Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted for claiming benefits he was not entitled to at Dungannon Magistrates' Court.

Alex Cruickshank claimed Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £8,898 while failing to declare employment. He was given a three month prison sentence but was released on bail.

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

NI Landlords Urged To Pay Rate Bills In Full As Deadline Nears

Landlords in Northern Ireland are being reminded to pay their rate bills in full before the 30 September deadline.

Landlords who have an Article 20 or Article 21 account are being urged to pay to receive the respective reduction on their bill.

The 10% discount is only awarded when an Article 20 or 21 landlord pays in full by the date due on their landlord rate bill. The allowance does not include their residential address, second homes or personal holiday homes. For properties where the tenant is currently liable for the rates, the landlord can sign up to a formal agreement with the Department under Article 21 of the rating legislation for them to pay the rates on the property.

Landlords are being advised to allow a minimum of five working days for any payment to reach Land and Property Services (LPS) and 10 working days for any payment made via the Post Office. If LPS does not receive full payment by 30 September 2016 the allowance will not be awarded.

Alliance Offer Condolences Following Death Of Shona Killen

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has offered her condolences to the family of Shona Killen, who died while on holiday in Spain.

She said: "I offer my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Shona Killen at this heartbreaking time. The loss of someone so young, with such a promising law career is a terrible tragedy. I hope that the family receive comfort from the prayers and thoughts of the people from Kircubbin and Ards Peninsula."

(CD)