Ritchie welcomes access to big society capital

SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has been given assurances by the government that the Big Society Capital Fund will be available to charities and social enterprises in Northern Ireland.

Ms Ritchie was speaking in the House of Commons during questions to the Minister for the Cabinet Office. The Minister expressed his willingness to consider the investment propositions being brought forward in Northern Ireland.

Speaking to Newry Times, Ms Ritchie said: “The Minister has given his assurance that charities and social enterprises in Northern Ireland can avail of the Big Society Capital. Applications for the fund will be assessed specifically on the quality of investment procedures being brought forward which I am confident will be of a high standard.”

“The Big Society Capital must be accessible in Northern Ireland so that this useful resource can tackle deprivation in hard to reach communities. This is particularly pertinent in Northern Ireland where there are isolated rural communities and where there are 20-35 areas of disadvantage.”

She added, “I am encouraged by the minister’s remarks but I will work to ensure that he follows through with this commitment so that  people in Northern Ireland can look forward to the benefits of the Big Society Capital fund.”

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=16989

Posted by Newry Times News on Jun 14 2012. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry