Valerie McConville, Chief Executive of CO3 said,

“As the UK Shared Prosperity Fund draws to a close in March 2026, the urgency for a successor programme in Northern Ireland cannot be overstated. Right across Northern Ireland organisations in the community and voluntary sectors are providing vital services that help people into work, build confidence and capacity and restore opportunity. These are not ‘nice to have’ services, they are essential. Our sector needs certainty on how the Local Growth Fund will operate, so organisations can plan, prepare and deliver those services.

“The alternative to continued funding is a vulnerability within the community and voluntary sector which threatens jobs and put services at risk. CO3 acknowledges the continuing efforts of our Finance Minister and particularly on the issue of the majority of future Local Growth Fund monies being ring fenced for capital rather than resource spending. There is no rationale for this model as it pertains to the needs of Northern Ireland and it must be re balanced as a matter of urgency.

“Our sector is heading towards a crisis. We need certainty and we need a common sense approach to the funding issue. CO3 will continue to engage with and support the Minister of Finance and we urge the UK Government and the Secretary of State to resolve this issue as a priority.”