Economic Inactivity

We have now reached 1 April with no resolution to the funding crisis caused by a 64% cut to funding for community‑led employability support services under the UK Government’s new Local Growth Fund. These cuts take effect today- yet we have seen no meaningful action from our political leaders, and our sector now faces the consequences alone.

As we reach 1 April with no resolution to the funding crisis created by a 64% cut to community‑led employability support services under the UK Government’s new Local Growth Fund, which takes effect today - we have seen no meaningful action from our political leaders and our sector now faces the consequences of its fallout alone.

As the sector confronts the stark realities of an impending funding cliff edge, NICVA views  today’s statement from the Executive Office regarding the Local Growth Fund  with deep disappointment, anger, and dismay on behalf of our sector and the thousands of people it supports every day.

The lack of urgency or action shown by our local political leaders on behalf of vital services that provide opportunity, hope and inclusion for some of the most marginalised across our communities- is both unacceptable and deeply damaging.

NICVA welcomes the publication of yesterdays Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (NIAC) report on Economic Growth in NI , which delivers a clear and urgent warning: the UK Government is “still not listening to the warnings” from the voluntary and community sector about the devastating impact of a 64% cut to VCS‑led employability support services as a result of the introduction of the Local Growth Fund from next week Wednesday 1 April.

NICVA's Director of Policy and Insight Jonny Currie highlights the value of VCS organisations delivering economic inactivity projects, and introduces a key messages paper for continued VCS-led delivery of support for those furthest from the labour market.