Lottery price anger

Local MEP Paul Nuttall has criticised Camelot's decision to double the price of lottery tickets.

"This is nothing more than a tax on the poor which will subsidise the rich and I think the decision should be reversed.

"Most people are struggling to pay their day to day bills and buying a lottery ticket or two, particularly for pensioners, is one of their few pleasures," said Mr Nuttall, UKIP Deputy Leader.

"I understand there is inflation everywhere but a hike of 100% is ridiculous."

The Hertfordshire-based company, which has operated the draw since its launch in November 1994, has announced that the price rise will see the prize for matching three numbers more than double to £25.

But the pot for matching five numbers will drop by £500 to £1,000, while the reward for matching five numbers and the bonus ball will halve to £50,000.

“It’s Camelot that’s in it to win it but they may find that the backlash against doubling the price per line may cost them dear,” said Mr Nuttall.