Anne-Marie McClure, Chair, CO3
Northern Ireland’s charity and voluntary sector has warned the political instability caused by the First Minister’s resignation will have serious consequences for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
CO3, the organisation which represents charity and voluntary sector leaders in Northern Ireland, is calling on political leaders and parties to commit to working together and supporting our government officials to protect the most vulnerable from any fallout of last week’s resignation, and ensure key legislation like the three-year Budget can progress without delay.
There are serious concerns about other outstanding legislation currently progressing through the Assembly, like bills on autism, domestic abuse, climate change, and other important subjects.
Several charities are also anxious over the future of the European Structural Fund (ESF) programme. The Executive match funding, which is yet to be agreed by the Department for the Economy, is due to run out in March 2022 while ESF funding is to end completely in March 2023.
Anne Marie McClure, Chair, CO3 said:
“At a time when the cost of living and rates of poverty within our communities are rising exponentially, it is extremely disappointing this political impasse has occurred and effectively stymied the work of the Executive. Charities and voluntary organisations across Northern Ireland are now rightly very concerned about the future and sustainability of the local political institutions and what this means for the work they do and people they support.
“Political instability and horse-trading like this does nothing to help the most vulnerable in our society. It’s now crucial that outstanding legislation at the Assembly is given every chance to pass and become law, bills dealing with domestic abuse, climate change, stalking, welfare payments. These are laws which will improve the experiences of some of the most vulnerable and marginalised in our communities.
“We are calling on our political leaders and all political parties here to commit to working together for the good of everyone in Northern Ireland. Ahead of the election, it’s important that our leaders also commit to forming an Executive after the election, regardless of the result or outcome. This Assembly term was also cut short by three years, meaning missed opportunities to pass vital pieces of legislation. Coming out of the pandemic, it’s unthinkable that any new Assembly term would be cut short again. We are calling on all parties and all leaders to work in collaboration to ensure this does not become a reality.”
Jacinta Linden, Vice-Chair, CO3 added:
“Over the past number of days, we have engaged with members across Northern Ireland and across a number of different sectors. One key message has shone through from feedback from our members – charity and voluntary leaders are frustrated, disappointed, and worried at the lack of political stability in Northern Ireland yet again. With the cost of everything from fuel and food to rent and childcare on the rise, households are feeling the squeeze and the services of charities and voluntary groups are more in demand than ever before.”