Agenda and minutes

No apologies were reported.

            The minutes of the meeting of 24th November were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council, at its meeting on 4th December, subject to the omission of those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee.

            Councillor Ferguson declared an interest in respect of agenda item 2e - Update on Area Working Groups – Neighbourhood Regeneration Fund Stage 2 Development, insofar as it related to a recommendation within the minutes of the meeting of the North Belfast Area Working Group of 21st November to move the Belfast Orange Hall refurbishment project to Stage 3 - Delivery, on the basis that the Orange Lodge of which he was a member held meetings in that building and left the meeting whilst those minutes were being considered.

            Councillor I. McLaughlin declared an interest in relation to agenda item 2g – Leisure Transformation Programme Phase 3 – Girdwood Indoor Sports Facility, on the basis that he was a member of the Girdwood Community Forum and left the meeting whilst that item was under consideration.

            Councillor Nic Bhranair declared an interest in respect of agenda item 2e - Update on Area Working Groups – Neighbourhood Regeneration Fund Stage 2 Development, insofar as it related to a recommendation within the minutes of the meeting of the West Belfast Area Working Group of 23rd November to move Fáilte Feirste Thiar – The Mountainview Hotel to Stage 3 - Delivery, in that she was employed by Fáilte Feirste Thiar and left the meeting whilst those minutes were being considered.

            Councillor Smyth declared an interest in relation to agenda item 4e - Department of Health Consultation – Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Services in Northern Ireland, in that he worked with young people within the care system. However, as the report did not become the subject of discussion, he did not have an opportunity to leave the meeting. 

            The information contained in the reports associated with the following nine 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 nine 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 Committee noted the contents of a report providing details of the recruitment and selection process which had resulted in the appointment of Mr. Damien Martin to the post of Strategic Director of Place and Economy.

            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;

·        approved the modification of the contract, as per Standing Order 37a, as detailed in Table 3 below;

·        noted the award of retrospective Single Tender Actions, in line with Standing Order 55 exceptions, as detailed in Table 4 below; and

·        agreed that the next quarterly report on employees on temporary contracts and agency staff include detailed information on those off-contracts for the recruitment of temporary staff for posts which could not be filled by the current contracted provider.

Table 1: Competitive Tenders

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 20th October, it had been provided with an update on the development and implementation of the Hardship Programme for 2023/24 and had approved an indicative budget allocation in respect of the £1,019,000 of funding which was being made available.

            The Committee was reminded further that, at its meeting on 24th November, it had agreed not to accede to the Red Cross’ request for an indicative management fee of 22% (£16,666) and had requested that a report be presented to its next meeting on potential options for the redistribution of its allocation of £75k to support persons over the age of 55, having explored other delivery organisations and any scope for an open call process.

            The Head of Inclusive Growth and Anti-Poverty informed the Committee that, given the time bound nature of the funding being made available through the Department for Communities and the lead-in time and resources required to put in place the necessary processes, an open call process would not be feasible.

            Accordingly, he recommended that, of the £75k which had been allocated initially to the Red Cross, the Committee:

i.       agree to allocate £50k to Age NI, a well-established regional organisation with close links and pathways in place, linked to organisations in the City which delivered services directly to older people and was a member of the Belfast Healthy Ageing Strategic Partnership; and

ii.      agree to allocate an additional £25k to the Warm and Well Programme, to be used for the provision of oil, gas and electric vouchers, of which the majority of users would be over the age of 55.

After discussion, the Committee agreed:

i.       that Council officers explore with Age NI the potential to establish formal referral pathways with a number of existing community-based constituted groups and, should that be feasible, if it would consider administering the full £75k, as demand would be likely to increase;

ii.      that, should Age NI be unable to administer the full £75k, the Warm and Well Programme be allocated an additional £25k;

iii.     that any future Hardship Programme being brought forward should seek to factor in an element of open call; and

iv.    noted the recent publication of the Cost-of-Living Support Guide and associated press release.

