Agenda and minutes

            No apologies were reported.

            The minutes of the meeting of 21st January were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st February, subject to the omission of those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee.

            Alderman Haire declared an interest       in respect of agenda item 7b – Request from the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, on the basis that he was a member of that organisation and left the meeting for the duration of the discussion. 

            The information contained in the reports associated with the following six items is restricted in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

      Resolved – That the Committee agrees to exclude the members of the Press and public from the meeting during discussion of the following items as, due to the nature of the items, there would be a disclosure of exempt information as described in Section 42(4) and Section 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

The Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Resources submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report providing information on the financial position for Quarter 3 and year-end forecast for 2021/22, based upon the five step Finance Strategy which had been approved in June, 2020.

He reported that, at the end of Quarter 3, the financial position for the Council had shown an underspend of £3,875,109 (3.5%), which included absorbing Covid expenditure and income losses of £6,532,725. The key contributory factors continued to be savings from the under occupancy of office buildings, underspends in employee budgets and additional expenditure controls which had helped to offset incomes losses. The Quarter 3 Departmental forecast was an underspend of £261,513, representing 0.2% of the net expenditure budget.

He went on to provide an update on the forecast reserves position, rates finalisation and the overall Investment Programme and, in terms of reallocations, confirmed that Members would, at the year-end, be in a position to consider the use of the Covid-19 reserve to cover a proportion of Covid costs and income losses. That would, in turn, free up unused Departmental budgets for re-allocation, on a non-recurrent basis, to other priorities.

After discussion, the Committee:

                               i.          noted the financial position for Quarter 3 and year-end forecast for 2021/22;

                              ii.          agreed that the use of the Covid-19 reserve and reallocations of forecast underspends would be considered as part of year-end reporting;

                            iii.          agreed that Party Briefings be held in advance of the report on the year-end financial position for 2021/22 being presented to the meeting in June; and

                            iv.          agreed that a report be submitted to a future meeting on the number of current vacancies for permanent staff across the Council, on a Departmental and Unit basis.

            The City Solicitor informed the Members that he had received a request for a deputation consisting of representatives of local retailers to address the Committee on the proposed Draft Amenity Bye Laws, which were due to be considered later in the meeting.

            The Committee agreed to hear from the deputation and, accordingly, Ms. G. Duggan, City Centre Manager, Belfast City Centre Management Company, together with Mr. J. Clark, Gordons Chemists, Mr. P. Connan, McDonald’s, Ms. B. Hunter, Linenhall Library and Ms. B. McMaster, Starbucks, were welcomed to the meeting.

            Mr. Clark informed the Members that persistent disruptive on-street activity, in the form of protests, street entertainers, preaching and lobbying and often involving the use of amplifiers, was increasingly creating difficulties for retailers and businesses operating in the general area of Cornmarket. The level of noise nuisance, general disorder and interference was such that retailers were often unable to, for example, leave their doors open, keep the area in front of their premises free from bystanders or conduct confidential customer consultations. Staff also felt intimidated, which was having a detrimental impact upon their mental health and general wellbeing. Potential customers tended to avoid the area and its tourism potential was not being fully realised. He went on to state that the high buildings around Cornmarket amplified noise even further and called upon the Council to designate an area where the activities listed above could take place with minimal impact. He concluded by welcoming the bye laws being proposed by the Council.

            Ms. McMaster provided further examples of the level of disruption alluded to by Mr. Clark and welcomed the approach being taken by the Council to address the issue.

            Ms. Duggan pointed out that business impact statements which had, over the past twelve months, been collated by the Belfast City Centre Management Company and the Police Service of Northern Ireland reinforced the need for effective regulations to be put in place and also welcomed the Council’s approach.

            The Chairperson thanked the deputation, following which the Committee noted the information which had been provided.

Proposed Movement on the Capital Programme:

New Cemetery (Move to Stage 2: Uncommitted)

·        The Committee noted the update on the project and agreed that any necessary procurement processes (including the invitation of tenders and/or the use of appropriate ‘framework’ arrangements) for the next phase of the project be progressed in order to inform the development of a preferred option.

Proposed Movement on the Capital Programme: IT Programme – Building Control Replacement System (Move to Stage 3 – Committed)

·        The Committee noted that a satisfactory tender return had now been achieved and agreed that a maximum budget of £250,000 be allocated to this project. (The Director of Finance and Resources has confirmed that this is within the affordability limits of the Council.)

Capital Programme: North Foreshore – Development

Sites Infrastructure Works (Stage 3 – Committed)

·        The Committee noted that a satisfactory tender return had now been achieved for North Foreshore Storm Drainage Infrastructure Installation at the North Foreshore site and that it was within the overall budget already allocated to this project. (The Director of Finance and Resources has confirmed that this is within the affordability limits of the Council.)

Forth Meadow Community Greenway

·        The Committee noted the potential negative impact of any delay on this project.

