Ideas Bank update

One of your suggestions to the Ideas Bank was to set up a community lottery within East Lothian (IB077)

In a time of shrinking budgets and increased community need, council-run community lotteries provide a fun and effective way for local community groups to raise much-needed funds.

The lottery enables people to support the local causes they care most about, and helps good causes to connect with their supporters.

The first council-run community lottery was set up by Aylesbury Vale District Council in November 2015 and has so far raised £110,000 for local good causes.

How does it work?

Community groups and charities in East Lothian would apply to become beneficiaries.

Players buy a ticket to be entered into the draw and can choose which cause they support, or opt to pay into a general fund which will be allocated by the council to local good causes.

Once the numbers are drawn, the lucky winners receive cash prizes!

But the real winners are the good causes who receive 60% of the ticket price (to put this in perspective, when you play the National Lottery 28% goes to good causes).

Your Thoughts

A good idea for East Lothian? Let us know what you think by leaving your comments below.