Colm Gildernew
Fermanagh and South Tyrone · Sinn Féin · Northern Ireland
“I thank the Minister for his statement. I have been working with Dungannon Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It will welcome this work, particularly in light of its concerns about vacancy and protecting the retail heart of towns such as Dungannon.”
“I thank the Minister for his answer. Minister, you said that there has been an improvement. However, recently, there were reports of over 1,400 patients waiting more than 28 days. How will you ensure that trusts consistently meet the targets for suspected cancer appointments in particular?”
“However, the Committee will want to examine carefully how any new or amended powers would operate in practice. Powers relating to information sharing, official warnings, directions, removal from office and disqualification can have significant, long-standing consequences for charities, trustees, staff, volunteers and, indeed, public confi…”
“<BR /> <BR />The regulations are consequential to the uprating order and provide the supporting technical changes needed to ensure that the revised benefit rates operate correctly. The regulations increase the earning limit for carer's allowance from £196 a week to £204 a week.”
“In response to those findings, Minister Hargey introduced the Charities Bill, which was enacted in 2022. The legislation put in place many of the review's priority recommendations in the limited time remaining in that mandate. The Charities (Amendment) Bill represents the next stage of that reform programme.”
“The Committee will wish to explore the implications of those changes, including for organisations operating across jurisdictions or delivering charitable activity in or from the North. Our charity sector includes a diverse range of bodies.”
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“I think of the long history from which you have come, particularly when it comes to oralisation. Those attempts to drive the language underground have failed. It is a momentous day, as we recognise in the Chamber the legal status of the language, as well as the validity of your community and your rights.”
“<BR /> <BR />I touched on some of the provisions of the Bill in my remarks as Chairperson, but I remind Members that, finally, Irish Sign Language and British Sign Language will be officially recognised as languages for the first time. That is a hugely symbolic achievement. The Bill will place a legal duty on the Department for Communities to promote greater use and understanding of BSL and ISL. Visibility of any language is hugely important for its development and growth, and I have found both sign languages that we have dealt with, and sign language across the world, to be beautiful, expressive languages that absolutely must be worthy of value and protection in their own right.”
“I know that I speak for everyone in the Assembly when I say that we are extremely proud of the role that they all played. <BR /> <BR />As we sign off on the Bill here today, we should remember the long and difficult road that it took to get here, with many false starts and dashed hopes. However, through sheer grit and determination, not to mention a fair amount of patience, we have arrived at Final Stage. The origins of the Bill go way back to 2015, when my party colleague Carál Ní Chuilín was Minister of Culture, Arts and Leisure, and I thank her for getting the ball rolling on the Bill all those years ago.”
“<BR /> <BR />In closing as Chair, the Committee for Communities supports the Final Stage of the Sign Language Bill. We do so with a clear expectation that its provisions will be implemented in a way that delivers real, measurable change. This is an opportunity to build a more inclusive society, one in which sign language users are not marginalised but empowered, not overlooked but recognised and not excluded but fully involved in all aspects of public life. Let us ensure that the legislation is not the end of a journey but the beginning of a meaningful process. <BR /> <BR />I will now make some brief comments as Sinn Féin spokesperson for communities. From the very beginning, the Bill has belonged to the deaf and deafblind community, and its members should be immensely proud of themselves for what they have achieved.”
“Without that, there is a risk that expectations will not be met and confidence may be undermined. <BR /> <BR />I will take the opportunity to recognise the resilience and determination of the deaf community and the organisations that work on its behalf. Your advocacy has brought us to this point. Many of you have waited for a long time to see your language, culture and identity formally recognised in law. Today's debate is, in many ways, a testament to your persistence. <BR /> <BR />I acknowledge again the work of my Committee colleagues and the officials and staff right across the Assembly who supported the unique scrutiny of the Bill. Their diligence has contributed to a more informed and constructive legislative process. I also thank the departmental officials who assisted the Committee in that work.”
“<BR /> <BR />As is often the case at Final Stage, it is right to acknowledge what has been achieved and what remains to be done. The Bill represents a step forward. It is not the final destination, and its success will ultimately be judged not by words on a page but by the lived experience, going forward, of sign language users, including those who are with us here today. <BR /> <BR />The Committee is particularly mindful of the importance of co-design and ongoing engagement with the deaf community. Implementation must not be done to people; it must be done with them. That principle should guide all future action arising from the legislation. <BR /> <BR />We also emphasised the importance of adequate resourcing. Duties placed on public bodies must be matched with the capacity to deliver them effectively.”
