Other News In Brief

Two Men Arrested And Suspected Cannabis Seized In Bangor

Two men have been arrested and a number of items seized during a police operation in Bangor on Saturday, 05 August.

Officers from the PSNI's District Support Team conducted a search in the Newtownards Road area and seized a number of items, including a quantity of suspected cannabis, a number of electronic devices and other drug related paraphernalia.

Two men, aged 31 and 34, were arrested on suspicion of a number offences, including cultivation of cannabis and possession of a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply. They have both been released on police bail to allow for further police enquiries.

Police would encourage anyone with information or concerns about drugs in their area, to contact us on 101. Information can also be provided, anonymously, to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

DUP Calls For 'Recalibration' Of How NI Is Funded

The DUP has called for a "recalibration" of how NI is funded.

Claiming that the funding model for the U.K. regions is "short-changing Northern Ireland", DUP Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart said: "Whilst Chris Heaton-Harris talks about more taxes, any additional revenue raised would be negated if the funding model is not revised.

"The Treasury contribution to fund public services in Northern Ireland is going down rather than rising. As an example, in England up to 2025, spending will increase by 6% but only 3.6% in Northern Ireland.

"We don't benefit from economies of scale like GB. To provide vital services, we need a disproportionately larger public service, and for as long as we receive 3% of what England needs under the Barnett formula, we won't and don't get enough.

"Unless there is a total recalibration of how Northern Ireland is funded, the situation will only get worse. With or without an Executive, Barnett will only lead to our budgetary pressures getting worse. Public services in Northern Ireland will stall and get to a point where it is irretrievable.

"For decades Northern Ireland's infrastructure was in stagnation and as a result it needs mammoth investment which we cannot afford, yet to stand still means houses, hospitals and schools will struggle to get built."

Removal Of Holiday Hunger Payments Putting Huge Strain On Families – SDLP

The removal of holiday hunger payments is putting huge strain on families, SDLP West Belfast councillor Paul Doherty has said.

Mr Doherty, who runs community solidarity organisation Foodstock, said the group was struggling to keep up with the demand for support.

Holiday hunger payments to families were withdrawn by the Department of Education due to budgetary pressures.

Councillor Doherty said: "The removal of holiday hunger payments is having a huge impact on families in Belfast and across the North. This vital lifeline provided families with a small amount of money to help feed their children during the school holidays, for many it was a godsend at a time when costs were mounting and its removal has made it increasingly difficult to put food on the table.

"Every day families are calling into Foodstock to see if we can help them with food parcels. It's heartbreaking to see the pressure that these parents are under, with many of them finding themselves in a desperate situation with nowhere else to turn. While we help everyone we can I am seeing a huge increase in demand which points to the situation in many homes in our city. I'm seriously concerned that behind closed doors children are not getting enough to eat.

"Whatever financial difficulties Stormont is facing, we are talking about children going hungry and that's what the cut to holiday hunger payments will result in. When savings need to be made, we should not be looking at cutting support for the children and families who need it most. These payments are still available in Britain and I can't understand why we are expected to go without here.

"The Department of Education needs to look at the impact this short-sighted decision is having and reintroduce these payments immediately. I understand the difficult position they are in, but with the power vacuum that exists we need somebody to take responsibility and step up to ensure that no child goes hungry due to the removal of these payments."