Neighbourhood Regeneration Fund

·        The Committee agreed that the eligibility criteria for the fund be amended to include co-operatives and social enterprises and that it now read; ‘the project proposer must not be an individual, sole trader or profit-making organisation unless registered as a co-operative or social enterprise’ and noted the launch activities which were underway in relation to the new fund.

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 19th March 2021, it had agreed a budget of £500K for Phase 5 of the Council’s alleygating scheme, with the funding to be divided equally between North, South, East and West. The Committee had, at its meeting on 21st May, 2021, agreed a framework to be used to identify potential locations for alleygates.

The Director of Neighbourhood Services reported that Council officers had been developing data analysis to support the aforementioned framework and had invited Members to nominate streets for consideration. He drew the Committee’s attention to a ‘long list’ of potential locations which had subsequently been produced for each quadrant of the City and pointed out that each location had been ranked in order of need, to reflect the outcome of the data analysis. Accordingly, he recommended that the Committee:

                       i.        approve the identified ‘long list’ of possible alleygate locations for North, South, East and West, based upon the framework agreed by the Committee on 21st May 2021; and

                     ii.         agree to refer each ‘long list’ of possible alleygate locations to the relevant Area Working Group for prioritisation, based on the available budget of £125,000 for each quadrant of the City.

            During discussion, several Members pointed out that a number of locations which they had suggested had been omitted from the lists presented to the Committee, including some from the previous phase.

            In response, the Director of Neighbourhood Services confirmed that only those areas which had been assessed and ranked against the previously agreed framework had been included on the long list, given the need for the Area Working Groups to further refine and shortlist suitable locations within the agreed budget.

            The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the matter to allow for a full list of location requests to be circulated to Members and a comprehensive list of potential locations to be drafted and agreed.  It agreed also that the next report should include details of the scoring matrix used in the assessment process.  

(To be tabled)

Restricted Minute

            In accordance with the Council’s Bonfire Governance Arrangements, this decision is to be regarded as confidential and sensitive and must not be disclosed, unless the Committee has agreed that it may be put into the public domain.  Any disclosure of information or of decisions not agreed by the Committee may be considered as a Code of Conduct issue.

            In addition, as the Committee has full delegated powers in the matter, the decision is not subject to ratification by the Council.

            The Committee noted a report providing an update on the progress being made across each of the operational areas in implementing the City Hall re-opening and recovery plan.

The City Solicitor informed the Members that the Standards and Business Committee, at its meeting on 27th January, had referred the following motion, which had been proposed by Alderman Dorrian and seconded by Councillor Brooks, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for consideration:

“This Council will introduce appropriate regulations to prohibit the siting of unauthorised ‘clothing banks’ on its land and will work with other public landowners to present a united approach.

Registered charities operate professional collection and retail operations, incurring significant costs, with their profits going on to support many worthy causes. In contrast, many ‘clothing banks’ appear overnight, with no permission and with minimal signage. This is unfair and many worthy causes lose out as a result.

If the operator is legitimate, they will have no difficulty in properly registering their collection banks in a managed site.  Thus, a level playing field is created”.

            After discussion, the Committee adopted the motion and agreed that the report to be submitted to a future meeting should include the potential for establishing a licensing scheme for the operation of clothing banks and engaging with other statutory agencies.

The City Solicitor submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1             The purpose of this report is to update the Committee on the Local Government Boundary Commissioner’s Revised Recommendations which were published on 18th January and to seek approval of the draft Council response to the revised recommendations. 

            The Commissioner has asked for written feedback to be submitted by 1st March 2022. 

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is asked to note the Local Government Boundary Commissioner’s Revised Recommendations and approve the Council response outlined in paragraph 3.4 below.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Background

            On 27th July 2021, the Local Government Boundary Commissioner published the Provisional Recommendations for the Review of Local Government Boundaries in Northern Ireland.

            The Council provided a detailed written response to the Provisional Recommendations in relation to the district boundary and Political Parties were encouraged to respond individually with respect to the provisional ward boundary recommendations.  Council officials reiterated the position outlined in the written response during the public hearing in the Belfast council area which was facilitated by an Assistant Commissioner on 5th October 2021. A copy of that response has been circulated.

            Summary of BCC Response to

            the Provisional Recommendations

            In its response to the Provisional Recommendations, Belfast City Council indicated that it did not agree with paragraph 7.3.1 of the Provisional Recommendations report, which states that the district boundary line should remain unchanged. 

            The Council highlighted the fact that, following the previous Local Government Boundary review in 2008, the Final Recommendations of the Local Government Boundary Commissioner (Dick Mackenzie) had a recommendation to place the area containing Forestside shopping centre and the Castlereagh Council Civic HQ building within the new Belfast district boundary. 