“<BR /> <BR />It was with implementation and effectiveness in mind that the Committee developed proposals for amendments aimed at strengthening the Bill and worked with the Department, which accepted and drafted the amendments and then proposed them at Consideration Stage. The amendments included: raising to 25 the age of young people who can access sign language classes; provisions to enhance accountability; reporting mechanisms; consultation; and the level of Assembly scrutiny that will be applied going forward. <BR /> <BR />At Further Consideration Stage, the Committee reflected carefully on the Minister's amendments and the assurances that he provided. The process has undoubtedly improved the Bill and clarified its intent. Importantly, it has reinforced the need for robust implementation.”
“Stakeholders raised that consistently with the Committee. The Committee looks forward to seeing each Department's sign language action plan to see how duties will come to life and eagerly awaits further information on enforcement and reasonable steps within the forthcoming guidance. We also look forward to seeing a significant increase in the number of interpreters available to deliver the legislation and the specific actions that will be taken to support and enable the deafblind community. <BR /> <BR />It is important to reiterate the Committee's expectation that the reporting clause in the Bill be commenced at or within weeks of Royal Assent so that the first report about the effectiveness of the Bill is delivered five years from now and without undue delay.”
“<BR /> <BR />The Committee undertook detailed scrutiny of the Bill during Committee Stage. We engaged extensively with stakeholders, including deaf organisations, advocacy groups and deaf and deafblind people. Their contributions were invaluable. They did not simply inform our work; they shaped and strengthened it. <BR /> <BR />Members will recall that a consistent theme emerging from that evidence was the need for the Bill to be meaningful in practice. Recognition alone, while important, is not sufficient: the legislation must lead to tangible improvements in access to services, information, education and, fundamentally, participation in public life that we all take for granted. The Department's future work on extending any central system outside the public sector will be key to that.”
“I thank the Minister for bringing the Bill to the Assembly today and my colleague Carál Ní Chuilín, who was involved in the earlier stages of the Bill. At previous stages of the Bill's passage, the Committee set out its clear support for the overarching aims and principles of the legislation: to recognise, respect and promote Irish Sign Language and British Sign Language and to address the systemic barriers that are faced by those who rely on them in their daily lives. <BR /> <BR />The Bill moves beyond disability legislation, recognising that sign language is not just an accessibility tool but a core aspect of your community, culture and linguistic identity. Today, we move from intent to delivery, and that carries both opportunity and responsibility.”
“As Chair of the Committee for Communities, I welcome the opportunity to speak at the Final Stage of the Sign Language Bill. I thank the sign language community for its contribution to the Bill and wish it well going forward. I give my commitment that we will continue to work with it in the time ahead. I say to the community that, based on our experience of the Committee process for the Bill, we see you, we hear you and we will continue to work on your behalf. <BR /> <BR />As Chair of the Committee, it is, for me, a significant and long-awaited moment for the deaf and deafblind communities, for British Sign Language and Irish Sign Language users and for all who have campaigned tirelessly over many years to see the legislation brought to fruition.”
“My question is linked to that answer. Historical underinvestment over very many years has resulted in a reduction in opportunities and prosperity in areas west of the Bann. Does the First Minister agree that, in order to succeed, the strategy must tackle that and reverse that underinvestment?”
“Tá coicís ó shin sa tSeomra seo, chomhaontaigh muid le Bille Gaelscolaíochta a chur ar aghaidh tríd an Dara Céim, Bille a thug mo chomhghleacaí, Pat Sheehan, isteach; Bille lena chinnteofar go mbeidh na múinteoirí agus an fhoireann ann le tacú le fás na Gaelscolaíochta.”
“Is féidir le Comhairle Cathrach Bhéal Feirste an beartas nua Gaeilge aici a chur chun feidhme anois agus a chinntiú go dtabharfar cothrom na Féinne don Ghaeilge mar theanga oifigiúil na comhairle agus go ndéanfar í a thaispeáint agus go mbeidh sí le sonrú i seirbhísí agus i gcomharthaíocht ar fud na comhairle. Tá mé ag tnúth lenár dteanga a fheiceáil in úsáid agus á taispeáint sa chathair seo in aicearracht. <BR /> <BR />Bhí díomá orm gur idirghabh an tAire Pobail sa chás úd, i ndiaidh go bhfuil sé de dhualgas air tacú leis an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn agus a fhorbairt. In ionad iarracht a dhéanamh an Ghaeilge a chur faoi chois, ba chóir don Aire a aird a dhíriú ar straitéis Gaeilge a chur i bhfeidhm gan a thuilleadh moille.”
