EHDC Local Lottery Plans will swell council coffers at East Hants residents expense

Published on Fri 26th Sep 2008

EHDC Liberal Democrat's Shadow Finance spokesperson and former leader Dr Tony Ludlow has added his voice to growing concerns over East Hants District Council's controversial plans to set up a local lottery.

Cllr Ludlow who is also County Councillor for Alton added his concerns to those raised by Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Adam Carew and EHDC Lib Dem group's new deputy leader Sam Payne.

Tony Ludlow said "The only reason the Conservative run Council wants to run a local lottery is that a lottery guarantees that the Council will take more money in than it pays out (probably £20,000 in for every £10,000 out).

"Almost every punter will loose but some, with a serious gambling problem may loose very heavily.

"And you can be very sure that the Tory councillors will not be sending much of their money on a one-way journey into the Council coffers. Do you think they are stupid? They certainly hope you are and that you will finance the Council so that they don't have to."

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for East Hampshire Adam Carew said "As always Dr Ludlow's contribution to the debate is worth listening to - the council are trying to promote gambling to swell their own coffers - but the truth is the people of East Hampshire have already paid for council services through their taxes.

"There are serious social implications of going down this route it and will not be EHDC who has to pick up the pieces.

"We are very keen to hear what our community groups, charities like the CAB, Gamblers Anonymous and our local churches have to say on this issue."