Issue - meetings

To seek support for the introduction of a local authority lottery.

Members’ approval was sought for the establishment and management of a local authority lottery for Hinckley & Bosworth. Whilst members considered this could be a positive initiative to support local good causes, some members expressed concern about the Council being seen to promote gambling and also about the restrictive methods for buying tickets. In response it was agreed that the risks would be kept under review. It was moved by Councillor Hall, seconded by Councillor Lay and

RESOLVED –

(i)            The establishment of a local authority lottery for Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council and the appointment of a preferred external lottery manager be approved;

(ii)           The Director (Community Services) be authorised to have overall management responsibility for the promotion and proper governance of the lottery and form compliance with the regulatory regime as a whole, including appointment of the preferred external lottery manager, and associated percentage pay-outs;

(iii)          The presentation of an annual report to the Scrutiny Commission be endorsed.

To seek support for the establishment and management of a local authority lottery.

Consideration was given to a report which recommended the introduction of a local authority lottery to help sustain the borough’s voluntary and community sector. It was acknowledged that a company would run the scheme and HBBC would be responsible for governance and monitoring.

In response to members’ questions, it was explained that good causes would request to join up and the council would manage the approval process. A web page managed by the external company would give information on each good cause and buyers would choose their good cause when purchasing tickets. Prize money would be underwritten by the external company. Officers agreed to check whether councillors and council employees were eligible to take part.

RESOLVED –

(i)            The report be endorsed;

(ii)           A report be brought back to the Scrutiny Commission before roll out;

(iii)          An annual report be brought to the Scrutiny Commission.