Menu
26/11/2012
Other News In Brief
Maghaberry To Be Broken Up Into Three Mini Prisons
Justice Minister David Ford has revealed that Maghaberry prison in County Antrim is to be split into three mini prisons.
Mr Ford said: "Following consultation, I have decided to proceed with the proposal to reconfigure Maghaberry into three mini prisons - for remand prisoners, low to medium security prisoners, and those prisoners requiring high security - as suggested by the Prison Review Team.
"Not only will this create operational efficiencies, but it will also allow Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) to deliver better tailored regimes to specific groups of prisoners within Maghaberry, and will help to underpin and reinforce work to rehabilitate offenders."
Rate Reliefs To Be Extended
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson today announced his intention to extend a number of rate reliefs and exemptions to assist businesses.
The Empty Retail Premises Relief scheme and the rates exemption for stand alone ATMs in rural areas which were due to end in March 2013 will now be extended until the end of the current budget period in March 2015, subject to Assembly approval. The Minister also announced his intention to extend the current 18 month developer exclusion applicable under the Rating of Empty Homes for a further 12 months.
Speaking in the Assembly today, Sammy Wilson commented: "The Executive recognises the difficulties that our local businesses are facing and are committed to helping them in these challenging financial times.
"Earlier today I was pleased to have the opportunity to visit Home Restaurant to see how the value of the Empty Premises Relief has assisted businesses such as this. The opening of this restaurant has created 28 jobs.
"Northern Ireland has led the way with this innovative scheme and was the first devolved administration in the UK to introduce such an initiative; Scotland is now following in our footsteps. 52 businesses have benefitted from a 50% reduction on their rates totalling £143,000 since the introduction of this new rate relief in April 2012."
Call For On-Going Funding To Resource The PSNI's Anto-Terrorism Activity
Ulster Unionist Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, has highlighted the need for on-going funding to resource the PSNI’s anti-terrorism activity. Speaking after he led a delegation to meet the Chief Constable, which included Justice spokesperson, Tom Elliott MLA, and Policing Board member, Ross Hussey MLA, Mr Nesbitt said: "While the Chief Constable briefed to the effect that the PSNI is dealing with the current terrorist threat, it is clear that threat has reached a new, more dangerous level in recent weeks, not least with the apparent amalgamation of some of the smaller republican groups.
"The PSNI's ability to deal with this threat is largely dependent on £245 million of additional funding out of Westminster, but that funding is time limited, and will run out at the end of the 2014/2015 financial year. It is unlikely the threat will have gone away by then.
"It is therefore essential that the funding which is currently bolted-on, is embedded in the PSNI budget for the longer term, as all intelligence suggests those psychopaths who murdered David Black on the M1 at the beginning of November, will try again."
(CD)
Justice Minister David Ford has revealed that Maghaberry prison in County Antrim is to be split into three mini prisons.
Mr Ford said: "Following consultation, I have decided to proceed with the proposal to reconfigure Maghaberry into three mini prisons - for remand prisoners, low to medium security prisoners, and those prisoners requiring high security - as suggested by the Prison Review Team.
"Not only will this create operational efficiencies, but it will also allow Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) to deliver better tailored regimes to specific groups of prisoners within Maghaberry, and will help to underpin and reinforce work to rehabilitate offenders."
Rate Reliefs To Be Extended
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson today announced his intention to extend a number of rate reliefs and exemptions to assist businesses.
The Empty Retail Premises Relief scheme and the rates exemption for stand alone ATMs in rural areas which were due to end in March 2013 will now be extended until the end of the current budget period in March 2015, subject to Assembly approval. The Minister also announced his intention to extend the current 18 month developer exclusion applicable under the Rating of Empty Homes for a further 12 months.
Speaking in the Assembly today, Sammy Wilson commented: "The Executive recognises the difficulties that our local businesses are facing and are committed to helping them in these challenging financial times.
"Earlier today I was pleased to have the opportunity to visit Home Restaurant to see how the value of the Empty Premises Relief has assisted businesses such as this. The opening of this restaurant has created 28 jobs.
"Northern Ireland has led the way with this innovative scheme and was the first devolved administration in the UK to introduce such an initiative; Scotland is now following in our footsteps. 52 businesses have benefitted from a 50% reduction on their rates totalling £143,000 since the introduction of this new rate relief in April 2012."
