People Before Profit Cllr Shaun Harkin said,"The Anti-Poverty Strategy document backed by the Stormont Executive has faced a storm of criticism since it was released for consultation because it represents a point-blank refusal to tackle deprivation. It's a complete betrayal. The DUP and Sinn Féin appear to be at each other's throats in the returned Assembly, but Executive parties collectively agreed to this consultation document.
"In essence, it means the Executive has agreed to do nothing to challenge entrenched poverty. It's a pathetic waste of time and a massive missed opportunity.
"It is disgraceful for Sinn Féin, Alliance and the UUP to have allowed the DUP Minister's anti-poverty strategy to pass through the Executive for public consultation.
"Sinn Féin did not criticise the document, except to say it could probably go further. The problem is not about 'going further'. The consultation document doesn't have any proposals, actions or targets. It is a rehashing of what already exists - and what already exists is causing immense levels of household deprivation and child poverty.
Harkin notes, "Those of us opposed to this approach have made sure Derry City and Strabane District Council joined anti-poverty groups, trade unions, community organisations and many others to say it represents a 'missed opportunity' and should be completely replaced. We urge everyone concerned with poverty, deprivation and growing levels of inequality across all of our communities to use this box-checking consultation exercise to tell the Stormont Executive it must scrap what it endorsed and fully replace it."
The Stormont Executive should urgently act to use the researched, practical, and concrete proposals from the Expert Anti-Poverty Strategy working group now.
"It's time to punch up if we want something done about child poverty, the lack of housing access, unaffordable rental costs and worsening health inequalities."
Harkin: Use Consultation to Challenge Stormont Executive on Betrayal to Tackle Poverty
Says the Executive should urgently act utilising the researched, practical and concrete proposals from the Expert Anti-Poverty Strategy working group. "It's time to punch up if we want something done..."
