Marshalled List of Amendments

17 November 2025

Item 4: Order Paper 133/22-27 - Monday 17 November 2025

Motion: Impact of the Ongoing Increase in the Cost of Living

That this Assembly notes that, according to data published by the Office for National Statistics on 22 October 2025, the inflation rate is at 3.8 per cent which is higher than the EU average; further notes that this rate of inflation is nearly double the Bank of England's 2 per cent target; is deeply concerned with the persistent rise in the cost of living and the impact it is having on workers, families and communities; commends the Executive on its firm refusal to impose unfair taxes and charges on already struggling workers and families; recognises that many will face increased financial pressure in the weeks leading up to Christmas and throughout the winter; further recognises the vital work being carried out by voluntary and community sector organisations in supporting vulnerable groups who are disproportionately affected by the rise in the cost of living; acknowledges the ongoing concerns expressed by the sector with regards to the shortcomings of the draft anti-poverty strategy published by the Minister for Communities; and calls on the Minister for Communities to revise his draft anti-poverty strategy to set out what actions he will take to support and equip those organisations and communities dealing with the increased cost of living challenges.

Mr Colm Gildernew

Ms Emma Sheerin

Mrs Cathy Mason

Miss Áine Murphy

Amendment

Leave out all after 'published by the Minister for Communities;' and insert:

'notes with concern that food prices have risen sharply in recent years, contributing to increasing levels of food insecurity and worsening health inequalities across Northern Ireland; further notes the recent announcement by the Education Authority regarding the increase to the cost of school meals, which will add further pressure on already stretched household budgets; recognises that affordable access to food, including school meals, is vital in tackling child poverty and reducing health inequalities; believes that departmental and arm's-length body decisions must align with the objectives of the Executive's Anti-Poverty

Strategy; calls on the Minister of Education to review the Education Authority's decision, to increase the eligibility threshold for free school meals, and to work with the Minister for Communities to ensure a coordinated approach to supporting low-income families; and further calls on the Minister for Communities to strengthen the draft Anti-Poverty Strategy to include measurable poverty reduction targets and clear actions to address food and fuel poverty.'

[Mr Andy Allen]

[Mr Robbie Butler]

[Mr Jon Burrows]