Media Operational Notice

Committee for Communities to Examine Role of Local Councils in Anti-Poverty Strategy

For planning purposes only.

The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Communities will meet on Thursday, 5 March 2026, to receive oral evidence from representatives of all 11 local councils regarding their involvement in the development and implementation of the draft Anti-Poverty Strategy.

The meeting will feature three panels, providing council officers the opportunity to discuss local challenges, the impact of poverty within each council area, and how local government can best support the Executive’s overarching draft strategy.

The Anti-Poverty Strategy is a key commitment under the 'New Decade, New Approach' agreement. These evidence sessions aim to ensure that the voices of local government - often the first point of contact for citizens in crisis - are integrated into the final updated version of the Strategy.

Meeting Schedule

Date: Thursday, 5 March 2026
Time: 10:10 – 12:40
Location: Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings / Virtual

Watch Live: Streamed via AssemblyTV.

Panel 1: 10:10 AM – 11:00 AM

• Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council: Ms Ursula Fay
• Ards and North Down Borough Council: Ms Patricia Mackey
• Belfast City Council: Representative TBC
• Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council: Mr David Burns

Panel 2: 11:00 AM – 11:50 AM

• Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council: Ms Ruth Allen
• Mid and East Antrim Borough Council: Mr John McVeigh
• Mid Ulster Council: Ms Claire Linney
• Newry, Mourne and Down District Council: Representative TBC

Panel 3: 11:50 AM – 12:40 PM

• Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council: Ms Julie Welsh
• Derry City and Strabane District Council: Ms Oonagh McGillion
• Fermanagh and Omagh District Council: Mr John Boyle
  
  

For further information and media enquiries, please contact: Robbie.Best@niassembly.gov.uk