To ask the Minister for Communities whether any consideration will be given to the establishment of a cross-departmental governance group, chaired by their Department, to oversee delivery of actions aimed at ending the need for food banks.

This question has been directed to the Department for Communities for response as my Department is leading on the development of the Executive’s Anti-Poverty Strategy.

Work is underway on refining the Strategy and action plan following the public consultation developing a range of preventative measures which will address, short, medium and long term causes and impacts of poverty. This will maximise the impact of the Strategy and help us tackle poverty in a more sustainable manner.

The Executive’s Anti-Poverty Strategy will take a cross-departmental approach. Decisions on the final governance arrangements, including any cross-departmental oversight mechanisms, will be confirmed when the Strategy is launched.

It is anticipated that work in tackling poverty will help lower reliance on foodbanks in our communities.