The Commission for Victims and Survivors NI has warned that victims and survivors of the Troubles/conflict risk losing timely access to essential support services unless urgent action is taken to address mounting pressures across the sector.

The Commission provided evidence to the Committee for the Executive Office following the recently announced Victims and Survivors Service funding programme and concerns about the sustainability of frontline services.

Following the Committee appearance, Commissioner Joe McVey said:

“The Commission has a statutory duty to review services for victims and survivors and ensure they can meet current and future needs.

The evidence reflects growing concern from funded victims and survivor groups about reduced services, increasing waiting lists and the possible loss of some frontline provision during the current funding period.”

The Commission said its key priorities remain:

• Immediate additional funding to stabilise frontline services.
• A cross-departmental and intergovernmental strategic approach involving the Executive, Westminster and the Irish Government.
• A robust assessment of current and future need.
• Early planning to future-proof services beyond the current funding cycle and ahead of the end of PEACEPLUS funding.

The Commission highlights increasing demand linked to legacy processes, including the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme, the Regional Trauma Network, and other developing legacy mechanisms.

“Many victims and survivors are being asked to revisit deeply traumatic experiences through legacy processes and applications,” the Commissioner said.

“That requires specialist, trauma-informed and sustainable support services. If those services are weakened or reduced, victims and survivors themselves will bear the consequences.”

The Commissioner also warned that the sector is facing a significant funding cliff edge with the planned conclusion of PEACEPLUS funding in 2028, alongside increasing pressures arising from new and emerging legacy structures.

“The challenge is no longer simply about annual funding pressures. This is now a strategic issue about how society meets its long-term obligations to people still living with the physical and psychological impact of the Troubles/conflict.

Without long-term planning, there is a real danger that service gaps will widen, expertise will be lost and victims and survivors will face further uncertainty and retraumatisation.”

The Commission acknowledged the efforts made by The Executive Office, Victims Support Services and funded groups during the development of the current programme, while noting that budget allocations remain indicative at this stage pending further clarification from TEO.

Mr McVey added:

“Victims and survivors must remain at the centre of decision-making.

The message we are hearing clearly from groups across the sector is that demand, complexity and uncertainty are increasing.

What victims and survivors need now is reassurance that support will remain accessible, sustainable and capable of meeting their needs into the future.”

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