            However, the Council noted that the NI Executive had, subsequently, made amendments to the Final Recommendations which resulted in Forestside and the adjacent Castlereagh Council Civic HQs remaining within the new Lisburn and Castlereagh council area.

            The Council referred to the following two issues in relation to the district boundary:

            Galwally Area (including Forestside)

            The Council requested that the Local Government Boundary Commissioner reassess the findings of the 2008 Local Government Boundary Review including the ‘Final Recommendations’ report and the ‘Report of the Assistant Commissioner Sarah Havlin on Belfast City Council district’ which made clear recommendations that the Galwally area containing Forestside should reside within the Belfast district boundary.

            The Council would argue that the principles upon which the 2008 recommendations were made and those features which the Commissioner determined to constitute ‘readily identifiable boundaries’ in respect of this area (namely the A55 Outer Ring Road and the upland topography in this area) have not changed. 

            Harbour Area

            The Council also wishes to highlight the issue with the district boundary as it pertains to the Harbour ward, and in particular the extension to the harbour which has resulted in part of the harbour infrastructure being outside of the district boundary. 

            The Council would note that there is a further approved extension beyond  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4a

The City Solicitor informed the Members that the Standards and Business Committee, at its meeting on 27th January, had referred the following motion, which had been proposed by Alderman Dorrian and seconded by Councillor Brooks, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for consideration:

“This Council will introduce appropriate regulations to prohibit the siting of unauthorised ‘clothing banks’ on its land and will work with other public landowners to present a united approach.

Registered charities operate professional collection and retail operations, incurring significant costs, with their profits going on to support many worthy causes. In contrast, many ‘clothing banks’ appear overnight, with no permission and with minimal signage. This is unfair and many worthy causes lose out as a result.

If the operator is legitimate, they will have no difficulty in properly registering their collection banks in a managed site.  Thus, a level playing field is created”.

            After discussion, the Committee adopted the motion and agreed that the report to be submitted to a future meeting should include the potential for establishing a licensing scheme for the operation of clothing banks and engaging with other statutory agencies.

(Mrs. R. Crozier, Customer Focus Programme Director, attended in connection with this item.)

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       Members are reminded that, in October 2021, the Committee was provided with updates on the Customer Focus Programme, which included updates on the new Customer Hub function which has been operational from 29th March 2021. The Committee was advised that an independent health check was being commissioned to review the operational set up of the Customer Hub and to assess future capacity needs.

1.2       This report provides the Committee with an update on:

·        the health check of the Customer Hub function;

·        the approach to development of facilities for Elected Members; and

·        the Customer Focus programme approach to onboarding services and phase 2 planning.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is requested to note:

1.      the in-depth review of the Customer Hub operation and supporting infrastructure carried out by Navigation Partners in November 2021;

2.      the recommendations and planned improvements to further optimise the Customer Hub operation including proposed measures and KPIs;

3.      the approach set out for transitioning and transformation of services and that further work is being undertaken to define how this approach may be implemented in line with the agreed approach to service design and in line with corporate priorities. This approach will inform the Phase 2 plan; and

4.      the update on development of facilities for Elected Members.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Summary of Recommendations and Findings from an Operational Review of the Customer Hub

            In March 2021, the Council launched a Customer Hub to manage customer communications and service requests.  When the Customer Hub had been in operation for 6 months, Navigation Partners were appointed to complete an independent health check to assess how efficiently and effectively the Customer Hub is delivering this service. The objective of the work was to provide a review and subsequent report on where the operation is currently, where it should strive to be and to identify a blueprint for future onboarding of services.

            The review highlighted that the Customer Hub benefits from a strong committed team with a dedicated management team. Despite challenging delivery timescales during unprecedented times, the service was delivered to schedule. Initially following implementation there was some service disruption however, the experience delivered to customers is improving and the service has now stabilised. Prior to the Christmas period the average call wait time for November and December was 90 seconds and average call handling time for the same period was 1 minute 50 seconds. These are within industry best practice standards.

            The review identified a number of areas where there were quick wins to improve performance and areas where industry best practice could be employed.  The review also recognised areas of good practice across the Customer Hubs technology and processes.

            As the Customer Hub enters the next phase of implementation and gets ready for growth, the quick wins identified focus on ensuring the Customer Hub’s success as it grows and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5b

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       To bring to the Committee’s attention the Council’s participation in the Department for Communities JobStart Scheme.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is requested to note the update on the Council’s participation in the Department for Communities JobStart Scheme.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Relevant Background Information

            Members will be aware that for over twenty years, the Council has provided a variety of employability outreach activity, including work placements, job opportunities, the ring fencing of posts to the long term unemployed, delivery of pre-recruitment and training programmes and participation in government funded programmes such as Steps to Work and the Young Persons Employment Initiative. Many of these programmes support our work on Inclusive Growth by targeting those furthest removed from the labour market and they aim to help people get ‘job ready’ to apply for positions in the council and elsewhere as they become available.   In July 2021, the Council was approached by the Department for Communities (DfC) to participate in a new initiative, the JobStart scheme

            Overview of the JobStart Scheme

3.2       JobStart is designed to support young people facing additional employment challenges due to the impact of Covid-19. It will help to create job opportunities for 16–24-year-olds by funding positions with employers across all sectors, for a period of six months, increasing to nine months for those who meet additional criteria (i.e., for young people facing multiple barriers).

