The motion, brought by Alderman McGrath and seconded by party colleague Councillor Julie Gilmour, received unanimous cross-party support during Monday (29 January)'s council session, marking an important commitment to tackling poverty in the borough.

Speaking about the motion, Alderman McGrath said: “It is absolutely essential that we do everything we can to prevent people falling through the cracks and getting stuck in a cycle of poverty.

“Addressing poverty is about more than handouts. It's about working with strategic partners more effectively, and it is about providing agency and pathways to self-sufficiency. It's about providing opportunity, initiatives, and capacity building.

“I want to thank my fellow council members, community partners, and residents for their unwavering support and dedication to creating positive change and ensuring this motion was advanced. This has the potential to be such a significant step forward for our borough.

“By standing together and prioritising the well-being of all residents, we are hopefully laying the groundwork for a more equitable and prosperous future.

“The passage of this anti-poverty strategy motion underscores a commitment to social justice and inclusivity. As we move forward, the Alliance team on Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council remains steadfast in its resolve to the fight against poverty, through implementing tangible measures and adapting strategies to meet the evolving needs of our community.”