28/01/2026
Executive Demands Urgent Reform of Local Growth Fund
The Northern Ireland Executive have issued a collective call for the UK Government to overhaul the Local Growth Fund.
The move comes following an Executive meeting where ministers addressed the "very grave situation" currently threatening the region's Community and Voluntary Sector.
The Executive has formally written to Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, requesting an immediate adjustment to the fund’s allocation. Leaders are specifically seeking a more favourable "Resource" (revenue) allocation to prevent the collapse of essential services.
While the June 2025 Spending Review set aside £45.5m per year over a three-year period for the Local Growth Fund, the Executive argues that the delivery details—which only emerged late last year—fell far short of promised partnership working.
Ministers have highlighted two primary concerns regarding the current setup:
• Reduced Quantum: The total funding amount is insufficient to drive meaningful local growth.
• Capital/Revenue Split: The current balance prioritises capital spend over revenue, which the Executive warns will be "devastating" for the delivery of people-led interventions.
A spokesperson for the Executive stated: "The Community and Voluntary Sector have spelt this out clearly. It will decimate vital services which deliver economic growth and increased productivity."
The Executive remains adamant that the Community and Voluntary Sector is an "integral part" of the local economy. They believe there is still a window of opportunity for the Minister to rectify the funding profile and have expressed a readiness to "engage constructively" to protect highly valued organisations and the economic growth they support.
"With one voice, we are urging the Minister to rectify the profile of the Local Growth Fund here with a more favourable Resource allocation immediately," the statement concluded.
The move comes following an Executive meeting where ministers addressed the "very grave situation" currently threatening the region's Community and Voluntary Sector.
The Executive has formally written to Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, requesting an immediate adjustment to the fund’s allocation. Leaders are specifically seeking a more favourable "Resource" (revenue) allocation to prevent the collapse of essential services.
While the June 2025 Spending Review set aside £45.5m per year over a three-year period for the Local Growth Fund, the Executive argues that the delivery details—which only emerged late last year—fell far short of promised partnership working.
Ministers have highlighted two primary concerns regarding the current setup:
• Capital/Revenue Split: The current balance prioritises capital spend over revenue, which the Executive warns will be "devastating" for the delivery of people-led interventions.
A spokesperson for the Executive stated: "The Community and Voluntary Sector have spelt this out clearly. It will decimate vital services which deliver economic growth and increased productivity."
The Executive remains adamant that the Community and Voluntary Sector is an "integral part" of the local economy. They believe there is still a window of opportunity for the Minister to rectify the funding profile and have expressed a readiness to "engage constructively" to protect highly valued organisations and the economic growth they support.
"With one voice, we are urging the Minister to rectify the profile of the Local Growth Fund here with a more favourable Resource allocation immediately," the statement concluded.
Latest Northern Ireland News
28 January 2026
Belfast Kicks Off European City Of Sport 2026 With Free Activity Weekend
Belfast City Council and its leisure partner, GLL, have announced a weekend of free sports and fitness activities to celebrate the launch of the European City of Sport 2026 programme. The "On Your Marks!" open weekend is scheduled for Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February.
Belfast Kicks Off European City Of Sport 2026 With Free Activity Weekend
Belfast City Council and its leisure partner, GLL, have announced a weekend of free sports and fitness activities to celebrate the launch of the European City of Sport 2026 programme. The "On Your Marks!" open weekend is scheduled for Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February.
28 January 2026
Investigation Launches After North Belfast Shooting
Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a shooting in North Belfast on Tuesday evening, 27 January. The PSNI received a report shortly before 8pm that the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service was treating a man for gunshot wounds in Strathroy Park. The victim, who is in his late 30s, sustained a single gunshot wound to each leg.
Investigation Launches After North Belfast Shooting
Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a shooting in North Belfast on Tuesday evening, 27 January. The PSNI received a report shortly before 8pm that the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service was treating a man for gunshot wounds in Strathroy Park. The victim, who is in his late 30s, sustained a single gunshot wound to each leg.
