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19/12/2017
Other News In Brief
Concerns Raised Over Plans For Social Homes In NI
Serious concerns have been raised over plans for social homes in Northern Ireland.
Sinn Fein was speaking after submitting a detailed response to the Department of Communities plans for social housing.
The party's housing spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín said: "They focus on allocations when it is abundantly clear that what is required are tangible measures to address homelessness and overcrowding by building more social housing and allocating them on the basis of objective need.
"The United Nations the Equality Commission have both highlighted the unequal access to social housing for the Catholic community here. That evidence cannot be ignored and the ongoing failure to address social housing on the basis of objective need cannot be tolerated.
"Sinn Féin believes unequal access and unmet need are inextricably linked and structural constraints must be addressed rather than just processes."
Three People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud
Two men and a woman have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Newry Magistrates' Court.
Wayne McKee claimed Income Support, Carer's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £4,919 while failing to declare employment. He was given a three month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.
Ciaran Burns claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £115 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £200 plus a £15 offender levy.
Tamara Martin claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £1,855 while failing to declare employment. She was fined £400 plus a £15 offender levy.
They are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.
Alliance Welcomes Reopening Of Ballysallagh Road
Alliance Councillor Scott Wilson has welcomed the reopening of the Ballysallagh Road following repairs to the damaged bridge, but expressed his frustration at the failures of the department.
He said: "While I am happy that the road is now open, this should never have happened.
"Following the last major closure in 2016 I had warned Transport NI that this was going to be an ongoing issue. Unfortunately even after the Council wrote to TNI earlier this year following my notice of motion, they still refused to take further measures to prevent bridge strikes.
"The serious disruption that local residents and businesses have experienced over the last number of weeks was unacceptable and entirely preventable. I hope now that Transport NI will take this issue more seriously and do whatever it takes to stop it happening again."
(CD)
Serious concerns have been raised over plans for social homes in Northern Ireland.
Sinn Fein was speaking after submitting a detailed response to the Department of Communities plans for social housing.
The party's housing spokesperson Carál Ní Chuilín said: "They focus on allocations when it is abundantly clear that what is required are tangible measures to address homelessness and overcrowding by building more social housing and allocating them on the basis of objective need.
"The United Nations the Equality Commission have both highlighted the unequal access to social housing for the Catholic community here. That evidence cannot be ignored and the ongoing failure to address social housing on the basis of objective need cannot be tolerated.
"Sinn Féin believes unequal access and unmet need are inextricably linked and structural constraints must be addressed rather than just processes."
Three People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud
Two men and a woman have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Newry Magistrates' Court.
Wayne McKee claimed Income Support, Carer's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £4,919 while failing to declare employment. He was given a three month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.
Ciaran Burns claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £115 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £200 plus a £15 offender levy.
Tamara Martin claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £1,855 while failing to declare employment. She was fined £400 plus a £15 offender levy.
They are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.
Alliance Welcomes Reopening Of Ballysallagh Road
Alliance Councillor Scott Wilson has welcomed the reopening of the Ballysallagh Road following repairs to the damaged bridge, but expressed his frustration at the failures of the department.
He said: "While I am happy that the road is now open, this should never have happened.
"Following the last major closure in 2016 I had warned Transport NI that this was going to be an ongoing issue. Unfortunately even after the Council wrote to TNI earlier this year following my notice of motion, they still refused to take further measures to prevent bridge strikes.
"The serious disruption that local residents and businesses have experienced over the last number of weeks was unacceptable and entirely preventable. I hope now that Transport NI will take this issue more seriously and do whatever it takes to stop it happening again."
(CD)
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Crumlin Social Housing Scheme Opened
A new social housing scheme of three and four bedroom houses has been officially opened in Crumlin. The fourteen new homes for families on the social housing waiting list, is owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association who funded the build, with support from the Department for Social Development.
Crumlin Social Housing Scheme Opened
A new social housing scheme of three and four bedroom houses has been officially opened in Crumlin. The fourteen new homes for families on the social housing waiting list, is owned and managed by Habinteg Housing Association who funded the build, with support from the Department for Social Development.
11 February 2022
Major New Housing Development Scheme In Strabane
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced that her department has awarded an £11.7 million Housing Association Grant towards a new £22 million social housing scheme in Strabane. The development will provide 150 social homes as well as retail opportunities within the site and a children's playpark.
Major New Housing Development Scheme In Strabane
Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has announced that her department has awarded an £11.7 million Housing Association Grant towards a new £22 million social housing scheme in Strabane. The development will provide 150 social homes as well as retail opportunities within the site and a children's playpark.
07 April 2011
Benefit Fraudsters Given Prison Terms
Two people have been handed down prison sentences for separate cases of benefit fraud. A woman was convicted at Dungannon Magistrates' court earlier this week for claiming benefits she was not entitled to. She is Mary Campbell, 52, of Loughview Gardens, Coalisland, Co Tyrone.
Benefit Fraudsters Given Prison Terms
Two people have been handed down prison sentences for separate cases of benefit fraud. A woman was convicted at Dungannon Magistrates' court earlier this week for claiming benefits she was not entitled to. She is Mary Campbell, 52, of Loughview Gardens, Coalisland, Co Tyrone.
14 October 2011
Benefit Frauds 'Jailed' For False Claims
Three benefit frauds from across NI have been handed down gaol sentences for defrauding the Government of money to which they were not entitled. James Logue (45) of Main Street, Castlederg was convicted at Strabane Magistrates' court after he claimed Housing Benefit totalling £2,057 by making a false statement of occupation.
Benefit Frauds 'Jailed' For False Claims
Three benefit frauds from across NI have been handed down gaol sentences for defrauding the Government of money to which they were not entitled. James Logue (45) of Main Street, Castlederg was convicted at Strabane Magistrates' court after he claimed Housing Benefit totalling £2,057 by making a false statement of occupation.
05 April 2013
NI 'Can't Afford' Bedroom Tax
Changes to housing benefit planned by the UK government will cost Northern Ireland more money than it will save, according to new figures. The new 'Bedroom Tax' is part of the Conservative government's welfare reforms, which seek to save money and help cut Britain's deficit.
NI 'Can't Afford' Bedroom Tax
Changes to housing benefit planned by the UK government will cost Northern Ireland more money than it will save, according to new figures. The new 'Bedroom Tax' is part of the Conservative government's welfare reforms, which seek to save money and help cut Britain's deficit.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy. Also mainly dry at first this evening but then occasional outbreaks of rain developing overnight. Light southwest winds, and staying mild. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
