NICCY continues to be extremely concerned at the cuts to the Northern Ireland (NI) Budget and how these may affect the services and provision for children and young people.
We are aware that this Budget comes on the back of the cost-of-living crisis, rising costs, increased demand on public services, serious economic and public finance pressures, the recent absence of the NI Executive, challenges associated with Brexit and the ongoing impact of the pandemic, all of which have had an extremely detrimental impact on, delivery for, children and young people and their families.
We recognised the extremely difficult position of having to administer cuts, and have written to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, to the Secretary of State for NI, to political party leaders, Permanent Secretaries, the Head of the Civil Service and all Executive Ministers to highlight concerns, multiple times.
We have also held relevant meetings to address concerns on the impact of the financial situation on children’s rights and subsequent access to services with relevant authorities.
The full response can be downloaded at the right-hand side of this page.