3.3       The employer incentive scheme aims to develop employability skills for those at risk of long-term unemployment and to place young people in positions which align with their individual skills and interests. Participation on the scheme is voluntary. Employers will receive government funding for the temporary job opportunities they create.

3.4       To engage in the programme, the Council must ensure that:

·        opportunities offered must not replace existing or planned vacancies or cause existing employees, apprentices, or contractors to lose or reduce their employment;

·        job opportunities must last for six months, with a possible extension to 9 months for those who meet certain criteria;

·        job opportunities must offer at least 25 hours of employment per week; and

·        employers must develop a training plan to assist participants to gain new occupational and employability skills.

            (DfC will perform due diligence and financial checks on all employers)

3.5       To participate in the programme, the young person must be:

·        16-24 years old and on benefits or,

·        if not on benefits, they must fall into the Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) category. (If a person falls within this category, they must be 18-24 years old).

3.6       Several other public sector employers are engaging in the scheme e.g., Department for Communities, Department for Health, Department of Justice, and the Executive Office. The JobStart scheme is aimed at supporting young people who face multiple barriers e.g., disabled people, those leaving the care system, those leaving the criminal justice system and those at risk of paramilitarism. The job opportunity can be extended to 9 months  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5c

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 17th December, it had agreed that a report be submitted to a future meeting setting out the current arrangements for dealing with consultations, in the context of an issue which had been raised by a Member around the need to ensure that Members were afforded the opportunity to view consultations and contribute to responses at an earlier stage in the process. 

The Director of City and Organisational Strategy explained that the Council’s Strategy, Policy and Partnership team maintained a central record of all consultations, with these being identified primarily as follows:

·        the consulting organisation sends a notification to the Chief Executive inviting the Council to make a response;

·        the consulting organisation sends a notification to a specific officer or officers inviting the Council to make a response; and

·        officers search Government websites and identify consultations which it would be appropriate for the Council to respond to.

            He reported that the Strategy, Policy and Partnership team provided the Corporate Management Team with a weekly list of currently open consultations, which identified where responses were required and the Department which would take the lead in making that response. He pointed out that a process had been in place for a number of years for uploading this list to the Members’ Portal on a weekly basis.

            He reported further that the majority of Central Government consultations closed after eight weeks, which left a short time scale for drafting a response, seeking Members’ comments and obtaining approval through the Committee system.  Members were, therefore, advised that, should they wish to discuss an open consultation, they should refer to the current list on the Members’ Portal and contact the nominated Lead Officer. He added that draft responses to consultations would, in line with normal practice, continue to be brought before the relevant Committee, when appropriate, for consideration and approval.

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided.

            The Director of Neighbourhood Services reminded the Committee that the Northern Ireland Executive had, on 10th December, 2020, met its requirement under the Children’s Services Co-operation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 by approving the Children and Young People’s Strategy.  The Strategy, which had been published in January, 2021, identified eight outcomes for improving the wellbeing of children and young people and a Children and Young People’s Strategy Delivery Plan had been drafted for 2021-24, setting out the actions to be taken to deliver them. Those actions could, he pointed out, be subject to change, depending on new or emerging priorities, the affordability of the actions and the resources to be made available in the 2022–25 budget period.

            He went on to report that the Department for Education had launched a consultation on the aforementioned Delivery Plan and recommended that the Committee approve the draft response for submission to the Department (available here).

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

(Mrs. D. Colville, City Innovation Manager, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       To update the Committee on progress on the ‘UK-Republic of Korea Innovation Twins’ programme, which is being delivered by the Connected Places Catapult to encourage SMEs to develop their capacity to sell innovative products and services both locally and internationally. Belfast and the South Korean city of Sejong were chosen to work together to explore options for bi-lateral trade and innovative collaboration.

1.2       The report seeks Committee approval for the Lord Mayor (or her nominee) to attend the programme’s virtual Innovation Demo Day on 30th March, where the Lord Mayor has been requested to sign a ‘Statement of Intent’ between both cities’ local authorities.

1.1             As the event is taking place during an Election period, the Committee is asked to agree that the Deputy Chief Executive attend the event in the Lord Mayor’s place and provisionally agree a Statement of Intent subject to Committee approval. (The details of the signatory need to be confirmed with Connected Places Catapult by the end of February.)