Unit 5, St. George’s Market

      The Committee approved the renewal of a lease for Unit 5, St. George’s Market for a further 10 years from 1st May, 2020, with the Council to receive a revised rent of £13,900 per annum and an associated uplift in the fixed 10% service charge of £1,390 per annum.

            Belfast Stories Site, Union Street

      The Committee approved the use of part of the vacant land on the Belfast Stories site by BRINK! Stories Community Interest Company for meanwhile use, under a short-term licence, with the Council to receive a licence fee of £125 per acre per month, to be calculated pro rata, depending on agreement of the final site boundary and area.

            Lagmore Activity Park

      The Committee approved the surrender of a small portion of Council leased land at Lagmore Activity Park back to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to enable the contractor currently constructing a social housing development to carry out improvements to the adjacent road junction.

            Cavehill Country Park

      The Committee granted approval for the Council to enter into a retrospective easement with St. Gerard’s Church, with both parties to be responsible for the ongoing maintenance and repair of pipework contained within their respective lands, to address water drainage issues. 

            Springhill Millennium Park

      The Committee approved the part surrender of a lease for the lower portion of the lands at Springhill Millennium Park back to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

North Belfast Area Working Group

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the North Belfast Area Working Group of 21st November, comprising the following recommendations:

                           i.          to note the update on the Neighbourhood Regeneration Fund;

                          ii.          to note the information on the Stage 2 projects;

                         iii.          to recommend to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that the following projects be progressed to Stage 3 – Delivery in North Belfast, with the allocations as stated:

·        Ulster Supported Employment Ltd. – Green Growth and the Circular Economy project, £518,191;

·        Cliftonville Community Regeneration Forum – Cliftonville Community Enterprise project, £1,452,700;

·        Sailortown Regeneration Group – St. Joseph’s Restoration project, £154,696;

·        Ardoyne Youth Enterprise – AYE Youth and Community Hub project, £154,696; and

·        Belfast Orange Hall – Belfast Orange Hall Refurbishment project, £154,696.

                        iv.          to note the Stage 3 process and that the projects and allocations would be reviewed in 12 months’ time; and

                         v.          to note the approach regarding feedback and support to those groups that are not progressing to Stage 3 – Delivery.

            West Belfast Area Working Group

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the West Belfast Area Working Group of 23rd November, comprising the following recommendations:

                           i.        to note the update on the Neighbourhood Regeneration Fund;

                          ii.          to note the information on the Stage 2 projects;

                         iii.          to recommend to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that the following projects be progressed to Stage 3 – Delivery in West Belfast, with the allocations as stated:

·        Fáilte Feirste Thiar – The Mountainview Hotel, £1,500,000;

·        Michael Davitt’s GAC – Michael Davitt’s Community Heritage Centre, £647,000; and

·        Glór na Móna – Croí na Carraige – ‘The Heart of the Rock’ Phase 1, £500,000;

                        iv.          to note the Stage 3 process and that the projects and allocations would be reviewed in 12 months’ time;

                            v.        to note the approach regarding feedback and support to those groups that were not progressing to Stage 3 – Delivery; and

                          vi.         to hold a special meeting of the West Belfast Area Working Group  

                          in January, 2024 to consider the Shankill projects.

South Belfast Area Working Group

            The Committee was requested to approve and adopt the minutes of the meeting of the South Belfast Area Working Group of 27th November, including the following recommendations relating to the Neighbourhood Regeneration Fund:

                            i.      to note the update on the Neighbourhood Regeneration Fund;

                          ii.      to note the information on the Stage 2 projects;

                         iii.      to recommend to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that the following projects be progressed to Stage 3 – Delivery in South Belfast, with the allocations as stated below:

·        Sólás Special Needs Charity – Sólás New Build project, £800,000;

·        Greater Village Regeneration Trust - Branching Out project, £224,949;

·        Lower Ormeau Residents' Action Group (LORAG) - Lagan Water Access Activity Hub, £224,949;

·        Hearth Historic Buildings Trust - Redevelopment of Riddel's Warehouse, £224,949;

·        Fitzroy Presbyterian Church - Redevelopment of Former School of Music, £224,949; and

·        Market Development Association - Market Heritage Hub, £224,949.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2e

            The Committee noted the contents of a report providing information on the revised criteria and scoring matrix to be used to assess applications for discretionary funding in 2023/24.

