AQW 52518/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 21/09/2026
Answered On Date: 05/10/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Communities whether funding for the (i) Strategic Prevention Programme; and (ii) Community Homelessness Prevention, will continue to be ringfenced in the 2026-27 financial year.

Answer:

Funding for Strategic Prevention is ringfenced within the Housing Executive’s interim budget allocation in 2026/27.

While funding for Community Prevention and Support Initiatives is not ringfenced within the budget allocation, I have taken tough decisions to ensure it has been protected at the same level as in 2025/26.

I also circulated an Executive paper seeking additional funding to ensure homelessness services, including community and strategic prevention initiatives can be adequately and sustainably funded. However, this has not been agreed.