Ulster Unionist Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, has described the latest revelation of OFMdFM`s lack of delivery of the Social Investment Fund as yet another example of inefficiency, indecision and incompetency at the centre of the devolved institutions.
Mike Nesbitt said:
“OFMdFM`s administration of the Social Investment Fund has plumbed new depths. Last week we heard that they couldn`t give the money away – now they`re handing it back. While hard pressed communities across Northern Ireland are crying out for support, OFMdFM are handing back £5 million of funding.
“The delivery of the Social Investment Fund is a perfect example of how not to do government with inefficiency, indecision and incompetency at the centre of the devolved institutions. Given last week`s revelation that £79 million of the £80 million fund remains unspent over two years after its announcement, perhaps it`s time for OFMdFM to admit that they are out of their depth.
“My office has been contacted by groups who had previously been told that they will be getting funding, yet have been left high and dry with no indication of when it will happen. It`s simply not good enough.
“The latest figures from OFMdFM project a total spend on SIF of £15.3 million by the end of March 2016, a year after OFMdFM promised to have spent the full £80 million. That's a miserable 19%. Never mind the old school adage "Must Try Harder", if this was a GCSE the First Minister and Deputy First Minister would get a U grade, signifying nothing worthy of credit.”