AQW 51281/22-27

Ms Kellie Armstrong
Alliance Party
Strangford

Tabled Date: 08/09/2026
Answered On Date: 21/09/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities (i) whether there are any plans to introduce multi-year, inflation-linked, full cost recovery funding arrangements for advice services and community organisations supporting people experiencing poverty and financial hardship; and (ii) whether any assessment has been made of the impact of short-term funding on service delivery.

Answer:

Given the continued uncertainty around the 2026–27 budget, I approved that my Department cover the three-month period up to 30 June 2026 and subsequently approved a further three-month period up to 30 September 2026, with both allocations based on the opening 2025-26 allocation.

The overall funding position remains under ongoing review.

No assessment has been undertaken by my Department on the impact of short-term funding on service delivery.