Agenda and minutes

            No apologies were reported.

            The minutes of the meeting of 15th December were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council, at its meeting on 8th January, subject to the omission of those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee.

            No declarations of interest were recorded.

            The information contained in the reports associated with the following ten 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 ten items as, due to the nature of the items, there would be a disclosure of exempt information as described in Section 42(4) and Schedule 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

            The Members were also reminded that the content of ‘restricted’ reports and any discussion which took place during closed session must be treated as ‘confidential information’ and that no such information should be disclosed to the public as per Paragraph 4.15 of the Code of Conduct.  

            The Committee considered a report and associated presentation from the Living with Water Team in relation to a review process which was currently underway on the Strategic Drainage Infrastructure for Belfast, and which was being undertake due to affordability issues.

            After discussion, the Committee

·        noted the presentation regarding the review of the LWW programme which was currently underway;

·        agreed that the Living with Water Team be invited to present also to both the Planning and the Climate and City Resilience Committees; and

·        that the Permanent Secretary for Department of Infrastructure be invited to attend a meeting of the Committee to discuss the review of the programme.

            The Director of Human Resources submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report providing an update on the number of employees on temporary contacts and agency assignees engaged by the Council and outlining the steps being taken to reduce the Council’s reliance on those two categories.

            She reported that, as at 31stDecember, 2023 staff had been filling posts on a temporary basis, 122 of whom had substantive Council posts to return to when no longer required. The other 90 were fixed term contract employees who did not have a substantive post to return to. Between 1st October and 31st December, 26 staff had joined the Council on a temporary contract, with 13 having a substantive post and 13 being on fixed term contracts.

            She reported further that 283 agency assignees had been engaged by the Council at 31st December, 29 of whom were seasonal workers. She outlined the cost of employing agency assignees for the three-month period ending on 31st December and pointed out that this did not represent a financial burden, as it was met through departmental underspends.

            The Director then stated that the Corporate Contract Manager, who had been in post since February, had established regular compliance and challenge meetings across Departments, with a view to driving down long-term agency usage and that data was being reviewed to assess the potential for creating some permanent flexible roles.

            She went on to remind the Committee that the Commercial Team within the Commercial and Procurement Service was working with Corporate HR to provide a comprehensive overview of the ‘status quo’ in relation to the managed service in place for the provision of temporary agency workers for a diverse range of job roles. In addition, further research into in-house employment agencies, which might be used in other organisations, was ongoing. For example, extensive benchmarking relating to operational models that been established to manage interim and temporary staffing requirements had been conducted.  This included several joint ventures that had been established by Commercial Services Group, which was wholly owned by Kent County Council, and a preliminary review of information relation to financial modelling for joint ventures and in-house models.  It was anticipated that this exercise would be completed before the end of quarter 4 and presented to the Committee as soon as possible thereafter.

            After discussion, the Committee noted the information which had been provided.

            The Committee considered a report which provided details of the proposed new Pay and Grading structure for NJC staff on Belfast City Council Terms and Conditions and seeking Committee approval to make a formal offer to the Trades Unions for this proposed model.

            After a lengthy discussion, the Committee agreed:

·        that officers evaluate the impact of a further non-consolidated payment to staff on salary scale points 36, 44, 52 and 58, ahead of the Special Strategic Policy and Resources Committee meeting to be held on 26th January; and

·        To defer the decision on the Pay and Grading proposals.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the West Belfast Area Working Group of 11th January, 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 West – Shankill, with the allocations as stated:

·        The ACT Initiative - The ACT Initiative Community Hub and Visitor Centre, £295,000

·        Lower Shankill Community Association – The Road, £210,759

·        Glencairn Community Project – Glencairn Community Hub, £200,000

                   iv.          To note the Stage 3 process and that the projects and allocations are to 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.

            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, it was

            Moved by Councillor Beattie

            Seconded by Councillor Long

            That the Committee:

1.      Agrees the £2m growth proposals as outlined in paragraph 3.3of the report;

2.      Agrees the £1.8m efficiency proposals as outlined in paragraph 3.4 of the report;

3.      Agrees to a domestic rate increase of 5.44% for 2024/25;

4.      Agrees to recommend the following cash limits for 2024/25 subject to the impact of the decisions made on items 2 and 3 above:

a.      A cash limit of £54,550,808 for the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for 2024/25, including £1,270,000 for Belfast Investment Fund and £3,000,000 for City Deal.

b.      A cash limit of £105,332,936 for the People and Communities Committee for 2024/25.

c.      A cash limit of £ 21,550,927 for the City Growth and Regeneration Committee for 2024/45.

d.      A cash limit of £2,344,219 for the Planning Committee for 2024/25.

e.      A Capital Financing Budget of £22,274,022 for 2024/25.

