Debt advice funding extended as demand rises across Northern Ireland

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with Julia Cleeland, Operations Director, Mid & East Antrim Community Advice Service, and Paul Frew MLA at a recent visit to Mid & East Antrim Community Advice Service.

A major programme designed to help people access debt advice earlier and more easily will continue into the next financial year after strong early results across Northern Ireland.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has confirmed that the Integrated Advice Partnership Fund will be extended into 2026/27, following an interim review showing high satisfaction rates and growing demand for financial support services.

The fund was first launched in November 2024, providing £1.7 million to councils across all 11 local authority areas to develop locally tailored initiatives aimed at improving access to regulated debt advice and strengthening referral pathways into the NI Debt Advice Service.

Strong results across communities

The programme brings together a wide network of partners including advice providers, community organisations, housing support groups, GPs, schools, churches, food banks and specialist charities.

Feedback from those who used the services has been overwhelmingly positive.

Survey results show:

• 96% of people were satisfied with the advice they received

• 92% felt more in control of their finances

• 95% reported improved mental health or emotional wellbeing

• 95% were satisfied with referral processes

The initiative has also invested in strengthening local services, with 81 training sessions delivered to 455 staff to improve capacity across the sector.

Announcing the extension, Minister Lyons said the results demonstrate the value of providing support within trusted community settings.

“When I launched the Integrated Advice Partnership Fund, my priority was to make sure that people across Northern Ireland could access debt advice earlier, more easily, and in places where they already feel supported,” he said.

“The early results clearly show that this approach is working. Councils and community partners have demonstrated real innovation, strengthening local networks and helping people get the advice they need.

“I am pleased to confirm that, because of this success, I will extend the Fund into 2026/27, which will enable this vital work to continue.”

Impact in Mid & East Antrim

Services in Mid & East Antrim are among those benefiting from the programme.

Mid & East Antrim Community Advice Service received funding through the local council to expand its work supporting residents facing financial pressures.

Operations Director Julia Cleeland said the programme has been crucial in strengthening the organisation’s ability to help people navigate debt challenges.

“This fund has been vital in strengthening our debt advice service, enabling us to meet clients exactly where they are in their financial journey,” she said.

“It has given people the time, space and specialist support they need to navigate difficult circumstances without pressure.

“The investment has also allowed us to employ a dedicated Financial Wellbeing Co-ordinator who delivers outreach, provides talks across the community, and raises awareness of the support available.

“Demand for debt support continues to rise across Mid & East Antrim, and this funding has made a meaningful and tangible difference to individuals and families across our community.”

Funding extension for 2026/27

Following the interim review, the Minister has allocated approximately £449,000 to extend the programme for another year.

The additional funding will help maintain partnerships and referral pathways already established, while also allowing organisations to adapt their services and test new ways of reaching people who may be reluctant to seek help.

The Integrated Advice Partnership Fund works alongside the NI Debt Advice Service, which is delivered regionally by Advice NI.

Funding for debt advice services is ring-fenced and comes from a levy on the financial services sector collected by HM Treasury, which is then distributed across the nations of the UK.

With financial pressures continuing to affect households, the programme’s extension is expected to help ensure people can access trusted support within their own communities when they need it most.

At a glance

• The Integrated Advice Partnership Fund has been extended into 2026/27.

• The programme supports local initiatives improving access to regulated debt advice.

• Originally launched in November 2024 with £1.7 million for councils across Northern Ireland.

• Around £449,000 has now been allocated to continue the programme for another year.

• Services involve community groups, charities, schools, GPs, churches and food banks.

• Survey results show high satisfaction and improved financial confidence among users.

• Mid & East Antrim Community Advice Service is among organisations benefiting locally.

• Funding supports outreach work and a Financial Wellbeing Co-ordinator role.

• The programme complements the NI Debt Advice Service delivered by Advice NI.

• Funding ultimately comes from a levy on the financial services sector via HM Treasury.