The Northern Ireland Executive has finally agreed an anti-poverty strategy, which was first announced almost 20 years ago, and has been the subject of a legal challenge due to their failure to deliver it on time.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the legal challenge has had “no impact whatsoever” on the delivery of the strategy, and that it is a “good day for Northern Ireland.”
Speaking at a press conference with First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Lyons said there is now “cross-departmental agreement on the strategic actions that we need to take.”
“This is not just a document, it is a commitment from us to do all that we can to transform lives here. It’s not a sticking plaster or a short-term fix, but a long-term plan to tackle the root causes of poverty.”
“To those who are struggling today, I want to say this: we see you, we hear you, and this strategy is for you,” he concluded.
Former Sinn Fein Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey was working on this strategy during her time at the department, but this new strategy from DUP Minister Gordon Lyons does have changes. Sinn Fein vice-president Michelle O’Neill was asked about this by reporters.
“Everything doesn’t need to be painted as a row, is there differences of approach at times, yes, on this issue, do I think it could go further, probably yes,” she said.
“Let’s work that out through consultation. It’s good that it’s out there now. We have a chance to discuss it even more, and then it will come back to the Executive if we need to improve it.”
The full detail of the strategy will be presented to the Northern Ireland Assembly next week and will then go out for public consultation, before going back to the Executive for a final review.
Education Minister Paul Givan also announced a £55 million package of measures for early learning and childcare, including an extension of the Northern Ireland Childcare Subsidy Scheme to cover school-age children from September 2025.
According to the Department of Education, over 24,000 children will benefit from the discount, an increase of 60%.
“Working parents of school-age children will now receive the 15% subsidy, up to the capped amount, on their childcare bills. When this is combined with Tax-Free Childcare, it will provide a reduction of up to 32% on childcare bills,” the minister said.