            The Director of Property and Projects submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report providing an update on the Council’s Leisure Transformation Programme.

            After discussion, the Committee:

                               i.          noted the preferred option emerging from the business case for the Girdwood Indoor Sports Facility, as set out within the report, and approved this as the facilities mix;

                              ii.          agreed to proceed to the next step in the process, that is, to submit a business case to the Department for Communities, to be taken through the Department of Finance’s approval processes, with Council officers to simultaneously review the detailed designs and progress planning;

                            iii.          noted the current funding gap identified within the report and that various options would be considered moving forward;

                            iv.          noted that a consultant had been appointed to examine those centres which had not been taken forward under the phases of the Leisure Transformation Programme to date, namely, Ballysillan, Belvoir, Loughside, Ozone and Whiterock, as well as the leisure focused independently managed community facilities;

                             v.          agreed that a report providing an update on the consultant’s work to date be submitted to its monthly meeting in February;

                            vi.          endorsed the proposal to hold workshops for all Members in the new year to identify future capital priorities and linkages to the medium-term financial plan, with further details on these to be presented to the Committee thereafter;

                           vii.          noted that the aforementioned workshops would extend to the maintenance of Council assets, including leisure facilities; and

                          viii.          agreed, in response to the latest incident, that a report be submitted to its monthly meeting in January providing an update on the implementation of the measures for increasing security at the Henry Jones Playing Fields, which had been approved by the Committee on 22nd September.    

            The Director of Finance submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report providing an update on the development of the revenue estimates for 2024/25 and outlining the next steps in the rate setting process.

            After discussion, the Committee:

i.       noted the update on the development of the revenue estimates and the setting of the District Rate for 2024/25;

ii.      approved the next steps in the process, namely:

a.     that a special meeting of the Committee be held on 12th January, to receive an update report on how an indicative rate could be achieved;

b.      that Party briefings be held in early January in advance of the special meeting on 12th January;

c.      that the Committee, at the special meeting on 12th January, agree the cash limits for Committees and the level of the District Rate to be set for 2024/25;

d.     that special meetings of the City Growth and Regeneration, People and Communities and Planning Committees be arranged for week commencing 15th January to approve their respective cash limits;

e.     that the district rate increase for 2024/25 be agreed at the Committee meeting on 19th January, after final consideration of the Chief Finance Officer’s statements on the adequacy of the Council’s reserve position and the robustness of the revenue estimates, as required by the Local Government Finance Act (Northern Ireland) 2011; and

iii.     noted that the setting of the District Rate was a decision which must be made at a meeting of the Council and that, legally, this must occur by 15th February, 2024.

            The Committee was informed that the Standards and Business Committee, at its meeting on 28th November, had referred the following motion, which had been proposed by Councillor McDowell and seconded by Councillor Flynn, to this Committee for consideration:

"This Council notes that, for ordinary domestic Belfast rate payers, it is a struggle to make ends meet at present, especially with rates reaching 7.99% in 2023/2024. For the better off in society, rates are not such a struggle to pay.

There is a maximum capital value cap on Domestic Rates known as the Max Cap, which is currently set at £400,000, that limits the rates those in more affluent homes are compelled to pay. The Max Cap has not been altered since 2009. It is prescribed in legislation: The Rates (Maximum Capital Value) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007, as amended.

A rebalancing of the rates burden needs to take place so that all rate payers pay their fair share. There is no good reason for the poorer to pay more in percentage terms when they are struggling financially.

The Council, therefore, urges the Government to remove the Max Cap and phase it in over several years. This will allow affluent rate payers a graduated response to rate rises over a period.

In light of consultation that will take place on this issue, the Council will also make this motion a collective submission to the consultation".

