Eastwood welcomes stopping of planned cuts to services

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has welcomed the stopping of proposed cuts to youth services and a range of early years programmes by the Department of Education.

Said the Foyle MP: “The planned cuts to youth services and early years services were unacceptable, and the axing of the Pathway Fund would have disadvantaged children in Derry and potentially risk jobs.

“The expected end of the Pathway Fund caused significant distress and outrage among families in Derry and the North.

“These programmes have enabled life-changing work for thousands of children; any cuts are unacceptable. Early interventions are critical in reducing public costs in the long term, and this fund pays for itself many times over.

“Allowing the Pathway Fund to end would be morally and ethically wrong, and I’m glad these cuts won’t proceed.

“I would encourage the department to explore the possibility of bringing back schemes previously stopped to ensure that our children and young people get the best start in life and that harsh budget cuts do not impact their futures.”

Tags: