Approximately 17,000 children in Northern Ireland are expected to benefit from new government measures targeting child poverty, following the announcement that the two-child limit on benefits is being removed.

This move is the flagship policy of the government's new Child Poverty Strategy, which outlines an ambitious goal to lift 550,000 children across the UK out of poverty by the year 2030.

Other key measures within the strategy, which was published last week, include plans to increase the National Living Wage, deliver the first sustained above-inflation increase to the Universal Credit standard allowance, and reform the Child Maintenance Service. These efforts are projected to boost the incomes of thousands of families across Northern Ireland.

To discuss how both UK-wide and local actions are supporting families, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Minister Matthew Patrick MP, and Department for Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA visited a Trussell Trust food bank in North Belfast.

Minister Patrick commented on the government's commitment to collaborative action: "Every child deserves to be given the best start in life, and this Government is working with the Executive to lift a generation of children out of poverty in Northern Ireland. I want to commend Trussell for being a place that offers welcome, hope, and dignity to people, while also providing practical advice and helping to alleviate hardship." Department for Communities Minister Gordon Lyons reaffirmed his commitment to the issue locally: "I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Trussell today with Minister Patrick to discuss the issue of child poverty, the work of Trussell in combatting poverty, and the operation of the North Belfast Foodbank. One of my key priorities is addressing poverty in all its forms and I remain committed to delivering long-term, sustainable solutions to poverty for communities right across Northern Ireland, including children and young people, through the implementation of a robust Anti-Poverty Strategy."

Minister Lyons noted that the forthcoming Anti-Poverty Strategy will aim to address poverty and the effects of socio-economic disadvantage, setting out the Executive's commitment to a joined-up, long-term approach.

Reverend Philip McCrea, Chairperson of the Trussell North Belfast Food Bank, welcomed the policy change which they had long lobbied for: "We are delighted to welcome Minister Patrick and Minister Lyons to our food bank in North Belfast to see first hand the work that goes on to help support people in poverty. We spoke about the Government's decision to lift the two child limit, which was something we lobbied the UK Government to do for years, and is therefore a move very much welcomed by us."

The strategy is aligned with the government's wider Plan for Change mission to break down barriers to opportunity, ensuring that every child is given the best start in life regardless of their background.