By Lisa McElherron from NICVA
Published on 25 Jul 2005
NICVA is disappointed that, once again, consultation on an anti-poverty strategy for NI is being conducted over the summer months. Read our response, and attend NICVA roundtable discussions and NIAPN consultation meetings.
The latest instalment in the process of developing an anti-poverty strategy for Northern Ireland was quietly released by OFMDFM in June.
Entitled 'Towards an Anti-poverty Strategy', the document is a long way from the robust anti-poverty strategy that NICVA and its members called for in submissions to the last consultation in September 2004.
In the ministerial foreword, Jeff Rooker states that the strategy “will not create an entirely new set of actions and initiatives” and “the strategy sets the context and framework for the continuing of existing measures which are effective and the developing and resourcing of future reassures to fight poverty and social exclusion.”
Nothing new
What we are presented with is a tidying up exercise. It repackages what already exists under new headings, rather than taking the opportunity to examine what might work and develop innovative policy interventions. This seems to be the general trend in government's approach to new strategies.
As a result the document offers nothing new. It expands on the recommended framework in the first document and provides more background information.
NICVA briefing paper (145Kb)
Roundtable
NICVA has arranged a roundtable discussion on 'Towards an Anti-poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland' .
Date: Monday 15 August 2005, 2.00pm
Venue: Conference Room A. NICVA, 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast. Map
To book, contact 
Cathy Breslin 
028 9087 7777
The Northern Ireland Anti-Poverty Network will hold three public seminars and consultative workshops on the Second Stage Anti-Poverty Strategy in August.
- 11 August at Clanmill Housing Association. 3 Waring Street, Belfast.
- 16 August 2.00-5.00pm at The Junction. 8 Bishop Street, Derry/Londonderry.
- 18 August 2.00-5.00pm at Omagh Community House. 2 Drumragh Avenue, Omagh.
To book a place at the NIAPN seminars please contact Patricia on 0845 103 3771.
Resources
- New TSN – The Way Forward
- Phase Two – Towards an anti-poverty strategy (514Kb)
- NICVA's response to New TSN - The Way Forward
- NICVA's submission to the first consultation endorsed by 180 voluntary and community organisations.
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