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10/05/2017
Other News In Brief
Call For Death Threats In Larne To Be Lifted Immediately
Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan is calling for death threats against a number of families in Larne to be lifted immediately.
He said: "I have been contacted by a number of families who have been told by the PSNI their lives are under threat as a result of the ongoing criminality in Larne.
"These threats are unacceptable in our society and should be lifted immediately.
"The PSNI also need to step up its patrolling in the area to provide additional protection and reassurance to these families at this distressing time.
"The escalating criminality in Larne has already resulted in the destruction of property and we don't want to see any loss of life."
Seven People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud
Seven people have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Belfast Magistrates' Court.
Gerard Lyness claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £11,914 while failing to declare a pension. He was given a 12 month conditional discharge.
Dean Fisher claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £6,524 while failing to declare employment. He was given 150 hours community service.
Declan Lynch claimed Income Support and Carer's Allowance totalling £6,394 while failing to declare employment. He was given 150 hours community service.
Cathal Lenaghan claimed Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and Pension Credit totalling £5,667 while failing to declare a pension. He was given a 12 month conditional discharge.
Brian Kidd claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £5,006 while failing to declare employment and that he was living with a partner. He was given 140 hours community service.
Carol Ann Topping claimed Income Support and Carer's Allowance totalling £3,846 while failing to declare employment. She was given a three month prison sentence suspended for two years.
James Blake claimed Income Support and Carer's Allowance totalling £2,983 while failing to declare employment. He was given 120 hours community service.
All are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.
Slight Rise In NI House Prices
The overall average house price in Northern Ireland has risen slightly in the last quarter, according to a new report.
According to the Ulster University's latest Quarterly House Price Index report prices are less than 0.5% over the quarter.
The University research indicates that the volume of house sales for the first quarter of 2017 is lower than the final quarter of 2016.
Lead researcher, Professor Stanley McGreal from Ulster University said: "This research is designed to provide a useful analysis tool for those wanting to buy or sell residential property in Northern Ireland. The main finding of this report is that the overall housing market is experiencing some positive growth over the year, but over the quarter growth appears to be more static.
"As part of our research, we gather insights from estate agents across the region. We found there was a general feeling of uncertainty from agents concerning the performance of the market during the first quarter.
"Along with agents concerns around political instability and Brexit, they indicate an issue of supply in terms of good quality affordable homes. Agents are pointing to a demand, especially from first time buyers, that is potentially being curtailed by the lack of new build starter homes. In the opinion of many, there needs to be more new build activity to help boost sales."
(CD)
Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan is calling for death threats against a number of families in Larne to be lifted immediately.
He said: "I have been contacted by a number of families who have been told by the PSNI their lives are under threat as a result of the ongoing criminality in Larne.
"These threats are unacceptable in our society and should be lifted immediately.
"The PSNI also need to step up its patrolling in the area to provide additional protection and reassurance to these families at this distressing time.
"The escalating criminality in Larne has already resulted in the destruction of property and we don't want to see any loss of life."
Seven People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud
Seven people have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Belfast Magistrates' Court.
Gerard Lyness claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £11,914 while failing to declare a pension. He was given a 12 month conditional discharge.
Dean Fisher claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £6,524 while failing to declare employment. He was given 150 hours community service.
Declan Lynch claimed Income Support and Carer's Allowance totalling £6,394 while failing to declare employment. He was given 150 hours community service.
Cathal Lenaghan claimed Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and Pension Credit totalling £5,667 while failing to declare a pension. He was given a 12 month conditional discharge.
Brian Kidd claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £5,006 while failing to declare employment and that he was living with a partner. He was given 140 hours community service.
Carol Ann Topping claimed Income Support and Carer's Allowance totalling £3,846 while failing to declare employment. She was given a three month prison sentence suspended for two years.
James Blake claimed Income Support and Carer's Allowance totalling £2,983 while failing to declare employment. He was given 120 hours community service.
All are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.
Slight Rise In NI House Prices
The overall average house price in Northern Ireland has risen slightly in the last quarter, according to a new report.
