Department of Finance Draft Budget Consultation 2026–2029/30- VCS Engagement Session

Introduction

The Finance Minister has set out proposals for the draft budget for 2026–2029/30, including proposed departmental allocations for day‑to‑day spending over the next three years and capital investment over the next four years.

The draft multi‑year Budget was published in early January, with a public consultation launching on 6 January 2026 and closing on 3 March 2026. 

While the proposed Budget was not agreed by other Ministers, the Executive must still find a way to agree a Budget before the start of the new financial year.

Please Join Us 

We're hosting an online engagement session for voluntary and community sector representatives on Friday 27 February to explore the contents of the draft Budget—the first multi‑year Budget—and to hopefully gather sector insights and views that will directly inform NICVAs response to the consultation.

Senior officials from the Department of Finance will join the session to brief attendees on the details of the draft Budget. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback directly to the Department.

Ann Watt (Pivotal) will also join us to offer a wider policy assessment of the draft Budget proposals and their implications for public service delivery. This will hopefully be helpful for organisations finalising their own consultation responses.

The session will be held online to enable as many representatives as possible to take part.

You can register for the event using the details below. Please indicate any access requirements when registering.

We hope you can join us !

More information on the Draft Budget consultation

For full details on the public consultation and how to respond visit Draft Budget 2026-2029/30 | Department of Finance