Other News In Brief

Finance Minister Urged To Commit To A Review Of Non-Domestic Rates

The Finance Minister is being urged to commit to a review of non-domestic rates for firms that have seen increases of up to 300%.

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone said the rise is threatening the viability of many local businesses.

He said: "I have been contacted by a number of business owners genuinely concerned about their livelihood, and the livelihoods of those they employ, as a result of rates increases of up to 300%. As we’re trying to emerge from a severe economic downturn which has acutely affected our small and medium sized businesses, government should be looking at ways to support local entrepreneurs. We should not be visiting a disproportionate rates burden on those struggling to stay afloat."

SF Calls For Independent Planning Regulator To Be Established

Sinn Féin is calling for an independent planning regulator to be established as recommended by the Mahon Report.

Spokesperson on the Environment, Brian Stanley TD, launched the party's private members motion which and described the Government's proposal for a regulator to be contained in promised legislation as "inadequate".

Deputy Stanley said SF believes that there is a need for an independent planning regulator as recommended by Justice Mahon.

He said: "The outline for proposed Government legislation makes the office subservient to the Minister, in contradiction of Mahon's recognition for a regulator with powers separate from the Department.

"I will also be highlighting a number of current planning issues which underline the need for a regulator. Among them are serious allegations regarding planning irregularities in county Wicklow. The Minister and his predecessor Phil Hogan were aware of the claims."

Over 10,000 Social And Affordable Homes Developed In NI

Over 10,000 social and affordable homes have been developed in Northern Ireland, exceeding the 8,000 target.

As part of the Programme for Government, which is agreed and set by the Northern Ireland Executive, the Department for Social Development aimed to deliver 8,000 new social and affordable homes by 31 March 2015. However, 10,066 new homes have been delivered; 6,101 of which are social homes, and 3,965 are affordable homes.

Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA said: "This is an excellent achievement and clearly demonstrates my commitment to meeting housing need.

"Around £900million has been invested in this endeavour in the last four years and the reality behind these figures is that local families are now living in high quality social and affordable housing which was previously not available to them."

Looking ahead the Minister continued: "Delivering further social and affordable homes remains a priority. By March 2016, we aim to deliver a further 1,950 homes for the people of Northern Ireland."

(CD)