Poverty and poor relations

news release

For immediate use: 2 June 2004

Poverty and poor relations

Sectarianism and poverty are the top priorities for government action to create a vibrant and successful Northern Ireland, says NICVA in its submission on the annual Programme for Government.

“We would like to see targets focusing on a reduction in income inequalities and on the extent to which people of different religions are working, living, socialising and being educated together free from sectarianism and intimidation,” said Director of Policy, Frances McCandless.

“We are also concerned about the very high level of economic inactivity in Northern Ireland (27.7%) and the very low level of spending on research and development. We would like to see targets for reducing economic inactivity, in which proper childcare provision would play a major role, and targets for increased spending on R&D,” Ms McCandless said.

NICVA believes there is no support in the community for the introduction of separate water charges. “However, if government does decide to introduce charges, they must be linked to households’ ability to pay. Any flat rate system would be grossly unfair and penalise the least well off in our society.

“Likewise the rating system should be changed so that people on high incomes pay a fair rate and those who cannot afford to pay are not charged unjustly,” she added.

For more information please contact Frances McCandless (mobile: 0772 1746 804) or Paul Mc Gill (mobile: 0772 1746 805) or ring either at 028 9087 7777.