19 March 2026
SDLP Opposition Education Spokesperson Cara Hunter MLA has expressed concern about funding for youth clubs and centres.
It comes after the Department of Education revealed funding has only been confirmed until June.
Funding of around £37m is no longer ring-fenced and could be diverted to other pressures in the education system.
East Derry MLA Cara Hunter said:
“This is deeply concerning news for our youth clubs and centres, their staff and the thousands of young people across Northern Ireland who rely on the services they provide. They are now facing a real funding cliff-edge, with no certainty to plan for the future and the threat of closure hanging over them.
“The work these organisations do cannot be overstated. In many cases they fill gaps and provide services that should be delivered by the Executive, whether that’s mental health support, training and skills or building better community relations. Cutting funding in this context is short-sighted and will cost us more in the long run.
“I am calling on the Education Minister to urgently clarify his position on this funding. The Executive’s failure to agree a multi-year budget or manage its finances is putting these and many other vital services at risk. Our youth clubs and centres are at the heart of our communities and their future must be protected.”