AQW 4021/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 06/05/2020
Answered On Date: 23/06/2020
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities what action she has taken, or plans to take, to ensure that the Community and Voluntary Sector will be able to survive the reduction in income as a result of COVID-19 and is in a financial position to deliver community services vital to the community coming out of lockdown; and when a community contingency fund will be made available to help sustain this sector.

Answer:

I am pleased to say that the Executive’s Covid-19 Charities Fund opened for applications on Monday 15 June 2020. I believe that this Fund will help many charities survive the reduction in income so that they can continue to provide services vital to our community.

Minister Hargey also established hardship funds to assist our creative and sports sectors.

I am committed to supporting grassroots organisations as they respond to this crisis by supporting those who are most vulnerable and isolated. I am aware that Minister Hargey also launched a COVID Community Support Fund in early April 2020 which continues to be distributed by local councils to grassroots organisations.

The community and voluntary sector continues to be absolutely vital in helping our society to get through these trying times and will have an important part to play in the recovery phase.