Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill criticised Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn's approach to funding for community groups. She said the UK government's replacement for ended EU schemes falls short for the voluntary sector.

O'Neill made the comments after an International Women's Day event. There she met representatives from groups including Women's Aid, which works on gendered violence in Northern Ireland.

EU funding from the European Social Fund to charities and community groups in Northern Ireland ended in 2023 due to Brexit. The UK government replaced it with the Shared Prosperity Fund. That fund will be succeeded by the Local Growth Fund next year.

The Local Growth Fund uses a 70/30 capital-to-revenue allocation. This change cuts resources for the voluntary and community sector. The Northern Ireland Executive wrote to UK Communities Secretary Steve Reed to request better resource distribution.

Benn stated the Executive can add its own funds to government allocations if it views the programmes as important.

O'Neill said the UK government promised equivalent replacement funding after Brexit but did not provide it. She noted groups in England receive funding with the previous capital and revenue balance, unlike in Northern Ireland. This has led to staff layoffs and job insecurity.

She said community groups carry out essential work that government departments cannot match. O'Neill called for funding treatment equal to that in England.

A UK government spokesperson said the Local Growth Fund supports long-term infrastructure for UK economic growth. They noted the UK government and Northern Ireland Executive agreed on funding for economic inactivity programmes, giving organisations planning clarity. Work with the Executive and sector continues before the fund starts on 1 April.