Sinn Féin Councillor Ciaran Beattie has called for the Alliance Party to ‘get real’ if they are serious about tackling deprivation in Belfast City Council.

The Sinn Féin Party Group Leader on Belfast City said: 

“Tackling deprivation is a priority and we now have an opportunity to act which should not be squandered. 

“Sinn Féin want to see the £8m Neighbourhood Renewal Fund allocated on the basis of 50 per cent on population size and 50 per cent on the extent of deprivation. 

“This will allow for more effective and targeted interventions in the most deprived working-class communities across our city and help to create jobs, opportunities and enhance facilities. 

“The proposal from Alliance to allocate 75 per cent based on population and only 25 per cent on deprivation figures would be a lost opportunity. 

“This illogical and irrational proposal would result in funding being prioritised for areas with larger population sizes over deprived working-class communities in need.  

“It is beggar’s belief that the Alliance party would propose a formula to reduce funding into areas of deprivation and poverty. 

“There can be no middle of the road when it comes to tackling deprivation, the Alliance Party must stop politicking with livelihoods and get real about tackling deprivation.”