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02/08/2021
Other News In Brief
Man Threatens Occupants Of West Belfast Home With A Gun
Police in west Belfast have issued an appeal for information after a man threatened the occupants of a house with a gun.
According to reports, at approximately 2.40pm on Saturday 01 August a man banged on the door of a house on Slieveban Drive. When the occupants of the house opened the door the man is said to have threatened them with a gun, before running off when the female occupant screamed. No one was injured in the incident.
Police have said that they are working to establish a motive behind the incident.
Police have appealed to anyone with information about the incident, or anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious, contact them.
Communities Minister Urged To Extend Protections For Private Renters
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has been urged to urgently extend protections for private renters.
Under legislation introduced during the Covid pandemic to protect private tenants, the notice period landlords had to provide before asking tenants to leave their rented property was extended from 4 weeks to 12 weeks.
The legislation is due to expire in September and SDLP Housing Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has called on the Sinn Fein Minister to secure an extension as soon as possible.
The Foyle MLA said: "The notice to quit (NTQ) enhancement introduced in response to the Covid pandemic was welcome but as the economic impact of the Covid crisis deepens, it is vital these protections are extended to strengthen the security of private renters. It's the least the Communities Minister can do to protect people in this vulnerable situation. Many are struggling as we try to emerge from the pandemic and the last thing people need is to be turfed out onto the streets.
"Over the past several months, MLA constituency offices have witnessed a worrying trend in increasing numbers of private tenants receiving notices to quit. In some instances landlords have taken advantage of the booming housing market and decided to sell-up.
"I'm cognisant that these circumstances do not apply to all NTQ cases however it's clear that such practices are placing strain on an already crumbling housing system. Importantly, many of these private renters have been forced into the sector in the first place due to a lack of social housing stock. This is testament to the need for an urgent housing supply strategy for the North. We have yet to see proper action to address the housing crisis from the Minister, despite Sinn Fein's constant crowing about the issue in the Republic.
"The incoming Private Tenancies Bill will extend the NTQ period from 4 to 8 weeks for tenancies which are more than 12 months old. However, I've called on Minister Hargey to carry forward the temporary coronavirus measures and extend to 12 weeks. Given that this provision will end in September, it's crucial that an interim arrangement is in place.
"It is imperative that individuals and families who rent privately are safeguarded through legislation so we can ensure more affordable, safe and secure tenancies."
£260,000 Resurfacing Works Due To Begin In Lisburn
The Department for Infrastructure has announced a £260,000 carriageway and footway resurfacing scheme on Pond Park Road, that will commence on Monday 9 August 2021
The resurfacing scheme extends from Beechdene Drive in a northerly direction for 1km towards Derriaghy Road and should be completed by 26 November 2021.
Making the announcement, Minister Nicola Mallon said: "This significant investment will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of this section of the road network to the benefit of local residents and those who travel through the area. I would like to thank the public and local residents in advance for their cooperation and ask that they comply with all temporary traffic restrictions while these much needed works are completed."
Police in west Belfast have issued an appeal for information after a man threatened the occupants of a house with a gun.
According to reports, at approximately 2.40pm on Saturday 01 August a man banged on the door of a house on Slieveban Drive. When the occupants of the house opened the door the man is said to have threatened them with a gun, before running off when the female occupant screamed. No one was injured in the incident.
Police have said that they are working to establish a motive behind the incident.
Police have appealed to anyone with information about the incident, or anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious, contact them.
Communities Minister Urged To Extend Protections For Private Renters
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has been urged to urgently extend protections for private renters.
Under legislation introduced during the Covid pandemic to protect private tenants, the notice period landlords had to provide before asking tenants to leave their rented property was extended from 4 weeks to 12 weeks.
The legislation is due to expire in September and SDLP Housing Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has called on the Sinn Fein Minister to secure an extension as soon as possible.
