SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has warned that cuts to community and voluntary organisations will devastate the sector.
He was speaking after a protest at Stormont on Wednesday following the UK Government’s decision to impose a 64% cut to the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF).
Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone said, “The SDLP has been consistently clear that Shared Prosperity Fund money would never replace the vital funding Northern Ireland received through the EU. After Brexit, communities were promised continued support for the voluntary and community sector and while concerns were raised at the time, few could have anticipated a cut of this scale.
“Community and voluntary organisations are the backbone of our communities. They work with people every single day, from older people to those who are vulnerable or living with complex health conditions. Far too often these groups are forced to fill the gaps left by Executive failure and these cuts threaten to destroy that work while putting hundreds of jobs at risk.
“SDLP MPs have consistently fought on behalf of these organisations at Westminster and in the Assembly, but the response from the Executive has been lacking. While responsibility for this cut lies squarely with the UK Government, the Executive must also stand up and fight for these groups and the vital services they provide. It is not good enough to simply point the finger and move on. When it comes to supporting the community and voluntary sector, the SDLP will not be found wanting.”
ENDS
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