Amendment

Moved by Councillor R. McLaughlin,

Seconded by Councillor Garret,

      That the Committee agrees to replace the penultimate paragraph with the following:

The Council, therefore, calls on the DUP to end its boycott of the Stormont Executive, to ensure that a fully restored Executive can make collective decisions on these important devolved matters.

            On a vote, thirteen Members voted for the amendment and five against and it was declared carried.

            The motion, as amended and set out hereunder, was thereupon put to the Committee and adopted:

"This Council notes that, for ordinary domestic Belfast rate payers, it is a struggle to make ends meet at present, especially with rates reaching 7.99% in 2023/2024. For the better off in society, rates are not such a struggle to pay.

There is a maximum capital value cap on Domestic Rates known as the Max Cap, which is currently set at £400,000, that limits the rates those in more affluent homes are compelled to pay. The Max Cap has not been altered since 2009. It is prescribed in legislation: The Rates (Maximum Capital Value) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007, as amended.

A rebalancing of the rates burden needs to take place so that all rate payers pay their fair share. There is no good reason for the poorer to pay more in percentage terms when they are struggling financially.

The Council, therefore, calls on the DUP to end its boycott of the Stormont Executive, to ensure that a fully restored Executive can make collective decisions on these important devolved matters.

In light of consultation that will take place on this issue,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3a

            The Committee was informed that the Standards and Business Committee, at its meeting on 28th November, had referred the following motion, which had been proposed by Councillor Bell and seconded by Councillor Flynn, to this Committee for consideration:

“This Council notes the pressures upon food security caused by many issues, including the cost-of-living crisis, the impact of the pandemic and climate change. It is, therefore, vital that the Council plays its part to ensure that our citizens have access to enough fresh food for day-to-day living.

The Council, therefore, agrees to adopt a right to grow on Council-owned land which is suitable for cultivation. This would probably involve licensing cultivation of suitable land via community groups.”

            The Committee adopted the motion and noted that the report to come back to the Committee would set out parameters which would need to be put in place around the use of Council assets.  

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       To inform the Committee of an approach to the Council for support for the 30U30 (30 under 30) Northern Ireland Climate Change-Maker’s programme.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

i.       agree to contribute £8,750 plus VAT to the overall 30U30 Northern Ireland Climate Change-Makers programme costs;

ii.      note that, whilst the Council’s support represents a modest proportion of the overall budget (circa £100,000 in total), it will be crucial in making the initiative (the themes of which complement and supplement the Council’s climate programme) a reality;

iii.    note that the Council’s support will resource the launch along with six modules/events featuring world-class speakers/experts taking place from January – June 2024; and

iv.    note that the collaborative, cross sectoral initiative, featuring world-class speakers and experts, will be supported by organisations such as Pinsent Masons, Coca Cola and Danske Bank with a request for local authority involvement being addressed through this approach to the Council.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       The 30 under 30 initiative is a climate focused programme where young leaders from Northern Ireland have the opportunity to take part in an international learning programme, led by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and Podiem. Following an exceptionally successful, multi-award-winning pilot programme (supported by the Council last year) a new cohort of young leaders will be competitively selected and there is a request for the Council to support the programme of activity they will undertake. Most of the 30U30 modules are being delivered in Belfast City Centre and the vast majority of the participants will either reside or work within the Council footprint. The cohort will be diverse with a broad range of backgrounds, sectors and interest/expertise areas represented. Within the pilot programme over 55% of the group were female with a mix of those in education, employment and currently economically inactive.    