The Foyle MLA said: "The notice to quit (NTQ) enhancement introduced in response to the Covid pandemic was welcome but as the economic impact of the Covid crisis deepens, it is vital these protections are extended to strengthen the security of private renters. It's the least the Communities Minister can do to protect people in this vulnerable situation. Many are struggling as we try to emerge from the pandemic and the last thing people need is to be turfed out onto the streets.
"Over the past several months, MLA constituency offices have witnessed a worrying trend in increasing numbers of private tenants receiving notices to quit. In some instances landlords have taken advantage of the booming housing market and decided to sell-up.
"I'm cognisant that these circumstances do not apply to all NTQ cases however it's clear that such practices are placing strain on an already crumbling housing system. Importantly, many of these private renters have been forced into the sector in the first place due to a lack of social housing stock. This is testament to the need for an urgent housing supply strategy for the North. We have yet to see proper action to address the housing crisis from the Minister, despite Sinn Fein's constant crowing about the issue in the Republic.
"The incoming Private Tenancies Bill will extend the NTQ period from 4 to 8 weeks for tenancies which are more than 12 months old. However, I've called on Minister Hargey to carry forward the temporary coronavirus measures and extend to 12 weeks. Given that this provision will end in September, it's crucial that an interim arrangement is in place.
"It is imperative that individuals and families who rent privately are safeguarded through legislation so we can ensure more affordable, safe and secure tenancies."
£260,000 Resurfacing Works Due To Begin In Lisburn
The Department for Infrastructure has announced a £260,000 carriageway and footway resurfacing scheme on Pond Park Road, that will commence on Monday 9 August 2021
The resurfacing scheme extends from Beechdene Drive in a northerly direction for 1km towards Derriaghy Road and should be completed by 26 November 2021.
Making the announcement, Minister Nicola Mallon said: "This significant investment will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of this section of the road network to the benefit of local residents and those who travel through the area. I would like to thank the public and local residents in advance for their cooperation and ask that they comply with all temporary traffic restrictions while these much needed works are completed."
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06 July 2021
New Private Tenancies Bill Introduced To The Assembly
A new Private Tenancies Bill has been introduced to the Assembly, which aims to improve protections for tenants living in the private rented sector. Announcing the bill, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: "I am putting the needs of tenants at the heart of my approach.
New Private Tenancies Bill Introduced To The Assembly
A new Private Tenancies Bill has been introduced to the Assembly, which aims to improve protections for tenants living in the private rented sector. Announcing the bill, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: "I am putting the needs of tenants at the heart of my approach.
14 September 2021
New Private Tenancies Bill Moves To Second Stage In The Assembly
The new Private Tenancies Bill, which aims to improve protections for tenants living in the private rented sector, has moved to the second stage in the Assembly.
New Private Tenancies Bill Moves To Second Stage In The Assembly
The new Private Tenancies Bill, which aims to improve protections for tenants living in the private rented sector, has moved to the second stage in the Assembly.
12 June 2009
Minister's Overhaul Of Private Rental Sector
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has launched, for consultation, a new strategy to overhaul the private rental housing sector in Northern Ireland. This is the first time government backed initiative ever to address the private rented sector. Launching the consultation Ms Ritchie said the housing sector "needs to be overhauled".
Minister's Overhaul Of Private Rental Sector
Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has launched, for consultation, a new strategy to overhaul the private rental housing sector in Northern Ireland. This is the first time government backed initiative ever to address the private rented sector. Launching the consultation Ms Ritchie said the housing sector "needs to be overhauled".
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.
16 March 2022
New Bill To Protect Private Tenants Finalized
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has finalized a new Bill to protect tenants living in the private rented sector. The Private Tenancies Bill increases protections for tenants in areas such as rent increases, safety checks, notice to quit periods and deposits, and lays the groundwork for further improvements in energy efficiency.
New Bill To Protect Private Tenants Finalized
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has finalized a new Bill to protect tenants living in the private rented sector. The Private Tenancies Bill increases protections for tenants in areas such as rent increases, safety checks, notice to quit periods and deposits, and lays the groundwork for further improvements in energy efficiency.
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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.
