02/04/2026
We stand with our colleagues from across the community sector. We cannot believe that despite political agreement from across the spectrum a solution could not be found to save any of the jobs. This is forcing many charities into very difficult decisions in the next month which will affect the most vulnerable in society.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund has now ended and because of prolonged political failure, its replacement, the Local Growth Fund, will deliver £15.8m less for vital frontline services over the coming year.
As a result of this 64% cut, 11,000 people who should have received essential support will now go without. Pressures will increase in our already overstretched health service. And, over the coming months, more than 400 skilled staff will also lose their jobs.
Our services have repeatedly been described as indispensable at both Westminster and Stormont... yet they will now be reduced significantly due to inaction and political pettiness.
This is not just about funding. It is about choices. And the choices made have real and immediate consequences for local people and our strained public services.
We are appalled that it has come to this. While responsibility sits across Governments, it is unacceptable that the First Minister Michelle O'Neill , deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly MLA , Finance Minister John O'Dowd MLA and the Secretary of State Hilary Benn could not find a local solution.
This failure will have lasting consequences.
People in Northern Ireland deserve better.
