Swann Meets Charity Leaders on Funding Uncertainty

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has met with representatives from Northern Ireland’s voluntary and community sector to discuss growing concerns about the future of funding once the UK Shared Prosperity Fund comes to an end in March 2026.

The meeting with Celine McStravick, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA), and David Babington, Chief Executive of Action Mental Health, followed their presentation to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee. The discussion focused on the urgent need for clarity, continuity and sustainability for the many local charities that rely on this funding to deliver essential services.

Mr Swann said:

“The voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland plays a vital role in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Many provide mental health and disability support as well as employment, education and community work. These organisations need certainty and a lack of long-term fixes or any gaps in funding will threaten jobs and services.”

The meeting followed a question from Mr Swann in the House of Commons to Cabinet Office Minister Josh Simons. Mr Swann sought assurances from the Minister that there will be no gap between the closure of the Shared Prosperity Fund and the launch of the new Local Growth Fund and asked what reassurances can be given to organisations in Northern Ireland that their funding will carry over.

In the Minister’s response to Mr Swann he said:

“My understanding is that the new funding will start in the new financial year, but I will look into the specific issue the hon. Gentleman raised in relation to Northern Ireland, and I will write to him to reassure him on that.”

Mr Swann commented:

“I welcome the Minister’s commitment to look into the specific position in Northern Ireland and provide a written response.

“There are only a few months left until the current funding scheme comes to an end, so we now need to see clear detail on when the new fund will begin and how it will be delivered to ensure there is no disruption to services.

“I will continue to engage with Ministers and local organisations to ensure that the voluntary and community sector receives the long-term support it needs.”