AQW 51451/22-27

Mr Eóin Tennyson
Alliance Party
Upper Bann

Tabled Date: 09/09/2026
Answered On Date: 24/09/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities, given the cut in funding from £25 million under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to £9.2 million under the Local Growth Fund, whether any assessment has been made by his Department of the potential for enabling Great Britain-based charity lotteries to operate in Northern Ireland to generate additional funding for good causes.

Answer:

I share the concerns that have been raised about the impact of funding allocations under the Local Growth Fund on charities and organisations previously funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will continue to work with Executive colleagues to seek a solution to this issue.

In respect to charity lotteries, nothing in Northern Ireland law prevents a GB-Based lottery from operating here, provided it complies with the relevant regulatory requirements.