Northern Ireland public wants to see action on child poverty
The provision of affordable childcare is the most popular measure among people in the region according to the poll carried out by LucidTalk for Save The Children NI.
The charity also challenged the Stormont Executive to unveil the details of their anti-poverty strategy, which was agreed last month.
The poll found that most believe child poverty has got worse, with 80% blaming that on the high cost of living, 49% pointing to a lack of affordable housing and 37% cited low wages and poor job opportunities.
Recent figures from the Department for Communities (DfC) suggest that around 22% of children in Northern Ireland are growing up in poverty.
The research also found that the public expects leadership from Westminster and Stormont to address child poverty.
Some 70% indicated they see the UK Government as very responsible, with 66% believing Stormont is very responsible for tackling it. This comes after a previous poll revealed only 5% believe politicians are taking significant and effective action.
Findings indicate that the Northern Ireland public want to see practical solutions to reduce costs and improve stability for families.
This includes 67% wanting affordable childcare for all, 66% calling for more social housing, 67% better pay and conditions for workers, 64% seeking extra funding for schools in poorer areas and 60% in favour of universal free school meals.
Meanwhile 46% favoured increases in child related benefits and 40% wanted increases to parental leave.
Head of Save the Children NI Peter Bryson said the research underlines that people want to see action on child poverty.
'Clearly people in Northern Ireland see child poverty as a core issue and want to see ambition and action from our political leaders when it comes to tackling it,' he said.
'What we see in these findings is that the public don't want the Executive to repeat the mistakes of the past.
'We urge the Executive to immediately publish details of the Anti-Poverty Strategy so it can be scrutinised.
'People want an ambitious plan that sets out concrete targets, realistic objectives and tangible steps to bring about transformation for the one in four children here who live daily with the limiting realities of poverty.'
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South Wales Guardian
7 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Northern Ireland public wants to see action on child poverty
The provision of affordable childcare is the most popular measure among people in the region according to the poll carried out by LucidTalk for Save The Children NI. The charity also challenged the Stormont Executive to unveil the details of their anti-poverty strategy, which was agreed last month. The poll found that most believe child poverty has got worse, with 80% blaming that on the high cost of living, 49% pointing to a lack of affordable housing and 37% cited low wages and poor job opportunities. Recent figures from the Department for Communities (DfC) suggest that around 22% of children in Northern Ireland are growing up in poverty. The research also found that the public expects leadership from Westminster and Stormont to address child poverty. Some 70% indicated they see the UK Government as very responsible, with 66% believing Stormont is very responsible for tackling it. This comes after a previous poll revealed only 5% believe politicians are taking significant and effective action. Findings indicate that the Northern Ireland public want to see practical solutions to reduce costs and improve stability for families. This includes 67% wanting affordable childcare for all, 66% calling for more social housing, 67% better pay and conditions for workers, 64% seeking extra funding for schools in poorer areas and 60% in favour of universal free school meals. Meanwhile 46% favoured increases in child related benefits and 40% wanted increases to parental leave. Head of Save the Children NI Peter Bryson said the research underlines that people want to see action on child poverty. 'Clearly people in Northern Ireland see child poverty as a core issue and want to see ambition and action from our political leaders when it comes to tackling it,' he said. 'What we see in these findings is that the public don't want the Executive to repeat the mistakes of the past. 'We urge the Executive to immediately publish details of the Anti-Poverty Strategy so it can be scrutinised. 'People want an ambitious plan that sets out concrete targets, realistic objectives and tangible steps to bring about transformation for the one in four children here who live daily with the limiting realities of poverty.'
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