3.2       Within the modular programme, participants will learn from globally renowned thought leaders and exemplars across a range of relevant topics. These topics have been carefully crafted to create a cohort of leaders who will return to their fields of expertise with the tools to become planet positive change-makers in the short/long term. Speakers and facilitators from the pilot programme included globally renowned individuals such as:

·        Alice Thompson, an international speaker and social business leader who co-founded Social Bite in Edinburgh and helped to establish ‘The Worlds Big Sleepout’ which took place in 52 cities around the world;

·        Gerry Hussey, Ireland’s leading health, wellbeing and performance coach, who has worked with many leading sports people and teams, and author of ‘Awaken Your Power Within’;

·        Philip Hesketh, an international authority on influence and persuasion, who has worked with clients such as the BBC, Nestle, Walt Disney, Nike, Microsoft and Bank of America, among others; and

·        René Carayol MBE, who has worked with leaders such as Mikael Gorbachev, Nelson Mandela, Sir Richard Branson, Bill Clinton, and Kofi Annan, and authored the book ‘SPIKE’. He has been Chairman,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4a

            The Committee approved the Council’s response here to the Department of Finance’s pre-consultation document on potential proposals in respect of energy efficiency measures and related areas of the Building Regulations. 

            The Committee approved the Women’s Steering Group’s response here to the Executive Office’s consultation on Ending Violence against Women and Girls and noted that the ongoing work, through the Gender Action Plan, to raise awareness and provide support around domestic violence and abuse had been recognised at the Onus Annual Awards, with the Council being reaccredited with the Platinum Safe Employer award and Safe City award.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       To update the Committee on the work underway in support of Belfast’s membership of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities and the repositioning of this work in the context of community planning. on the proposed approach to Belfast’s Festival of Learning 2024 and request Departmental consideration of support for the development of events for inclusion in the Programme.   

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

i.       reaffirm the Council’s commitment to Belfast’s designation as a member of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities;

ii.     note the proposed Belfast Festival of Learning will run from 22nd April (recognised worldwide as Earth Day) – 27th April 2024;

iii.    note the proposed focus (Climate Action) of the Belfast Festival of Learning in April 2024;

iv.    note the synergies with the ambitions and plans across the Council;

v.     approve the proposed £10k match-funding to be allocated from existing budgets in support of the festival and associated work; and

vi.    consider and agree the proposed open call for small grant funding (up to a maximum of £500 to support community groups to design and delivery events.

3.0       Key Issues

            Background

3.1       Members may be aware that Belfast joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2018, in recognition of the City’s commitment to promoting and encouraging lifelong learning for people of all ages. Within The Belfast Agenda, we have a vision that our city should be a great place for everyone to live and providing lifelong learning opportunities is a core part of this. Learning has the potential to transform lives for the better- it can build better relationships and help enhance quality of life for everyone in the city.

3.2       Belfast was awarded a UNESCO Learning Cities Award for outstanding learning in 2021.  Whilst Belfast continues to play its role as a member of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities as well as a member of an All-Island Network of Learning Cities, it is felt there is a real opportunity to build on Belfast’s Learning City status and to bring city stakeholders together to re-energise our focus and maximise the opportunities presented. It is important to recognise that it’s not about creating new initiatives but rather connecting and enhancing existing programmes and initiatives as well as aligning policy ambitions across multiple partners.  A Learning Cities Leadership Group currently exists and comprises representatives from QUB, UU, BMET, BHSCT, PHA, Education Authority, Libraries NI, community partners and Council.

            Festival Learning Week

3.3       A key focus of the annual programme of work has bene a ‘Festival of Learning’ which is a week-long programme of free interactive and engaging events. The festival showcases the range of learning opportunities that already exist in Belfast.  Council officers are currently in the process of developing a citywide programme of ‘learning’ events to take place as part of a week-long festival of activity from 22nd April-27th April 2024.  We want to work with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4d

            The Committee approved the Council’s response here to the Department of Health’s consultation on the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care Services in Northern Ireland.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1            To provide the Committee with an update on the Council’s sponsorship of the Common Purpose – NI2035 Legacy Programme. 

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is asked to note the programme update and consider the potential opportunities for the Council to support and engage with the programme. 

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Common Purpose – NI2035 Legacy Programme. 

            Background

            The Committee will recall that, at the meeting on 18th August, it approved the £10,000 sponsorship request from Common Purpose to support the delivery of the NI20235 Legacy Programme in Belfast.

