Other News In Brief

High Air Pollution Monitored In Northern Ireland

High levels of air pollution (particulate matter) are currently being monitored in the Newry area, with moderate levels in the Armagh, Belfast, Derry/Londonderry and North Down areas.

Moderate levels of nitrogen dioxide are also currently being monitored in the Ballymena and Dungiven areas.This localised air pollution is likely to be associated with the build up of emissions from vehicles and home heating during the current calm, cold weather conditions experienced across Northern Ireland.

The forecast for the rest of the week is for moderate levels of air pollution in milder weather conditions, with the possibility of these rising to high at the weekend, if colder weather returns. During periods of High Air Pollution the symptoms of people with lung or heart disease may worsen. Healthy people are unlikely to experience any ill effects.

Welfare Reform Study Published

The Department for Social Development has today published the first in a series of reports which show the potential impact of Welfare Reform on local people.

The reports, which are based on the latest available data, examine for the first time how the proposed benefit changes will impact people in Northern Ireland.

Commenting on the reports, Minister for Social Development, Nelson McCausland, said: "The proposed changes to the benefit system here are the most substantial the Northern Ireland Assembly has ever seen. As a region, we have the highest levels of economic inactivity in the United Kingdom; there are over 120,000 households in Northern Ireland in which there is no-one working and there are over 60,000 children live in households where there is no adult working.

"I am encouraged to see that potentially 102,000 households will get more money under Universal Credit however I have serious concerns that 86,000 households may be entitled to less. That said, there is full protection in place at the point of transfer to Universal Credit as long as circumstances remain the same."

Belfast Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Linda Watton (51) of Parkgate Drive, Belfast claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £45,908 while failing to declare employment. She was given a four year prison sentence suspended for three years.

Mrs Watton is also required to repay any outstanding money she wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

(GK)