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European Social Fund: 'Gaps' remain as charities get £57m replacement cash

Posted: Fri Mar 31, 2023 3:33 pm
by newspotted
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The UK government has announced a £57m package to support Northern Ireland community groups facing a funding crisis due to a loss of EU money.

The package will replace the European Social Fund (ESF), which stopped on Friday as a result of Brexit.

It comes amid concerns for the future of many organisations which could still be forced to reduce services or close.

Community groups have been receiving funding decisions throughout Friday.

The money from the UK government's Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) is more than the £42m over two years originally advertised to tackle economic inactivity.

Eighteen large projects which help support people into work will receive the financial backing.

However, the new scheme is still expected to be oversubscribed, meaning some organisations will lose funding.