To ask the Minister for Communities to detail how the Anti-Poverty Strategy will respond to the poverty experienced by unpaid carers, many of whom are unable to remain in paid work due to their caring responsibilities.

I agree that unpaid carers fulfil an essential role. Where possible, I want to ensure that my Department and the cross-Executive work that my Department leads reflects and supports this role. Carer’s Allowance, for example, is the main benefit support targeted towards certain unpaid carers, aiming to provide a measure of financial support for people who give up the opportunity of full-time employment in order to provide regular and substantial care.

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.

The Anti-Poverty Strategy Public Consultation closed on 19 September and my officials are currently analysing and considering all responses received throughout the public consultation process. I will share the outcome of this analysis with my Executive colleagues, and we will take forward any further development as appropriate before finalising the Strategy.