Communities Minister set out today a long-term,
deliverable cross-government approach to tackling poverty in
Northern Ireland.
Speaking in the NI Assembly, the Minister said: “When I
took up office, I made it clear that tackling poverty is a key
priority as part of my focus on improving lives and transforming
communities.
“I am pleased to bring forward a new approach that has
secured Executive backing and will deliver real change through
joined-up working across government.
“The draft Anti-Poverty Strategy is designed to tackle
the root causes of poverty as well as delivering a range of
interventions to effectively support those people experiencing
poverty and provide pathways out of poverty.
“I thank my Executive colleagues who have worked to
develop a Strategy which can and will make a difference to
people's lives. The Strategy is the culmination of considerable
hard work, collaboration and co-design. Ministers and officials
across the Executive departments have worked together on the
draft in a real spirit of co-operation and collective
ownership.
“This represents my commitment to real delivery,
sustained over the long-term, to eradicate poverty
here.”
The cross-government strategic delivery model includes a new
Anti-Poverty Strategy Board, which will drive forward measures
and actions on the ground and monitor delivery against targets
over the next 10 years. It will harness the momentum already
established across the Executive departments during the
preparation of the draft presented today.
The Minister added: “Poverty is not a problem the
Executive can solve in isolation. It will require government,
public bodies, voluntary and community organisations,
communities, families and individuals all working together to
make a meaningful and lasting change to our society.
“I am opening a public consultation today to give an
opportunity for everyone to have their say.
“I encourage all interested people to participate and
share new ideas and innovative approaches to further strengthen
this vital work forward.”
An extended 14-week consultation process opens today. For more
information please visit https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/consultations/consultation-ni-executive-anti-poverty-strategy
Link to full Assembly statement please visit https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/news/ministerial-statement-gordon-lyons-mla-minister-communities-launch-public-consultation-executives-anti-poverty-strategy
