To ask the Minister for Communities whether he will consider incorporating measures such as (i) a carer’s essential payment; (ii) reforms to Carer’s Allowance; and (iii) improved workplace rights, when finalising the Anti-Poverty Strategy.

In June this year, the Executive agreed to consult on a draft Anti-Poverty Strategy which is both sustainable and deliverable and which prioritises the issues that make a tangible difference to people’s lives throughout NI, including the needs of unpaid carers.

Following the close of the Public Consultation on the draft Anti-Poverty Strategy on 19 September, my officials are currently analysing and considering all responses received. I will report the outcome of this analysis with my Executive colleagues, and we will take forward any further development as appropriate before finalising the Strategy.

At this time there are no plans for additional payments for unpaid carers. Decisions around the provision of any additional payments, including the funding arrangements, is a matter for the Executive.