Whether the People’s Postcode Lottery, or any other Society Lottery registered in GB, should operate in Northern Ireland is a live and important question. There are regulatory and ethical considerations and we must think carefully about the implications
That’s why NICVA is convening a sector-wide conversation on Wednesday 25 June on the Lotteries for Communities Private Members Bill being taking forward by Sian Mulholland, MLA.
This isn’t just a debate about one lottery. It’s a conversation about choice, opportunity, equity, and how we ensure that Northern Ireland’s communities, charities, and changemakers are never treated as an afterthought.
Across England, Scotland and Wales, the People’s Postcode Lottery has delivered over £1.2 billion in funding to good causes. It has supported everything from local food banks and wildlife trusts to mental health initiatives and neighbourhood parks. That’s not small change — that’s transformational investment in civil society.
In Northern Ireland we are currently excluded. Not by any fault of our own, but simply because the mechanism isn’t in place to allow people here to take part.
If we’re honest - that raises a bigger issue: it’s not the only time the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland has been left out. Too often, our organisations are last in line — for investment, for innovation, and for inclusion in UK-wide initiatives.
Let’s remember - Northern Ireland’s voluntary and community sector employs over 57,000 people — more than the construction or transport sectors. It contributes over £1.5 billion annually to the economy, and draws in over 280,000 volunteers, giving their time, skills, and energy to serve others.
And we don’t just deliver services — we deliver trust. In places where the state may be absent, or confidence in institutions is low, it’s the sector that steps in – quietly, consistently, compassionately.
We are being asked to do the impossible — to keep doing more, with less. Short-term grants, no core funding, insecure staffing, and rising need.
When a new potential funding stream like the People’s Postcode Lottery is raised, it is right that we look at it seriously — not blindly, but bravely.
This moment links directly to the ambition of our Programme for Government. The PfG commits to outcomes that matter deeply to us all:
- A more equal society
- Improved health and wellbeing
- A better start for children and young people
- Thriving, inclusive communities
But those outcomes will not be delivered by strategy documents alone. They need delivery mechanisms — and in many cases, that delivery is the community and voluntary sector.
We need:
- Longer-term, flexible, community-led funding
- Equity of opportunity — so that no one in Northern Ireland is excluded from UK-wide initiatives simply because of where they live
- And we need brave conversations about new funding models — because standing still is not an option
The Lotteries for Communities Private Members Bill & Consultation aims to introduce legislation that allows large society lotteries, including those from GB, to operate in Northern Ireland.
You can read full details on the Bill here. The consultation will run from 9 May 2025 to 31 July 2025.
Please join us on 25 June at NICVA and be a part of the conversation.
