Registered number: 03458520
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
COMPANY INFORMATION
CONTENTS
DIRECTORS' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026.
The Hospice Lottery Partnership (HLP) is a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to raising vital funds for our partner charities through our weekly lottery, seasonal Superdraws and donations from our supporters. Since we were founded in 1997, we have raised more than £22.5m for our partner hospice and hospital charities.
Our hospice partner charities help people when facing serious illness. They help ease symptoms, bring comfort, and support families so patients feel connected and cared for. The care they provide is shaped around the individual, helping them live well and, when the time comes, die well – with dignity and compassion, surrounded by the people they love.
Hospice care is free for those that need it, but unlike the National Health Service (NHS), it is not fully funded by the government. Consequently, too many people miss out on this essential support and too many families face these moments alone. We aim to change that by raising money for the hospices in our partnership to enable them to provide even more people, in even more places, with the care they deserve.
Hospice care is free for those that need it, but unlike the National Health Service (NHS), it is not fully funded by the government. Consequently, too many people miss out on this essential support and too many families face these moments alone. We aim to change that by raising money for the hospices in our partnership to enable them to provide even more people, in even more places, with the care they deserve.
Our hospital partner charities help local NHS hospitals provide improved spaces, specialist equipment and the added support that makes a real difference to patients and their families, things the NHS budget alone cannot always cover.
Harlington Hospice was also an Associate Beneficiary Partner during the year. Following its merger with Michael Sobell Hospice Charity, it ceased to be a beneficiary in its own right on 31 March 2026 but continues to benefit from the funds The Hospice Lottery Partnership raises for the Michael Sobell Hospice Charity.
Harlington Hospice was also an Associate Beneficiary Partner during the year. Following its merger with Michael Sobell Hospice Charity, it ceased to be a beneficiary in its own right on 31 March 2026 but continues to benefit from the funds The Hospice Lottery Partnership raises for the Michael Sobell Hospice Charity.
Page 1
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
The majority of our supporters are regular players that subscribe to our weekly lottery. Entries for the weekly draw are also sold at our hospice partners’ charity shops, as well as by volunteer sales agents that visit residential homes and local community events. Supporters are also able to buy entries for our seasonal Superdraws by post, by telephone and online.
During the year we took the difficult decision to increase the entry price for our weekly lottery from £1 to £1.50 with effect from 29 August 2025. The price had remained unchanged for more than 25 years, during which time the real value of £1 had more than halved as a result of inflation. Keeping the entry price at its historic level would have continued to erode the real value of the fuds we raise for our partner charities. Consequently, an increase was necessary to protect the long term sustainability of the lottery and the charities we support.
To ensure we continue to offer our lottery players value for money, we increased the number and value of our prizes. There are now 150 guaranteed weekly prizes of up to £1,000 plus an additional £5,000 prize in the March and September Bonus Draws. The rollover prize can now reach up to £25,000.
Whilst the impact of the price increase was overwhelmingly positive and has enabled us to significantly increase the amount we donate to our partner charities, we recognise that in these challenging times, some of our regular players were unable to continue to support us at the new price and have paused or cancelled their subscriptions. We respect their decision and are grateful for the support they have provided over the years, and the huge difference it has made. We look forward to welcoming them back at some point in the future. We would also like to say a huge thank you to those players who have continued to support us. It is your generosity that helps us make a difference.
To ensure we continue to offer our lottery players value for money, we increased the number and value of our prizes. There are now 150 guaranteed weekly prizes of up to £1,000 plus an additional £5,000 prize in the March and September Bonus Draws. The rollover prize can now reach up to £25,000.
Whilst the impact of the price increase was overwhelmingly positive and has enabled us to significantly increase the amount we donate to our partner charities, we recognise that in these challenging times, some of our regular players were unable to continue to support us at the new price and have paused or cancelled their subscriptions. We respect their decision and are grateful for the support they have provided over the years, and the huge difference it has made. We look forward to welcoming them back at some point in the future. We would also like to say a huge thank you to those players who have continued to support us. It is your generosity that helps us make a difference.
