Other News In Brief

Sinn Féin Raises Concerns Over Rental Costs

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson, Carál Ní Chuilín, has expressed alarm at new figures which show that renting privately is becoming more expensive.

Responding to the figures contained in the Homelet Rental Index, the North Belfast MLA said: "Average rent in the private sector has risen by 2.4% here compared to an increase of 0.9% in Britain. In Mid Ulster the average increase is a steep 5%.

"This increase is not being driven by a rise in prosperity. It is being driven by the failure to build sufficient social housing, which is forcing more and more people into the private market.

"These figures have been released just days after research by the Nevin Economic Research Institute linked higher rents in the private sector with poverty.

"Lengthy waiting lists for social housing and higher private rents is the price ordinary families pay for the failure to build sufficient social houses to meet need."

Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Attempted Murder

Police have arrested a man in connection with a shooting incident in North Belfast.

According to reports, a man in his 40s had to "run for his life" when shots where fired at him in Ballysillan on Tuesday, 10 April.

Following a number of raids carried out on Thursday, a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

He has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

SDLP Support 'Keep Me Posted' Campaign

The SDLP has voiced its support for the 'Keep Me Posted' campaign alongside Advice NI, for claimants to have the choice to receive postal notifications of Universal Credit payment, the new combined benefit being rolled out across Northern Ireland. This new benefit, which is all online, requires claimants to have the digital skills to apply for and navigate the new system.

Nichola Mallon MLA said: "To claim Universal Credit you have to apply online. Yet the truth is that there are vast numbers of people of all ages across Northern Ireland who cannot use email because they don't have the digital skills or knowledge.

"The SDLP has consistently pointed out this serious barrier to the Department for Communities and has made it clear that in the absence of an overhaul of the entire system, changes need to be made to offer options and support to those who aren't equipped to do everything online.

"One such change which could be made now is for claimants to be offered the option of receiving postal notifications that their payment has issued. This small change would make a big difference to people's lives by helping them to access their much needed money as quickly as possible. It's a no brainer and I can think of no reason why the Department for Communities could object."