Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has extended the Integrated Advice Partnership Fund into 2026/27. The programme received an interim review that confirmed its success across all 11 council areas in Northern Ireland.

Launched in November 2024, the fund provided £1.7 million to councils. Councils used the money for local initiatives to boost access to regulated debt advice. The initiatives also built referral routes to the NI Debt Advice Service.

Partners in the initiatives include advice providers, community organisations, housing support groups, GPs, schools, churches, food banks, and specialist charities. Each council tailored activities to its area.

The programme delivered 81 training sessions to 455 staff members. This built capacity in local services.

User surveys recorded 96% satisfaction with advice received. 92% of users felt more in control of finances. 95% noted better mental health or emotional wellbeing. 95% were satisfied with referrals.

Lyons allocated about £449,000 for the extension. The funds will sustain partnerships and referrals. They will also support adjustments to initiatives and new outreach methods.

Mid & East Antrim Community Advice Service gained funding via its council. The money hired a Financial Wellbeing Co-ordinator for outreach and community talks. Julia Cleeland, Operations Director, stated the support met clients at their needs and countered rising local demand.

The fund pairs with the NI Debt Advice Service run by Advice NI. Money traces to a financial sector levy via HM Treasury.