Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill criticised Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn's approach to funding for community and voluntary groups. She stated that the UK government removed funding previously provided through EU schemes and failed to replace it adequately.

O'Neill made the comments after meeting representatives from groups including Women's Aid, which addresses gendered violence in Northern Ireland. The meeting occurred at an International Women's Day event.

EU funding from the European Social Fund to charities and community groups in Northern Ireland ended in 2023 due to Brexit. The UK government introduced the Shared Prosperity Fund as a replacement, which will be succeeded by the Local Growth Fund next year.

The Local Growth Fund allocates funding on a 70/30 capital-to-revenue basis. This shift has reduced resources for the voluntary and community sector. The Northern Ireland Executive contacted UK Communities Secretary Steve Reed to request improved resource distribution.

On Wednesday, Benn indicated that the Executive could contribute funds alongside UK government allocations if it considers the programmes essential.

O'Neill argued that the British government promised equivalent replacement funding post-Brexit but did not deliver. She noted that groups in England receive funding with the same capital and revenue proportions, while Northern Ireland groups face staff layoffs and job insecurity.

She stressed that community groups perform vital work beyond government departmental capacity. O'Neill said she raised the issue directly with Benn and will continue pressing for fair treatment matching that in England.

A UK government spokesperson stated that the Local Growth Fund supports long-term infrastructure for UK economic growth. They added that the UK government and Northern Ireland Executive agreed on economic inactivity programme funding, providing planning clarity for organisations this year. Work continues with the Executive and sector ahead of the fund's start on 1 April.