To: The UK Government and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)The Government
Ensure Fairer Distribution of Big Prize Funds to Support NHS and Communities
We are calling for a fairer distribution of lottery and competition funds so that more money supports public services and communities.
This could include:
- Introducing fair limits on extremely large prizes
- Increasing the proportion of funding directed to the NHS and ambulance services
- Providing greater support for charities, particularly small local organisations
- Ensuring funding is better targeted towards essential services and vulnerable people
These changes would create a more balanced system that still allows people to win prizes, while ensuring more funding supports those who need it most.
Why is this important?
This issue is very personal to me.
I am living with the long-term effects of viral encephalitis from childhood, which left me visually impaired and paralysed, along with a brain injury and multiple complex health conditions. While I live with these challenges every day, I focus on staying independent and contributing where I can.
I am unable to work, so I dedicate my time to voluntary work, supporting charities across Devon and helping others in my community. It gives me purpose and allows me to support people who may be facing their own difficulties.
Through this, I have seen how vital charities are—but also how much they are struggling. On one occasion, I spent a full day fundraising and didn’t receive a single donation.
At the same time, I am personally trying to raise funds for a suitable wheelchair to maintain my independence. NHS provision is very basic, and accessing grants is extremely difficult, if not impossible.
This means people like me are left relying on charity and public generosity for essential equipment.
I find it very hard to accept that while people are struggling to access basic support, individuals can receive tens of millions of pounds through lotteries and competitions.
I believe this highlights a wider issue about fairness and priorities, especially when the NHS, ambulance services, and charities are under so much pressure.
