Newton joins fight to end poverty and social exclusion

Junior Minister Robin Newton MLA today threw his weight behind the fight against poverty and social exclusion when he launched a major event in Belfast.

EY2010 is the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion and aims to raise greater awareness of the causes and consequences of poverty as well as promote social integration and inclusion.

Speaking at the Belfast City Hall event Junior Minister Newton said: ”We take very seriously the challenges that poverty and social exclusion present. Poverty continues to blight Europe and recent statistics show that 17 per cent of EU citizens have such limited resources that they cannot afford the basics of life.

“The Executive is working to target poverty through main spending programmes in Health, Education, Housing, Employment and Urban and Rural Development. But the downturn in the economic climate and resulting job losses and increased unemployment has undoubtedly impacted the work of such programmes. So it is even more vital that we continue to strengthen our focus on fighting poverty.

“At a local level, it is totally unacceptable that one in four of our children live in poverty and that 27% of older people are similarly in poverty. Making progress is vital. Tax Credits and benefits only go part of the way in addressing this problem and realistically we can’t expect benefits, important as they are, to be the whole solution.

“We need instead to see how we can improve public services and better target those in greatest need. Getting people into employment is key way to combat poverty and social exclusion so the Executive must do all we can to remove barriers to employment faced by those most at risk groups. Barriers such as lack of training and lack of employment opportunities can be tackled with cross-departmental support.

“As Junior Ministers with responsibility for older people and children and young people tackling these issues is a top priority for the Executive. Commitments to tackle child poverty levels are being placed on a statutory footing so we will have a legal duty to meet specific targets to reduce child poverty and to report to the Assembly annually on the progress we are making.

“The Executive is totally committed to tackling social exclusion. We will for example during the course of the year consult on Government’s response to around 80 recommendations made by a Working Group on Disability. The recommendations aimed to remove the barriers faced by people with disabilities in every day life.

“Another group at particular risk of exclusion is older people. Here again, the Executive is determined to make a difference and will be consulting later this year on its strategy for promoting inclusion of older people and what needs to happen to make their lives better."

Minister Newton concluded: “There are many groups in our society affected by poverty and social exclusion, from the young and old, to people with disabilities, carers and lone parent families. EY2010 is their opportunity to tell us what we, as Ministers, and as an Executive, need to concentrate on to tackle poverty more effectively. It is only by listening and working together that we can face the challenges ahead."

Notes to editors:

1. The 2010 European Year aims to raise greater awareness of the causes and consequences of poverty in Europe within governments and NGOs, but also amongst the public. It also aims to mobilise groups in the fight against poverty; promote social integration and inclusion; and encourage clear commitments on drawing up EU and national policies to tackle poverty and social exclusion.
2. The European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion website is http://www.2010againstpoverty.eu
3. Media enquiries to OFMDFM Press Office on 028 9037 8201. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.