Other News In Brief

Kings Hall Complex To Be Redeveloped

Plans to regenerate the Kings Hall complex in Belfast have been approved.

Alliance Councillor Paula Bradshaw added that the jobs created by the housing project, and the housing facilities on offer afterwards would be a welcome boost to the area.

She said: "I think it is really exciting that the Kings Hall site is set to be regenerated and welcome the plans finally getting underway. The jobs created during the redevelopment phase and subsequent housing facilities created will be a great asset to the local community.

"I will be working with local residents, particularly those in Harberton Park, Balmoral Avenue and the Upper Lisburn Road, to ensure that any concerns and problems in relation to traffic flow, parking, or even coming from youth people through the increase in night-time activity, will be communicated and mitigated against."

£900,000 Secured To Update Library Management Systems In Schools

£900,000 has been secured to update the library management systems in schools.

The funding will enable schools across the north to upgrade their library software to ECLIPSE, enabling them to maximise the potential of school resources to support teaching and independent learning.

Education Minister John O'Dowd said: "The award of this contract provides an opportunity for integration between schools and the Education Library Service. The new system will provide greater access for teachers and pupils to a wide range of resources provided by the Education Authority."

Legislation On Rate Liability For Landlords Simplified

Changes to simplify the legislation on rate liability for landlords and tenants have been announced.

The changes, which follow a public consultation exercise, come in to effect this April and will be an interim measure until a more comprehensive review of rate liability in the landlord sector is commenced later this year.

The first change means that from April Land & Property Services (LPS) will no longer require landlords to present tenancy agreements for examination to find out whether the landlord has to pay the rate bill.

From April, where a rented domestic property has an assessed capital value of £150,000 or less, it will be the landlord that is liable for the rates. For properties with a higher value (above £150,000) the tenant will be liable for rates unless the landlord has signed up to a formal agreement with the Department to pay rates on the property. Where a tenant is in any doubt about this they should contact LPS.

A second change coming in to effect on 1st April 2015 will see the amount of discount given to landlords standardised at 10%. This level of allowance will apply across the board to all landlords from this date.

(CD/MH)