Government cutbacks may hit poverty agencies

Agencies working to help people affected by poverty could be hit by Government cutbacks, according to a social housing group.

Respond says it is concerned about the future of the Government-funded Combat Poverty Agency.

The organisation says it fears the CPA could be abolished or downgraded by the Government in a bid to save money.

An estimated 300,000 people are currently living below the poverty line, while a further 70,000 are at risk from poverty.