5.      Agrees to a Medium-Term Financial Strategy update in March 2024;

6.      Agrees the next steps to be taken as outlined in paragraph of the report;

7.      Agrees that these decisions (as indicated above) should not be subject to call-in because it would cause an unreasonable delay which would be prejudicial to the Council’s and the public’s interests in striking the rate by the legislative deadline of 15 February 2024.

            On a vote, 18 Members voted for the proposal and none against, with two no votes, and it was declared carried.

            The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the current status of the leisure led commercial brief on the North Foreshore by the preferred developer Giant’s Park Belfast Limited.

            The Committee:

1.      Noted that the Master Development Agreement (MDA) had been finalised with Giants Park Belfast Limited (GPBL) and was due to be signed and sealed, along with all supporting documents, by the end of the month.  The MDA requires GPBL to deliver the uses identified in their submission within a prescribed timeframe; and

2.      Noted that a detailed update outlining the programme would be brought to the Committee next month and that regular updates on progress would be brought into the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, the Castle, Cavehill and North Foreshore Steering Group and the Area Working Group as appropriate.

            The Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report seeking the Committee’s authority to repurpose  existing officer roles within the consumer advice service, which had been paused since 2020, to support the Council’s enhanced statutory responsibilities in relation to investigating consumer complaints and referrals from statutory bodies and providing advice to consumers and businesses on consumer product safety matters.

            The Committee granted the authority sought.

            The Director of City and Organisational Strategy submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report which provided an update in relation to the current Belfast City Council involvement across the PEACEPLUS and Shared Island funding programmes. The report also outlined proposals in relation to the continued engagement with Members in developing a pipeline of corporate candidate projects for emerging funding opportunities.

            The Committee:

i.        noted the update provided in relation to the PEACEPLUS and Shared Island Funding Programmes; and

ii.      agreed that officers continue to circulate relevant funding opportunities with all elected members to disseminate and share with local organisations to help access funding.

            The Committee considered a report which provided a further update on recent developments and issues previously raised regarding the Belfast 2024 programme.  Specifically in relation to the following:

1.      Belfast 2024 Marcomms Update

2.      Civic Engagement (including Participatory Budgeting and Civic profiling)

3.      The Walk Productions – Little Amal license and delivery

4.      Belfast 2024 Income Update – Heritage Lottery Fund

After discussion, the Committee:

·        Noted the Belfast 2024 updates, that is, Marcomms and Civic Participation and Engagement:

·        Granted approval for Walk Productions to bring Little Amal to Belfast 2024 from Belfast to Dublin for up to £225k;

·        Noted the update on fundraising for 2024; and

·        Agreed that consideration be given to bring forward the launch date for the media campaign for the programme.

            The Committee considered a report which sought approval to introduce waste collection at Purpose Built Student Accommodation (PBMSA).

            PBMSA was a relatively new phenomenon in the city. As such the legislation which governed the way in which waste was categorised did not explicitly address how to treat the waste from such premises.  The Council had previously treated this waste as being household waste and therefore did not implement charging.

            Given the amount of PBMSA in the city, officers had reviewed the position again to ensure that its position in respect of charging was appropriate and lawful.

            The Committee:

1)     Noted the contents of the report;

2)     Agreed that the Council would begin charging for collection of waste from Purpose Built Managed Student Accommodation commencing on 1st April 2024; and

3)     Noted that a further report would be brought to next month’s meeting setting out the charging details.

            The Members were informed that the Standards and Business Committee, at its meeting on 4th January, had considered the following motion which had been received for submission to the Council on 8th January:

"This Council recognises the pain, suffering and loss caused during the Covid-19 pandemic and the trauma of those bereaved and those still suffering with long covid. This Council will facilitate a memorial wall which allows people to remember their loved ones."

            The motion had been proposed by Councillor Emmet McDonough-Brown and seconded by Councillor Christine Bower.

            As the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee was responsible for managing and maintaining the corporate land bank and city assets, including the City Hall, and for allocating resources based on the corporate and city priorities, the motion was referred, in the first instance, to this Committee.

            The Committee agreed that report on potential options and associated costs be submitted to a future meeting. 

            The Interim City Solicitor/Director of Legal and Civic Services reminded the Members that the City Growth and Regeneration Committee, at its meeting on 11th October, had noted correspondence which had been received from Mr. Graeme Salmon and from Ms. Julie Harrison, dated 4th May and 29th August respectively, in response to the Council’s request for a controlled crossing at Knockbreda Road and the creation of a Rosetta Way “Quietway”.

