Robin Swann meets charity leaders over Northern Ireland funding uncertainty

Robin with Celine McStravick, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA), and David Babington, Chief Executive of Action Mental Health

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has met with leading figures from Northern Ireland’s voluntary and community sector to discuss growing concerns about the future of funding once the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) ends in March 2026.

The meeting brought together Celine McStravick, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA), and David Babington, Chief Executive of Action Mental Health, following their recent presentation to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee.

Discussions centred on the urgent need for clarity, continuity and sustainability for the many local charities that rely on government-backed programmes to deliver essential services to communities across Northern Ireland.

Mr Swann said:

“The voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland plays a vital role in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“Many provide mental health and disability support as well as employment, education and community work. These organisations need certainty and a lack of long-term fixes or any gaps in funding will threaten jobs and services.”

The meeting followed a parliamentary question Mr Swann raised in the House of Commons to Cabinet Office Minister Josh Simons, seeking assurances that there will be no funding gap between the closure of the UKSPF and the launch of the new Local Growth Fund.

Mr Swann also asked what reassurances could be given to organisations in Northern Ireland that their funding will continue without disruption.

Responding to Mr Swann, Minister Josh Simons said:

“My understanding is that the new funding will start in the new financial year, but I will look into the specific issue the hon. Gentleman raised in relation to Northern Ireland, and I will write to him to reassure him on that.”

Welcoming this response, Mr Swann said:

“I welcome the Minister’s commitment to look into the specific position in Northern Ireland and provide a written response.

“There are only a few months left until the current funding scheme comes to an end, so we now need to see clear detail on when the new fund will begin and how it will be delivered to ensure there is no disruption to services.

“I will continue to engage with Ministers and local organisations to ensure that the voluntary and community sector receives the long-term support it needs.”

The South Antrim MP has repeatedly highlighted the risk that a funding gap could have for Northern Ireland’s charity sector — particularly for organisations providing mental health, disability, and employment support services — warning that the loss of experienced staff and key programmes could have serious social and economic consequences.