The Lagan Valley MLA said the ending of funding of sports projects under the Executive’s Central Good Relations Fund, part of the Together: Building a United Community strategy had affected support for grassroots programmes led by a host of sports from hockey to badminton and netball, and including PE lessons for schools.
 
“Pulling the rug out from under these sports projects can only have a negative effect on physical and mental health in the community,” said Mr Honeyford.
 
“Doing so is taking away half a million pounds meant to address issues like childhood obesity, self-esteem, health and wellbeing and general fitness. This amounts to a ticking time bomb that will have to be paid for by the NHS down the line.
 
“Alliance opposes these cuts, which have been made without the involvement of Ministers due to the intransigence of the DUP and their boycott of the devolved institutions.
 
“As the Northern Ireland Office says in its own guidance document: ‘any major change of an existing policy, programme or scheme should normally be left for ministers to decide or agree’. That has not been the case in this instance and it is local people who will suffer as a result.”