According to the Ulster University's latest Quarterly House Price Index report prices are less than 0.5% over the quarter.
The University research indicates that the volume of house sales for the first quarter of 2017 is lower than the final quarter of 2016.
Lead researcher, Professor Stanley McGreal from Ulster University said: "This research is designed to provide a useful analysis tool for those wanting to buy or sell residential property in Northern Ireland. The main finding of this report is that the overall housing market is experiencing some positive growth over the year, but over the quarter growth appears to be more static.
"As part of our research, we gather insights from estate agents across the region. We found there was a general feeling of uncertainty from agents concerning the performance of the market during the first quarter.
"Along with agents concerns around political instability and Brexit, they indicate an issue of supply in terms of good quality affordable homes. Agents are pointing to a demand, especially from first time buyers, that is potentially being curtailed by the lack of new build starter homes. In the opinion of many, there needs to be more new build activity to help boost sales."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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26 November 2024
Ergo Invests £4.5m In New Belfast Office And Creates 40 Jobs
A leading IT solutions provider has invested £4.5 million into a new Belfast office which will create 40 high-quality jobs over three years. Ergo's new office in Clockwise, River House, near Belfast's Cathedral Quarter supports its strategy of driving economic growth, job creation, and tech exports from Northern Ireland.
Ergo Invests £4.5m In New Belfast Office And Creates 40 Jobs
A leading IT solutions provider has invested £4.5 million into a new Belfast office which will create 40 high-quality jobs over three years. Ergo's new office in Clockwise, River House, near Belfast's Cathedral Quarter supports its strategy of driving economic growth, job creation, and tech exports from Northern Ireland.
07 December 2011
Benefit Fraudsters Pay The Penalty
Both a jail sentence and fines have been handed down to benefit fraudsters across NI. Two people were convicted at Newry Magistrates Court (pictured) on Monday for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.
Benefit Fraudsters Pay The Penalty
Both a jail sentence and fines have been handed down to benefit fraudsters across NI. Two people were convicted at Newry Magistrates Court (pictured) on Monday for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.
08 September 2011
Named And Shamed: Frauds Pay Penalty
A dozen people have been caught fiddling the benefits' system in Northern Ireland. All have been identified on the Department of Social Development's (DSD) own website - a new development - and have had their details circulated to the local media in each of the areas concerned.
Named And Shamed: Frauds Pay Penalty
A dozen people have been caught fiddling the benefits' system in Northern Ireland. All have been identified on the Department of Social Development's (DSD) own website - a new development - and have had their details circulated to the local media in each of the areas concerned.
10 February 2015
Woman Convicted Over £28,000 Benefit Fraud
A woman has been convicted at Newtownards Magistrates' Court for claiming almost £30,000 in benefits she was not entitled to. 55-year-old Mary McCluskey of Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, claimed Housing Benefit, Income Support and Carers Allowance totalling £28,360 while failing to declare she was living abroad.
Woman Convicted Over £28,000 Benefit Fraud
A woman has been convicted at Newtownards Magistrates' Court for claiming almost £30,000 in benefits she was not entitled to. 55-year-old Mary McCluskey of Steel Dickson Avenue, Portaferry, County Down, claimed Housing Benefit, Income Support and Carers Allowance totalling £28,360 while failing to declare she was living abroad.
18 August 2011
Criminals Sentenced For Benefit Fraud
A man was convicted at Belfast Magistrates' court on Wednesday for claiming benefits he was not entitled to. Raymond Crooks, 52, of Bentinck Street, Belfast was given three months imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered to pay court costs of £22 for wrongful encashment of Employment Support Allowance totalling £173.
Criminals Sentenced For Benefit Fraud
A man was convicted at Belfast Magistrates' court on Wednesday for claiming benefits he was not entitled to. Raymond Crooks, 52, of Bentinck Street, Belfast was given three months imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered to pay court costs of £22 for wrongful encashment of Employment Support Allowance totalling £173.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
