The Local Growth Fund (LGF) – a replacement for previous sectoral funding for voluntary and community sector (VCSE) organisations in Northern Ireland – falls catastrophically below the means needed. VCSE organisations are a critical part of the infrastructure dedicated to tackling economic inactivity in NI. Support will now be reduced by a staggering £15.8million a year, from £25m per year to just over £9m.

Vital employability, skills and inclusion services may disappear overnight, hundreds of talented and passionate staff have lost their jobs, and thousands of people will lose access to essential support. Services that provide a lifeline for many individuals and communities will no longer exist.

As the responsible business network, our members are committed to inclusive growth and we know that strong communities, a supported workforce and pathways into employment are essential to economic resilience. These cuts are severely detrimental to communities, but they will also significantly impact businesses and economic growth in Northern Ireland.

We stand with the voluntary and community sector and responsible employers from across Northern Ireland in urging the Secretary of State to take immediate action.