People on the lowest incomes – both in and out of work – have endured a decade of austerity; with freezes and cuts to social security benefits and in-work support; hollowing out support, undermining resilience and ability to cope with adversity.
Rises in interest rates, childcare costs, supermarket inflation and rising household bills cause additional strain.
Advice NI notes with deep concern that the Department of Communities is faced with unprecedented funding challenges and cuts in 2023-24.
