To ask the Minister for Communities what assessment has been made of the reduction in calls and contacts the advice sector will be able to answer as a result of the reduction in financial support for this service in the budget paper presented to the Committee for Communities on 28 January 2021.

I am fully aware of the vital importance of the provision of advice support services. That is why I have already publicly stated that I will ensure these critical services continue next year as an essential element of the Department’s budget.

It is clear that the draft budget presents very significant challenges for the Executive and across departments with a constrained Spending Review outcome.

The Draft 2021-2022 Executive Budget is currently out for consultation and all responses will be taken into account in finalising the Budget. No decisions on the final outcome have been made yet. Now is the chance for people to have their say on how the Draft Executive Budget will impact them, which will help shape the final outcome.