Menu
23/06/2017
Other News In Brief
Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud
A man has been convicted for claiming £13,250 benefits he was not entitled to at Antrim Crown Court.
Paul Martin claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £13,257 while failing to declare capital. He was given a three month prison sentence suspended for two years.
He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department.
6% Of New Build Social Homes To Be Set Aside For People With Complex Needs
A total of 6% of all social housing new build developments will be set aside for individuals with complex needs, the Department of Communities has confirmed.
SDLP Housing spokesperson Nichola Mallon welcomed the announcement.
She said: "There are over 450 households across the north, over 100 in Belfast alone, who are waiting, many for several years on the housing waiting list. As a result of the acute shortage of suitable wheelchair accessible accommodation, these families are left trapped in unsuitable properties with no light at the end of the tunnel. I have seen for myself, working with families in this situation in North Belfast, how their physical and mental health suffers as a result.
"I welcome this policy change. The benefits won't be felt by families for a few years until these schemes are built but this compulsory target will bring much needed relief to those with complex needs because they are being failed by a housing system that isn't building the number of suitable homes these families need."
Investigation To Launch Over Council's Decision To Store Pallets For Bonfires
An immediate investigation will take place into a decision by Belfast City Council to store pallets meant for bonfires, after Alliance Councillor Michael Long made the proposal.
Councillor Long's call was unanimously supported as he added the recent revelations should be "the wake-up call needed to see things change", with no future storage to take place.
He said: "The recent revelations prove yet again the scourge of paramilitaries remains rife on our streets. This cannot continue and we must get firm answers into how and why the Council's role in agreeing and storing these pallets played out.
"It is time for all political parties and other statutory agencies, including the PSNI, to step up to the mark and put an end to this poison infecting our society.
"I am pleased the Committee backed my proposal and that an investigation, with independent input, has been agreed. We find ourselves in a situation where the PSNI and some political parties are unwilling to stand up for our community, but we must take back control."
(CD/LM)
A man has been convicted for claiming £13,250 benefits he was not entitled to at Antrim Crown Court.
Paul Martin claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £13,257 while failing to declare capital. He was given a three month prison sentence suspended for two years.
He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department.
6% Of New Build Social Homes To Be Set Aside For People With Complex Needs
A total of 6% of all social housing new build developments will be set aside for individuals with complex needs, the Department of Communities has confirmed.
SDLP Housing spokesperson Nichola Mallon welcomed the announcement.
She said: "There are over 450 households across the north, over 100 in Belfast alone, who are waiting, many for several years on the housing waiting list. As a result of the acute shortage of suitable wheelchair accessible accommodation, these families are left trapped in unsuitable properties with no light at the end of the tunnel. I have seen for myself, working with families in this situation in North Belfast, how their physical and mental health suffers as a result.
"I welcome this policy change. The benefits won't be felt by families for a few years until these schemes are built but this compulsory target will bring much needed relief to those with complex needs because they are being failed by a housing system that isn't building the number of suitable homes these families need."
Investigation To Launch Over Council's Decision To Store Pallets For Bonfires
An immediate investigation will take place into a decision by Belfast City Council to store pallets meant for bonfires, after Alliance Councillor Michael Long made the proposal.
Councillor Long's call was unanimously supported as he added the recent revelations should be "the wake-up call needed to see things change", with no future storage to take place.
He said: "The recent revelations prove yet again the scourge of paramilitaries remains rife on our streets. This cannot continue and we must get firm answers into how and why the Council's role in agreeing and storing these pallets played out.
"It is time for all political parties and other statutory agencies, including the PSNI, to step up to the mark and put an end to this poison infecting our society.
"I am pleased the Committee backed my proposal and that an investigation, with independent input, has been agreed. We find ourselves in a situation where the PSNI and some political parties are unwilling to stand up for our community, but we must take back control."
(CD/LM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 November 2024
Pathway Fund Applications Open For Early Years Providers
Education Minister, Paul Givan, has announced the opening of online applications for the Targeted Early Years Pathway Fund for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years. The Pathway Fund, introduced in 2016, aims to provide early years education services for children aged 0-4 who may be at risk of falling behind in their education.
Pathway Fund Applications Open For Early Years Providers
Education Minister, Paul Givan, has announced the opening of online applications for the Targeted Early Years Pathway Fund for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 academic years. The Pathway Fund, introduced in 2016, aims to provide early years education services for children aged 0-4 who may be at risk of falling behind in their education.
28 November 2024
Lidl Northern Ireland Opens Two New Stores
Lidl Northern Ireland has announced the reopening of its Stewartstown Road store in West Belfast and the opening of a new store in Carryduff. The Stewartstown Road store, which has undergone a major redevelopment, will reopen on December 5th. The new Carryduff store, Lidl’s 43rd in Northern Ireland, will open on December 12th.
Lidl Northern Ireland Opens Two New Stores
Lidl Northern Ireland has announced the reopening of its Stewartstown Road store in West Belfast and the opening of a new store in Carryduff. The Stewartstown Road store, which has undergone a major redevelopment, will reopen on December 5th. The new Carryduff store, Lidl’s 43rd in Northern Ireland, will open on December 12th.
22 November 2024
Consumer Council Advice On Online Shopping Rights
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, consumers in Northern Ireland are gearing up for a flurry of online shopping. While many retailers have already started offering deals, concerns about potential delivery issues such as delays, lost parcels, and damaged goods are on the rise.
Consumer Council Advice On Online Shopping Rights
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday just around the corner, consumers in Northern Ireland are gearing up for a flurry of online shopping. While many retailers have already started offering deals, concerns about potential delivery issues such as delays, lost parcels, and damaged goods are on the rise.
21 November 2024
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
UK Education Ministers Meet In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland hosted the fifth UK Education Ministers' Council (EMC) meeting at Laurelhill Community College in Lisburn.
15 November 2024
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
Belfast City Council Approves Range Of Transformative Projects
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has given the green light to a series of projects aimed at transforming the city's landscape. One significant development is the redevelopment of the former police station at 21 Queen Street into a 74-bedroom hotel.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
