Swann voices funding concern at Westminster

ULSTER Unionists Robin Swann MP and John Stewart MLA have led a delegation to Westminster to challenge the replacement of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the Local Growth Fund, warning of a ‘detrimental impact’ on Northern Ireland’s community and voluntary sector.

The move follows continued engagement with NICVA and the organisations impacted, and a recent direct intervention by Mr Swann at Prime Minister’s Questions.

This week’s meetings included a discussion with Miatta Fahnbulleh MP, Minister for Devolution, Communities and Faith at the Department for Communities, Housing and Local Government (DCHLG).

The delegation included representatives from the YouthStart Consortium and NICVA, who provided first-hand evidence of the essential services currently at risk.

Following the ministerial meeting, the group held further discussions with Shadow Minister David Simmonds MP and Tonia Antoniazzi MP, Chair of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee.

“I am grateful to the Minister, the Shadow Minister and Ms Antoniazzi for their time and for acknowledging the severity of the situation facing our community and voluntary sector,” said Mr Swann.

“While our discussions were productive, the dialogue must now turn to delivery.

“The transition from the UKSPF to the Local Growth Fund threatens to pull the rug out from under organisations that provide a lifeline to some of our most vulnerable citizens.

“We are urging the DCHLG, the Northern Ireland Office and the Northern Ireland Executive to work together to ensure no gaps in funding are able to emerge.”

And this was echoed by John Stewart.

“Groups like Include Youth aren’t just a ‘nice to have’ - they play such a vital role in our local communities,” he said.

“Seeing the passion and expertise that Include Youth and NICVA brought to Westminster only drives home what’s at stake here.

“We cannot stand by and watch this funding disappear without a proper plan to protect the people who rely on these services.

“My colleague Andy Allen MLA has also been consistently highlighting these same pressures at Stormont, and it is clear that a unified approach across all levels of government is required to protect the valuable services that these organisations provide.”