            The programme aims to build on previous funding provided by Council in 2021 alongside other organisations such as Allstate Northern Ireland, Belfast Charitable Society, Belfast Met, Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland and Power NI which enabled Common Purpose to engage 40 young leaders aged 18-25 from different communities, backgrounds, beliefs and experiences to consider ‘What will the legacy of our generation be?’

            The success of the previous programme has encouraged Common Purpose to extend its delivery in Belfast and the new NI2035 Legacy Programme aims to engage with a new cohort of up to 100 young leaders across the City. 

            Update on NI2035 Legacy Programme

3.2       The NI20235 Legacy Programme is currently being developed by Common Purpose with support from Council officers. Whilst some elements of the programme have yet to be confirmed, a brief overview is provided below:

·        Delivery Dates: 24th and 25th January 2024 have been confirmed as the delivery dates for the programme (in person, over two full days). An introductory pre-programme session, lasting roughly 30 minutes will also be held online in advance of the programme to inform participants of the agenda and to discuss any questions or queries (date TBC).

·        Venue:

-       24 January 2024 – MCS Group, 10th Floor, The Ewart, 3 Bedford St, Belfast BT2 7EP;

-       25 January 2024 - Belfast City Hall, Belfast BT1 5GS

-       The City Hall will be used to host participants on the second day of the programme (25th January). The Banqueting Hall has been booked to accommodate the participants throughout the day whilst a tour of the council chamber has also been requested.

·        Participants: The programme aims to recruit and engage up to 100 young people aged 18-25. Participants will stem from a range of areas, backgrounds, and cultures to provide opportunities to build relationships and understanding amongst those taking part. As a project sponsor, Council will have the opportunity to refer a minimum of 10 young people to the project (staff, community networks, and partners). Common Purpose will be responsible for managing participant registrations and updating on progress.

·        Programme Overview: The Northern Ireland Legacy Programme will be an interactive and engaging initiative that will inspire young people to believe in the power of their ideas, the strength of their passions, and their potential to transform the place where they live and rewrite the narrative. Whilst the programme will focus on leadership activities and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4f

            The Committee approved the Council’s response here to the Public Health Agency’s consultation on the Substance Use Strategic Commissioning and Implementation Plan.

            The Committee noted that this item had been dealt with earlier in the meeting under Restricted Items.

            (The Committee agreed that this item be considered also under Restricted Items.)

            The Committee:

i.        noted that the Templemore Baths project, which had been delivered under the Council’s Leisure Transformation programme, had been shortlisted as a Regional Finalist in a number of categories in the Civic Trust Awards 2024, which sought to recognise outstanding architecture, planning, and design in the built environment;

ii.      noted the update on capital letters of offer for the period from 1st October to 1st December, 2023;

iii.     noted the update on the award of tenders for capital works, including services related to works, for the period from July to November, 2023; and

iv.    noted the update on the Black Mountain Shared Space and the Shankill Shared Women’s Centre projects.

            (Alderman McCoubrey and Councillor M. Donnelly declared an interest as soon as reference had been made to the Black Mountain Shared Space project, on the basis that they were on the Board of that organisation and left the meeting for the duration of the discussion.)

            The Committee noted the key issues arising at the meeting of the Audit and Risk Panel of 5th December and approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting.

            The Committee was reminded that one of the main requirements of the Council’s Equality Scheme was to carry out the screening of new and revised policies.  That allowed any impacts related to equality of opportunity and/or good relations to be identified and addressed.  An equality screening template was completed by the relevant officer, in collaboration with the Equality Diversity Officer.  On a quarterly basis, the Equality and Diversity Officer collated all completed templates into a Screening Outcome Report, which was then published on the Council’s website, along with the relevant screening templates.

            Accordingly, the Committee noted the Screening Outcome Report, including rural needs impact assessments, for the quarter ending on 30th September, 2023.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       To update the Committee on the development of the Race Equality Action Plan.

