Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that disability groups in Northern Ireland that are currently receiving funding from the European Social Fund will now receive funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund, and that such arrangements are handled in a timely manner to ensure there is no gap in funding.

The economic inactivity competition closed on 27th January 2023, and we have received a strong and positive response from organisations across Northern Ireland seeking to deliver economic inactivity and Multiply support. We recognise the need for this important funding to be in place promptly as the European Social Fund support draws to a close in Northern Ireland.

You will be aware that the overall approach to addressing economic inactivity set out in the UKSPF Investment Plan has been informed by discussions with local partners - representative groups from key sectors, including the voluntary and community sector, business, higher education, skills and local authorities, and engagement activity with a wide range of organisations including disability groups over the summer. I can confirm that we will publish information on the successful projects as soon as we are able.