28 January 2026
Winter Holidaymakers Warned Not To Forget Sun Protection
The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland have issued a joint reminder for travellers to pack sunscreen for their winter holidays. Whether heading to the beach or high-altitude ski slopes, experts warn that UV radiation can be just as damaging in the winter months as it is in the summer.
Winter Holidaymakers Warned Not To Forget Sun Protection
The Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland have issued a joint reminder for travellers to pack sunscreen for their winter holidays. Whether heading to the beach or high-altitude ski slopes, experts warn that UV radiation can be just as damaging in the winter months as it is in the summer.
28 January 2026
£600,000 Resurfacing Project Announced For Hillhead Road, Castledawson
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced a £600,000 carriageway resurfacing project for Hillhead Road, Castledawson, scheduled to commence on Monday 2 February 2026. The scheme will cover a 3.5-kilometre stretch of the road, extending from No.1 Harmony Hill to the junction with the A54 Oldtown Road.
£600,000 Resurfacing Project Announced For Hillhead Road, Castledawson
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced a £600,000 carriageway resurfacing project for Hillhead Road, Castledawson, scheduled to commence on Monday 2 February 2026. The scheme will cover a 3.5-kilometre stretch of the road, extending from No.1 Harmony Hill to the junction with the A54 Oldtown Road.
28 January 2026
Police Appeal Following Petrol Bomb Attack In Markethill
The PSNI is appealing for witnesses following an arson attack at a residential property in Markethill today, Wednesday 28 January. Officers were alerted to the incident in the Bunker Hill area at approximately 3.40am. Upon arrival at the scene, police discovered evidence of a petrol bomb.
Police Appeal Following Petrol Bomb Attack In Markethill
The PSNI is appealing for witnesses following an arson attack at a residential property in Markethill today, Wednesday 28 January. Officers were alerted to the incident in the Bunker Hill area at approximately 3.40am. Upon arrival at the scene, police discovered evidence of a petrol bomb.
28 January 2026
Justice Minister Calls For Action Against Online Sexual Exploitation
Justice Minister Naomi Long has formally contacted the UK Government to demand stronger action against the commercial sexual exploitation of women and girls via adult services websites.
Justice Minister Calls For Action Against Online Sexual Exploitation
Justice Minister Naomi Long has formally contacted the UK Government to demand stronger action against the commercial sexual exploitation of women and girls via adult services websites.
28 January 2026
Significant Progress Reported For Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service
The Department of Health has released the findings of a follow-up inspection into the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), revealing marked improvements across the organisation.
Significant Progress Reported For Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service
The Department of Health has released the findings of a follow-up inspection into the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS), revealing marked improvements across the organisation.
28 January 2026
Minister Launches £30,000 Support Fund For Co-Operatives
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced a new £30,000 funding initiative designed to stimulate the growth and development of co-operatives. The open call for proposals seeks to harness the social economy to create high-quality employment, improve regional economic balance, and bolster local community resilience.
Minister Launches £30,000 Support Fund For Co-Operatives
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced a new £30,000 funding initiative designed to stimulate the growth and development of co-operatives. The open call for proposals seeks to harness the social economy to create high-quality employment, improve regional economic balance, and bolster local community resilience.
28 January 2026
Landmark Report Tracks Northern Ireland's Environmental Progress
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has released the inaugural Annual Progress Report on Northern Ireland's Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP). The document evaluates government achievements since the EIP was first launched in September 2024.
Landmark Report Tracks Northern Ireland's Environmental Progress
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has released the inaugural Annual Progress Report on Northern Ireland's Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP). The document evaluates government achievements since the EIP was first launched in September 2024.
28 January 2026
Executive Demands Urgent Reform of Local Growth Fund
The Northern Ireland Executive have issued a collective call for the UK Government to overhaul the Local Growth Fund. The move comes following an Executive meeting where ministers addressed the "very grave situation" currently threatening the region's Community and Voluntary Sector.
Executive Demands Urgent Reform of Local Growth Fund
The Northern Ireland Executive have issued a collective call for the UK Government to overhaul the Local Growth Fund. The move comes following an Executive meeting where ministers addressed the "very grave situation" currently threatening the region's Community and Voluntary Sector.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.