AQW 43975/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford


Tabled Date: 15/04/2026
Answered On Date: 08/05/2026
Priority Written: Yes


Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities to detail how (i) the changes to 26/27 Small Pockets of Deprivation (SPOD) funding processes, as notified to Neighbourhood Renewal, Areas at Risk, and SPOD voluntary and community organisations, which included confirmation programme and running costs will be claimed retrospectively following submission of claims, preferably every six months, is upholding the spirit of the Fair Funding Principles outlined in the Partnership Agreement with the Community and Voluntary Sector; and (ii) he has ensured that these organisations are not required to operate outside Good Governance and Charity Commission rules by using reserves for a purpose outside their permitted policy arrangements in order to deliver services.


Answer: