Regional imbalance between Derry/Strabane and Belfast further highlighted
The regional imbalance between Derry and Strabane compared to Belfast has been further highlighted by the disproportionate number of applications to the Advisor Discretion Fund (ADF) from both areas.
More people in Derry and Strabane have sought additional help via the ADF than in the whole of Belfast in the last five years.
The stark statistics were uncovered by Aontú’s Ballyarnett representative Emmet Doyle through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Department for Communities.
ADF is a non-repayable grant award of up to £1,500, within a 12-month period, designed to remove financial barriers to employment, including upfront childcare costs.
Grants can also be made for training and professional registration fees; travel costs for interviews or starting a new job; equipment, clothing, or tools needed for work; and costs associated with starting or maintaining self-employment.
Speaking to The Derry News, Mr Doyle revealed 3,238 people in Derry and Strabane were awarded ADF grants, as opposed to 3,029 in Belfast, between April 2021 and March 2026.
“The disparity in the ADF figures between Derry/Strabane and Belfast clearly demonstrates not just the level of need in local communities around childcare and training to help people get back into work, but also the gaps in the ordinary provision,” said Mr Doyle.
“Many people do not know about the additional support they can get through their work coach and that almost 600 of the grants approved here were for upfront childcare costs,” he added.
“In the five years for which Aontu received figures, more than 17,000 ADF grants were awarded. If each grant was for the maximum £1,500, that equates to more than £26m, with upfront childcare costs constituting the largest unmet need.
“High demand for the ADF highlights persistent structural challenges in the labour market and the impact of rising living costs on people’s ability to take up job opportunities without additional support.
The disparity in the ADF figures between Derry/Strabane and Belfast clearly demonstrates not just the level of need in local communities
“In addition, it once again highlights the regional imbalance between Derry/Strabane and Belfast in a negative fashion.
“The number of people seeking upfront support for childcare in particular demonstrates the rigid character of current childcare support for many parents who want to get back into work, and that needs to be addressed urgently.”