Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

John Hill claimed Housing Benefit totalling £8,787 while failing to declare a non-dependant was living in the property. He was given a six month prison sentence suspended for three years.

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

Alliance Supports Plans To Address Mental Health

Alliance Councillor David Armitage has backed Belfast City Council plans to establish a forum aimed at addressing the critical issues of mental health and drug and alcohol addiction support services.

Councillor Armitage said it was an important discussion to be had, as mental health issues can affect all demographics.

He said: "Many of Council will know about my mental health struggles. And so, I understand how mental illness not just effects myself; but my work life, family life and life generally.

"From primary school children, to pensioners and as a legacy of the troubles, mental health issues can affect so many different people and while there are many worthwhile groups doing excellent work, it is also the third motion of similar effect in recent years. This signals something must be done.

"We need to break the taboo around mental health and we need to see action to ensure protocols are put in place to help those affected. From re-establishing a mental health champion in Northern Ireland, to giving serious thought to a zero-suicide policy, we must not brush these issues aside."

Executive Is Needed To Protect People From A 'Hard' Brexit - SDLP

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said that indications from senior EU officials that the absence of an Executive will be a significant barrier to discussing Ireland as part of Brexit dialogues is a serious concern.

Mr Eastwood said that an Executive is needed now more than ever to protect people from a hard Brexit.

He said: "Today's statement from Michel Barnier and the emphasis he has personally placed on the impact of Brexit in Ireland, North and South, is very welcome. For all of the British government's meaningless mantras, I have seen no evidence to date that they are placing the same weight on our future as the EU has.

"It is extremely worrying, however, that senior EU sources are suggesting that the absence of an Executive in Northern Ireland is delaying progress on dealing with our particular circumstances. We cannot allow that position to be exploited by a British Government currently led by a band of hard-Brexiteers.

"An Executive is needed, now more than ever, to ensure that people here are not left worse off as a result of the biggest constitutional earthquake since partition."

(CD/LM)