Policy news

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), has just released an update on the process and timetable for developing the Northern UK Shared Prosperity Programme. 

Below is a summary of the most recent activities of NICVA's Policy and Public Affairs team from April-June 2022.

In May, we surveyed NICVA members on the current lack of government in Northern Ireland.  Read here what members' top concerns were and what they said should happen next.  The survey questions and results are attached

NICVA commissions an annual survey into charitable giving in Northern Ireland. The Individual Giving Survey 2022 was undertaken in January 2022. Participants were a fully representative sample (n=1,013) of the NI adult (16+) population. 

The NI Assembly was today dissolved in advance of the Northern Ireland Assembly Elections due to take place on Thursday 5th May 2022. 

Catch up on what NICVA's Policy and Public Affairs team have been up to in the last quarter to highlight and support the work and key interests of the sector:

Catch up on the most recent news & activity happening via the Government and Voluntary & Community Sector Joint Forum.

NICVA has submitted a response to the Department for Communities consultation on the draft code of practice for gambling operators which includes anyone conducting a society lottery.  

On the 5 May 2022, Northern Ireland will head to the polls to elect a new cohort of MLAs for the Northern Ireland Assembly.

With the absence of a functioning Executive, we are in a further period of damaging inertia.  Important decisions legally cannot now be made- the most obvious the finalising of a three-year budget 

NICVA issued a statement today to reflect the concern that members have expressed regarding the continuation of critical services funded through the European Social Fund (ESF)

Following the recent collapse of the Northern Ireland Executive, Finance Minister, Conor Murphy joined NICVA members to provide an update on the future of the draft Budget 2022-2025 and possible funding implications.

NICVA welcomes the proposal in Conor Murphy’s Assembly budget statement for a way to close the current match-funding gap faced by over 50 community and voluntary organisations working to help as many as 17,000 vulnerable people into employment

The aim of this article is to provide an overview of current policies and initiatives aimed at closing the digital divide in Northern Ireland. The article also provides a synopsis of digital priorities within the political arena.

NICVA recently hosted an engagement event with the Department for Communities (DfC) on the recently published draft Housing Supply Strategy.

With another year of lockdowns & uncertainty facing so many within the community, the VCSE sector continued to demonstrate strength & resilience as online events, webinars and campaigns continued to thrive throughout the course of 2021.

The Electoral Commission guidance for non-party campaigners covers spending limits, donations, when you must register with the Commission, reporting requirements and key dates and events.  

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

Following on from the Spending Review Announcement on Wednesday 27th October, Finance Minister, Conor Murphy joined NICVA members to provide an update on what the outcome of the Spending Review means for public finances here.

Further to the introduction of this Bill to the Assembly in September, the Committee for Communities has launched its ‘call for evidence’ and seeks your views. The closing date has been extended to 26 November 2021.