Party policy summary

The social economy accounts for between 5-8 per cent of economic activity in Northern Ireland, according to the Social Economy Network and the main political parties have stated their support for the sector through policy.

In its 2010 manifesto the DUP argued “the development of a meaningful and constructive concordat between the government and the third sector in Northern Ireland” was necessary.

The party is worried about the uncertainty of funding streams for voluntary and community groups as this can “undermine the good work going on” across the province. It would like to see funding being committed for longer periods.

Sinn Féin has also backed the social economy, stating in 2009 that their MEPs would work to ensure greater EU support for the social economy and, on a local level community initiatives, should be supported by the public sector to secure financial stability and job creation.

In 2009, the SDLP proposed that a £10 million fund to assist the social economy sector should be set up to “ensure that social and ethical objectives in enterprise are catered for in this time of downturn”.

In October the UUP’s Leslie Cree said he recognises “the potential that the social economy has for our society, job creation and more effective public services”. He also encouraged the “harnessing of public procurement and building the capacity of social enterprises” in the province.

The Alliance Party is also committed to investing in the development of the social economy. It supports the creation of a social enterprise equity fund for start-up and growing social enterprises.