Asked by: Mike Reader (Labour - Northampton South)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to support the transformation of the National Lottery.
Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The National Lottery is a national institution and a unique source of national pride and funding for good causes. It is a huge contributor to the Government’s Plan for Change, providing £1.9 billion in 2024/25 to the arts, heritage, sport and community sectors.
Allwyn, the operator of the 4th National Lottery licence, has successfully delivered its technical transformation. This modernisation will ensure the National Lottery continues to enrich lives and support communities across the country for generations to come.
Asked by: Mike Reader (Labour - Northampton South)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what her planned timetable is for appointing a permanent Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission.
Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The appointment of a permanent Chief Executive is a matter for the Gambling Commission. The Commission will identify a preferred candidate, with the appointment subject to the Secretary of State approving the terms and conditions. Officials are in regular contact with the Gambling Commission in relation to this appointment.
Asked by: Mike Reader (Labour - Northampton South)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate she has made of the potential impact of the time taken to complete the National Lottery licence transition on the change in the amount of funding provided through the National Lottery Community Fund.
Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Allwyn, as the new operator of the National Lottery, has successfully delivered its technical transformation programme. This marks the biggest investment in the National Lottery since 2009, and will support Allwyn’s commitment to double weekly good cause returns by 2034.
In 2024/5, good cause returns were £1.9 billion, which is consistent with returns over the last 5 years (£1.8 billion in 2023/4). In 2024/5, the National Lottery Community Fund’s share of the good cause returns was £760m, up from £728m in 2023/24.
Asked by: Mike Reader (Labour - Northampton South)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the Gambling Commission on the suitability of the current ownership arrangements of the Health Lottery.
Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
DCMS Ministers and officials have had no discussions with the Gambling Commission on the ownership arrangements of the Health Lottery.