1.1            Following the decision, in April 2022, to appoint a CMT representative as Executive Sponsor for Race to champion and take forward the development of a Race Equality Action Plan in the Council, work has been ongoing across departments to identify appropriate activity. This report sets out progress to date. 

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is asked to note the contents of this report.

3.0       Main Report

            Background and context

3.1       In 2022, the Council, in partnership with Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Public Health Agency Northern Ireland, commissioned research into the inequalities experienced by Black, Asian, minority ethnic and Traveller people residing in Belfast at that time. The research was undertaken by Lucy Michael Research with the African and Caribbean Support Organisation of Northern Ireland (ACSONI) and Polish Language, Culture, And Affairs (POLCA).

3.2       The research identified that while minority ethnic residents have made significant and lasting contributions to the city many face challenges of racism, isolation and poverty. These have impacted on how they can participate in political, social, and economic life. There are a wide range of challenges identified for both minority ethnic and migrant individuals in gaining employment, accessing suitable housing, healthcare, education, leisure, political participation, access to justice, safety, economic inclusion, receiving language support and cultural integration.

3.3       Members will recall the decision to appoint a CMT representative as Executive Sponsor for Race, to take forward the development of a Race Equality Action Plan to help the Council lead the way in the city to help address these challenges.

3.4       CMT agreed that the Director of City and Organisational Strategy would be best placed to lead on this work and engage with relevant officers across all Council departments.  A cross departmental working group and three subgroups were set up to consider three distinct strands of work:

o   Workforce:  attracting more ethnic minority applicants and supporting our existing ethnic minority staff in the workplace;

o   Accessibility to services: promoting access to Council services to ethic minority customers and citizens; and

o   Civic leadership:  championing ethnic minority inclusion in decision making, in communities and in public life.

3.5       A variety of staff including officers from Corporate HR, the Equality and Diversity Unit, Good Relations, Employability and Skills, departmental policy officers, community safety, the Customer Hub, Marketing and Communications etc. have worked together   to ensure necessary linkages with existing relevant service delivery, activity and work plans.

            Provision of Support and Assistance

3.6       Members will be aware that the Good Relations Unit has a significant level of engagement with people from Minority Ethnic Backgrounds and have regular contact with support organisations through the Council led Migrant Forum.  In March 2023, the Council received Home Office Dispersal funding through TEO to support proposals to develop support and services for people seeking asylum.

3.7       Through this funding Council is supporting a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7b

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Shared City Partnership of 11th December, including the recommendations:

Membership of Shared City Partnership

·        to note the update and approve the approach outlined by the Good Relations Manager;

Good Relations Action Plan 2024/25

·        to approve the submission of the Good Relations Action Plan to The Executive Office for delivery during 2024/25; 

Update on The Executive Office Asylum Dispersal Funding

·        to note the report and the risk that further funding through Home Office Dispersal Money had not been confirmed for 2024/25;

PEACEPLUS – Theme 1.1 – Update on Local Action Plan

·        to note the report; and

Other Business - Increased Levels of Hate Crime in the City

·        to endorse the approach agreed following discussions between the Partnership and officers.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Party Group Leaders’ Consultative Forum of 7th December.

            The Committee adopted the recommendations in respect of those applications received up to 5th December, as set out below:

            The Committee approved the following requests for the use of the City Hall Grounds in 2024 and noted that each organiser would be required to submit an event management plan and risk assessment in advance of their event:

·        Little Amal (Belfast 24 Programme) – 17th to 19th May; and

·        Belfast Marathon Christmas 10k – 16th November.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the All-Party Working Group on the City Centre of 1st December.

The Committee agreed, at the request of Councillor Murray, that the Council forward to Linen Quarter BID a letter in support of Trademarket Belfast’s request to take over the short-term lease of a portion of land on Bankmore Square. Linen Quarter BID currently leased the land from the Department for Infrastructure and the proposed arrangement would allow Trademarket Belfast, which was required to vacate its space on the Dublin Road by the summer of 2024, to continue to trade until a long-term location had been found.