“I will speak in Irish this afternoon. Members may wish to use their headphones. <BR /> <BR />Dhiúltaigh breitheamh Ard-Chúirte d’agóid in aghaidh bheartas Gaeilge Chomhairle Cathrach Bhéal Feirste an tseachtain seo caite. Theip ar iarracht na seachtaine seo caite cosc a chur ar an dul chun cinn. Teipfidh ar iarrachtaí le cosc a chur ar an chomhionannas, agus teipfidh ar iarrachtaí muid a tharraingt ar gcúl. Glacadh an cinneadh ceart, agus is geal liom an cinneadh céanna. Caithfear comhionannas don Ghaeilge a chur i bhfeidhm; níor chóir bac a chur leis. <BR /> <BR />Tá an Ghaeilge ag borradh léi ar fud an oileáin, agus caithfear reachtaíocht agus beartais bheith i bhfeidhm le tacú leis an bhorradh sin agus leis an Ghaeilge a chothú.”
“Minister, how will the renewable electricity price guarantee scheme ensure that local communities benefit from renewable energy projects?”
“, need to see a radically different approach from the British Government: one that moves away from austerity and from complicity in an illegal war towards supporting vulnerable households. I welcome the fact that the Executive are united in calling for that and that a letter that the First Minister and the deputy First Minister signed has been sent to the British Government. People here do not have the luxury of waiting any longer. They need support, and they need it now.”
“They have refused all calls to date to deliver real, substantial financial support, including cutting tax and fuel duty, which would have a massive impact. Instead, the British Government have prioritised building weapons of war over supporting the people who are most in need. Instead of standing up to the warmongers in the White House, they have put their military bases at the disposal of those who are causing the crisis that we are currently facing. <BR /> <BR />We, a chairde”
“I am glad that I allowed the Member an intervention, as it gave him a second opportunity to welcome the support package. It is a help to working families whose primary source of energy is home heating oil. With the announcement of that vital support package — I welcome the fact that the Minister for Communities has recognised that it is his Department that needs to deliver on it — we now need to make the application process as straightforward and seamless as possible so that the money is got out into the pockets of those who need it most. <BR /> <BR />We also need to acknowledge that the response of the British Government to the crisis has been hopelessly inadequate. So far, the British Government have provided the Executive with only £17 million of extra funding. That will not even touch the sides of what will be needed here.”
“Just last week, the Executive announced a support package worth £36 million, which will be targeted at those who are most in need, including people with disabilities and lower-income working families.”
“Businesses are also suffering. We have seen the frustration of the many farmers and transport hauliers who have engaged in protests across the island. Simply put, large parts of our economy rely on oil and gas as an energy source, and the price of oil has now plunged the economy into crisis. That is a timely reminder of the risks associated with an over-reliance on a volatile commodity such as oil, the supply and distribution of which we have absolutely no control over. The crisis should serve as a call to action to decarbonise our economy and use renewable energy sources. <BR /> <BR />It is important that we recognise the actions that the Executive have taken to support people during the crisis, which is something that the SDLP motion fails to do.”
“Before I get into my remarks, it is important that I remind Members why we are here today discussing this issue. We are here because of the actions of Donald Trump and his cronies. They have launched an unprovoked and illegal war in Iran. That illegal war is the sole cause of the energy crisis that is having a devastating impact on workers, families and businesses, including farm businesses, in the North and beyond. As long as the war continues, oil and gas will remain unaffordable, and I fear that they will remain unaffordable long after the war has finished. <BR /> <BR />We can all agree that people here are suffering, and we need to ensure that they receive the support that they need. The price of oil has more than doubled since the start of the war, with thousands of families unable to heat their home or put food on the table.”
“<BR /> <BR />Is maith is eol dúinn uilig go bhfuil bithéagsúlacht agus folláine éiceolaíoch Loch nEachach faoi bhagairt thubaisteach. Is cúis imní iad na tuairiscí deireanacha ar an alga ghormghlas ar loch an Bhréantair i mo cheantar. Má thig tú ar rud a shíleann tú go mb’fhéidir gur alga gormghlas é, déan é a thuairisciú tríd an aip Bloomin Algae nó tríd an Ghníomhaireacht Comhshaoil. Tá cosaint, tacaíocht agus cothabháil ár n-uisce ríthábhachtach dár ngeilleagar agus dár bhfolláine. <BR /> <BR />Molaim gach duine a d'eagraigh agus a ghlac páirt in imeachtaí Lá an Domhain ar fud an oileáin le seachtain anuas.”
