Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has questioned when a multi-million pound fund designed to support the community and voluntary sector will be made to available to organisations to help them through the pandemic.

The Department of Finance’s Dormant Accounts Fund takes money from dormant bank and building societies to support capacity and sustainability in the third sector. Ms Armstrong said it had never been more important to try and secure the future of such organisations,

“Like many parts of our society, the community and voluntary sector has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and the sad fact is, many organisations will struggle to survive this crisis,” said the Strangford MLA.

“The third sector does amazing work across the community, having a major impact on many people’s lives. I welcome confirmation from the Minister this important fund now totals £20.5 million but it was designed to help support the sector and it has never been in need of greater help than right now.

“The Minister needs to ensure the funds are delivered so our vital community and voluntary organisations are able to weather the storm and ensure their very survival, continuing to deliver the socially necessary services they provide across Northern Ireland.”