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked:

1.     to note progress on the UK-Republic of Korea Innovation Twins programme;

2.     to agree that the Deputy Chief Executive will attend the event on the Lord Mayor’s behalf and provisionally agree a Statement of Intent; and

3.     to note that a further report will be presented to the Committee in March providing final details of the Demo Day and Statement.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       At the Committee meeting in November, Members were presented with details of the Council’s participation in the ‘UK-Republic of Korea Innovation Twins’ programme[1] which was set up by the Connected Places Catapult (CPC) and funded by BEIS and UKRI. The programme aims to build relationships between smart cities with high potential for accelerating long term R&I collaborations and generating opportunities for trade and FDI.

3.2       The programme has a number of phases with a first ‘research and evidence gathering’ phase now complete. The current phase is looking at improving the delivery of innovations in both cities and, at the local level, involves the Council’s City Innovation Team, Enterprise and Business Growth unit, Invest NI, and Innovation City Belfast.

3.3       The work strands of the project (which are being supported by CPC and PA Consulting) include:

1.     Ongoing high-level engagement between Belfast and Sejong working towards signing a Statement of Intent between both cities on 30 March 2022.

While not legally binding, this statement will support ongoing collaboration and discussions between both cities. And make it possible to unlock further funding from BEIS post March 2022. This statement will require ongoing commitment from Invest NI who are currently considering their level of support. They are in the process of developing a presence in South Korea.

2.     A £25,000 pilot with Belfast City Council to support a Litter Analytics solution. This will deploy IoT hardware and predictive algorithms  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5f

The Director of Physical Programmes submitted for Committee’s consideration a report seeking approval in relation to the following asset related disposal, acquisition and estate matters:

Forth Meadow Community Greenway -

Service Level Agreement

·        The Committee granted approval to enter into a Service Level Agreement with the Ulster Wildlife Trust in relation to Section 4 of the Forth Meadow Community Greenway project.

Percy Street Community Centre – Surrender of Lease

·        The Committee noted the surrender of the lease between the Council and the Lower Shankill Group Welfare Committee, which had been responsible for the management of the community centre.

Cherryvale Playing Fields – Relocation of BT Pole

·        The Committee granted approval for a BT pole to be relocated onto Council lands at Cherryvale Playing Fields to facilitate a new pedestrian crossing across the Ravenhill Road.

Whiterock Close– Temporary Licence of land to Glór na Móna

·        The Committee approved the granting of a temporary licence to Glór na Móna for a site adjoining its existing premises on Whiterock Close for the erection of a portacabin.

            In addition, the Committee noted that a report on the outcome of an audit, which was currently assessing the condition of the Council’s independently managed community centres, would be submitted to a future meeting.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the East Belfast Area Working Group of 3rd February, including the recommendation that match funding of up to £65,000 be allocated to the Braniel Church project from the uncommitted allocations within the East area, subject to the conditions stipulated within the minute being met by the church.

The Committee:

·        approved the public advertisement of tenders, as per Standing Order 37a, as detailed in Table 1 below;

·        approved the award of Single Tender Actions, in line with Standing Order 55 exceptions, as detailed in Table 2 below; and

·        noted the award of retrospective Single Tender Actions, in line with Standing Order 55 exceptions, as detailed in Table 3 below.

Table 1: Competitive Tenders

Table 2: Single Tender Actions

Table 3: Retrospective Single Tender Actions

The City Solicitor informed the Committee that a request had been received from the Grand Secretary of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland for funding of £15,000 towards the hosting in Belfast on 28th May of a major family event and parade. The event, which had been postponed in May, 2021 due to the pandemic, would bring the Centenary celebrations to a conclusion. The Council’s contribution would be used specifically to enhance the experience of those attending, ease congestion, minimise inconvenience to residents and promote local shopping.

The Committee agreed to allocate £15,000 to the event.

The Committee approved the ‘Gender Identity and Expression – Guidance and Information for Managers and Staff” document (available here),which had been developed in consultation with transgender support groups and the Council’s Joint Negotiation and Consultative Committee.

The City Solicitor submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report

1.1             The purpose of this report is to:

                                            i     outline a proposed programme of events to be organised by Council to mark HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee; and

                                          ii     consider a request for funding for events to be organised by local communities across the city which was included in the Motion referred to the Committee following the July 2021 Council meeting.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is requested to:

                                            i     approve the proposed programme of events to be organised by the Council over the bank holiday weekend of Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th June 2022, inclusive;

                                          ii     approve costs in the region of £35,000- £40,000 to deliver this programme; and

                                         iii     agree funding of £50,000-£100,000 for events to take place in local communities across the city over the Platinum Jubilee weekend.  This fund will be administered by the Community Foundation NI, with a maximum of £1,000 for any group.

3.0       Main Report

            Background

3.1       Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend will take place from Thursday 2nd June to Sunday 5th June, inclusive.  Members may wish to note that the May Bank Holiday weekend at the end of that month will be moved to Thursday 2nd June and that an additional bank holiday will be held on Friday 3rd June, culminating in a four-day weekend.

