Other News In Brief

Important Change Made To Landlord Registration Scheme

Only one registration fee now needs to be paid in the case where there are joint owners of a property, after a change to the Landlord Registration Scheme.

Around 5,000 landlords will be refunded as a result of the change announced by Social Development Minister, Mervyn Storey MLA.

However, all names of the joint owners must still be provided to the Landlord Registration Scheme.

Minister Storey said: "It was clear the issue of multiple registration fees for joint owners was a concern amongst landlords when the Landlord Registration Scheme was launched; my Department responded, and today I am announcing that not only will the policy change, but that we will soon be starting the process of issuing refunds."

The process to identify refunds will begin immediately and should be made by March 2016.

Man Jailed For Benefits Fraud

A man has been sentenced to three months behind bars for claiming benefits he was not entitled to at Craigavon Magistrates' Court.

Christopher Reid, 29, claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £1,323 while failing to declare employment. He was given a three month prison sentence and ordered to pay court costs of £40.

He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Minister Introduces Employment Bill

Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has introduced an Employment Bill in the NI Assembly.

The Bill is part of a package of measures, resulting from the Department's extensive review of employment law, intended to contribute positively to a Northern Ireland employment relations framework that is fair, effective and balanced in respect of the needs of business and the rights of employees.

The Minister said: "The Bill is designed to stimulate business confidence whilst maintaining the rights of individual employees.

"Getting the right balance will always be challenging and will require partnership and a degree of flexibility if we are to maintain an employment relations system that enhances competitiveness and also offers employees a positive and supportive working environment."

(CD/JP)