AQW 18816/17-22

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 13/05/2021
Answered On Date: 02/06/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities what actions she is taking to ensure all Departments that procure or grant funds to the Community and Voluntary sector include Full Cost Recovery to ensure that all charities can operate in a sustainable manner and are treated the same as commercial suppliers.

Answer:

I recognise the legitimacy of organisations in the Voluntary and Community sector seeking fair funding, with Full Cost Recovery contributing to the sustainability of organisations in the sector.

Treasury Guidance on Full Cost Recovery has been made available across government departments and the Voluntary and Community Sector. I am aware however of ongoing challenges and inconsistencies in the application of the principles of Full Cost Recovery.

As we move into recovery and renewal, I am committed to working across the Executive to ensure a shared understanding and consistent application of these principles across government.

The Joint Forum, which includes representatives from government departments and the Voluntary and Community Sector, continues to engage to progress key issues for the sector, including Full Cost Recovery.

I intend to respond formally to the Manifesto for Change put forward by NICVA recently, to indicate how I can advocate across government for the change that the Sector needs.