The Northern Ireland Executive has yet to agree on a comprehensive strategy to address poverty, even as food banks and other indicators reveal increasing hardship in Fermanagh.

The delay in finalising the Executive's Anti-Poverty Strategy highlights the urgency of addressing the pervasive cost of living crisis affecting the region.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, answering on behalf of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, confirmed the steps being taken to support the most vulnerable despite the absence of an agreed strategy.

"Addressing poverty in all its forms is a key priority for me, and I am committed to delivering long-term, sustainable solutions to poverty for our communities right across Northern Ireland," he stated.

In Fermanagh, the impact of rising poverty is starkly visible. Local food banks report a surge in demand as families struggle to make ends meet. The community is feeling the strain of the ongoing cost of living crisis, with many relying on various forms of assistance to survive.

Minister Nesbitt outlined several measures his department has implemented to mitigate the effects of poverty:

Universal Credit: Providing support for housing, children, childcare, and financial aid for people with disabilities, carers, and those too ill to work.

Cost of Living Payments: Delivered throughout 2023/24, with a final payment of £299 to eligible recipients in February 2024.

Make the Call Wraparound Service: Assisted over 11,500 people in accessing nearly £55 million in additional benefits in 2022/23.

Discretionary Support Scheme: Offering interest-free loans or non-repayable grants for short-term living expenses or essential household items.

Benefit and Pension Increases: From April 2024, benefits were increased by 6.7 per cent, and the state pension by 8.5 per cent, in line with inflation.

Affordable Warmth Scheme and Winter Fuel Payments: Providing financial assistance to eligible individuals to cope with heating costs.

Social Supermarket Scheme: Allocated funding to help those in or at risk of food poverty.

Promotion of Employment: Emphasio the positive impact of work on poverty, health, wellbeing, social inclusion, and the economy.

While these measures provide critical support, the finalisation and implementation of the Anti-Poverty Strategy remain pending decisions by the Executive. "Final decisions on the content and implementation of the Anti-Poverty Strategy will be a matter for the Executive," the Minister noted.