Swann warns of ‘funding cliff-edge’ threatening support for 11,000 vulnerable people in Northern Ireland

Robin Swann MP speaking in the House of Commons

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has warned that thousands of vulnerable people in Northern Ireland could lose vital support as a result of a looming “funding cliff-edge” linked to changes in Government funding streams.

Mr Swann raised the issue during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, pressing the Government on the potential impact of the transition away from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which he said would result in a sharp reduction in revenue funding for key economic inactivity programmes.

The MP highlighted that around 11,000 people currently supported through UKSPF-funded initiatives in Northern Ireland could be affected, while an estimated 400 jobs across the community and voluntary sector are also at risk.

During the exchange in the House of Commons, Mr Swann told MPs:

“Mr Speaker, challenging economic inactivity and supporting the vulnerable across the country is something we all want to address.

“Would you be surprised to learn that in Northern Ireland around 11,000 people previously supported by UK Shared Prosperity Fund programmes will see the revenue funding for their support programmes cut dramatically, causing around 400 job losses?

“So, can I ask the Prime Minister, does he support the cuts to those vital programmes, and will he arrange an urgent meeting for me, with the relevant decision maker in Government and the organisations who will be impacted, so these changes and challenges can be resolved?”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded by agreeing to ensure that Mr Swann would be facilitated with a meeting involving relevant Government Ministers, alongside leaders from the community and voluntary sector, to examine the impact the proposed funding changes could have on frontline services.

The programmes in question play a critical role in helping people re-enter the workforce, particularly those facing multiple barriers to employment, including long-term illness, disability, or social exclusion.

Many are delivered by local charities and voluntary organisations, which rely heavily on stable revenue funding to retain staff and maintain services.

Speaking after Prime Minister’s Questions, Mr Swann stressed the real-world consequences of the proposed cuts:

“These figures are stark. We cannot talk about growth and tackling economic inactivity while, at the same time, pulling the rug out from under the organisations delivering those results on the ground. These programmes provide a lifeline for people trying to re-enter the workforce and support those with the most complex needs.”

He also warned that Northern Ireland faces unique challenges that risk being overlooked in UK-wide funding decisions.

“I am determined to ensure that the Government understands the unique impact these cuts will have in Northern Ireland. I look forward to the meeting I have requested to ensure that the voices of the 400 staff and 11,000 participants are heard at the highest level.”

Community and voluntary sector leaders have previously cautioned that uncertainty over future funding could lead to service reductions, staff redundancies, and long-term setbacks in efforts to reduce economic inactivity.

The forthcoming meeting is expected to focus on whether alternative funding arrangements can be put in place to prevent disruption to services and protect those most reliant on support.