Swann Challenges Prime Minister to Back Funding for Northern Ireland’s Vulnerable
- Jay Buntin
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Robin Swann MP has challenged the Prime Minister to prove his commitment to direct investment in Northern Ireland by intervening in the looming funding crisis facing the community and voluntary sector.
In a letter to 10 Downing Street, the South Antrim MP referenced a leaked memo suggesting the UK Government intends to take a more proactive, "less deferential" approach to spending in devolved nations. Mr Swann argues that if the Prime Minister is serious about bypassing traditional hurdles to deliver for the public, he must start by fixing the flaws in the new Local Growth Fund.
The intervention follows Mr Swann’s recent question during Prime Minister’s Questions in January, where he highlighted that 11,000 vulnerable people and 400 jobs are at risk due to the transition from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Mr Swann said:
"The Prime Minister has privately told his Cabinet that he wants to move past a 'laissez-faire' approach to the devolved nations. If that is true, he must now use that authority to save the essential services that our most vulnerable citizens rely on.
"Currently, the Local Growth Fund is weighted heavily toward capital projects, but these organisations cannot support a person in a mental health crisis or help someone back into work with a new building alone. They need the skilled staff and the revenue to keep the lights on.
"I am calling on the Prime Minister to ensure this fund is flexible enough to meet the actual needs of Northern Ireland."
Ends.
Full Text of Letter:
Dear Prime Minister,
Re: Local Growth Fund – Need for Intervention
I am writing to you regarding the upcoming transition to the Local Growth Fund and the serious concerns I have raised previously about its impact on Northern Ireland.
During Prime Minister’s Questions on 21 January, I asked for your assurance that the move away from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund would not result in a funding cliff-edge for our community and voluntary sector. At that time, I highlighted that 11,000 vulnerable people rely on these programmes and that 400 jobs are currently at risk. While I welcomed your commitment to facilitate a meeting between myself, the relevant ministers and sector leaders, the situation on the ground remains critical.
I have noted recent reports regarding your instructions to the Cabinet to be more proactive in direct spending within the devolved nations, even where there may be local political disagreement. If the UK Government is indeed prepared to move past an "overly deferential" approach to ensure delivery, then the Local Growth Fund is an important place to start.
The current 70:30 capital-to-revenue split is not fit for purpose in Northern Ireland. Our charities and community groups need the revenue funding to pay the staff who deliver life-changing services for people facing economic inactivity or mental health challenges, not more buildings.
I am asking you to personally intervene to ensure the Local Growth Fund is flexible enough to protect these essential services. If your government is committed to direct delivery in Northern Ireland, it must be delivery that actually meets the needs of our people rather than sticking to a rigid formula that risks pulling the rug out from under the most vulnerable.
I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Robin Swann MP
