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Council launches fact-finding mission into political interference in community sector
Derry City and Strabane District Council is calling on groups to apply for their Cultural Grant Aid programme.
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Derry City and Strabane District Council has initiated a ‘fact-finding mission to determine whether there was political interference in the use of Covid-19 funding in the city.
The local council received over £1.6m in Covid funding during the pandemic.
Money was used to support people who were experiencing financial hardship during the pandemic including those experiencing food and fuel poverty.
People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin has alleged that there was ‘possible political interference’ in the council’s Covid Community Response.
Advice Centres in Derry angry over proposed funding cuts
“It’s absolutely scandalous. Why would anyone consider cutting funds during a pandemic when there is increased unemployment and mental health problems.”
Advice NW and Resource Centre Derry have been impacted by proposed funding cuts.
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There are three recognised advice providers based in the city.
The Derry News has seen a document from an independent consultant who recommended annual funding be reduced for two of the advice centres - Advice NW by £24k and Resource Centre Derry in Carnhill by £11k.
At the same time, the consultant recommended that a third local advice centre, Dove House in the Bogside, receive an uplift of around £35k.
Planned meeting between Derry s police commander and local council cancelled at the last-minute
Discussion had been due to take place this afternoon
Local police commander Darrin Jones.
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Derry s police commander has pulled out of a planned meeting with local councillors later today.
Local PSNI commander Darrin Jones had been due to take part in an online meeting with members of Derry City and Strabane District Council this afternoon to discuss a range of issues, including the police s handing of a number of recent incidents in Derry.
However, the meeting has been cancelled.
Aontú councillor Emmet Doyle hit out at its late cancellation.