The ongoing political deadlock at Stormont is causing significant financial uncertainty for Northern Ireland's voluntary and community sectors, with organisations warning of potential job losses and service cuts. Emma Johnston, a manager at Youth Action in Derry, highlighted the ripple effect of the funding crisis, stating that everyone has taken a hit.
Northern Ireland has been without a functioning devolved government since January, following the breakdown of power-sharing talks. The lack of an agreed budget for 2017-18 has left many voluntary groups unsure of their funding, with some already placing staff on notice of redundancy.
A survey by the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (Nicva) found that 88% of its 1,054 members were operating without confirmation of statutory funding. Of those, 43% expected to make redundancies, while 31% had already issued redundancy warnings.
The civil service is acting in a caretaker capacity, but is restricted to 95% of the previous year's spending, effectively a real-term cut. This has raised concerns about services for the most vulnerable, including a £3 million reduction to the Supporting People budget, which helps around 20,000 people with housing needs.
Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire has paused talks until after the UK general election on 29 June, prolonging the uncertainty. Political leaders fear that continued turmoil could delay crucial budget negotiations and exacerbate cuts to public services.
