AQW 52518/22-27 Written question to the Minister for Communities

To ask the Minister for Communities whether funding for the (i) Strategic Prevention Programme; and (ii) Community Homelessness Prevention, will continue to be ringfenced in the 2026-27 financial year.

Asked by Claire Sugden MLA on 21 September 2026

  • Answered
  • Written
Tabled
21 September 2026
Answer due by
6 October 2026
Answered
5 October 202614 days after tabling
Department
Department for Communities
Priority question
No

Answer

Funding for Strategic Prevention is ringfenced within the Housing Executive’s interim budget allocation in 2026/27.

While funding for Community Prevention and Support Initiatives is not ringfenced within the budget allocation, I have taken tough decisions to ensure it has been protected at the same level as in 2025/26.

I also circulated an Executive paper seeking additional funding to ensure homelessness services, including community and strategic prevention initiatives can be adequately and sustainably funded. However, this has not been agreed.

Official sources