To ask the Minister for Communities (i) for his assessment of the Consumer Council report that shows a quarter of households are left with less than £32 per week after all essentials are paid for; and (ii) to detail any policies he is aiming to develop to support those in financial need.

The Consumer Council’s report underscores the need for long-term, sustainable solutions to poverty for our communities right across Northern Ireland.

Addressing poverty in all its forms is a key priority for me. I look forward to working with my Executive colleagues to develop a sustainable, deliverable and affordable Anti-Poverty Strategy which prioritises the issues that make a tangible difference to people’s lives.

My officials have developed draft debt respite policy proposals in preparation for a public consultation, which I expect to consider in the coming weeks.