Three People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

Three people have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Coleraine Magistrates' Court.

Martin Neill claimed Job seekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £3,125 while failing to declare employment. He was fined £250 on one count and a Conditional Discharge for two years on other counts.

Mr Neill has repaid the money in full to the Department for Communities.

Hannah Diamond claimed Housing Benefit and Income Support totalling £2,264 while failing to declare employment. She was given a Compensation Order on one count and a Conditional Discharge for two years on other counts.

Aaron Yendall claimed Job Seeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £2,345 while failing to declare employment. He was given a Compensation Order on one count and a Conditional Discharge for two years on other counts.

Ms Diamond and Mr Yendall are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Chief Constable Believes UVF Behind Threats Made To Four Catholic Families

Alliance Policing spokesperson Stephen Farry MLA has said it is helpful the Chief Constable has confirmed the UVF was behind threats which forced four Catholic families to leave a shared neighbourhood.

UVF flags were placed in Cantrell Close earlier this summer, followed by the threats being issued last week. Earlier today, a statement from the East Belfast Community Initiative organisation said it had 'secured removal" of the flags. This was followed by George Hamilton confirming the UVF was behind the threats.

Dr Farry said: "The confirmation from the Chief Constable the UVF is behind this campaign of intimidation against a number of families in Cantrell Close is helpful.

"The pressure put on the UVF by every right-thinking person across Northern Ireland following the threats last week embarrassed them into taking action to remove their flags from Cantrell Close. However, the move is over three months too late - flags glorifying a paramilitary organisation should never have been put up in the first instance.

"The move is also a week too late for those families who have now had to leave their homes due to the threats issued against them, as well as for two community workers who are also under threat. The threats need removed immediately and every avenue of support given to those affected. "

Rate Of CAP Payments To Increase

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed that the rate of advance CAP payments will increase from 50% to 70% of claim value.

The European Commission has approved an application from the Department to increase the rate of advance payments from 16 October 2017.

The Department made its application to the European Commission for the increase in advance payments following the heavy rainfall and flash flooding of 22 August 2017. Advance payments will commence on Monday 16 October 2017 and will be made to all eligible farm businesses in Northern Ireland which have fully verified claims. Balance payments, or full payments for those not eligible for an advance payment, will commence from 1 December 2017.

(CD)