Eastwood writes to Deputy PM expressing concern over funding cliff edge.

Alliance Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood has written to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Housing, Communities & Local Government Angela Rayner with concerns over the UK Shared Prosperity Funding, which is due to expire in just seven months’ time.

Sorcha Eastwood Finance

UK Shared Prosperity Funding was meant to be a replacement for EU monies but it has not been administered in the same way, placing many crucial community and voluntary sector services and jobs in jeopardy. 

 

Ms Eastwood has said: "We have unfortunately been here before with uncertainty around funding and workers being placed on protective notice, with some even being made redundant.

 

“This situation is untenable and just adds further stress and anxiety on both staff and service users at a time when these services are so vital for so many.

 

"Everyone agrees that the role the community and voluntary sector plays in our communities is absolutely crucial, and that action to remedy this situation must be taken now.

 

“I’m urgently calling on the UK Government to provide clarity regarding the future of the Shared Prosperity Fund in Northern Ireland, and I have been in contact with the Minister for Housing, Communities & Local Government about this.

 

“This cliff edge can be avoided if there is the political will to do so, and I will continue to engage with government on seeing the action taken that’s urgently needed."