            The Council, at its meeting on 1st November, in considering the minutes of that meeting, had agreed that a letter be forwarded to the Department for Infrastructure, calling on it to:

                  i.          initiate the actions required for the delivery of the Rosetta Way “Quietway”;

                ii.          proceed with the implementation of Quiet Streets/Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and other road safety schemes at a local level, rather than await the outcome of the review of such schemes in England, which had been initiated by the Prime Minister; and

               iii.          provide information on the timeline for the completion of the design and audit of the agreed puffin crossing on the Knockbreda Road and proceed to install the crossing as soon as possible thereafter.

            The Council had agreed also that the Department be requested to respond to the correspondence which had been forwarded to it on 11th July, following the adoption by the Standards and Business Committee, on 27th June, of a motion on the Standard of Repairs to Roads and Footpaths. 

            Accordingly, Democratic Services wrote to the Permanent Secretary. A response has been received, on his behalf, from the Divisional Roads Manager, a copy of which was appended to the report.

            In his response he advises that currently the limited staff resources for active travel in the Belfast area was focused on the delivery of the Belfast Cycling Network Delivery Plan short term scheme list.

            While they were also working closely with councils to better understand their 5 - year greenway programme, there was currently no policy for the introduction of ‘Quiet Streets’, and they had no plans to consider the implementation of any schemes.

            Regarding the controlled crossing on Knockbreda Road, as highlighted in the letter dated 4 May 2023, the Department was now focusing its attention on a crossing situated close to the Knock Eden Park junction on Knockbreda Road and had instructed its consultants to carry out the detailed design and a further safety audit for this location.

            He further advised that this had now been received and would be brought before Eastern Divisions approval ‘A Group’ system, in January 2024. Following that, they would write to Belfast City Council to advise on progress and the effect on adjacent residents, so the Council could carry out its consultation.

            The Committee noted the response and agreed that the Department for Infrastructure be advised that the Council had already consulted with the residents adjacent to the proposed controlled crossing at Knockbreda Road and would not be undertaking any further consultation.

            The Committee considered a report which sought permission to recruit the posts of Director (Operational) of City and Neighbourhood Services (two posts) and City Solicitor/Director of Legal and Civic Services and for the constitution of the selection panels.

            The Committee agreed:

1)     that the posts of Director (Operational) of City and Neighbourhood Services, (two posts) and City Solicitor/Director of Legal and Civic Services be recruited on a permanent basis and that the selection panels for the posts comprise the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee (or their nominees); and one additional elected member from the Committee from a political party not already represented by the Chair and Deputy Chair; along with the Chief Executive (or his nominee) and a Council Director;

2)     that Councillor Whyte be appointed as the additional elected member for the City and Neighbourhood posts and Councillor Maghie for the City Solicitor post; and

3)     that the recruitment of Chief Officer posts would no longer be advertised in the local papers.

            The Director of Finance submitted for the Committee consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to ask the Committee to approve the draft response to the Consultation on Non-domestic and Domestic rating measures to support budget sustainability by raising additional revenue.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

                                             (i)          consider the draft consultation response which has been submitted as a draft response in-line with the closing date for consultation; and

                                            (ii)          approve its formal submission, subject to any comments or amendments provided at Committee.

3.0       Main report

3.1       In September 2023 the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland wrote to Permanent Secretaries of Northern Ireland Departments directing that they launch public consultations on measures to support budget sustainability by raising additional revenue.

3.2       On the 11th of October the Department of Finance published a document setting out the financial context for the revenue raising consultations. This was followed on the 7th of November 2023 with the launch of a 14-week consultation on the revenue raising potential associated with the removal of rating measures. The consultation is seeking views from those who may be directly affected and from the wider body of ratepayers. There are seven proposals for changes to rating measures identified by the Secretary of State:

            Domestic sector:

·        Maximum Capital Value cap.

·        Early Payment Discount,

·        Landlords Allowance,

            Non-domestic sector:

·        Industrial Derating,

·        Non-domestic Vacant Rate relief,

·        Freight Transport relief,

·        Halls of Residence exemption.

            The closing date for this consultation is the 13th of February 2024.

3.4       In addition, the Department is seeking views on four questions relating to the overall fiscal position.

·        Is there other revenue raising measures that should be considered?

·        Are there any services/ programmes that should be stopped or reduced to divert funding to more critical services?

