Shortsighted Cuts Will Devastate People, Prosperity and Ambition
The UK Government’s decision to impose a 64% funding cut to programmes tackling economic inactivity across Northern Ireland is devastating. This decision will dismantle vital community-based services, putting up to 400 jobs at risk and this year alone leave at least 11,000 vulnerable people without the support they rely on.
Northern Ireland already has the highest economic inactivity rate in the UK (26.5%), driven by disability, ill health, caring responsibilities, and high numbers of young people not in education, employment, or training. For years, community-led programmes, most recently funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, have helped people gain skills, move into work and reduce pressure on health and other key public services. These programmes work. They change lives.
They support those furthest from the labour market to build confidence, develop skills, and secure sustainable employment. They are a critical part of our public service infrastructure and an economic enabler, supporting local businesses big and small, and strengthening our economy.
Yet, from April 2026, with the introduction of the Local Growth Fund the UK Government funding for these services will plummet from £25 million per year to £9.2 million.
This is because of a 70/30 capital-to-revenue split, raising serious concerns about fairness, consistency, and the rationale behind decisions about this region.
For years, community-led programmes, most recently funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, have helped people gain skills, move into work and reduce pressure on health and other key public services. These programmes work. They change lives.
When the Local Growth Fund was announced, the UK Government committed to designing a bespoke programme that reflected local needs and priorities. There was also a commitment that the funding will be allocated more flexibly to ensure that the full amount of funding is tailored to our unique circumstances. From the outset, our sector, along with the Executive, has been unequivocal: a capital-heavy programme is not what Northern Ireland needs. Investment should prioritise people and frontline services, not bricks and mortar at the expense of human potential.
This decision is not what was promised, nor what our communities should accept. Whether it’s a young person seeking their first opportunity, someone re-entering the workforce after illness, or a young adult with learning difficulties, people deserve support – and our economy depends on it.
A cut of this scale will dismantle programme capacity, create operational instability, trigger staff losses, and leave those already at the margins with no viable alternatives. We call on YOU to immediately:
- Reverse this unjust allocation model.
- Protect existing services through 2026/27 to allow planning and service continuity for participants.
- Commit to genuinely co-designed and sustainable funding that reflects Northern Ireland’s needs. Northern Ireland cannot wait.
All decision-makers need to honour their commitments and prevent irreversible harm to our social and economic fabric.
Our support for 11,000 people each year – people who rely on tailored, community-based support to move closer to employment, education and stability – is a public service that needs to be protected.
At this critical moment, we need political courage to make long-term, responsible economic decisions that protect jobs now, safeguard future employment, and secure a stronger, fairer Northern Ireland.
Signed,
Celine McStravick, NICVA
Alex Leslie, AdaptNI CIC
Alison Blayney, Kilcooley Women’s Centre
Andrea Brown, Disability Action NI
Anne McVicker, Women’s Resource & Development Agency
Cara Cash-Marley, Orchardville Society
Charles Lamberton, TRIAX -Success NW
Charlie Fisher, Development Trusts NI
Chris Alexander, Triangle Housing Association
Colin Jess, Social Enterprise NI
Danny McQuillan, Start 360
David Babington, Action Mental Health
Diane Hill, Include Youth
Donal McKinney, USDT
Dr Martin McMullan, Youth Action Northern Ireland
Edyth Dunlop, NI Union Of Supported Employment
Elaine Armstrong, Cedar Foundation Head Office
Elaine Leonard, The Appleby Trust
Fiona Greene, NIACRO
Gary McKay, Impact Training
Georgina Grieve, Network Personnel & The Workspace Group
Grainne Close, Mencap in Northern Ireland
Helen Crickard, Reclaim the Agenda
Jacinta Linden, Bolster Community
Janet Schofield, Compass Advocacy Network
Joanne Kinnear, Ashton Community Trust
Kate Clifford, Rural Community Network
Laura Murphy-Sloan, AdaptNI
Laura Steele, Access Employment Ltd
Leslie Ann Scott, Extern
Liam Devine, Clanrye Group Ltd
Louise Coyle, NIRWN
Lynn Carvill, WOMEN’STEC
Maeve Monaghan, Now Group
Mark Dougan, The King’s Trust
Michael McGoldrick, First Steps Women's Centre
Natalie Corbett, NIYF
Paula Jennings MBE, Stepping Stones NI
Sharon Didrichsen, Specialisterne NI
Siobhan O’Neill, Mental Health Champion
Stephen Dallas, The Bytes Project
Susan Russam MBE, GEMS Northern Ireland
Valerie McConville, CO3 - Chief Officers 3rd Sector
Dr Julie Anderson, The Royal College of Psychiatrists
