EMMA CALLS ON UK GOVERNMENT TO LIFT CHARITY CAP

Emma Roddick MSP has called on the UK Government to lift the £50 million cap on annual charity lottery sales.  

Speaking in a Members’ Business Debate on Thursday [1^st of February], Emma called on the cap to be lifted as it is “outdated and unneeded”. 

The cap is said to be impacting the ability of charity lotteries to increase the amount of funding they can give to charities and good causes, including those in the Highlands & Islands.  

Speaking after the debate, Emma said: 

“Charity lotteries play an important role in funding thousands of good causes across Scotland, and in my region of the Highlands & Islands, millions of pounds have been raised for local good causes such as Inverness Highlanders junior hockey club, The Ledge, and Maggie’s Highlands. 

“The People’s Postcode Lottery has made a real difference in the region, with donations to An Talla Solais and Transition North Ronaldsay. These are both organisations that do amazing work in their local communities, including tackling social isolation and loneliness, depopulation, and promoting sustainability.

“I know after visiting Maggie’s Highlands at the start of this year that even the smallest amount of money can really make a huge difference.  

“Charities across the Highlands & Islands deserve access to the largest possible amount of funding, especially during these challenging economic times. That is why I, and the rest of the Scottish Government, will continue to push the UK Government to call for the cap to be removed.” 

You can watch a clip from the speech here.