27/11/2017

Other News In Brief

iPads Stolen From School In Co Fermanagh

A number of iPads have been stolen from a primary school in Co Fermanagh.

Around 50 of the tablets were stolen from the Moat Primary School on Sunday night, 26 November.

The PSNI also said the school had been ransacked.

NI Housing Associations Deliver Almost 1,600 New Homes

Housing Associations (HA) in Northern Ireland delivered over 1,600 new social homes in the past year, according to new figures.

The data contained in the NI Federation of Housing Associations’ (NIFHA) 2017 Global Sector Accounts also revealed HA's spent £289 million and helped just under 700 people acquire their first home.

The report was prepared by Martin Pitt of Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC). The accounts show that the sector continues to be a key economic driver in the region, with annual turnover of £311.6m and total assets of £3.5bn.

NIFHA Chief Executive Ben Collins said: "The report presents a picture of a strong and resilient sector, showing balance sheet growth and the generation of surpluses to fund the building of new homes and ensure continued delivery of quality services to tenants.

"However, it should be noted that overheads have increased by 13.5% and surpluses decreased by 4.8% from 2015/2106, which highlights the challenging environment in which housing associations operate."

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Julie McCarthy claimed Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £4,907 while failing to declare employment. She was given 180 hours Community Service.

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

(CD/MH)

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