Addressing Poverty in Northern Ireland: Insights from the Anti-Poverty Strategy Network

Introduction

Yesterday, we had the honour of attending the Anti-Poverty Strategy Network event at the Long Gallery in Stormont. This event brought together representatives from 20 organisations, all committed to tackling poverty and social exclusion in our local communities and advocating for those we support. It was an inspiring day filled with meaningful discussions and collaborative efforts to create impactful strategies and solutions to address poverty in Northern Ireland. The atmosphere at the event was one of urgency, but also of hope, as everyone present was dedicated to addressing poverty in Northern Ireland. 

Poverty in Northern Ireland

Poverty remains a significant concern and has far-reaching impacts in Northern Ireland. Approximately 18% of individuals (around 349,000 people) were living in relative poverty in 2022/23 (GOV UK, 2024). Child poverty is particularly concerning, with nearly one in four children (24%) affected by relative poverty, and 19% living in absolute poverty (DoC, 2024). Additionally, 16% of working-age adults and 14% of pensioners are living in relative poverty (GOV UK, 2024). These figures highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive Anti-Poverty Strategy to address the high levels of poverty and income inequality in the region. The human impact of these statistics is profound, affecting the quality of life and opportunities available to many individuals and families.

Rural Poverty in Northern Ireland

Rural communities in Northern Ireland face unique challenges, especially with centralised health services. Residents often travel long distances for care, increasing both time and costs. Limited public transport makes car ownership essential, adding to living expenses with fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs. More than two-thirds of journeys in Northern Ireland are made by car (BBC, 2024).

The extra costs associated with living in rural areas extend beyond transportation. Rural households often face higher living costs, including heating and food expenses. Fuel poverty is a significant issue, with 48% of those living in isolated rural areas described as living in fuel poverty (NI Assembly, 2010). Decisions about whether to "heat or eat" are a harsh reality for many rural residents, particularly the elderly, who may not be aware of or able to access financial assistance.

Centralised health services can lead to delayed medical attention and poorer health outcomes for rural residents. Innovative solutions like telemedicine are essential to bridge the gap and provide equitable healthcare access. Addressing these challenges requires targeted policies and ensuring rural voices are heard in decision-making to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Rural poverty is an important issue that often goes unnoticed. Rural areas in Northern Ireland face unique challenges, including limited access to services, higher living costs, and isolation. Rural pensioners are particularly vulnerable, with 19% of rural pensioners living in relative poverty compared to 13% in urban areas (DAERA, 2024). This disparity underscores the need for targeted interventions to support rural communities and ensure equitable access to health services.

Legal Action

The Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) initiated legal proceedings against the regional government for its failure to develop an anti-poverty strategy. This follows a 2015 High Court ruling that deemed the government's inaction unlawful. Despite the restoration of the regional assembly in February 2024, no draft strategy has been presented to the Executive or put out for public consultation.

On January 31, 2025, the High Court heard a judicial review against the Stormont Executive for failing to adopt an anti-poverty strategy, a legal obligation under the St Andrews Agreement (NIPSA, 2025). The Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ), supported by the Public Interest Litigation Support (PILS), brought the challenge. The respondents included the Department for Communities, the Executive Office, and the First and deputy First Ministers (NIPSA, 2025).

During the hearing, counsel for the CAJ argued that the ongoing failure to adopt an anti-poverty strategy was "appalling" and highlighted the government's legal obligations (BBC, 2025). The court was reminded of the 2015 High Court ruling that deemed the government's inaction unlawful. Despite the restoration of the regional assembly in February 2024, no draft strategy had been presented to the Executive or put out for public consultation.
The hearing underscored the urgency of addressing poverty in Northern Ireland and the need for the government to fulfil its statutory obligations. The outcome of this legal challenge will be crucial in holding the government accountable and ensuring progress towards an effective anti-poverty strategy.

Background of the Anti-Poverty Strategy

The development of an Anti-Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland is a longstanding commitment, rooted in Section 28E of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. This section mandates that the NI Executive adopt a strategy to tackle poverty, social exclusion, and patterns of deprivation based on objective need. As part of the 2020 New Decade, New Approach agreement, it was stated that a restored Executive would develop and implement an Anti-Poverty Strategy.

The Anti-Poverty Strategy Group is made up of former members of the Anti-Poverty Co-Design Group, which was convened by the Minister for Communities in January 2021. This group worked alongside the Department of Communities to co-design an Anti-Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland, building upon the work of the Expert Advisory Panel and their report published in March 2021.