Call For On-Going Funding To Resource The PSNI's Anto-Terrorism Activity
Ulster Unionist Leader, Mike Nesbitt MLA, has highlighted the need for on-going funding to resource the PSNI’s anti-terrorism activity. Speaking after he led a delegation to meet the Chief Constable, which included Justice spokesperson, Tom Elliott MLA, and Policing Board member, Ross Hussey MLA, Mr Nesbitt said: "While the Chief Constable briefed to the effect that the PSNI is dealing with the current terrorist threat, it is clear that threat has reached a new, more dangerous level in recent weeks, not least with the apparent amalgamation of some of the smaller republican groups.
"The PSNI's ability to deal with this threat is largely dependent on £245 million of additional funding out of Westminster, but that funding is time limited, and will run out at the end of the 2014/2015 financial year. It is unlikely the threat will have gone away by then.
"It is therefore essential that the funding which is currently bolted-on, is embedded in the PSNI budget for the longer term, as all intelligence suggests those psychopaths who murdered David Black on the M1 at the beginning of November, will try again."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 September 2006
Promoting Healthy Prisons conference announces low literacy statistics
Recent statistics from England and Wales indicate that nine out ten prisoners have a diagnosable mental health problem, substance misuse problem or both, while four out of five prisoners smoke, in comparison to one in four of the general population.
Promoting Healthy Prisons conference announces low literacy statistics
Recent statistics from England and Wales indicate that nine out ten prisoners have a diagnosable mental health problem, substance misuse problem or both, while four out of five prisoners smoke, in comparison to one in four of the general population.
10 April 2018
Rate Bills Due To Be Issued To Homes And Businesses
Rate bills are due to be issued to homes and businesses in Northern Ireland from Land & Property Services (LPS), part of the Department of Finance. The bill outlines the amount due for the billing period 2018/19 and includes any debt from previous years that has not been paid, along with any rate relief where applicable.
Rate Bills Due To Be Issued To Homes And Businesses
Rate bills are due to be issued to homes and businesses in Northern Ireland from Land & Property Services (LPS), part of the Department of Finance. The bill outlines the amount due for the billing period 2018/19 and includes any debt from previous years that has not been paid, along with any rate relief where applicable.
02 April 2015
Ratepayers To Receive New Rate Bills
Homeowners and businesses throughout the new Belfast District Council area are to receive their rate bill for 2015/16 this week. The bill will show the amount due for the new billing period 2015/16, including any debt that may have been carried forward from previous years, along with any rate relief, where applicable.
Ratepayers To Receive New Rate Bills
Homeowners and businesses throughout the new Belfast District Council area are to receive their rate bill for 2015/16 this week. The bill will show the amount due for the new billing period 2015/16, including any debt that may have been carried forward from previous years, along with any rate relief, where applicable.
30 March 2015
Finance Minister Announces New Annual Rate Statement
A new annual rate statement for all domestic rate payers in Northern Ireland has been introduced by the Finance Minister. From April 2015, the annual rate statement will show how households' rate payment contributes to the provision of public services such as health, education and roads, as well as a range of other important regional services.
Finance Minister Announces New Annual Rate Statement
A new annual rate statement for all domestic rate payers in Northern Ireland has been introduced by the Finance Minister. From April 2015, the annual rate statement will show how households' rate payment contributes to the provision of public services such as health, education and roads, as well as a range of other important regional services.
05 February 2009
Three NI Banks Cut Interest Rates
Most of Northern Ireland's big banks have agreed to adopt the latest UK interest rate cut. First Trust, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank have all brought their base rates into line with the reduction. The Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank both said they were reviewing how the cut would affect standard variable rate products.
Three NI Banks Cut Interest Rates
Most of Northern Ireland's big banks have agreed to adopt the latest UK interest rate cut. First Trust, Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank have all brought their base rates into line with the reduction. The Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank both said they were reviewing how the cut would affect standard variable rate products.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Another cloudy and mild night with the odd spot of light drizzle. More widespread outbreaks of rain will spread southeast into western parts of Tyrone, Fermanagh and Derry late in the night. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