Page 2
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
We are one of the largest hospice lotteries in the UK with 36,931 active subscriptions at the end of the year (2024-25: 40,259).
Our revenues grew by £0.4 million from £2.6 million to £3.0 million in the year, reflecting the net benefit of 31 weeks’ additional income following the introduction of the new £1.50 entry price. This has enabled us to increase the amount we donate to our charity partners from £1.4 million to £1.8 million.
Our revenues grew by £0.4 million from £2.6 million to £3.0 million in the year, reflecting the net benefit of 31 weeks’ additional income following the introduction of the new £1.50 entry price. This has enabled us to increase the amount we donate to our charity partners from £1.4 million to £1.8 million.
NB: A subscription to our weekly lottery now costs £7.50 per month / £90 per annum and includes 52 weekly entries, four additional entries in our Spring Bonus Draw, and four additional entries in our Autumn Bonus Draw (total 60 entries). The price of entries into our seasonal Superdraws increased from £1 to £1.50 with effect from the Summer 2026 draw.
Page 3
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
In aggregate, 61.7p of every pound we raised went to our partner charities (2024-25: 55.0p). Players nominate the charity (or in the case of our shareholder partners, a group of charities) they wish to support when they buy an entry or take out a subscription.
We revisited the fundraising agreements with our Associate Beneficiary Partners during the year to ensure a more equitable allocation of income and costs. Revenues and direct costs of fundraising are now shared 50:50 with our ABP charity partners. The new allocation is reflected in the current year’s results.
* London North West Healthcare Charity became an Associate Beneficiary Partner on 1 April 2025.
** Harlington Hospice ceased to be an Associate Beneficiary Partner on 31 March 2026.
* London North West Healthcare Charity became an Associate Beneficiary Partner on 1 April 2025.
** Harlington Hospice ceased to be an Associate Beneficiary Partner on 31 March 2026.
Looking Forward
We are well positioned for the future and committed to building on this year’s positive progress. As we move forward, our focus remains on delivering consistent, high quality returns that enable our partners to extend their reach and impact.
In the coming year, we will expand our team of lottery fundraisers and increase the number of venues we operate in so we can grow our supporter base; we will invest in the latest technology to strengthen our systems and processes; and we will refine the player journey to make it even easier and more enjoyable to play with us, supporting continued growth and long term sustainability.
Our Team
Our small team of dedicated staff based at our office in Tring, is supported by administrative volunteers, ticket agents, and lottery fundraisers. As of the date of this report, our Board of Directors comprises four Shareholder Directors (one from each of our Shareholder Partners) and three Independent Directors (including the Chair) who give their time freely. The Board of Directors is responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the company and is accountable to our charity partners and other stakeholders.
Our Shareholders
We are owned by our Shareholder Partners who (following the merger of Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity and South Bucks Hospice) comprise Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, Michael Sobell Hospice Charity, Rennie Grove Hospice Care, and The Hospice of St Francis (see note 7).
We are well positioned for the future and committed to building on this year’s positive progress. As we move forward, our focus remains on delivering consistent, high quality returns that enable our partners to extend their reach and impact.
In the coming year, we will expand our team of lottery fundraisers and increase the number of venues we operate in so we can grow our supporter base; we will invest in the latest technology to strengthen our systems and processes; and we will refine the player journey to make it even easier and more enjoyable to play with us, supporting continued growth and long term sustainability.
Our Team
Our small team of dedicated staff based at our office in Tring, is supported by administrative volunteers, ticket agents, and lottery fundraisers. As of the date of this report, our Board of Directors comprises four Shareholder Directors (one from each of our Shareholder Partners) and three Independent Directors (including the Chair) who give their time freely. The Board of Directors is responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the company and is accountable to our charity partners and other stakeholders.
