Lyons sets out first anti-poverty strategy for Northern Ireland
Date published:
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons 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 the Department for Communities website.
The full Assembly statement is available on the Department for Communities website.
