Swann Urges Secretary of State to Intervene to Protect Charity Services

Robin Swann MP has written to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland calling for urgent intervention following concerns over the proposed Local Growth Fund, which is set to replace the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The South Antrim MP has raised alarm at the planned allocation of funding, including a 70:30 split between capital and revenue, which charities and voluntary organisations have warned is not suited to delivering vital services.

Mr Swann said:

“A significant number of organisations working in this area have been clear that their services rely heavily on this funding. A funding model that does not reflect this reality risks threating vital services.”

Charities have warned that the proposed arrangements could see thousands of people lose access to support, with hundreds of experienced staff potentially facing redundancy.

While welcoming plans to design a new programme from 2027/28, Mr Swann said the immediate impact of significant reductions in 2026/27 could cause lasting damage to the sector.

He added:

“The loss of capacity next year would be difficult to rebuild and would ultimately make future delivery more challenging and costly. That is why I have asked the Secretary of State to personally intervene and review these arrangements.”

Mr Swann said he will continue to press for a funding approach that protects essential services and supports charities and voluntary groups across Northern Ireland.