Have Your Say: Shape the Future of National Lottery Good Causes!

Public Consultation on National Lottery Funding

The government has initiated a 12-week call for evidence, inviting the public to contribute their insights on the future of National Lottery Good Cause funding. This marks a significant opportunity for individuals to influence how these funds are allocated, which has not occurred in over two decades.

Since its inception in 1994, the National Lottery has raised more than £53 billion for various good causes across the UK. These contributions have supported a diverse range of initiatives, from Olympic and Paralympic athletes to local youth clubs and community centres. The public is encouraged to participate in the ‘National Lottery Good Causes: Fund What Matters to You’ consultation, with feedback being accepted via the official government website.

A Historic Review of Good Cause Funding

This comprehensive review seeks to reassess how National Lottery funds are utilised, responding to a funding model that has remained unchanged since the last major review conducted by former Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell between 2002 and 2003. The current operator of the National Lottery, Allwyn, aims to significantly increase Good Cause funding to £60 million per week by the end of the Fourth Licence in 2034, prompting the need for community input on spending priorities.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy highlighted the importance of public engagement, stating that the National Lottery is fundamentally funded by the public and should therefore reflect their desires for funding allocation. There has been a disconnect between decision-making processes and local communities, with larger organisations often favoured over grassroots initiatives. Nandy expressed the government’s commitment to reversing this trend through the consultation, enabling communities to have a direct hand in shaping the future of funding.

Engaging with Community Needs

Andria Vidler, Chief Executive of Allwyn UK, reiterated the connection between lottery players and the wider community impact of their contributions. She emphasised that every ticket purchased not only offers a chance to win but also supports numerous charities and community projects. The goal of the review is to foster a renewed dialogue around the National Lottery’s role in enhancing community welfare, ensuring that funds are directed where they are most needed.

The review aims to identify the areas where future investments could yield the greatest benefits, particularly for smaller organisations and community-driven initiatives. The government plans to collaborate closely with the 12 National Lottery Distributor Bodies that manage funding across various sectors, including arts, heritage, sports, and community services.

Funding Distribution and Impact

Recent statistics reveal that the National Lottery generated over £8 billion in revenue from ticket sales in 2025, with at least £1.7 billion allocated to good causes. Approximately 23 pence from every pound spent on lottery tickets supports these initiatives, while 12 pence is designated for Lottery Duty for the Exchequer. This funding is distributed according to legislated percentages across four key areas: arts and culture, sport, heritage, and community activities.

Once the distributors receive their allocated funding, they are responsible for its distribution at both national and local levels, operating independently from the government. Allwyn UK, as the lottery operator, does not partake in grant-making decisions, further ensuring an arms-length relationship with the distribution process.

A Call to Action for Communities

Baroness Twycross, Minister for Museums, Heritage and Gambling, underscored the significance of this consultation, stating that it represents a genuine opportunity for the public to influence how lottery revenues are utilised. She shared her experience visiting the De La Warr Pavilion in Hastings, illustrating the tangible benefits of National Lottery funding for arts and culture, and emphasised the need for community input in determining future funding priorities.

The call for evidence is open to players, organisations, and communities throughout the UK, encouraging feedback on what is working well, what needs improvement, and how to streamline access to funding. The aim is to ensure that the National Lottery effectively reaches those communities most in need, while empowering local residents to have a greater say in the utilisation of funding within their areas.

Details of the Consultation

The 12-week call for evidence commenced on 1 July and is open to the public, organisations, and National Lottery Distributors. It highlights the importance of public engagement in shaping the future of good cause funding and ensuring that it meets the needs of communities across the UK.

With an ambitious target set by Allwyn to double good cause income by 2034, now is the time for communities to voice their opinions and contribute to the future direction of the National Lottery. To participate in the consultation, individuals can visit the official government website and share their views.