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Deprived areas promised funding | |
(about 10 hours later) | |
Funding for deprived areas is not at risk despite fears of community workers, the social development minister has said. | |
The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action said the failure to approve funding for Neighbourhood Renewal schemes was jeopardising jobs. | |
Minister Margaret Ritchie said there was a budget in place, and it would be spent on areas in need. | |
"People in Neighbourhood Renewal Areas don't need to worry," she said. | |
The schemes provide community services in deprived areas across Northern Ireland, but in Belfast many groups are still waiting for funding. | The schemes provide community services in deprived areas across Northern Ireland, but in Belfast many groups are still waiting for funding. |
NICVA chief executive Seamus McAleavey said about 150 groups were worried their projects would cease to exist. | |
"Certainly I'm getting a feeling of crisis because organisations are fearful, they see themselves going to the wall in terms of the services they provide," he said. | "Certainly I'm getting a feeling of crisis because organisations are fearful, they see themselves going to the wall in terms of the services they provide," he said. |
Patricia McKeown from public service union Unison said they would be looking for answers. | Patricia McKeown from public service union Unison said they would be looking for answers. |
"This is a scheme that was budgeted for, the money should be available," she said. | "This is a scheme that was budgeted for, the money should be available," she said. |
"I don't know what's happening inside the department, but the trade union movement has a meeting with government at the highest level next week and this is going to feature as a key item on the agenda. | "I don't know what's happening inside the department, but the trade union movement has a meeting with government at the highest level next week and this is going to feature as a key item on the agenda. |
"It is a double hit, it's vulnerable jobs in vulnerable communities and it's the services inside the community as well." | "It is a double hit, it's vulnerable jobs in vulnerable communities and it's the services inside the community as well." |