Children in Northern Ireland (CiNI) are the regional, umbrella organisation for the Children’s Sector in Northern Ireland, with over 130 members. We represent and give voice to the experiences, views, and aspirations of our members, ensuring their input informs and influences policy-makers and service providers. We convene two policy forums—the Child Poverty Alliance (CPA) and the Children with Disabilities Strategic Alliance (CDSA)—and act as the secretariat to the All Party Group on Children and Young People at the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The decision to cut Core Grant funding comes at a time when our members are already grappling with the impact of inflation, pushing them to the brink of collapse. These funding cuts will have far-reaching consequences, including redundancies, reduced services, increased pressure on statutory bodies, and, most distressingly, direct harm to our most vulnerable and marginalised children. Without the Core Grant, some organisations may be forced to close their doors, leaving a significant void in the support available to children and their families.

In response to our survey on the impact of the NI Budget 2023/24 on children and young people, examples raised by organisations include: the end of street-based services and reductions in night services; and the end of drug and alcohol programmes, parent support groups, child development programmes, and mental health services.[2] All of this compounds the harm that has already been caused by the cuts announced by the Department of Education to financial support for low-income families to help with the cost of food; counselling and therapeutic programmes for primary age pupils; learning support; and wraparound care for disadvantaged young people.[3]

It is crucial to recognise that the funding cuts arising from Northern Ireland’s 2023/24 budget disproportionately affect children and young people. The very organisations that provide invaluable support and services to children in need will bear the brunt of these cuts. This disproportionate impact undermines the collective efforts to improve the lives of our young people and threatens to reverse the progress made in recent years.

Community and voluntary sector organisations are not mere add-ons to government support; they are integral components of the support system for children and families. By working directly with children and their families, these organisations alleviate the pressure on statutory services, tackle complex issues at their roots, and improve outcomes in crucial areas such as health and education. Their local knowledge, flexibility, and non-stigmatising approach make them uniquely positioned to address the diverse and complex needs of our communities.

We need you and your political party to demonstrate your commitment to the well-being of children and families in Northern Ireland. We urgently request that you engage with the Department of Health and apply as much pressure as possible to reverse the decision to cut Core Grant funding. It is imperative to recognise and properly value the vital work undertaken by community and voluntary sector organizations.

Moreover, we urge you to champion the cause of ring-fenced funding for the Community and Voluntary Sector. By providing stable and secure funding, we can ensure the continuation of much-needed services and support for children and their families. This investment is not just an investment in our sector but an investment in the future of our society.

The decision to cut Core Grant funding has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only community and voluntary sector organisations but also the well-being of our most vulnerable and marginalised children. We call upon your support to reverse this decision, protect our sector, and secure the future of the invaluable services we provide. Let us work together to create a Northern Ireland where all children are valued, treated fairly, and able to flourish.