3.2       There will be a number of main themes to mark the Platinum Jubilee, including a focus on community, inter-generational activity and new communities.  A specially designed Jubilee emblem in purple has been selected from entries to be used for official events and across digital and social media. 

            Proposed Programme of Events

            Thursday 2nd June

3.3       Belfast City Council has been invited to join other local authorities, amongst others, in lighting a Jubilee Beacon.  The Spring Market will be held in the grounds of City Hall during the Platinum Jubilee weekend and, therefore, an alternative location will be identified if the lighting of a beacon is approved.

            Friday 3rd June

3.4       Themed Tea Dances will be held in City Hall during the afternoon and one retro dance in the evening, reviving styles and fashion of the time.

            Saturday 4th June

3.5       Create a programme entitled ‘Belfast 1952’ and transform the venue at 2 Royal Avenue into Belfast of the 1950’s. This event will showcase some of city’s best local talent through photography, film, fashion, songs, and storytelling by taking a creative look at how lives were lived during that period. The programme of activities will include:

·        Tales of the city – inter-generational workshops and story-telling events related to families growing up in Belfast in the 1950’s. The café menu will be adapted and take on a 1950’s theme;

·        Songs of the city - Workshops and performances on music in the 1950’s;

·        Photography Exhibition of the city in the 1950’s; and

·        A film reel telling the story of the city from 1950’s through to the present day.

            Sunday 5th June

3.6  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8b

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Shared City Partnership of 7th February, including the recommendations:

PEACE IV

            Secretariat

·        to stand down the Thematic Steering Groups, with all operational matters to be considered by the PEACE IV Programme Board; and

·        to note the concern of the Partnership Members at the lack of co-operation from the Special EU Programmes Body on the proposed project modifications and its lack of flexibility in terms of delivery and extensions.

            Shared Spaces and Services

·        to extend the Interpretative Panels contract with Mediation NI to June 2022 and agree delivery amendments;

·        to agree, in principle, a further delivery modification request to increase the tolerance for contact hours to 60% (7 hours), to engage with participants in schools through a “self-directed learning” approach and field trips and facilitated walks, as necessary; and

·        to note that the approvals will be subject to the agreement of the Special EU Programmes Body.

            Building Positive Relations

      BPR1 - NIHE

·        to diversify and extend the participant cohort for the South Belfast Network to include participants from the BAME and PUL communities; and

·        to extend the recruitment areas across South and North Belfast to enhance participant uptake.

                 BPR2 - Creative Communities

·        to condense delivery via residential activity facilitated by Corrymeela and the STA approach with Radius Housing subject, to Special EU Programmes Board approval.

                 BPR4 - Belfast and the World

·        to realign the budget to enable extended delivery and staffing to April, 2022.

                 BPR6 - St. Comgall’s

·        to agree to receive a presentation on the digital and education resources associated with the St. Comgall’s project by Copius and Redhead, its partner, and;

·        to amend the Study Visit from Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland due to Covid 19 concerns and impacts, subject to Special EU Programmes Board approval.

            Good Relations

·        that the Good Relations Manager engage with the Youth Co-ordinator on their return, to explore ways in which the Partnership can engage with the Youth Council productively in the current context which will ensure the views of young people are taken on board;

·        that a report be brought back to the Partnership on the outcome of those discussions;

·        that the status of the nominations of Youth Champions from each Political Party be confirmed to ensure that the views of young people on good relations can be shared;

·        to approve the response to the consultation on the draft Refugee Integration Strategy for NI 2021-26 produced by The Executive Office (available here)

·        to note that the response would be forwarded to The Executive Office in draft form, pending Council approval, to ensure that it would be received by the deadline of 20th February; and

·        to note that the virtual briefing session on issues facing Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Belfast, led by The Red Cross, would be held on 22nd February from 10 a.m. – 12 noon and that the relevant Council Officers will be invited to ensure maximum impact across the delivery of Council services.

The City Solicitor submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report

1.1             The purpose of this report is to:

-       Update Members following a discussion at Party Group Leaders Consultative Forum, after which officers were asked to formulate a proposed programme of events to be organised by Council in partnership with local organisations to celebrate the city’s cultural heritage.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1         The Committee is asked to:

                                          i.          approve outline programme of events to be organised by Council over Spring-Summer 2022 and agree to receive a future report outlining allocation of funding to delivery partners; and

                                         ii.          agree to allocate £200,000, as outlined in paragraph 3.7, to support the proposed programme of activity.

3.0       Main Report

            Background

3.1       Members of the Committee will be aware that a number of Council’s strategies in line with the Belfast Agenda, support increasing the cultural vibrancy of the city and promoting cultural expression. In recognition of the diversity of the city’s cultural heritage and as part of an ongoing programme of enhancing support for participation in the cultural life of the city, an extended programme of activities is proposed for Spring – Summer 2022.

