Fears of £1.5m advice sector funds cut

THE Northern Ireland advice sector could be “crippled” if funding cuts go ahead, it is feared.

A £1.5million reduction has been proposed in next year’s draft budget.

Advice NI expressed “deep shock” and said such a move would lead to the loss of 45 jobs within the sector.

It pointed out the Welfare Reform Support Project has dealt with 126,616 inquiries over the past year and the independent advice sector has helped the Department for Communities with the running of the Covid-19 Community Helpline.

Chief executive Bob Stronge added: “It is the clear view of Advice NI the proposal not to prioritise this funding is very shortsighted and will undoubtedly differentially impact the most vulnerable at a time when they need all the independent advice they can get.”

Green Party councillor Anthony Flynn said: “This will not only have a detrimental impact on the delivery of advice services to those who need it, but also comes at a time when demand is likely to increase due to the end of the furlough scheme and increased job losses.”

However, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said those most impacted by the pandemic and economic crisis will not be denied access to advice support services.

She added: “No decisions on the final outcome have been made yet.”

SCHOOLCHILDREN logged in for a Zoom lesson only to be confronted by naked men making threats – on Safer Internet Day.

The pupils, aged 10 to 12, were meant to view a session with an author encouraging them to read.

But parents said “several foreign men” committed lewd acts in Monday’s session, hosted by an outside provider for around six schools in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

One mum said: “I feel sick to my stomach.”

Police are investigating and were told the lesson was hacked by two men.