West Belfast Neighbourhood Partnerships discuss impact of budget cuts with Minister for Social Development
Recently appointed Minister for Social Development, Alex Attwood MLA, dropped into the offices of West Belfast Partnership Board to meet with community leaders from across West Belfast on Wednesday 23 June. The Minister heard from the community groups about the very valuable community programmes throughout the West of the city, which provide much needed childcare, job creation, youth and counselling services.
On the tip of everyone’s tongue was the announcement of swingeing budget cuts in London and community leaders were concerned that this would translate into a loss of services in the west of the city. The Minister said that he believed in being straight and honest with community organisations, and he was of the view that the Northern Ireland Executive would have no alternative but to make cuts and that his Department would have to take cuts as well – this would no doubt impact on local community based services, and on housing provision and urban regeneration.
In discussions with the Minister, the neighbourhood partnerships said they understood that budget cuts are inevitable, but they took the view that community services in west Belfast which target disadvantage and lift people out of poverty, should be protected. The Minister undertook to defend community services in west Belfast, and across the north, as best he could. The Neighbourhood partnerships are now seeking a meeting with MP Gerry Adams to seek his support for the protection of community services.