3.2       This will build on the recent success of 2 Royal Avenue that has demonstrated both a demand and need for such a facility including the number of community culture and arts organisations that have requested use of the building. This has included a breadth of activities such as music gigs, artisan markets, workshops, exhibitions and tea dances attracting a range of audiences. To date the model for delivery has been a combination of events programmed directly by Council as well as support for partnership organisations.

3.3       Given the success of this programme and to complement the activities planned for summer 2022, it is proposed that an extended programme would be delivered to include: 

-       Cultural engagement programmes with community participants;

-       Cultural showcases open to the wider public;

-       Cultural connections programme including events focussed on fusion and shared heritage;

-       Celebration of the city’s recent designation as a UNESCO City of Music through increasing opportunities to promote the city’s music heritage.

3.4       The venue at 2 Royal Avenue is an ideal location for these activities and benefits from levels of footfall and in turn this programme can support summertime animation of the city centre. However, there will also be an opportunity to deliver community-based programmes of engagement activities.

3.5       Similar to the existing programming model, whilst elements of the programme will be delivered directly by Council it is also envisaged that this opportunity should be opened up to partner organisations. Criteria will be developed by officers in the Culture Development Team working with colleagues in Good Relations. The outcome of this process will be presented to a future meeting of Committee for consideration and approval.

3.6       Equality and Good Relations Implications/Rural Needs Assessment

            All events will take equality and good relations implications into account and will be reflected in any agreements issued to partner  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8d

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Party Group Leaders’ Consultative Forum of 10th February.

The Committee agreed to adopt the recommendations made in respect of those applications received up to 7th February, as set out below:

*For all events noted above numbers and room layout will be reviewed and revised in line with COVID19 social distancing guidelines at the time of each event.

The Committee acceded to a request from ArtsEkta, the organiser of the Belfast Mela, for the use of the City Hall grounds on 20th August to hold a Belfast Mela Festival Carnival, with an event management plan and risk assessments to be submitted by the organiser in advance of the event.

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Climate Crisis Working Group of 31st January.

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Customer Focus Task and Finish Working Group of 9th February.

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to provide an outline of possible interventions to address the issue of period poverty.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is requested:

                                              i          to approve the provision of free sanitary products in designated staff and public toilets;

                                             ii           to approve the provision of free sanitary products in identified leisure centres, city centre toilets and parks and open spaces; and

                                           iii          to note that work is ongoing with community and voluntary sector partners to address this issue as part of overall approaches to lessen the impact of poverty.

3.0       Main Report

            Background

3.1       Members may be aware that the provision of free sanitary products has been a consideration for the Council over the last few years. Officers have considered how best to address this issue within the Council area and brought a report to the Women’s Steering group on 2nd December outlining options. Following consideration of available resources, it is recommended that the following actions should be undertaken by the Council;

·        the provision of free sanitary products in designated staff and public toilets

3.2       Given the costs and anticipated level of use, it is recommended that the Council provides access to free sanitary products in two female bathrooms in both the Cecil Ward and 9 Adelaide buildings, as well as in one female staff bathroom in the City Hall and the accessible bathroom on the ground floor of the City Hall (6 in total). This would not require installation of a vending machine and facilities management staff would ensure stock replenishment.

3.3       There would be minimal cost associated with this element, which could be covered through existing budgets.

·        Provide access to free sanitary products in identified leisure centres, city centre toilets and parks and open spaces that are the most appropriate locations to ensure availability of products for those in greatest need

3.4       Free to access products will be provided in identified locations for an initial one-year pilot. Officers have identified that providing access in a range of Council facilities (which can be accessed without charge) will allow those who are most in need to access free products. This approach will be reviewed to assess demand and emerging issues and officers will bring back further recommendations to the Committee on whether the scheme should be extended or reviewed, alongside an assessment of associated costs.

3.5       For a number of years and particularly as part of community responses to the Covid pandemic, community/voluntary and other organisations across the City have and are providing free sanitary products to those in need. This is usually through individual care packs which may include sanitary products, as well as underwear and hygiene products. These care packs are provided to different groups, including rough sleepers, refugees and asylum seekers, people who live in homeless hostels, teenagers living in poverty, people who depend on food banks and community/youth groups.

3.6       The Council has allocated considerable resources to support this  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9f

Councillor Pankhurst to propose:

“This Council remembers with great sadness the horror of the events of 21st July 1972, which became known as ‘Bloody Friday’, when the Provisional IRA exploded over 20 bombs across this City within a period of 80 minutes, resulting in the deaths of 9 people and physical injuries to over 130 others. The Council commits to providing its citizens with the opportunity to engage in a programme of commemoration but also education, designed to build positive relationships for the future.