Organisations Involved

The Anti-Poverty Strategy Network includes a diverse range of organisations committed to tackling poverty and social exclusion. Some of the key organisations involved are:

• Children in Northern Ireland
• Barnardo's
• Children's Law Centre
• Advice NI
• NICVA
• Rural Community Network
• Step
• Women’s Support Network
• Trussell Trust
• Disability Action
• CWSAN Rural Support Network
• NICCY
• Law Centre NI
• Irish Congress of Trade Unions Northern Ireland Committee
• MindWise
• Age NI
• The Salvation Army
• Voice of Young People In Care

Formation of the Anti-Poverty Strategy Group

In 2024, the Minister for Communities communicated to the Co-Design Group that the process with the Department for Communities had come to an end, and there would be no further meetings of the Co-Design Group. Disappointed by the lack of engagement, members of the Co-Design Group decided to continue working together to influence the development of an Anti-Poverty Strategy and press for the publication of the draft strategy. Their determination to continue despite setbacks highlights their unwavering commitment to address poverty across our society.

Objectives of the Anti-Poverty Strategy Group

• Influence the development of a comprehensive, evidence-based Anti-Poverty Strategy.
• Press for consultation with civil society organisations and communities with lived experience.
• Advocate for the publication of the draft strategy and an inclusive, accessible, and meaningful consultation process.

Core Principles for an Anti-Poverty Strategy

The strategy should embody the following core principles:

• An overarching, comprehensive approach based on objective need and evidence.
• Clear, timebound targets.
• A rights-based approach.
• Lifecycle and place-based interventions.
• Full resourcing and cross-departmental responsibility.
• Cross-sectoral development and implementation.
• Incorporation of lived experiences.

Key Areas for the Anti-Poverty Strategy

Some key areas identified by the group include:

• Creation of an Anti-Poverty Act and Commission.
• Implementing a new child payment, delivering a childcare strategy, and making school participation cost-free.
• Addressing low pay and precarious work.
• Strengthening the benefits and social security system.
• Tackling poverty among pensioners and older people.
• Addressing cross-cutting issues like housing, employment inclusion, and access to services.

Outcomes of the Anti-Poverty Strategy

The strategy aims to achieve the following outcomes:

1. Creation of an Anti-Poverty Act: Ensuring the rights of people experiencing or at risk of poverty are promoted, protected, and realised.
2. Eradication of Child Poverty by 2040: Reducing child poverty by half over the lifetime of the strategy.
3. No Working-Age Person in Poverty: Ensuring all working-age individuals have sufficient income to participate fully in society and access services and pathways to meaningful employment.
4. No Older Person in Poverty: Reducing poverty rates among older people by 30%, working towards eradication within the strategy's lifetime.
5. Improved Environments in Deprived Areas: Creating attractive, safe, accessible, welcoming, and sustainable environments.
6. Equal Access to High-Quality Services: Ensuring all people experiencing or at risk of poverty have equal access to services that meet their needs in a timely manner, based on dignity, fairness, and respect.

Insights from the Event

• Colm Gildwernew (Sinn Fein MLA): Provided opening remarks and an overview of the strategy.
• Trasa Cevanan (Senior Policy & Public Affairs Lead, Barnardos): Emphasised the need for action over sympathetic words and highlighted the group's history and objectives.
• Human Rights NGO Speaker: Discussed ongoing legal cases and the importance of human rights in anti-poverty efforts.
• Dr Lisa Wilson (Nevin Economic Research Institute, Senior Economist): Provided data on the extent and depth of poverty, job security, social wage, and the economic cost of ending poverty.
• Alex Tenant (NICCY): Stressed the need for interim targets and the creation of an Anti-Poverty Commission; emphasised the importance of lived experiences.
• Danny Baker (SDLP MLA): Highlighted the need for specific actions for specific problems and discussed school meal consultations.
• John Patrick Clayton (Policy Officer, UNISON): Detailed the importance of public procurement policies and the real living wage; discussed collective bargaining and trade union recognition.
• Kelly Turtle (Head of Policy & Engagement, Age NI): Addressed issues faced by older workers and the importance of social benefits; mentioned the impact of Age NI's advice line.
• Samantha Gallagher (Rural Community Network): Discussed the intersectional realities of poverty, particularly in rural areas.

Our Involvement

We are proud to share that the Manager of our Mental Health and Money Advice Service has been a part of the steering group for the Anti-Poverty Network for the past two years. She attended the event yesterday along with Thomas Henry, a Senior Mental Health and Money Advisor.

Conclusion

The Anti-Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland is an essential initiative that requires the collective effort of all stakeholders. This is unacceptable, and as was highlighted at the event, it is community and voluntary organisations that are plugging the gaps and supporting those most impacted by poverty. How can an anti-poverty strategy not be a central concern for the government?

We are committed to influencing the strategy's development and ensuring it is comprehensive, evidence-based, and rights-focused. We encourage everyone to support our efforts and stay informed about the progress of the Anti-Poverty Strategy. Contact your local political representatives today and let them know that you stand with us in the fight against poverty. Let's continue to fight for a brighter future for all.