Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted for claiming £21,227 benefits he was not entitled to at Newtownards Crown Court.

Thomas Carson claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £21,227 while failing to declare a pension. He was given a four month prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.

Mr Carson has repaid in full any money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

NIHE Called To End Outsourcing Of Maintenance Contracts

Sinn Féin is urging the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) to end the outsourcing of maintenance contracts following the collapse of construction firm Carillion.

The party's housing spokesperson, Carál Ní Chuilín, made the call after new claims that investors knew Carillion was heading for disaster up to two years before the company collapsed.

She said: "The model is broken. Outsourcing to companies like Carillion, favour the short term interests of shareholders and investors over the long term interests of decent wages for workers and sustainable services for citizens. It's time to change.

"That's why Sinn Féin is supporting the call for the Housing Executive to reject a takeover by another company, end outsourcing the maintenance of its housing stock and bring it back in-house by expanding its direct labour force."

Sinn Féin Opposes Arts Sector Cuts

Sinn Féin has said it is opposed to any further cuts to the arts sector. The party's Arts Spokesperson in the North, Sinéad Ennis, said: "Arts is an economic driver. The return to society from investment in the arts is manifold and self-evident, not just in building positive, cohesive communities but in attracting foreign businesses and boosting tourism.

"However, we should never lose sight of the intrinsic value of arts and the key role of artists in creating a society where arts act to improve health, wellbeing, the cohesion and sharing of space regardless of peoples opinion.

"I have written to the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Communities voicing our strongest opposition to any proposal to cut the Arts Council budget."

(CD/JP)