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10/01/2012
More Work Needed To Tackle Child Poverty
According to recent research more needs to be done to get children in Northern Ireland out of Poverty, with the British Government being blamed for the elimination target slipping.
The charity Barnardos has revealed that two areas in Northern Ireland have two of the highest rates of child poverty in the UK.
A new report from the Campaign to End Child Poverty has reported that West Belfast has child poverty rates totaling 46% while Londonderry has rates of 36%.
Northern Ireland has a recorded 17% of children living in workless households compared to 13% this time last year. The charity said that NI racks up the highest figure in the whole of the UK and it is apparent that the recession has had a very clear impact on Northern Ireland.
A call has been made for the government to put into action plans that will get people back into work and create jobs in a bid to alleviate child poverty.
Sinn Féin MP for West Belfast, Paul Maskey, has stated that the British government will lead to the target of eliminating child poverty by 2020 slipping but has welcomed the work being carried out by the Executive to tackle this pressing issue.
Speaking following a report from the Campaign to End Child Poverty which highlighted Mr Maskey said: “These figures, indicating that West and North Belfast along with Foyle have some of the highest levels of child poverty is unfortunately not surprising.
"For decades these wards have seen huge underinvestment by successive British governments in terms of job creation, housing, infrastructural investment and other such factors that affect the quality of life for the people living here.
"Under the Child Poverty Act the British government are obliged to end child poverty by 2020. The stark reality though is that with the current policies being pursued by the Tory led coalition these targets could be difficult to reach and will only exacerbate the problem.
"While the Executive is facing this problem head on with a programme for government commitment aimed at eradicating child poverty, they are constrained by the severe British cuts of over 4bn to the block grant along with issues such as the Welfare Reform bill, higher taxes on fuel increasing fuel poverty and decreased public spending.
“However measures from the Executive include the development of a poverty outcomes model along with the progressing of a child poverty action plan, in conjunction with the Poverty and Social Inclusion stakeholder forum, which is working to deliver a number of signature projects that would alleviate child poverty."
(LB)
The charity Barnardos has revealed that two areas in Northern Ireland have two of the highest rates of child poverty in the UK.
A new report from the Campaign to End Child Poverty has reported that West Belfast has child poverty rates totaling 46% while Londonderry has rates of 36%.
Northern Ireland has a recorded 17% of children living in workless households compared to 13% this time last year. The charity said that NI racks up the highest figure in the whole of the UK and it is apparent that the recession has had a very clear impact on Northern Ireland.
A call has been made for the government to put into action plans that will get people back into work and create jobs in a bid to alleviate child poverty.
Sinn Féin MP for West Belfast, Paul Maskey, has stated that the British government will lead to the target of eliminating child poverty by 2020 slipping but has welcomed the work being carried out by the Executive to tackle this pressing issue.
Speaking following a report from the Campaign to End Child Poverty which highlighted Mr Maskey said: “These figures, indicating that West and North Belfast along with Foyle have some of the highest levels of child poverty is unfortunately not surprising.
"For decades these wards have seen huge underinvestment by successive British governments in terms of job creation, housing, infrastructural investment and other such factors that affect the quality of life for the people living here.
"Under the Child Poverty Act the British government are obliged to end child poverty by 2020. The stark reality though is that with the current policies being pursued by the Tory led coalition these targets could be difficult to reach and will only exacerbate the problem.
"While the Executive is facing this problem head on with a programme for government commitment aimed at eradicating child poverty, they are constrained by the severe British cuts of over 4bn to the block grant along with issues such as the Welfare Reform bill, higher taxes on fuel increasing fuel poverty and decreased public spending.
“However measures from the Executive include the development of a poverty outcomes model along with the progressing of a child poverty action plan, in conjunction with the Poverty and Social Inclusion stakeholder forum, which is working to deliver a number of signature projects that would alleviate child poverty."
(LB)
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31 January 2005
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The Coalition of Aid and Development Agencies (CADA) today launched its Make Poverty History campaign in Northern Ireland. The campaign is part of a worldwide initiative, the Global Call to Action Against Poverty, highlighting 2005 as a year when governments must act on their previous commitments to combat world poverty.
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The Coalition of Aid and Development Agencies (CADA) today launched its Make Poverty History campaign in Northern Ireland. The campaign is part of a worldwide initiative, the Global Call to Action Against Poverty, highlighting 2005 as a year when governments must act on their previous commitments to combat world poverty.
20 February 2013
West Belfast Shows Second Highest Child Poverty In UK
West Belfast has the second highest level of child poverty in the UK, according to a new report by a children's poverty campaign. The End Child Poverty campaign found that, out of the 650 UK parliamentary constituencies, only Manchester Central exhibited a higher level of deprivation.
West Belfast Shows Second Highest Child Poverty In UK
West Belfast has the second highest level of child poverty in the UK, according to a new report by a children's poverty campaign. The End Child Poverty campaign found that, out of the 650 UK parliamentary constituencies, only Manchester Central exhibited a higher level of deprivation.
04 February 2005
Half-a-million NI people below poverty line, claims report
A new report has claimed that over 500,000 people in Northern Ireland are living below the poverty line. According to the report ‘Bare Necessities - Poverty And Social Exclusion In Northern Ireland’ a higher proportion of families are living in poverty in Northern Ireland than in either Britain or the Republic of Ireland.
Half-a-million NI people below poverty line, claims report
A new report has claimed that over 500,000 people in Northern Ireland are living below the poverty line. According to the report ‘Bare Necessities - Poverty And Social Exclusion In Northern Ireland’ a higher proportion of families are living in poverty in Northern Ireland than in either Britain or the Republic of Ireland.
02 August 2002
Child poverty levels 'absolutely outrageous'
Save the Children has described as "absolutely outrageous" the findings of their report indicating child poverty had risen, and now afflicts almost half of Northern Ireland's children.
Child poverty levels 'absolutely outrageous'
Save the Children has described as "absolutely outrageous" the findings of their report indicating child poverty had risen, and now afflicts almost half of Northern Ireland's children.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
