Swann welcomes new £1m Community Partnership Fund but warns it cannot replace lost Shared Prosperity funding

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has welcomed the announcement of a new £1 million Community Partnership Fund by the Northern Ireland Office, aimed at empowering grassroots organisations and the voluntary sector.

The fund is designed to help local groups develop the skills and networks needed to access larger funding opportunities. However, Mr Swann cautioned that while any investment in the sector is a positive step, this small-scale grant does not go far enough to fill the significant gap left by the ending of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr Swann said:

"Our community and voluntary sector play a hugely important role in Northern Ireland. In many cases these groups provide vital services in areas and communities that the statutory sector cannot reach. I welcome this £1 million investment as a helpful resource to build capacity and help smaller groups get their foot in the door for future funding.

"However, we have to be realistic about the scale of the challenge. I have met with many local organisations who are reeling from the loss of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the uncertainty surrounding the new Local Growth Fund. One million pounds for the whole of Northern Ireland is a drop in the ocean compared to the core funding that has been stripped away over the last year.

"I have pressed the government on this issue many times and I will continue to do so. Our local groups cannot survive on small, one-off grants alone. They need a sustainable, long term funding model that recognises the professional and essential nature of the work they do.

"I encourage our local forums to look closely at this new fund and work together on applications, but I will remain focused on pushing Westminster for the more substantial investment for our community and voluntary sector."