Other News In Brief

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman has been convicted for claiming benefits she was not entitled to at Ballymena Magistrates Court.

Keely Lynn claimed Income Support totalling £2,301 while failing to declare employment. She was given a one month prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

Ms Lynn is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Conservatives Could Interfere In NI Budgets - SDLP

SDLP Foyle Westminster candidate Mark Durkan has warned of intentions by the Conservative Party to give themselves a free hand to interfere in future Northern Ireland budgets.

Mr Durkan said: "In supporting the devolution of Corporation Tax, the SDLP also warned of the need for vigilance around the 'balanced budget'. The SDLP was the only party to draw attention to this. We were right to do so, as the Conservative Party manifesto reiterates that the devolution of Corporation Tax is 'subject to the Executive demonstrating fiscal stability'.

"When such a general conditional qualification is inserted in a manifesto we should not dismiss it as small print terms and conditions that might not arise. We know that they contrived budgetary strains for the Executive to induce Sinn Fein-DUP acquiescence on Welfare Reform. That experience shows that there is a clear and present danger that the Treasury will try to use the 'switch-on power' for devolved Corporation Tax rates to coerce other policy choices in the name of budget sustainability or fiscal stability. They could use this to interfere in devolved policy areas, preventing any element of devolved difference and demand the introduction of water charges and increases in tuition fees, for example."

Brexit Is A Huge Threat To Small And Medium Businesses - Finucane

Brexit is a huge threat to small and medium businesses, according to Sinn Fein.

The party's representative John Finucane said economic and business engagements by the party at Belfast City Hall on the affects of Brexit have been very worthwhile.

He said: "We listened carefully to what different sections of the business community had to say and pointed out the work we are doing to ensure the North does not suffer on the back of the Tory party's Brexit fiasco.

"I had very positive meetings with business representatives and economic organisations in which I put forward the economic case for designated special status for the north.

"Designated special status will maintain access to the single market and protect worker’s rights.

"The Tory and DUP Brexit poses a huge threat to our economy and local businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises which are the backbone of our local economy.

"Many of our people rely on for on small businesses not only for goods and services but for employment. Brexit is bad for business and bad for workers.

"To realise our economic potential we need to build a prosperous economy with strong local small and medium size businesses and export-led growth, attractive to foreign direct investment and with a strong skills base and respect for workers.

"To achieve this we must retain membership of the EU and the single market."

(CD)