To ask the Minister for Communities for a breakdown of what the additional monies allocated to external partners is being used for since 3 February 2024.

Since becoming Minister for Communities, on 3 February, I have been able to allocate £4.6m of funding, as at the time of your question, to external partners. Detail on what the funding is being used for is set out below:

Resource DEL

A £3m allocation to the Supporting People Programme that will help sustain housing-related support to vulnerable people within Supporting People schemes. This will assist vital services to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

A £1m investment in library bookstock which will have a positive impact on lending, membership and participation in Libraries.

A £0.4m allocation to Voluntary and Community Sector that will help sustain the provision of services to individuals and to groups, by helping them with running costs to maintain opening hours.

Additional funding totalling £0.07m for Independent Library bodies to provide support given the rising costs they have faced.

This year represents the 40th year of Volunteers Week and Volunteer Now and a £0.04m allocation I have provided will contribute towards reward and recognition events to thank volunteers.

Capital DEL

An additional £0.1m allocation to the Arts Council NI to fund additional awards under the Musical Instruments Programme.