AQW 5739/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 07/02/2024
Answered On Date: 29/02/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities (i) for his assessment of the economic health of the community and voluntary sector; (ii) what plans he has to improve this; and (iii) for his assessment of how this sector could be used to support other public services.

Answer:

There is no single source of evidence on the economic health of the voluntary and community sector, which is diverse and complex. However, my department has heard consistently from sector leaders in recent months that the cost of living crisis and unstable or reduced public sector funding is affecting the sustainability of services and of some organisations within the Sector. The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) has reported widespread financial pressures in the Sector based on extensive engagement and surveys of its membership.

My department has recently consulted on policy proposals for future support for the Sector, setting out commitment to continued investment in core sectoral infrastructure and to improving the way that government works with and in support of the Sector. Following consideration of responses, I will bring forward proposals for future investment in sectoral infrastructure, alongside commitments to strengthening future relationships between government and the Sector, including fair and sustainable funding approaches.

I appreciate the critical role played by the voluntary and community sector in supporting our communities and delivering important social, environmental and economic outcomes across Northern Ireland. All government departments currently benefit from the work of the Sector, in terms of the design and delivery of public services and through advocacy across a very wide range of policy interests.