09/03/2018

Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted for claiming benefits he was not entitled to at Belfast Crown Court.

Michael Mongan claimed Employment and Support Allowance totalling £31,237 while failing to declare excess capital. He was given a 12 month prison sentence suspended for two years.

The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.

He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Work To Start On Major Resurfacing Project In L'Derry

Construction work is to start on a major road resurfacing scheme in L'Derry.

The £293,000 project is to take place on the A6 Dungiven Road.

The work includes resurfacing a section of the road heading eastwards from Rossdowney Road to Altnagelvin Roundabout.

A diversion via A514 Crescent Link and A1002 Limavady Road will be available due to road closures.

Access for local residents and businesses will be accommodated.

Road users should expect some delays and additional time should be allowed when planning any journeys.

Handing Political Decisions On Health To The Tories Is Not Sustainable - SDLP

SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan MLA has said that while additional resource for the health service is welcome, that no one should believe that handing political decisions on health to the Tories is a sustainable position.

He said: "There are serious structural and resource challenges facing our health service. Growing waiting lists, a shortage of nurses, GPs and consultants in rural communities, the pressures of dealing with an ageing population and service rationalisation pose very real challenges to the day-to-day operation of health services here.

"Against that backdrop, of course extra resource is welcome. But even against the resource test alone, the budget falls short leaving a funding gap of around £160m. Health Service leaders could be faced with the same crisis scenario they were looking at last year before extra money was identified to avert critical service cuts.

"But the more pressing issue is that we are now looking at handing political control of our Health Service to the Conservative Party and the DUP. Ask any consultant, nurse or junior doctor in England if they think the Tories have been good for their health service. Ask patients or ward nurses if they would willingly hand control of services over to Jeremy Hunt given any other option."

(CD)

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