·        Are there public services that could be delivered in a different way?

·        Are there public services that could be delivered by others (e.g. local government, voluntary and community sector or private sector) or are there are other areas in which greater collaboration could deliver better outcomes?

3.5       The consultation response has been by David Magor, IRRV, on behalf of the council based on City Council responses in the past, various committee minutes and comments from members at LPS briefings.

3.6       Appendix 1 presents the Councils proposed response to the consultation, incorporating the Notice of Motion approved at SP&R on 15th December 2023 as the response to question one, removal of the £400k cap.

3.7       Appendix 2 and 3 are the consultation documents produced by the Department of Finance.

            Financial and Resource Implications

3.8       None

            Equality or Good Relations Implications /

            Rural Needs Assessment

3.9       To be determined by the Department of Finance.”

            The Committee:

(i)          considered the draft consultation response here which has been submitted as a draft response in-line with the closing date for consultation; and

(ii)         approved its formal submission, subject to the amendment to question three in the response to provide that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4b

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to advise the Committee on the legal considerations in relation to the overdose prevention facilities.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is requested to:

·        Note the contents of the report.

3.0       Main report

            Background

3.1       At its meeting on March 2023, the Council adopted the following Notice of Motion:

            ‘This Council supports the establishment of an Overdose Prevention Facility in Belfast.  This Council will work with key partners in the community, voluntary and statutory sector to bring together a partnership to advocate for the establishment of an Overdose Prevention Facility (OPC) for the city. With almost 350 drug related deaths in the city from 2017-2021 and over 1,000 needles recovered each month, a facility like this will save lives and reduce the amount of discarded drug debris. There are over 200 Overdose Prevention Facilities in 14 countries across the world.

            While we are conscious that the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is an inhibitor to the establishment of this service and that it would require some form of special legal dispensation from the Act for the facility to be lawful, it is clear that current policy is not saving lives. In the absence of a local Assembly to deliver reform and innovation that can save vulnerable lives, this Council will act as a civic leader by requesting our City Solicitor and Chief Executive to engage with partners and to lobby Belfast Trust, PSNI, the Departments of Health and Justice and the Attorney General to make the case for special dispensation.

            ‘That this Council facilitates an open call to organisations who wish to be involved in the setting up of such a facility to work together to draft a proposal on what this service would include, centred on providing overdose prevention facilities and wrap around support services for those in need, and to write to the relevant agencies to urge them to provide multi-year funding for the Complex Lives strategy.’

3.2       Further, at its meeting on 14th November 2023, the Committee asked for an update on progress in respect of this Notice of Motion with specific reference to meetings held, legal advice sought and partners engaged with in relation to the Notice of Motion.

            Legal position

3.3       Overdose Prevention Facilities are supervised facilities where individuals can go to safely consume drugs under supervision of trained staff who can intervene to prevent overdose. At present no such facility exists in Northern Ireland and the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (‘the 1971 Act’) is the legislation which governs controlled drugs.

3.4       The 1971 Act and has the effect of prohibiting such a facility from operating as those operating the premises would be as risk of prosecution. The following are criminal offences under the 1971 Act:

·        To be in possession of a controlled drug

·        For an individual as either an occupier or being concerned in the management of premises from knowingly permitting activities  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4c

            The Chief Executive submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       This report is to provide an update to Committee on the progress of the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD).

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        Note the progress on project development and delivery across the pillars of investment.

·        Note the update on the Council’s Augment the City SME Challenge Competition

·        Note the update in respect of programme communication and the BRCD Council Panel

3.0       Main report

3.1       As previously reported to the Committee, the BRCD Programme is now well into delivery with significant progress made to date. Belfast City Council (BCC) as the Lead Authority and Accountable Body has continued to support the delivery of the programme. A total of 15 Outline Business Cases (OBC) are now approved, with eight Contracts for Funding (CfF) signed and first £3m of claims paid to individual projects. 

Progress across BRCD Pillars since previous report

Innovation

3.2       OBC approvals and CfFs are in place for four of the five innovation projects, with a number now moving quickly towards to construction and operation.

3.3       Following approval for planning for the Factory of the Future site at Global Point in Newtownabbey and contract award for the Pre-Construction, the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) has now formally submitted its Full Business Case to the Department for Economy (DfE) for review and approval, with plans for construction work commencing on site in Spring 2024.  AMIC has also now completed its Gateway 3 Investment Decision review and was provided with a green RAG rating.

3.4       Construction work on Studio Ulster also continues to progress well at the Belfast Harbour site and a competitive dialogue process has commenced for the appointment of a supplier for the design, development, supply & installation of equipment for Studio Ulster which will now be operated by Ulster University, via Studio Ulster Ltd.  Detailed work has commenced in relation to the Full Business Case which will be submitted to the DfE for review and approval in the coming weeks. 

3.5       iREACH Health has continued to progress well through RIBA Stage 4.  In December, Queen’s University (QUB) awarded a contract for its works contractor under the Early Contractor Involvement approach.  QUB has also submitted its planning application for the Lisburn Road site and are progressing work around site acquisition.  Work on the Full Business Case has also commenced.

3.6       In relation to GII, QUB are nearing completion of RIBA Stage 3 and is working to launch its Industry Advisory Board.  Discussions are ongoing relating to utilities to support the development.

3.7       Following approval by the Executive Board, the CDHT OBC2 was submitted to Government partners by Ulster University and following detailed review successfully received approval from DfE– the OBC is now being reviewed by the Department of Finance.

            Digital

3.8       The i4c Cleantech Centre at St Patrick’s Barracks, received approval for its OBC in November 2023.   Mid and East Antrim Borough Council (MEABC) have  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4d

            The Committee was reminded that the Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services presented a report to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee in November 2023 on Phase 5 of the Alleygates programme.  After discussion, the Committee had:

                 I.          agreed to proceed with the publication of a Gating Order for the installation of gates in those streets where the threshold for responses to the consultation had been 40% and above;

                II.          agreed to proceed with a ten-week consultation exercise for all remaining streets, using canvassers, local community groups etc., with Members to be informed when that process had commenced; and

              III.          noted that a report would be submitted to its next monthly meeting on the terms of reference for a local inquiry, where an objection to a proposed Gating Order had been received.

            To date, the Council had not received a formal challenge of merit during any previous phase of alleygating, however, due to the unprecedented number of objections received during this consultation phase, there was an increased likelihood that a number of challenges might be received. Receipt of a challenge would necessitate the Council holding a local inquiry, which, to date, has not been necessary in previous phases.

            A draft Terms of Reference for any local inquiry is set out below:

Appendix 1

Alleygating Phase 5 Inquiry: Terms of Reference

The Inquiry will examine, consider and report on Belfast City Council’s decision to place alleygates on [insert street name] pursuant to its powers under Part 1 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, Section 69D (5) & (6).

The 2011 Act provides that if, before the expiration of 30 days the district council receives an objection from any person on whom a copy of the notice is required to be served or from any other person appearing to be affected, it shall cause a local Inquiry to held unless the objection is withdrawn. However,

The Council is only required to hold a local Inquiry where an objection is received from the occupiers of premises adjacent to or adjoining the road and it is considered necessary to hold an Inquiry to consider the proposed order and the issues raised in the objection in more detail. The decision as to whether it is necessary to hold an Inquiry in such circumstances will be for elected members to determine.

The Council must however hold an Inquiry of the objection is received from the owner of any cables, wires, mains, pipes or other apparatus placed along, across, over or under any road to which the order applies.

Any Inquiry shall be held in accordance with the provisions of Schedule A1 of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954, a copy of which is attached to these Terms of Reference.

In carrying out its work, the Inquiry will consider the views and opinions of residents, statutory undertakers, the PSNI, NIFRS and other statutory bodies, and other persons who are directly affected by the installation of alleygates at this location, whilst also affording Belfast  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4e

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of Main Issues

1.1       To update members on a funding opportunity from Innovate UK to support the development of a Net Zero shipping corridor between Liverpool and Belfast.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

                                             I.        Note the contents of the report and approve the participation of Council staff in the delivery of the scoping study;

                                           II.        Note that funding (£450,000) from Innovate UK was made available to the Connected Places Catapult on 1st December to undertake a scoping study for a Net Zero shipping corridor between Liverpool and Belfast which is expected to start on 1 January and complete by 31st March 2024;

                                          III.        Note that an opportunity to resubmit an earlier application to the Net Zero Living Places Fund and approve the participation of Council staff in the revision and submission of a proposal; and

                                         IV.        A further update will be provided to Members once the scoping study and submission have been completed.

3.0       Main report

            Background

3.1       A Statement of Intent was signed between Belfast, Liverpool, Dublin and Manchester in March 2021 to form a cooperative partnership to develop practical approaches to accelerate the delivery of net-zero commitments in our cities and city regions. The Statement commits each city to:

·        Sharing best practices, knowledge and experience;

·        Connecting organisations and facilitating R&D, business and investment collaborations; and

·        Coordinating joint participation at events (including the Net Zero Summit in June 2022) and hosting, where necessary, incoming delegations.

3.2       Subsequent collaboration between the cities has led to the Circular Economy work between Dublin and Belfast funded through the Shared Island Fund and engagement via events in Manchester and Liverpool. Discussions have also been ongoing for some time with the Connected Places Catapult (CPC) and other stakeholders in Liverpool and Belfast around the concept of a Net Zero Shipping Corridor between the two harbour cities.

            Funding opportunity 1: Innovate UK

3.3       In mid-November, the CPC was made aware of an opportunity to access funding (£450K) from Innovate UK, if it was able to identify and develop a proposal by 1st December. This provided an opportunity to advance an ongoing discussion on a Net Zero Shipping Corridor between the two cities and to access funds that would enable the scoping of a programme of work to develop this concept into a concrete pipeline of projects. Innovate UK has subsequently approved CPC to use the £450K for the scoping study.

3.4       The key stakeholders include: CPC, Belfast City Council, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Belfast Harbour, Mersey Maritime, Royal Haskoning DHV, Liverpool University, Liverpool John Moores University, Queens University, B9Energy, SIBNI.

3.5       It is envisaged that most of the scoping work will be carried out by the Universities but it is likely there will be a small budget (c£10K TBC) available to Belfast City Council to coordinate, engage and support the work. If successful, the project will start on 1st January and run through to 31st March 2024.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4f

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 26 June 2023, it had agreed to continue to waive Building Regulation inspection fees for those applications involving installation of insulation which were not part of funded schemes or maintenance contracts for a further 6 months, through to 30 November 2023.

            The waiving of fees was carried out from the date of Council ratification on 1 December 2022 until 30 November 2023, subject to review. 

            From 1 December 2022 until 30 November 2023, the Building Control Service had analysed a series of reports.  The analysis identified 1,498 building regulation applications that were received for the installation of loft insulation. Overall, the majority of applications were made through schemes, with 98 applicants potentially being eligible for a refund under this initiative. 95 of those were identified in the first 6-month period, with only 3 further potentially eligible applicants identified in the six month extension period. A covering letter and a declaration form were issued to each potentially eligible applicant. 

            To date, out of the 98 letters and declaration forms issued, 12 declaration forms were returned. Through further investigation none of those applicants were due a refund, as the work had either been carried out as part of a government funded scheme or, once the notional cost of work for insulation (£400) was deducted from the estimate cost of works, the Building Regulation fee still applied for other works that had been carried out.  The applicants were informed in writing.

            Using this method of analysis and process to identify and contact any applicants who may have paid the fees outside of a scheme has therefore resulted in no refunds being issued to any applicant.

            Accordingly, the Committee was asked to determine if:

1.      the exercise should continue beyond 30 November 2023; or

2.      the exercise should cease, on the basis of the lack of benefit to applicants being achieved as outlined in the report.

            The Committee agreed to adopt option 2.

            The Committee was reminded that, at the meeting of the People and Communities Committee held on 8 August 2023, it was agreed that the Council would write to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to express its concern at the withdrawal of core funding for Lagan Valley Regional Park (LVRP) for the 2023/24 financial year.

            At the November 2023 meeting of the People and Communities Committee, Members were advised that a response from DfI had been received, which advised that, whilst the Department understood that the withdrawal of the discretionary funding of £42,000 for Lagan Valley Regional Park had left the park in a precarious situation, the decision to cut all discretionary spending and therefore the funding to LVRP had been taken at Departmental level due to overall budget cuts that had affected all Departments, and that the Department would not be able to enter into a new Operational Service Agreement with LVRP.  Accordingly, that Committee had agreed to recommend to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that additional funding of £21,000 be awarded to LVRP from reserves and to write to Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) asking it to contribute the same amount to address the shortfall in funding from DfI.

            The Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, at its meeting on 24 November 2023, subsequently agreed to allocate £21,000 to the Lagan Valley Regional Park on condition that it be matched by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and agreed that a review be undertaken of future funding requirements.

            Following issue of a letter to Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council requesting formal consideration of this request, a response was received which advised that LCCC was also having to consider several budget cuts from Central Government and their impact at a local level.  In its response, LCCC had highlighted that this and other similar requests had been discussed at Council and Member workshops and would be considered in the round to ensure Members were fully informed before taking any decisions with a financial impact.

            Officers had met with LCCC representatives to discuss future funding requirements and would continue to engage with LCCC going forward. Members would be kept updated on any decision by LCCC in relation to the request for match funding.

            Following discussion, the Committee:

1)        Noted the response received from Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) in relation to providing match funding for Lagan Valley Regional Park:

2)        Agreed to provide £21,000 of the £42,000 of the discretionary funding which had been withdrawn by the Department of Infrastructure, with a caveat that the Council would not be responsible for the remainder of the shortfall; and

3)        Agreed to write again to LCCC asking that it contribute the remaining £21,000.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1             The purpose of this report is to:

·        Provide members with an outline of the powers of vesting available to the Council in respect of the Tribeca site.

·        Agree to officers carrying out further work in relation to the possibility of vesting and /or acquisition of the site by agreement including seeking a valuation of the site.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Members of the Committee are asked to:

·        Note the contents of the report.

·        Agree to officers carrying out further work in relation to the possibility of vesting and/or acquisition of the Tribeca site by agreement, including seeking a valuation of the site; consideration of potential funding sources and planning considerations.

3.0       Main report

            Background

3.1       At its meeting on 29th September 2023, the Committee agreed that a report on the possible options for the vesting of the Tribeca site be submitted to a future meeting.

3.2       The Tribeca site was formerly known as Royal Exchange, which was initially granted planning permission in October 2012 (Z/2010/1532/F).

3.3       This permission was a retail led proposal that allowed the demolition, redevelopment and part change of use of existing buildings to create mixed use development comprising retail, offices, café/bar use, 2no. retail pavilions, 205 apartments including 6 no. live/work units, with associated energy centre, service areas and above ground car parking, cultural/arts centre, hotel, 2-level basement car park and associated access and circulation, creation of new streets and public spaces, reconfiguration of Writers Square, public realm works, landscaping and associated site and road works. It also included works to restore, alter and extend listed buildings and facades and partial demolition of North Street Arcade retaining its facades, partial reconstruction of end blocks and reconstruction of rotunda on original location.

1.4             Whilst this permission was commenced through the discharge of conditions and some demolition work, none of the redevelopment has taken place. However, the works which have been undertaken had the effect of commencing the 2010 permission. Generally, this means that the permission remains extant in perpetuity.

3.5       In 2017 an outline application (LA04/2017/2341/O) was received from the owners of the site  for the demolition of a number of buildings and the redevelopment of the area to create a mixed use development comprising retail, offices, café/restaurant uses, residential apartments, including private rented sector units, hotel use, community uses, car parking, associated access, servicing and circulation arrangements, an energy centre, the creation of new streets, the reconfiguration of Writers Square, public realm works, landscaping and associated site and road works. The application also proposed works to alter listed buildings, restoration of retained listed buildings and facades, and partial demolition of North Street Arcade, retaining its facades. This application was granted in November 2020.

3.6       Since the grant of the 2020 permission, the developer has not begun construction of the development. Whilst the developer has ownership of the vast majority of the lands within the overall site, they have had some  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4i

            The Director of Property and Projects advised the Members that the Council’s Physical Programme currently included over 400 capital projects via a range of internal and external funding streams, together with projects which the Council delivered on behalf of external agencies. The Council’s Capital Programme formed part of the Physical Programme and was a rolling programme of investment which either improved existing Council facilities or provided new facilities.  She advised that this report included an update on the CCTV upgrade and lighting at Henry Jones Playing Fields and approval for a visit to the Foundry in Dublin for members of the Installations – City Hall/City Hall Grounds Working Group.

            Henry Jones Playing Fields works

            The Members were reminded that in September 2023 the Committee had approved an upgrade to the current CCTV system and the installation of lighting in the car park at the Henry Jones Playing Fields, subject to realignment of spend. The Committee had agreed also to defer consideration of the installation of perimeter fencing to enable further discussions to be held with the key user groups.

            The CCTV upgrade and car park lighting works were being taken forward via the Property and Projects Department. Design work was underway and procurement was scheduled to take place within the coming weeks. Both elements of the project were due for completion in Spring 2024.

            Statues – City Hall Grounds

            The Members were also reminded that the installation of two new statues in City Hall Grounds of Mary Ann McCracken and Winifred Carney had been agreed. The proposed unveiling of both statues was due to take place on Friday 8th March 2024, which was International Women’s Day.  There was likely to be significant media attention for this and further detail on the proposed programme would be brought to the Committee next month. The statues were currently in the foundry in Dublin for casting and approval was sought for the Chairperson and members of the Installations – City Hall/City Hall Grounds Working Group to visit the Foundry to view both pieces and meet with the artist Ralf Sander.