On this 50th anniversary year, the Council will reach out to survivors and family members of those killed or injured on ‘Bloody Friday’ through organisations such as the South East Fermanagh Foundation which have supported them, to organise acts of solemn remembrance for all victims and survivors of this atrocity, and to organise other suitable events which will capture our rejection of terrorism in this City, both during ‘The Troubles’ and in the future.”

In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor Pankhurst proposed:

“This Council remembers with great sadness the horror of the events of 21st July 1972, which became known as ‘Bloody Friday’, when the Provisional IRA exploded over 20 bombs across this City within a period of 80 minutes, resulting in the deaths of 9 people and physical injuries to over 130 others. The Council commits to providing its citizens with the opportunity to engage in a programme of commemoration but also education, designed to build positive relationships for the future.

On this 50th anniversary year, the Council will reach out to survivors and family members of those killed or injured on ‘Bloody Friday’ through organisations such as the South East Fermanagh Foundation which have supported them, to organise acts of solemn remembrance for all victims and survivors of this atrocity, and to organise other suitable events which will capture our rejection of terrorism in this City, both during ‘The Troubles’ and in the future.

The proposal was seconded by Alderman Kingston.

Amendment

Moved by Councillor Beattie,

Seconded by Councillor McLaughlin,

“This Council recognises the hurt and trauma of all victims, families and survivors from the past conflict here in the City of Belfast.

The Council notes that throughout the following years and decades there will be significant anniversaries for citizens of this City regarding the conflict on this part of the island.

The Council reiterates its commitment to doing everything in its power to ensure that violence is a thing of the past.

Belfast City Council will ensure that all those who were affected by our recent past are recognised equally.

That is why the Council will dedicate one day a year in which we remember the past and create a space for victims and survivors of all communities to commemorate and remember the past, while encouraging reconciliation between our communities. 

Lastly, the Council will seek to erect a memorial for all those impacted by our past and will be dedicated to all victims, survivors, and families.”

            On a vote, eight Members voted for the amendment and eleven against and it was declared lost.

            At the request of Councillor McAllister, Councillor Pankhurst agreed to amend his proposal to reflect that the Party Leaders would discuss the potential for holding a separate day of reflection to remember all of the victims of the Troubles in Belfast.

            Accordingly, the original motion, as amended and set out below, was put to the meeting when twelve Members voted for and seven against and it was declared carried:

“This Council remembers with great sadness the horror of the events of 21st July 1972, which became known as ‘Bloody Friday’, when the Provisional IRA exploded over 20 bombs across this City within a period of 80 minutes, resulting in the deaths of 9 people and physical injuries to over 130 others. The Council commits to providing its citizens with the opportunity to engage in a programme of commemoration but also education, designed to build positive relationships  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10a

The City Solicitor drew the Committee’s attention to significant issues which had, over a number of months, been raised, including earlier in the meeting, around the activities of buskers, preachers and various interest groups in the City centre, primarily within the retail core. Those activities included the use of amplification equipment and the display of offensive images.

He reported that Council officers had, upon reviewing the existing powers, highlighted the need for additional measures to be put in place to regulate these activities, which were regarded as having an unacceptable impact upon visitors, workers and businesses generally. With that in mind, he submitted for the Committee’s consideration new draft bye laws, which included provisions around the regulation of noise in streets, the confiscation of intoxicating liquor and psychoactive substances, the display of images in public places which may be deemed to be offensive and street preaching deliberately targeting/engaging with members of the public on account of their perceived sexuality. 

He pointed out that the bye laws were not intended to prevent street preaching or public interest causes being promoted in streets in the district but rather to avoid the unacceptable nuisance which was being caused by the cumulative impact of these various activities.

He went on to explain that the Local Government (Northern Ireland) Act 1972, required bye laws to be approved by the Department for Communities before being adopted. Officers were of the view that it would be prudent to carry out some informal consultation with that Department and with other relevant statutory agencies, in advance of the bye laws being issued for wider consultation and he recommended accordingly.

After discussion, it was

Moved by Alderman Kingston,

Seconded by Councillor Pankhurst,

      That the Committee agrees to defer the matter to allow Party Group briefings to be held to consider the draft bye laws in greater detail.

            On a vote, six Members voted for the proposal and thirteen against and it was declared lost.

            Accordingly, the Committee agreed that the draft bye laws be submitted to the Department for Communities and other relevant statutory agencies

            The Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Resources informed the Committee that he had received communication from the Trades Unions requesting that all staff be granted an additional day’s leave for 2022/23, in recognition of their contribution over the course of the pandemic. He outlined the estimated cost to the Council and recommended that the Committee consider the request.

            After discussion, the Committee:

                               i.          granted approval for permanent and temporary staff to be awarded an additional day’s leave in 2022/23;

                              ii.          noted that the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Resources would examine the feasibility of also awarding an additional day’s leave to agency staff; and

                            iii.          agreed that the Council would examine a way of officially recognising, in due course, the contribution made by all staff during the Covid-19 period.