“Ár gCumhacht, Ar bPlainéad is téama do Lá an Domhain amárach. Spreagann sé gach duine lena ról féin a imirt i bhforbairt ár gcomhshaoil. Tá ról ríthábhachtach ag an Tionól i gcur chun cinn an chomhshaoil. Ní mór dúinn a chinntiú go gcomhlíontar spriocanna glan-nialasachta leis an chomhshaol a chosaint agus le dul i ngleic leis an athrú aeráide. Ní ghlacfar leis an tséanadh ná leis an easpa gníomhaíochta. <BR /> <BR />Ní thig coinneáil linn bheith ag brath ar bhreoslaí iontaise, mar is léir ó na géarchéimeanna sa pholaitíocht agus san eacnamaíocht ar fud an domhain. Má bhí gá riamh le hinfheistíocht i straitéisí fuinnimh ghlais inbhuanaithe, lena n-áirítear scileanna glasa agus tionscadail in-athnuaite uile-oileáin, amhail gaoth amach ón chósta, tá gá práinneach léi anois.”
“I have absolutely no doubt that the Bill that we have ended up with will deliver real and tangible changes to the lives of many people in the deaf and deafblind communities. It is clear to see from the huge level of excitement and interest in the Bill that its final sign-off is eagerly awaited by so many. In that spirit, I look forward to coming back to the Chamber in the coming weeks to vote in support of this transformational Bill at Final Stage.”
“It is inherent in the Bill that support right across the range will increase. There is also an acknowledgement that other people will be included in it. There will be a potential for some charges. Those charges will not exceed the cost of classes, but it is very apparent that there will be a huge need and requirement to see additional interpreters and classes and respect for the promotion of the culture of the deaf community. That is all very important. It will be transformative. It is a landmark Bill in that sense. I acknowledge the work of the Department in bringing the Bill to this stage. I also acknowledge the Department's very strong co-production with the deaf community. <BR /> <BR />I once again thank the deaf community for its support and advice throughout the passage of the Bill.”
“I am satisfied that amendment Nos 5 to 8, brought by the Minister, have the endorsement of the deaf community. On that basis, Sinn Féin is happy to support them.”
“We must remember that, at its core, the Bill must be about supporting those people who rely on sign language in the here and now, not necessarily those who might do so in the future. <BR /> <BR />Following Consideration Stage, I was pleased to be able to meet members of the deaf community, and they were keen to stress that they also had concerns that the definition of "deaf community" had become too broad. They indicated their support for the Minister's amendments. The greatest strength of the Bill is that it has been fully co-designed from the beginning. As Chair of the Committee for Communities, I strived to carry that co-design process into the Committee Stage and beyond. <BR /> <BR />It is only right that we should take our lead from the deaf community once again and ensure that its concerns are addressed.”
“We were happy to support the amendment that Kellie tabled at the previous stage, which allowed "people aged 25 and over" to access sign language classes, with the potential to charge for those classes. I am content that amendment Nos 1 to 4 do not alter the content of clause 2 but instead tidy up its drafting. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin also supports amendment Nos 5 to 8, which the Minister tabled. Although we supported in principle the amendment to what is now clause 12 that Kellie tabled at the previous stage, which widened the definition of the deaf community to include those who may "benefit from using" sign language in the future, there was some concern that that broadened the definition too widely and risked undermining the Bill.”
“It is really important that we collectively make the Bill, the supporting EFM and future guidance as good as they can possibly be for the deaf community here. <BR /> <BR />I will now make a few brief remarks as Sinn Féin spokesperson for communities. I welcome the opportunity to speak at Further Consideration Stage of the Sign Language Bill, as it represents another step forward in the passage of this hugely important Bill. Only a small number of amendments were tabled, and the Minister has helpfully outlined the detail of the amendments that he and Kellie Armstrong tabled, so I will keep my remarks brief. <BR /> <BR />Sinn Féin supports amendment Nos 1 to 4, which the Minister and Kellie tabled and which tidy up the drafting of the amendments that were made to clause 2 at Consideration Stage.”
“<BR /> <BR />Before the Bill's Final Stage, I want to check with the Minister whether there has been any further consideration of the Committee's recommendation to update the explanatory and financial memorandum (EFM) to make explicit in clause 2 what is meant by the term "promote". The Committee suggested wording that would convey the fact that promotion goes significantly beyond just the provision of sign language classes. That point came across strongly and consistently from stakeholders during the Committee's evidence sessions. I take the opportunity to seek assurance from the Minister during his winding-up speech that the EFM will be updated following Further Consideration Stage.”
