Other News In Brief

Two People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

Two people have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Dungannon Magistrates’ Court

Michael Campbell claimed Income Support, Carer’s Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £3,074 while failing to declare employment. He was given a three month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Ailish McIntyre claimed Income Support and Carer’s Allowance totalling £5,598 while failing to declare employment. She was given a 12 month conditional discharge.

They are also required to pay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Plans To Build Apartments In North Belfast Rejected

Plans to build apartments in north Belfast have been refused.

South Ulster Housing Association submitted proposals to the council to develop a four storey apartment block adjacent to a listed building and incorporating 15 apartments with provision only of cycle parking.

Plans were refused over the lack of amenity and partially because it fell below the minimum standard of space.

Green Party representative Mal O'Hara said: "I have previously raised concerns over the number of HMOs being built in this area and the resultant issues of overcrowding, parking and impacts on the character of the streetscape.

"It is bad practice to grant more HMOs in an area that is already above 30% HMOs and this area is already well above that level.

"There is considerable need for housing in the area but that does not mean we can ignore the planning standards that have been put in place for good reason.

"I would congratulate the committee on their thorough engagement with residents, which included a site visit. It is an interesting development that the committee has overturned a decision made at Departmental level and it is welcome that these decisions are being made at a local level.

"I would urge developers to work closely with council officers and local residents to come up with appropriate solutions to deliver housing."

Childcare Voucher Scheme To Be Extended For Six Months

DUP South Belfast MP Emma Little-Pengelly has welcomed a decision by the Government to delay a planned closure of the Childcare Voucher Scheme. It was originally due to close on 6 April 2018, however this will now be delayed for at least six months.

She said: "Whilst this Scheme has been far from perfect and flaws have been identified, it has nonetheless been beneficial for those working parents availing of child care. Each parent could use up to £55 per week from their pre-tax salary and allocate it to pay for childcare.

"Concerns had been raised by Employers for Childcare as well as users of the Childcare Voucher Scheme about the proposed April 2018 closure. Whilst the Scheme would continue for existing recipients, analysis from Employers for Childcare indicated some families would be better off under the existing Childcare Voucher Scheme rather than the new Tax-free Childcare scheme."

(CD/MH)