The chief executive of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has called for concerted action to combat poverty at a lecture hosted by the Law Centre (NI).

Julia Unwin, speaking at the 2015 Law Centre (NI) social justice lecture at the Harbour Office Belfast yesterday, said poverty is “not inevitable”.

Ms Unwin said: “Responsibility rests with all of us: with governments across the UK, with local authorities, with business and of course, with individuals themselves. Between us we have the capacity and the tools to tackle poverty and contribute to a poverty-free and prosperous UK.

“The changing demography of our country, the impact of globalisation and automation, as well as challenges in our housing markets all provide both opportunities and risks.”

Law Centre (NI), which has offices in Belfast and Derry, is a not-for-profit agency that provides specialist legal support to organisations and disadvantaged individuals.

Glenn Jordon, director of Law Centre (NI), said: “At the Law Centre, we are acutely aware of the need for joined up thinking if we are to make serious inroads in the fight against poverty.

“Many of the Law Centre’s clients are people who live in poverty, for example due to ill health, low pay or unemployment, sometimes compounded by errors in processing benefit applications.

“We do our best to address their pressing legal needs and, where needed, refer them to health and social care trusts or to charities that provide immediate relief.

“We also work towards affecting wider changes through test cases and policy development. We are delighted with Julia Unwin’s inspiring contribution to the debate.”