South Antrim MP Robin Swann has sent a letter to the Prime Minister requesting direct intervention in a Northern Ireland funding dispute. The concern involves the replacement of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with the Local Growth Fund.

Swann stated that the new fund's structure could create a funding gap affecting 11,000 vulnerable individuals. He noted that around 400 jobs in the community and voluntary sector face risk.

The Local Growth Fund allocates funding on a 70:30 basis, with most directed to capital projects and less to revenue needs. Swann argued this split fails to support staff delivering services for mental health issues and economic inactivity.

Swann first raised the matter at Prime Minister's Questions in January. He sought guarantees that the transition would not interrupt operations.

In his letter, Swann called for a more flexible model suited to Northern Ireland's community organisations. He referenced the Prime Minister's reported push for less deference toward devolved regions in spending.

Swann pressed the Prime Minister to adjust the fund to cover essential revenue costs, such as salaries for skilled workers. No public response has come from the Prime Minister.