09/07/2024
Dept Of Health Core Grant Funding To Be Maintained – Nesbitt
Department of Health core grant funding for voluntary and community sector organisations will be maintained at the same level as last year, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has said.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced that DoH core grant funding for voluntary and community sector organisations will be maintained at the same level as last year.
That means £1.8m will again be distributed among core grant recipients.
The Minister said: "The removal of all core grant funding was one of the options set out by my Department in response to the 2024/25 budget.
"The financial pressures across health and social care are certainly severe, but I wanted to retain some level of core grant support this year.
"I fully recognise the important role played by the voluntary and community sector with the delivery of many of our strategic aims - for example, supporting the elderly, providing much needed help to vulnerable children and families and addressing health inequalities.
"I fully understand that the sector wanted to see a greater level of core grant this year but that is just not possible." The Minister emphasised that this funding allocation will be a transitional arrangement. "I want to address the fundamental unfairness in the current scheme, which has funded the same organisations for more than 20 years. Changing the scheme has proven to be a challenging process previously but change is definitely needed to reflect the evolving nature of community and voluntary groups and the services they offer.
"I am committed to working in partnership with the voluntary and community sector, which time and time again has demonstrated how agile, flexible and innovative it can be.
"I recently met with Celine McStravick, CEO of NICVA (Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action). Celine has helpfully agreed to work with my Department to develop proposals for a new core grant funding scheme. Through NICVA, the plan is to work with the sector on a co-design basis over the summer with the aim of having a new re-designed scheme fully up and running in April 2025.
"While the funding pot available for a new scheme will be dependent upon the Department’s future budget allocations, I want to make it clear that I am committed to supporting the sector, and to seeking its support and involvement in co-designing the scheme."
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced that DoH core grant funding for voluntary and community sector organisations will be maintained at the same level as last year.
That means £1.8m will again be distributed among core grant recipients.
The Minister said: "The removal of all core grant funding was one of the options set out by my Department in response to the 2024/25 budget.
"The financial pressures across health and social care are certainly severe, but I wanted to retain some level of core grant support this year.
"I fully recognise the important role played by the voluntary and community sector with the delivery of many of our strategic aims - for example, supporting the elderly, providing much needed help to vulnerable children and families and addressing health inequalities.
"I fully understand that the sector wanted to see a greater level of core grant this year but that is just not possible." The Minister emphasised that this funding allocation will be a transitional arrangement. "I want to address the fundamental unfairness in the current scheme, which has funded the same organisations for more than 20 years. Changing the scheme has proven to be a challenging process previously but change is definitely needed to reflect the evolving nature of community and voluntary groups and the services they offer.
"I am committed to working in partnership with the voluntary and community sector, which time and time again has demonstrated how agile, flexible and innovative it can be.
"I recently met with Celine McStravick, CEO of NICVA (Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action). Celine has helpfully agreed to work with my Department to develop proposals for a new core grant funding scheme. Through NICVA, the plan is to work with the sector on a co-design basis over the summer with the aim of having a new re-designed scheme fully up and running in April 2025.
"While the funding pot available for a new scheme will be dependent upon the Department’s future budget allocations, I want to make it clear that I am committed to supporting the sector, and to seeking its support and involvement in co-designing the scheme."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 August 2024
SDLP Welcomes New Childcare Subsidy Scheme
The SDLP has welcomed the announcement of Northern Ireland's new Childcare Subsidy Scheme, but said that it was "only part" of a package of support needed to help working families.
SDLP Welcomes New Childcare Subsidy Scheme
The SDLP has welcomed the announcement of Northern Ireland's new Childcare Subsidy Scheme, but said that it was "only part" of a package of support needed to help working families.
12 August 2024
Alliance Welcomes Opening Of NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme
The Alliance Party has welcomed the opening of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) to eligible parents and guardians.
Alliance Welcomes Opening Of NI Childcare Subsidy Scheme
The Alliance Party has welcomed the opening of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme (NICSS) to eligible parents and guardians.
26 July 2024
Sinn Féin Calls On Health Minister To Back Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin MLA, Linda Dillon, has urged the Health Minister to ensure that individuals experiencing mental health distress receive timely and appropriate care.
Sinn Féin Calls On Health Minister To Back Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin MLA, Linda Dillon, has urged the Health Minister to ensure that individuals experiencing mental health distress receive timely and appropriate care.
08 August 2024
Other News In Brief
Appeal For Witnesses To Fatal Collision In Drumquin The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision in the Drumquin area on the evening of Monday, 29 july. A man has died in hospital from injuries he sustained in the collision.
Other News In Brief
Appeal For Witnesses To Fatal Collision In Drumquin The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision in the Drumquin area on the evening of Monday, 29 july. A man has died in hospital from injuries he sustained in the collision.
05 August 2024
New Autumn Covid-19 Booster Vaccination Initiative Announced
The Department of Health (DoH) has announced a new autumn Covid-19 booster vaccination initiative, which will offered to those at high risk of serious disease and who are most likely to benefit from vaccination, it has been announced.
New Autumn Covid-19 Booster Vaccination Initiative Announced
The Department of Health (DoH) has announced a new autumn Covid-19 booster vaccination initiative, which will offered to those at high risk of serious disease and who are most likely to benefit from vaccination, it has been announced.