NICVA draft response to the priorities and budget

NICVA's briefing paper and draft response to the year's Draft Priorities and Budget, launched for consultation by Secretary of State Peter Hain on 25 October.

Overall it's a mixture of good and bad news with three new priority funding programmes on (1) children and young people, (2) skills and science and (3) environment and energy.

NICVA's Draft Response (308kb)

NICVA Briefing Paper (147Kb)

Savings to be made

But departments must also find new savings of 3% next year and 4% the following year. This is on top of the 2.5% efficiency savings already being made.

Budgets are tight as there is no new money and the picture does not look bright for the voluntary and community sector.

Some good news

On the other hand, in response to last year's outcry, there is a new focus on children, an emphasis on sustainable development and a recognition that economic inactivity needs to be tackled.

Comments please

Please comment on our response before 28 November 2004. by using the Have Your Say section at the end of this article, or email Frances McCandless

OFMDFM consultations

The consultation period closes on 5 December. OFMDFM are running consultation sessions across Northern Ireland.

1. 4 November, Radisson Roe Hotel, Limavady. 9.00am - 1.00pm
2. 8 November, Silver Birch Hotel, Omagh. 6.30pm
3. 16 November, Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen. 9.00am - 1.00pm
4. 22 November, Armagh City Hotel, Armagh. 9.00am - 1.00 pm
5. 1 December, Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast. 9.00am - 1.00pm