively small and that the contract period was a minimum of one year.  The need to consult with local charities was highlighted.

The Executive agreed that the Council should explore the proposal further and that a proposals report be brought back to a future meeting of the Executive.

RESOLVEd

That in accordance with the findings of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Council explores further the possibility of adopting a Community Lottery Scheme and that a proposals report be brought back to a future meeting of the Executive.

Reason:   To create a new revenue stream for local community organisations.

Reporting Person: Frank Jeffrey

The Chairman introduced the Community Lottery item, which had been bought to the Committee to pre-scrutinise the recommendation before it went to the Executive, and introduced Phil Wright, Business Development Manager for Gatherwell.

Mr Wright provided background on the work undertaken by Gatherwell, an External Lottery Management Company licensed by the Gambling Commission that runs lotteries on behalf of good causes across the UK and explained their mission of raising money within the community for the community. 

Mr Wright detailed how the scheme works and that 60% of each ticket sale goes to a good cause, 20% to fund prizes and 20% to running costs and VAT.  Payments can be paid by direct debit or 1/3/6/12 month upfront payments, tickets cost £1.  Gatherwell would work with Woking Council, if the scheme was approved by Council, and provide professional high resolution marketing materials/branding, web design, payment administration, support for players and assist with the launch.

The Committee noted the report by Guildford which set out their experiences and costs, and provided valuable background information to the Scheme.

Following questions from Councillors, Mr Wright confirmed that the minimum subscription period was one month, the minimum age to participate was 16 as per other lotteries and present government legislation and the scheme was designed for local authorities, Gatherwell are present at LGA Conferences and work with over 50 Councils at present.  It was reported that the organisation had recently seen a change in Managing Directors, and was purchased by an Australian company.   Members noted the high percentage that goes to charity and the positive impact the scheme would have on the community and local organisations.

RECOMMENDED to the Executive that

in accordance with the findings of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Council explores further the possibility of adopting a Community Lottery Scheme and that a proposals report be brought back to a future meeting of the Executive.