Portadown rioters could be subject of benefit fraud investigations, Minister confirms.

Those found guilty of participating in riots in Portadown could be subject to benefit fraud investigations.

The Minister for Communities, Gordon Lyons, was asked whether those involved in disorder in early June would be investigated by the Minister’s benefit fraud team.

Alliance MLA Kellie Armstong tabled the question asking Mr Lyons to outline “if those found guilty of participation in violent disorder in early June against the community in Ballymena, Portadown and other areas will be investigated by the Minister’s benefit fraud team”.

Ms Armstrong asked that those who are found guilty of “taking part in such disorder have not claimed they have limited capacity for work”.

In his response to his Assembly colleague, Mr Lyons said his department “will consider information provided by law enforcement agencies and will initiate benefit fraud investigations on those found guilty of participation in the recent violent disorder across Northern Ireland, where there is credible evidence suggesting that those individuals have been fraudulently claiming benefits.”

He added: “If an individual is suspected of benefit fraud, reports can be made in confidence online via nidirect or by contacting the Benefit Fraud Hotline on [0800 975 6050](tel:+44800 975 6050).”

So far, a number of people have been arrested and charged with offences relating to the riots and disorder in Portadown in June.

Police, today (Tuesday), issued CCTV images of two males they are keen to speak to in relation to that disorder.

by Mossyfacerules

14 comments

  1. “If you’re fit to riot, you should be capable of some type of work. DLA or UDA, pick one, and only one…”

  2. Gordon Lyons targeting Clara Lockhart’s voter base like this wasn’t something I was expecting to come out of the riots.

  3. It’s always the people you least suspect……..

  4. I’d be surprised if anyone ended up being done for fraud. The rioters are, after all, part of the core voter base for the DUP. I’d imagine Lyons would want to avoid opening up a benefit fraud investigation against any of them at all cost.

  5. Just portadown what about all protests that get them all stoped

  7. On today’s news: The sky is blue. More on that at 10. 

  9. This is a great approach, honestly might have a real impact.

  12. This post is up 5 hours and remarkably few replies from the usuals.

    Just an observation

  13. Not saying all those involved were those more likely to swear allegiance to Britain than Ireland, , but if you get convicted of the offence of riot in England, you can lose your social housing. A court can’t refuse possession for the landlord if they apply for it once convicted. Applies even if you’re not the tenant – ie it’s your parents house and you’re out throwing bricks at peelers, your mum will lose her home. Tories brought it in in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

    Wonder if certain parts of the community would want thst particularly British law applied in the North of Ireland too?

  14. Big assumption these folks are on benefits.

    They could very well be economically active members of the local commu………………🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣…………sorry couldn’t finish that.

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