National Lottery: Contribution to Good Causes
Debate between Baroness Twycross and Viscount Chandos
Viscount Chandos
To ask His Majesty’s Government what they expect the National Lottery’s contribution to good causes to be in the first twelve months under the new operator, compared to the last twelve months under the previous operator.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Baroness Twycross) (Lab)
Good cause returns generated from ticket sales are expected to be £1.6 billion in the year 2024-25. This is consistent with returns last year and in line with performance over the last five years. Allwyn, the new operator, has publicly committed to safely doubling returns to good causes by the end of its licence. Its first year has focused on delivering stable good cause returns while completing its modernisation programme to build strong foundations for the future.
Viscount Chandos (Lab)
I thank my noble friend the Minister for her reply, but note that this is unchanged year on year, when, as she said, Allwyn committed to doubling or more. It pledged at the time of the licence being awarded to give £38 billion in the next 10 years, which looks fanciful now, to put it mildly. Will my noble friend say what the Government will do to hold Allwyn to its pledge—or was the Gambling Commission taken for a ride?
Baroness Twycross (Lab)
My noble friend is correct that Allwyn is committed to increasing the amount of funding going to good causes over the course of the licence—from £30 million to £60 million a week. The Gambling Commission has direct oversight of Allwyn and its implementation of the technology transformation needed to realise its bid commitments, to ensure that these are delivered safely and effectively. In addition, I have met with Allwyn on a couple of occasions, including last Wednesday, to receive additional assurance around delivery.