A NEW way of raising money to help good causes in Wellington, the rest of Taunton Deane and West Somerset is being explored.

Taunton Deane Borough Council (TDBC) and West Somerset Council would like to set up a local lottery across both areas with prizes up to £25,000 available every week. If agreed, it could be introduced in spring 2017.

Similar schemes are running in other parts of the country as local authorities look for new ways to support their communities at a time when the public purse is being squeezed.

Cllr Jane Warmington, portfolio holder for communities at TDBC, said: “Thriving voluntary and community groups are incredibly important and we want to help them as much as we can. Setting up a local lottery is another way the council can do this to support the dozens of good causes we are lucky enough to have across our area.

“They are a wonderful lifeline for lots of people and give many of us the opportunity to play a greater part in community life as volunteers. A local lottery could benefit us all.”

The lottery would be open to everyone over the age of 16 years with 60% of every £1 ticket being bought going to local good causes. People wanting to play will be able to set up a monthly payment in advance for the weekly lottery, with an option to do a three-, six- or 12-month non-recurring payment, equivalent to £13, £26 or £52. Players will be able to set this up on-line either by direct debit or payment card.