“As Chair of the Committee for Communities, I will speak on the Sign Language Bill. I welcome members of the deaf community to the Assembly, as well as those who are watching online. I thank all those who gave evidence on the Sign Language Bill. <BR /> <BR />On behalf of the Committee for Communities, I acknowledge the early notice that the Department provided of its intention to table a number of amendments at Further Consideration Stage, which was helpful to us. As I outlined at Consideration Stage, the Committee has not had an opportunity to consider the amendments that are under consideration today, and it therefore has not taken a position on them. I will, however, speak to the amendments from a party perspective in due course.”
“The Committee was satisfied that the draft code provides a transparent and proportionate framework for auditing our local government bodies. Therefore, on behalf of the Committee for Communities, I am content to recommend that the Assembly approve the Local Government Auditor’s draft code of audit practice 2026.”
“<BR /> <BR />Furthermore, the Committee raised the ongoing public interest in tracking the efficiencies that were promised during local government reform. Officials acknowledged that, while a comprehensive picture may take further time to fully crystallise, enhanced and highly detailed financial data is now being shared with the Audit Office, which, hopefully, will allow for better analysis of how each council spends its money and help to identify and promote cross-council efficiencies. <BR /> <BR />Finally, the Committee welcomed the additions to the 2026 code, which place a stronger emphasis on professional scepticism, the safeguarding of independence and a renewed commitment to conducting comparative value-for-money studies to share good practice across the sector.”
“The Committee welcomed the fact that, unlike other jurisdictions, we do not currently face a backlog of local government audits in the North. Statutory target dates for draft and certified accounts are consistently met and are supported by regular and proactive engagement through the finance working group. <BR /> <BR />The Committee also questioned the mechanisms for accountability and enforcement. Members enquired about the consequences for governance failures and the specific powers available to deal with councils that fall foul of their statutory duties. The Local Government Auditor confirmed that significant judicial powers exist to address serious issues, such as wilful misconduct or items of account that are contrary to the law. It is a positive note that all 11 councils have recently received unqualified audit opinions.”
“During that session, the Committee explored the substantive updates in the refreshed code. We noted that, following the consultation, which yielded 12 supportive responses, the code retained a principle-based approach. The auditor explained to the Committee that that approach is essential, as it provides the necessary flexibility and adaptability to respond to the changing nature of public-sector audit and evolving financial reporting standards. <BR /> <BR />Members of the Committee sought firm assurances about the robustness of the scrutiny regime applied to local councils. The officials provided reassurance that the standardisation of accounts directions ensures consistent reporting across all 11 councils.”
“I rise as Chairperson of the Committee for Communities to support the motion to approve the Local Government Auditor’s draft code of audit practice 2026. As Members will be aware, under the Local Government Order 2005, the Local Government Auditor is required to prepare and keep under review a code of audit practice. The code prescribes the way that auditors carry out their functions in relation to district councils and other local government bodies, and it must be approved by a resolution of the Assembly every five years. The previous code was approved in 2021. <BR /> <BR />On 12 March, the Committee received a comprehensive briefing from the newly designated Local Government Auditor, alongside officials from the Audit Office and the head of local government finance at the Department for Communities.”
“However, with the 2027 deadline fast approaching, we urgently need to see proposals for a replacement scheme being brought forward, and, crucially, we need confirmation of the quantum of funding that is likely to be provided. <BR /> <BR />Many community organisations will be anxiously wondering whether their funding will still be in place beyond 2027. They deserve to have some clarity on what lies ahead. I urge everyone to vote for the motion.”
“It cannot be overestimated or overstated just how vital it is to so many communities that EU Peace funding continue after the conclusion of PEACE PLUS in 2027. The removal of the funding next year would be absolutely catastrophic in its impact on vulnerable people. <BR /> <BR />The timing of the debate today is very appropriate, given all the issues that the community and voluntary sector is facing with the local growth fund. The British Government promised that it would fully replace the lost EU funding, but, as we all know, it has failed miserably to live up to that. <BR /> <BR />Since Brexit, Sinn Féin has been fighting hard in the European Parliament to have the PEACE PLUS programme extended beyond 2027, and the confirmation in principle that there will be additional funding beyond next year is hugely welcome.”
