Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted for claiming £13,250 benefits he was not entitled to at Antrim Crown Court.

Paul Martin claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £13,257 while failing to declare capital. He was given a three month prison sentence suspended for two years.

He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department.

6% Of New Build Social Homes To Be Set Aside For People With Complex Needs

A total of 6% of all social housing new build developments will be set aside for individuals with complex needs, the Department of Communities has confirmed.

SDLP Housing spokesperson Nichola Mallon welcomed the announcement.

She said: "There are over 450 households across the north, over 100 in Belfast alone, who are waiting, many for several years on the housing waiting list. As a result of the acute shortage of suitable wheelchair accessible accommodation, these families are left trapped in unsuitable properties with no light at the end of the tunnel. I have seen for myself, working with families in this situation in North Belfast, how their physical and mental health suffers as a result.

"I welcome this policy change. The benefits won't be felt by families for a few years until these schemes are built but this compulsory target will bring much needed relief to those with complex needs because they are being failed by a housing system that isn't building the number of suitable homes these families need."

Investigation To Launch Over Council's Decision To Store Pallets For Bonfires

An immediate investigation will take place into a decision by Belfast City Council to store pallets meant for bonfires, after Alliance Councillor Michael Long made the proposal.

Councillor Long's call was unanimously supported as he added the recent revelations should be "the wake-up call needed to see things change", with no future storage to take place.

He said: "The recent revelations prove yet again the scourge of paramilitaries remains rife on our streets. This cannot continue and we must get firm answers into how and why the Council's role in agreeing and storing these pallets played out.

"It is time for all political parties and other statutory agencies, including the PSNI, to step up to the mark and put an end to this poison infecting our society.

"I am pleased the Committee backed my proposal and that an investigation, with independent input, has been agreed. We find ourselves in a situation where the PSNI and some political parties are unwilling to stand up for our community, but we must take back control."

(CD/LM)