            The Committee noted the update provided on the Henry Jones Playing Fields works and approved a visit to the Foundry in Dublin for Members of the Installations – City Hall/City Hall Grounds Working Group in order to view the statues of Winfred Carney and Mary Anne McCracken prior to their unveiling in the grounds on International Women’s Day on Friday 8th March. 

The Committee:

i)       Belfast Castle – Lease Renewal

-        approved the renewal of a Lease with Arc 21 for office accommodation at Belfast Castle in the sum of £24,500 per annum on a Lease for 5 years, with a break option for both parties at the end of year two and then annually year after.

ii)     Ormeau Park – NI Water Storm Drain

-        approved a NI Water Storm Drain at Ormeau Park.

            The Committee:

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

·        Approved the award of STAs in line with Standing Order 55 exceptions as detailed in Table 2 below; and

·        Approved the modification of the contracts as per Standing Order 37a detailed in Table 3 below, subject to the omission of the Procurement of Public Bike Share Scheme. LOT 1: Design, supply, maintenance and operation of the scheme which is deferred to enable further information to be provided to the next meeting of the Committee.

Table 1: Competitive Tenders

Table 2: Single Tender Actions

Table 3: Modification to Contract

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes and recommendations from the Shared City Partnership Meeting held on 8th January 2024, including:

Shared City Partnership Membership (Verbal Update)

·        That members note the verbal update and agree the approach provided by the Good Relations Manager.

Good Relations Quarter 3 Report

·        The Partnership recommended to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that it note the contents of the report.

PEACEPLUS – Theme 1.1 - Local Action Plan Update

·        The Partnership recommend to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that it note the contents of the report.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Party Group Leaders Consultative Forum of 11th January.

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

            The Interim City Solicitor/Director of Legal and Civic Services reported that, subsequent to the report have been issued, a late application for the use of a function room in the City Hall for Helpline Awareness Day on 20th March, 2024 had been received and she recommended that the Committee agree to the request.

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

            The Committee was reminded that, following a Motion adopted at the Standards and Business Committee on 26th September 2023, the Council had written to the Minister at the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media on 8th November 2023 to make a request for Belfast to host the National Famine Memorial Day in May 2024.

            The Interim City Solicitor/Director of Legal and Civic Services reported that, on 21st December 2023, the Chief Executive of Belfast City Council had received a response from the Department stating that it had a policy of rotating the province that the commemoration was held in each year, and that last year the commemoration was held in Milford, County Donegal. The letter further stated that the Department was currently in the process of identifying a host county from Leinster for the 2024 event. Therefore, it would not be inviting applications from Ulster this year.

            The letter concluded by stating that, as the Commemoration would be due to take place in Ulster again in number of years, the Department would keep Belfast City Council’s expression of interest on file for consideration.

            The Committee noted the Irish Government’s response to the Council’s request to host the National Famine Memorial Day in May, 2024.

            The Interim City Solicitor/Director of Legal and Civic Services advised the Committee that His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Belfast had offered the gift of a tree to the City of Belfast to mark the occasion of the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.  Following discussion at Party Group Leaders, potential locations for the gift were explored in the City Hall grounds. As part of this work, the advice of the Council’s Senior Woodland and Recreation Officer was sought.

            The City Hall grounds are surrounded by a variety of mature tree species such as lime, sycamore, and several smaller maples.  On undertaking a scoping exercise, a viable site, which could accommodate a single tree would be to the rear of the cenotaph at Donegall Square/Donegall Square West.

            Furthermore, the Senior Woodland and Recreation Officer had recommended that a Tilia cordata Greenspire (small leaf lime) was planted, as it was a variety of tree which would be in keeping with the mature lime trees which have been growing within the City Hall grounds for many years and would maintain continuity.  This species of tree would also be appropriate given that the grounds of City Hall were a designated conservation area. 

            The Lord Lieutenant had indicated that, should the Committee be content, the planting of the tree would proceed by the end of February 2024, in keeping with the tree planting season.

            The Committee agreed to accept the offer of a tree and approved the location recommended in the grounds of City Hall.

            The Committee was advised that the UK government, through the Cabinet Office, had recently introduced a scheme to allow public authorities across the UK to apply for a free, framed portrait of His Majesty King Charles III.

            Public Authorities that fell within certain defined groupings were eligible for this portrait at no cost and Belfast City Council had received communication advising of the process to request a portrait on this basis as a principal local authority.

            The Committee agree to accept the offer of a free, framed portrait of His Majesty King Charles III.

            The Committee agreed to accede to the request for the Council to act as a sponsor for a community asset transfer for the West Belfast Partnership Board and noted that there would be no costs associated with the request.