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20/04/2009
Compensation For Attacks On Halls Announced
There is to be new legislation which will make it easier for the owners of community halls to get compensation for their premises if they are attacked and criminally damaged.
The Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins (pictured) has introduced the laws, noting that an additional criterion has been added to existing criminal damage legislation.
This is to create an entitlement for community halls to claim compensation for damage, he explained.
"I am pleased to announce the commencement of new legislation which introduces an additional criterion under the statutory compensation scheme for those community halls which are the victims of mindless acts of criminal damage.
"Community halls play a vital role in providing facilities that bring local people together. Attacks on these vulnerable community facilities represent attacks on the heart of local communities in Northern Ireland," he said.
"The Government has listened carefully to advice on the value of these buildings and appreciates concerns about their long-term viability where they are subject to criminal damage," continued the NIO Minister.
"Recognising the importance of sustaining community infrastructure we are committed to providing appropriate compensation to meet the cost of criminal damage where community facilities are attacked."
The provision covers community halls as recognised under elements of existing Department of Finance and Personnel (NI) Rates legislation.
Properties which do not meet the new criterion will continue to be eligible for statutory compensation under the current arrangements.
(BMcC/JM)
The Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins (pictured) has introduced the laws, noting that an additional criterion has been added to existing criminal damage legislation.
This is to create an entitlement for community halls to claim compensation for damage, he explained.
"I am pleased to announce the commencement of new legislation which introduces an additional criterion under the statutory compensation scheme for those community halls which are the victims of mindless acts of criminal damage.
"Community halls play a vital role in providing facilities that bring local people together. Attacks on these vulnerable community facilities represent attacks on the heart of local communities in Northern Ireland," he said.
"The Government has listened carefully to advice on the value of these buildings and appreciates concerns about their long-term viability where they are subject to criminal damage," continued the NIO Minister.
"Recognising the importance of sustaining community infrastructure we are committed to providing appropriate compensation to meet the cost of criminal damage where community facilities are attacked."
The provision covers community halls as recognised under elements of existing Department of Finance and Personnel (NI) Rates legislation.
Properties which do not meet the new criterion will continue to be eligible for statutory compensation under the current arrangements.
(BMcC/JM)
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