Time is running out to save critical services to help the most vulnerable

TIME RUNNING OUT TO SAVE CRITICAL SERVICES TO HELP THE MOST VULNERABLE 

NICVA is seriously concerned that time is almost up to protect services helping thousands of vulnerable people across Northern Ireland into employment, due to a shortfall in government funding which must be found this month to match grants already approved from the EU European Social Fund (ESF).  This funding is vital for voluntary and community organisations to support those who might otherwise struggle to find employment, including many young people. 

While just over £20M of European Funding has already been approved for these services from 1st April, around £5M of NI government funding to match it has still to be found.  Unless a solution is found now to fill this funding gap, the services and organisations delivering these services are at serious risk.

NICVA Chief Executive Seamus McAleavey said,
“The groups depending on this missing funding for these vital services need a resolution as soon as possible. While the lack of a functioning Executive complicates the search for a solution the Finance Minister confirmed to us recently that he could make this missing match funding available to Departments. So far, the Economy Minister, as lead department on this public policy issue, has yet to take this up or our request for an urgent meeting.  The situation is now extremely urgent, and we urge the Economy Minister to act quickly to get a resolution to it.”

ENDS

Notes
The ESF Users Group briefing sets out urgent recommendations to government for ensuring the replacement of vital EU funding helping 10,000 vulnerable people each year in NI overcome major obstacles to social inclusion & entering employment.ESF Users Group Briefing Highlights the Need for Urgent Action by both UK & NI Governments | NICVA

All enquiries can be directed to Suzanne Thompson 07837 542472 [email protected]