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20/04/2018
Other News In Brief
Sinn Féin Raises Concerns Over Rental Costs
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson, Carál Ní Chuilín, has expressed alarm at new figures which show that renting privately is becoming more expensive.
Responding to the figures contained in the Homelet Rental Index, the North Belfast MLA said: "Average rent in the private sector has risen by 2.4% here compared to an increase of 0.9% in Britain. In Mid Ulster the average increase is a steep 5%.
"This increase is not being driven by a rise in prosperity. It is being driven by the failure to build sufficient social housing, which is forcing more and more people into the private market.
"These figures have been released just days after research by the Nevin Economic Research Institute linked higher rents in the private sector with poverty.
"Lengthy waiting lists for social housing and higher private rents is the price ordinary families pay for the failure to build sufficient social houses to meet need."
Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Attempted Murder
Police have arrested a man in connection with a shooting incident in North Belfast.
According to reports, a man in his 40s had to "run for his life" when shots where fired at him in Ballysillan on Tuesday, 10 April.
Following a number of raids carried out on Thursday, a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
He has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
SDLP Support 'Keep Me Posted' Campaign
The SDLP has voiced its support for the 'Keep Me Posted' campaign alongside Advice NI, for claimants to have the choice to receive postal notifications of Universal Credit payment, the new combined benefit being rolled out across Northern Ireland. This new benefit, which is all online, requires claimants to have the digital skills to apply for and navigate the new system.
Nichola Mallon MLA said: "To claim Universal Credit you have to apply online. Yet the truth is that there are vast numbers of people of all ages across Northern Ireland who cannot use email because they don't have the digital skills or knowledge.
"The SDLP has consistently pointed out this serious barrier to the Department for Communities and has made it clear that in the absence of an overhaul of the entire system, changes need to be made to offer options and support to those who aren't equipped to do everything online.
"One such change which could be made now is for claimants to be offered the option of receiving postal notifications that their payment has issued. This small change would make a big difference to people's lives by helping them to access their much needed money as quickly as possible. It's a no brainer and I can think of no reason why the Department for Communities could object."
Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson, Carál Ní Chuilín, has expressed alarm at new figures which show that renting privately is becoming more expensive.
Responding to the figures contained in the Homelet Rental Index, the North Belfast MLA said: "Average rent in the private sector has risen by 2.4% here compared to an increase of 0.9% in Britain. In Mid Ulster the average increase is a steep 5%.
"This increase is not being driven by a rise in prosperity. It is being driven by the failure to build sufficient social housing, which is forcing more and more people into the private market.
"These figures have been released just days after research by the Nevin Economic Research Institute linked higher rents in the private sector with poverty.
"Lengthy waiting lists for social housing and higher private rents is the price ordinary families pay for the failure to build sufficient social houses to meet need."
Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Attempted Murder
Police have arrested a man in connection with a shooting incident in North Belfast.
According to reports, a man in his 40s had to "run for his life" when shots where fired at him in Ballysillan on Tuesday, 10 April.
Following a number of raids carried out on Thursday, a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
He has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
SDLP Support 'Keep Me Posted' Campaign
The SDLP has voiced its support for the 'Keep Me Posted' campaign alongside Advice NI, for claimants to have the choice to receive postal notifications of Universal Credit payment, the new combined benefit being rolled out across Northern Ireland. This new benefit, which is all online, requires claimants to have the digital skills to apply for and navigate the new system.
Nichola Mallon MLA said: "To claim Universal Credit you have to apply online. Yet the truth is that there are vast numbers of people of all ages across Northern Ireland who cannot use email because they don't have the digital skills or knowledge.
"The SDLP has consistently pointed out this serious barrier to the Department for Communities and has made it clear that in the absence of an overhaul of the entire system, changes need to be made to offer options and support to those who aren't equipped to do everything online.
"One such change which could be made now is for claimants to be offered the option of receiving postal notifications that their payment has issued. This small change would make a big difference to people's lives by helping them to access their much needed money as quickly as possible. It's a no brainer and I can think of no reason why the Department for Communities could object."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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28 March 2022
Housing Payments Changed To Support Private Tenants
Changes to housing payments have been announced to provide additional support for private tenants facing a shortfall in their rent and the housing support they currently receive.
Housing Payments Changed To Support Private Tenants
Changes to housing payments have been announced to provide additional support for private tenants facing a shortfall in their rent and the housing support they currently receive.
09 July 2021
Man Sentenced For Multiple Sexual Assaults
A man in his 50s has been handed a 24-year extended custodial sentence for a number of charges, including multiple sexual assaults.
Man Sentenced For Multiple Sexual Assaults
A man in his 50s has been handed a 24-year extended custodial sentence for a number of charges, including multiple sexual assaults.
07 July 2011
Builders Get Major House Building Boost
A substantial Co Antrim housing scheme has been launched this week proving much needed good news for the beleaguered construction sector. Stormont Social Development (DSD) Minister Nelson McCausland has officially started the new £18.5m family housing development in Lisburn.
Builders Get Major House Building Boost
A substantial Co Antrim housing scheme has been launched this week proving much needed good news for the beleaguered construction sector. Stormont Social Development (DSD) Minister Nelson McCausland has officially started the new £18.5m family housing development in Lisburn.
18 June 2003
New grant aid to target unfit housing
The Housing Executive today published proposals for the most radical shake-up in public grants for over a decade. Last year over 10,000 grants were approved at a cost of £40 millions. However, latest figures show 28,000 privately owned homes in the province are also unfit and need such aid.
New grant aid to target unfit housing
The Housing Executive today published proposals for the most radical shake-up in public grants for over a decade. Last year over 10,000 grants were approved at a cost of £40 millions. However, latest figures show 28,000 privately owned homes in the province are also unfit and need such aid.
06 August 2015
Crumlin Social Housing Scheme Opened
A new social housing scheme of three and four bedroom houses has been officially opened in Crumlin. The fourteen new homes for families on the social housing waiting list, is owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association who funded the build, with support from the Department for Social Development.
Crumlin Social Housing Scheme Opened
A new social housing scheme of three and four bedroom houses has been officially opened in Crumlin. The fourteen new homes for families on the social housing waiting list, is owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association who funded the build, with support from the Department for Social Development.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
