This paper is a revised and updated version of the civil society Anti-Poverty Strategy Design Groups original recommendations, first published in September 2022. The original paper presented a comprehensive, evidence-based suite of proposals outlining how an Anti-Poverty Strategy could meaningfully address poverty in Northern Ireland.
This updated version reflects the evolving societal, political, and economic context. It has been revised by group members to ensure continued relevance and impact. The paper is intended to inform the development of a robust Anti-Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland. The Department for Communities (DfC) has launched a public consultation on a draft strategy, which closes on 19 September 2025. Following careful analysis, the group has concluded that this current draft is not fit for purpose and fails to outline the necessary steps to meaningfully address poverty in Northern Ireland.
In response, the group has updated its original recommendations to reinforce what civil society considers the essential components of a meaningful and effective Anti-Poverty Strategy. These recommendations are grounded in expert insight, evidence, and the lived experiences of those affected by poverty. Group members remain committed to working constructively with government to eradicate poverty in Northern Ireland. A critical first step in this process is the development of a strategy that is both robust and fit for purpose.