Our Systems Change work in Rochdale received national recognition last week as MP for Rochdale, Paul Waugh, spoke in the House of Commons about the Budget, the planned abolishment of the two-child benefit cap in April 2026, and its direct impact on the communities in Rochdale.
We’re proud that the efforts of our Systems Change team, and the forums they facilitate, are helping to build a direct link to those influencing policy and driving decisions - ensuring our sector’s voice is heard.
In Paul's speech, he directly credited the work of Rochdale anti-poverty campaigners, which included our own Heather Madden, Systems Change Coordinator in Rochdale.
Here’s the key quote from the speech, and you can watch the full clip in the video:
"Today I spoke in the Commons on how the Budget will save Rochdale families £150 off their energy bills, will invest in our NHS and apprenticeships - and will lift local kids out of poverty.
Many thanks to anti-poverty campaigners and community workers in Rochdale, including Jo Barker-Marsh, Aqub Nazir, Heather Madden and Nasrine Akhtar, whose passion and commitment helped us make the case for change."
Back in May 2025, and chaired by Heather, we hosted a Child Poverty Taskforce roundtable event at Deeplish Community Centre with Paul Waugh MP, Alison McGovern (Minister for Employment), officials from DWP, Anti Poverty Foundation Group members, school representatives and system partners.
It was an opportunity for participants to share insights into the challenges faced by families in Rochdale, but it also gave a platform to highlight the wonderful range of initiatives happening across our Borough to combat the effects of child poverty.
Paul shared his reflections with us following the event:
“Heather was absolutely brilliant at facilitating the Ministerial roundtable. She ensured all participants were able to speak, whilst managing their allocated time with empathy, compassion and care. In her summing up, she was also bold and direct in explaining to the Minister the changes the group would like the government to make.”
Heather has since received a personal letter of thanks from Paul, attributing the work she has led to having helped shape a national policy change that will lift thousands of our children out of hardship.
The Anti-Poverty Foundation Group is a network of VCFSE leaders in Rochdale formed to analyse the root causes of poverty within the borough. The Group aims to influence decision makers to improve the outcomes for communities across the borough and beyond.
The Group and some of its members were recently referenced in Parliament during the debate around ending the two-child benefit cap.
The two-child cap has been proven to be holding some 450,000 children across the UK in poverty, and our group of community leaders saw the huge impact this was having on children and families in Rochdale.
One of the foundation group’s priority areas of focus is ‘thriving children and young people.’ Across Rochdale borough, an estimated 40% of children live in poverty. The group highlighted how draconian measures such as the two-child cap were trapping families in poverty, meaning any local work to counter child poverty was being held back by national policies.
In May, we arranged a Child Poverty Roundtable with Rochdale MP Paul Waugh, and Minister for Employment Alison McGovern. The group highlighted the incredible work happening in the borough to support young people, some of which was needed to counteract problems created by national policies. They emphasised the point that without changes to national policy, such as the removal of the two-child cap, the situation would worsen and services were faced with being unable to support people due to increased demand.
The group are delighted that the cap has been removed. This will ensure that more money will go to families in dire need of food and essentials. They were particularly pleased to be mentioned in Parliament, as recognition that their hard work and strength in sharing their insight and stories had made a difference.
There’s more to be done but this is a really positive step for families in Rochdale and across the UK. The Anti-Poverty Foundation Group will continue to stand against injustice and work hard to create a more equitable borough, where children and adults can thrive.
Members of the Anti-Poverty Foundation Group were elated to receive this national recognition, and shared their reactions:
"It was only a few days ago, I was asking Heather, 'Are we actually making a difference?'. There have been so many moments where it feels like we're shouting into the wind, and our efforts are invisible. We show up, we fight, we try…and it feels like nothing moves. And then this happens! Honestly, it feels like the validation we didn’t even know we needed. Heather, you stitched this group together with compassion and pure northern grit. Own it, my friend! It’s a pleasure to be part of this messy, persistent, loving, stubborn, world-shifting family. You’re all extraordinary humans."
Nasrine Akhtar, Awakening Minds
"Well, we wondered if we would be heard, I think we have been. The Changing Realities Project received a letter from Keir Starmer too! The power of lived experience in changing policy is so clear in what some of this budget has addressed. It’s an honour to work side by side with you all. We work hard for change, and when we do that together, great things can happen! Well done everyone."
Joanne Barker-Marsh
"Wonderful news for Rochdale families! It’s also great to see our efforts made it reality at National level. Well done everyone and extremely proud of our work, supported by wonderful Heather. You have created such a team and little family which has become a strong and sound voice in our Borough. Thank you for keeping us on track and motivated. I am equally proud of yourself, your work and dedication."
Sohail Ahmad, Deeplish Community Centre
"This is truly fantastic news, and I am so incredibly proud to be working alongside all of you. Heather, you have built a powerful team that is making a real difference. Well done to everyone for your tireless dedication and for having such a major influence on this national policy change."
Aly Darwin, Citizens Advice SORT Group