“In my area, another powerful example is the South Tyrone Empowerment Programme, which supports vulnerable people to access vital services in the south Tyrone area. <BR /> <BR />Another very positive example of PEACE PLUS funding is Cooperation and Working Together (CAWT), which has been crucial in strengthening cross-border healthcare along the border corridor. That has been instrumental in supporting the establishment of life-saving services, such as the North West Cancer Centre in Derry, and many other vital cross-border physical and mental health services. <BR /> <BR />Those examples serve as a reminder of the huge benefits that the North enjoyed as a member of the European Union prior to Brexit.”
“I will start by thanking all Members who took part in the debate on what most of us can agree is a really important issue. As my party colleague set out, PEACE PLUS funding has been transformational for the North in bringing divided communities together, tackling economic disadvantage, developing skills for young people and providing money for projects around physical and mental health. <BR /> <BR />Since 1994, more than £3·5 billion of PEACE PLUS money has been spent on communities here, creating thousands of jobs in the process and providing a vital boost to our economy. Programmes such as Peace IV and PEACE PLUS have delivered real and lasting changes to communities that have suffered greatly as a result of the conflict. So far today, we have heard many examples of projects that have been funded by Peace money.”
“Go raibh maith agat, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.”
“There are thousands of children out there in our communities who deserve a fair chance in life. We all have a duty to do our best by those children, and that is why we need the Bill.”
“The Bill sponsor has made it clear that he has very narrow criteria for making a difference. It is for the Minister to make decisions on how that money is allocated. However, the Bill will have a direct and practical effect by lifting families out of very serious poverty, and, in that sense, I think that it is a great piece of work. I encourage all parties to give the Bill a fair hearing and to work with Danny, as he has offered, and Sinn Féin to ensure that we can get the Bill over the line in the current mandate.”
“<BR /> <BR />I once again thank Danny for all the hard work that he has done to bring the Bill this far. I know that there is a lot of work involved in that.”
“Yes, I absolutely agree. The sector and all the experts in this area will tell us that direct payments to families have the greatest impact. In light of that, I welcome the recent decision by the British Government to scrap the two-child limit, which will also contribute to a reduction in child poverty levels. However, we need to see a significantly strengthened anti-poverty strategy being brought forward with urgency. It must include measurable outcomes and targets and have a much greater focus on preventing poverty. Dealing with poverty, particularly child poverty, is, of course, a cross-departmental and cross-government task, and that should spur Departments to ask, "What can we do?" rather than finding a reason not to do something. That is the spirit in which this is, I think, very relevant for the Education Department.”
“This Member's Bill will seek to remedy that by reinstating the payment and delivering immediate support to hard-pressed parents and their children at a time when it is most needed. <BR /> <BR />As the Bill sponsor has acknowledged, the Bill is not a silver bullet, and other effective anti-poverty measures absolutely need to be taken.”
“We need to urgently shift towards preventing poverty, which is exactly what the Bill is about, rather than simply mitigating the impacts. We all know that we are in a very challenging financial situation, but we need to view the Bill as a measure that will lead to significant savings in the long term. <BR /> <BR />Holiday hunger payments for free school meal-entitled children were in place from July 2020 until March 2023 and provided families with a payment of £27 per child every fortnight during school holiday periods. That small but significant payment was a lifeline for so many families who struggle with the extra costs associated with school holiday periods. The decision to remove those payments in March 2023 was the wrong decision, because it served only to push vulnerable families and parents into even deeper poverty and hardship.”
“<BR /> <BR />As my colleagues outlined, children who grow up in poverty are more likely to underachieve in school and go on to have worse outcomes as adults when it comes to employment, health and a whole host of other areas. The cost-of-living crisis in recent years has had a devastating impact, especially on lower-income families, and we have seen a sharp rise in the number of parents with young children who are relying on food banks. The illegal US/Israeli war in Iran has caused energy prices to skyrocket, and working families are paying the price once again, with families having to choose between heating and eating and children bearing the brunt of the pain. According to experts, the cost of dealing with poverty lies somewhere between £825 million and £1 billion every year. That is the cost of inactivity.”
“I start by congratulating my colleague Danny Baker on bringing forward the Bill, which has the potential to transform so many lives for the better. <BR /> <BR />Child poverty is a real issue, and it is one that we have debated many times in the Chamber. However, for all those debates, we have not been able to get to grips with the problem. The most up-to-date poverty and income inequality report puts relative child poverty at 23%, or almost one in four. If that statistic does not act as a wake-up call for each and every one of us, I am not sure what will. In practical terms, that means that one in every four children in our society is not being given a fair and equal chance to grow, develop and thrive.”