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12/03/2024
SDLP Calls For New Strategy To Tackle Child Poverty
The SDLP has called on the Executive to produce a new strategy to tackle child poverty.
The party's Opposition Communities Spokesperson, Daniel McCrossan, made the call after a Northern Ireland Audit Office report found one in five children are living in relative poverty.
It also found there has been little reduction in child poverty levels over the past eight years.
West Tyrone MLA Mr McCrossan said: “This audit office report makes clear that little progress has been made in reducing child poverty across the North over the last decade. We are still in a situation where far too many children are going without enough to eat and living in unsuitable housing without basic amenities and this is having a detrimental impact on their prospects later in life.
“As a result of living in poverty children are experiencing poorer health, not reaching their full potential in school and even living shorter lives. Poverty is still a scourge on far too communities here and these children and their families are being failed. Challenges around the cost of living crisis have put additional pressures on families and the lack of adequate childcare support is also impacting many parents' ability to work full-time, but the Executive policy around tackling poverty hasn’t worked and a new approach is needed.
“To get to grips with these issues we need a child poverty strategy with binding targets and proper resources. Ministers and departments need to work together and face their responsibilities when it comes to this important issue. The SDLP Opposition has also been vocal on the need for a general anti-poverty strategy, which the Executive has a legal duty to introduce. We have already raised this directly with Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and these strategies will be key in ensuring that our young people and families across the North no longer have to struggle or live in poverty.."
The party's Opposition Communities Spokesperson, Daniel McCrossan, made the call after a Northern Ireland Audit Office report found one in five children are living in relative poverty.
It also found there has been little reduction in child poverty levels over the past eight years.
West Tyrone MLA Mr McCrossan said: “This audit office report makes clear that little progress has been made in reducing child poverty across the North over the last decade. We are still in a situation where far too many children are going without enough to eat and living in unsuitable housing without basic amenities and this is having a detrimental impact on their prospects later in life.
“As a result of living in poverty children are experiencing poorer health, not reaching their full potential in school and even living shorter lives. Poverty is still a scourge on far too communities here and these children and their families are being failed. Challenges around the cost of living crisis have put additional pressures on families and the lack of adequate childcare support is also impacting many parents' ability to work full-time, but the Executive policy around tackling poverty hasn’t worked and a new approach is needed.
“To get to grips with these issues we need a child poverty strategy with binding targets and proper resources. Ministers and departments need to work together and face their responsibilities when it comes to this important issue. The SDLP Opposition has also been vocal on the need for a general anti-poverty strategy, which the Executive has a legal duty to introduce. We have already raised this directly with Communities Minister Gordon Lyons and these strategies will be key in ensuring that our young people and families across the North no longer have to struggle or live in poverty.."
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01 July 2014
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About 20% of children in Northern Ireland were classified as living in poverty in 2012-2013, according to the Northern Ireland Poverty Bulletin published today by the Department for Social Development.
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About 20% of children in Northern Ireland were classified as living in poverty in 2012-2013, according to the Northern Ireland Poverty Bulletin published today by the Department for Social Development.
17 December 2013
Child Poverty On The Increase
Child poverty in Northern Ireland continues to increase, according to a report entitled 'Households Below Average Income, Northern Ireland, 2011/12' released today. The amount of children living in poverty increased between 2010-11 and 2011-12, the report found.
Child Poverty On The Increase
Child poverty in Northern Ireland continues to increase, according to a report entitled 'Households Below Average Income, Northern Ireland, 2011/12' released today. The amount of children living in poverty increased between 2010-11 and 2011-12, the report found.
31 January 2005
Make Poverty History campaign launched in NI
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.
Make Poverty History campaign launched in NI
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.
10 January 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.
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.
06 July 2022
Finance Minister Meets With Energy Charities
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has met with members of the National Energy Action Charity and Fuel Poverty Coalition to discuss the current cost of living crisis. Speaking following the meeting, Minister Murphy said: "I welcomed the opportunity to meet with the National Energy Action Charity and Fuel Poverty Coalition.
Finance Minister Meets With Energy Charities
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy has met with members of the National Energy Action Charity and Fuel Poverty Coalition to discuss the current cost of living crisis. Speaking following the meeting, Minister Murphy said: "I welcomed the opportunity to meet with the National Energy Action Charity and Fuel Poverty Coalition.
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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.