Our Shareholders
We are owned by our Shareholder Partners who (following the merger of Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity and South Bucks Hospice) comprise Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity, Michael Sobell Hospice Charity, Rennie Grove Hospice Care, and The Hospice of St Francis (see note 7).
Page 4
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
The directors are responsible for preparing the Directors' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
∙select suitable accounting policies for the Company's financial statements and then apply them consistently;
∙make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
∙prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.
The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The directors who served during the year were:
Key:
(s) - Shareholder Director
(i) - Independent Director
Our former Treasurer, Andrew Stoneman, was appointed Chair of the Board on 24 July 2025.
Page 5
DIRECTORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
The directors consider there are no material uncertainties about the company's ability to continue as a going
concern.
concern.
The auditors, HaysMac LLP, will be proposed for reappointment in accordance with section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.
In preparing this report, the directors have taken advantage of the small companies exemptions provided by section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.
This report was approved by the board and signed on its behalf.
Page 6
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HOSPICE LOTTERY PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
We have audited the financial statements of The Hospice Lottery Partnership Limited (the 'Company') for the year ended 31 March 2026, which comprise the Statement of Income and Retained Earnings, the Statement of Financial Position, the Statement of Changes in Equity and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Page 7
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HOSPICE LOTTERY PARTNERSHIP LIMITED (CONTINUED)
The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' Report thereon. The directors are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
∙the information given in the Directors' Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
∙the Directors' Report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Directors' Report.
Page 8
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HOSPICE LOTTERY PARTNERSHIP LIMITED (CONTINUED)
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' Report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Based on our understanding of the Company and industry, we identified that the principal risks of non- compliance with laws and regulations related to compliance with the Gambling Commission, and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006, income tax and payroll tax.
We evaluated management's incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial Statements (including the risk of override of controls) and determined that the principal risks were related to posting inappropriate journal entries to revenue and management bias in accounting estimates. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:
∙Discussions with management including consideration of known or suspected instances of non-compliance
with laws and regulations and fraud;
with laws and regulations and fraud;
∙Evaluating management’s controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities;
∙Specific income and testing cut-off substantive testing:
∙Identifying and testing journals, in particular journal entries posted with unusual account combinations, postings with high value transactions or rounded entries; and
∙Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their critical accounting estimates and judgements.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
Page 9
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HOSPICE LOTTERY PARTNERSHIP LIMITED (CONTINUED)
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' Report.
This report is made solely to the Company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company's members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
for and on behalf of
HaysMac LLP
Statutory Auditors
10 Queen Street Place
EC4R 1AG
Page 10
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND RETAINED EARNINGS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Page 11
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 MARCH 2026
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the board and were signed on its behalf by:
The notes on 14-17 form part of these financial statements.
Page 12
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Page 13
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
The Hospice Lottery Partnership Limited is a private company, limited by shares, registered in England and Wales.
The registered office is:
Akeman Business Park, 72-78 Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 6AF.
The registered office is:
Akeman Business Park, 72-78 Akeman Street, Tring, Hertfordshire, HP23 6AF.
2.Accounting policies
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention unless otherwise specified within these accounting policies and in accordance with Section 1A of Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland and the Companies Act 2006.
The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgement in applying the Company's accounting policies.
The following principal accounting policies have been applied:
The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgement in applying the Company's accounting policies.
The following principal accounting policies have been applied:
The directors consider there are no material uncertainties about the company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Page 14
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
2.Accounting policies (continued)
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
The assets' residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in profit or loss.
The Company only enters into basic financial instrument transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other debtors and creditors, loans from banks and other third parties and investments in ordinary shares.
Page 15
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
2.Accounting policies (continued)
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
||
|
|
Page 16
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Page 17
DETAILED INCOME AND EXPENDITURE SCHEDULES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Page 18
DETAILED INCOME AND EXPENDITURE SCHEDULES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Page 19
DETAILED INCOME AND EXPENDITURE SCHEDULES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Page 20
DETAILED INCOME AND EXPENDITURE SCHEDULES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
Page 21