Lottery discussion shelved

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter

Two items were pulled from the cabinet meeting agenda in Llandrindod Wells at the last minute yesterday.

Powys County Council’s (PCC) Cabinet were set to discuss setting up a Local Authority Lottery and also approving a 12-point plan for the authority’s Farm Estate.

However, just after the meeting started, council leader, Cllr Rosemarie Harris announced that both items, number eight and nine on the agenda would not be discussed.

Cllr Harris said: “A couple of items on the agenda have been temporarily withdrawn, numbers eight and nine.

“There is some incomplete information there and they will hopefully be back at the next cabinet meeting.”

The next cabinet meeting is due to take place on November 28.

The 12-point County Farm Estate Delivery Plan addresses the future of the 140 farms, small holdings and cottages that span about 11,250 acres.

Since the year 2000 the Farm Estate has changed significantly with the number of holdings falling by 35%. These sales have generated £16 million for the council.

The Local Authority Lottery with a jackpot of £25,000, could replace community grants that are distributed each year by PCC to worthy causes throughout the county.

They propose inviting Gatherwell, which runs a lottery at Aylesbury Vale District Council in England, to run the lottery in Powys.