Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Damien Tracey claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £5,942 while failing to declare employment. He was given 160 hours community service.

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

Council Pledges To Support Energy Savings Week

Derry City and Strabane District Council has pledged to support Energy Savings Week 2017, 30 October to 05 November.

The scheme aims to encourage the reduction of energy use in the home and the workplace.

Energy Manager at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Leo Strawbridge said: "Taking action to save energy doesn't just benefit us in the long-term by contributing towards greener, more environmentally sustainable communities – it also saves organisations, businesses and families’ money now.

"A lot of the energy saving tips are quite simple – such as boiling only the amount of water you need when you make a cup of tea, or avoid using 'standby' and turning off devices when not in use.

"Others important ways of making energy savings include draught-proofing your home – insulating lofts, pipes and cavity walls, and using a hot water tank jacket.

"Reducing energy usage in the home and the workplace is the ideal way of both saving money and helping the environment – and that is why the Council are pleased to support this important campaign.

"I would therefore encourage organisations, business and families throughout the city and district to take some simple steps to save energy which can make a big difference in the long run."

Alliance Calls For Independent Mediator to Be Brought In For Talks

Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry has reiterated the Party's call for an independent mediator to be brought in, after James Brokenshire outlined his plans to pass a Northern Ireland Budget in the House of Commons.

Mr Farry said a mediator was one step the Secretary of State could take towards a more inclusive and multilateral format to negotiations, urging the UK Government to also consider reforming the structures and mechanisms - including the Petition of Concern.

He said: "The DUP and Sinn Fein have been given ample space over the past 10 months to resolve their differences and to achieve a foundation for the restoration of the devolved institutions. The issues at stake should be more easily solved than in previous negotiations, so major questions must now be asked about the commitment of both those parties to making Northern Ireland work.

"Alliance remains a strong advocate of power-sharing devolution. It is the only way to translate the nature of our society into government and provide local accountability.

"It is sadly inevitable that the Secretary of State has to now intervene to pass a Budget for Northern Ireland. This is essential to ensure that Departments have the necessary cash flow and the legal authority to spend money, but a wider gap remains which will hinder these resources being spent efficiently and effectively in future reforms."

(CD)