Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Councillors Corr and McCabe.

            The minutes of the meeting of 24th March were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 3rd April.

            No declarations of interest were reported.

            The Committee agreed to accede to a request from the area organiser of the Union of Shop, Distributors and Allied Workers (Usdaw) to address the Committee at its meeting on 19th May in relation to the consultation on the extension of Sunday trading hours.  It was agreed also that representatives of the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce be invited to address the Committee.

The Information contained in the following five reports is restricted in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014

            The Committee agreed to defer consideration of a report on the proposed re-structuring of the Fleet Management Unit for a period of 1 month.

            The Committee considered a report in relation to the proposed reorganisation of the Security Unit.  The report detailed the following four options and the associated financial implications:

(1)   adopt the management proposals which would see the Council’s Security staff from the Duncrue site be redeployed to the city centre at no cost;

(2)   keep all existing structures and rotas exactly as at present and cover the new Exhibition and 9 Adelaide building using the contracted supplier at an additional cost of £76,400;

(3)   create a minimum of 4 additional posts to provide the cover at the new locations while continuing all existing locations as at present at an additional cost of £134,000; or

(4)   split the 8 staff currently allocated to the Duncrue site, and continue to cover the site with 4 Council staff on a lone working basis and use the 4 staff freed up to cover the Exhibition and 9 Adelaide at a cost of £67,000.

After discussion, the Committee agreed to adopt option 3.

            The Committee was reminded that, in accordance with Standing Orders, the undernoted notice of motion, which had been proposed by Councillor Collins and seconded by Councillor Heading, had been referred to the Committee for consideration:

"This Council recognises the upcoming redevelopment of Andersonstown Leisure Centre and the positive potential which this investment could bring to the City.

It also notes concerns which have been raised by Trade Union representatives about jobs during and after the redevelopment. The Council is opposed to any job losses as part of the redevelopment. It also believes that any displacement process should be done transparently and equitably, to ensure that current staff are treated fairly during this process.

Finally, the Council considers it crucial that all current staff should be afforded the right to return to Andersonstown Leisure Centre after the redevelopment and under their current employment contracts, with no changes to their terms and conditions, if they so wish to. The Council calls upon GLL to work with Council staff, elected representatives and the relevant Trade Unions to ensure that action is taken which leads to the best possible deal for leisure workers."

            The Director of City and Neighbourhood Services submitted for the consideration of the Committee an update report on the current position and indicated that a full report on the mobilisation plan would be submitted to the Committee in May.  In addition, the Committee was advised that a request for a deputation had been received from the Unite and NIPSA Unions to address the Members in relation to this issue.

            After discussion, the Committee:

·        noted the issues raised in the report and that a full report on the mobilisation plan would be submitted to the meeting in May;

·        noted that a mobilisation workshop for the West Area Working Group and Budget Panel Members was being arranged in advance of the May meeting, in order for GLL to present its overall mobilisation plan, including its engagements with sports clubs and users; and

·        agreed to receive a deputation from the Unite and NIPSA unions at its May meeting.

            The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the redevelopment of the former Belfast Telegraph building and the ongoing work on an Inner North West Masterplan.

            The Committee noted:

·        the progress to date with the former Belfast Telegraph site and the intention to submit a planning application later this year; and

·        that work was underway to develop an Inner North West Masterplan and that Members would be engaged directly within the coming weeks before a draft report was submitted to the Committee.

            (With the exception of the Chief Executive and the Senior Democratic Services Officer, all members of staff left the meeting whilst this item was under consideration.)

            The Chief Executive submitted for the Committee’s consideration an update report in relation to the Council’s Organisational Design Model and after discussion the Committee:

·        noted that a final report on the organisational structures would be submitted to the May meeting of the Committee;

·        agreed to commence a recruitment process for a Strategic Director of the new Place and Economy Department, followed by a recruitment exercise for the Operational/Assistant Directors for Planning and Building Control; Economic Development; and City Regeneration;

·        agreed that the process in moving functions and badging staff to the newly created department could begin;

·        agreed that a timely and targeted executive search approach to the recruitment of the Strategic Director post commence immediately to ensure a strong and competent field for the post; and

·        that the selection panel for the recruitment of the Strategic Director of Place and Economy reflect a fair balance in terms of community background and gender and that it comprises the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Committee (or their nominees), another elected Member from a political party not represented by the Chairperson or the Deputy Chairperson (or their nominees), the Chief Executive and a Council director.

            The Committee was reminded that the Council, in accordance with Standing Orders, had referred the following notice of motion, which had been proposed by Councillor Campbell and seconded by Councillor McAllister, to the Committee for consideration:

“This Council acknowledges the positive role which the LGBT community plays in our City, whose visibility creates a more welcoming and vibrant City.  Recognising that one of the Council’s primary aims is to make the environment of the City Hall more balanced, inclusive and reflective of all of the citizens of the City, the Council agrees to commission a stained glass window to celebrate the contribution of our LGBT citizens and install this in an appropriate location in the City Hall.”

            The Democratic Services Manager submitted for the Committees consideration a report which outlined the previous decisions and the current position in relation to four other motions regarding the installation of stained glass windows in the City Hall which had been considered within the previous 4 years.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed that the motion to commission a stained glass window to celebrate the contribution of LGBT citizens and install this in an appropriate location in the City Hall be referred initially to the Party Leaders.

            The Committee agreed to defer consideration of a report in relation to amendments to the Council’s constitution to enable them to be considered at Party briefings.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report

1.1       The purpose of the report is to consider and agree a response to the consultation document from the Department for the Economy on the draft Industrial Strategy for Northern Ireland – ‘Economy 2030’.  The strategy sets out a vision for Northern Ireland as a ‘globally competitive economy that works for everyone’.

1.2       The draft response builds on the Council’s position in relation to the draft Programme for Government 2016-2021, which was approved in January 2017, as well as the pre-consultation ‘Call for Evidence on Refocusing the Northern Ireland Economic Strategy’ which was approved in October 2016.  In compiling the response, feedback has been gathered from officers across Council and members of the Economic Growth Forum.    

1.3       There is clear alignment between the regional ambitions in the draft Industrial Strategy and the Belfast Agenda and Local Development Plan.  The Belfast Agenda’s social and economic ambitions for growth are that by 2035:

-       Belfast will be home to an additional 70,000 new residents

-       Our urban economy will support 50,000 more jobs

-       There will be a 50% reduction in the life expectancy gap between the most and least deprived neighbourhoods

-       Every young person leaving school will have a destination that fulfils their potential

1.4       The consultation closes on 25 April 2017 and the document, equality screening and summary of evidence are available online at: https://www.economy-ni.gov.uk/consultations/industrial-strategy   An online questionnaire is also available at

            https://consultations.nidirect.gov.uk/dfe/industrial-strategy-for-northern-ireland/.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

            Consider and approve the draft response to the draft Industrial Strategy for Northern Ireland (Economy 2030).

3.0       Main report

3.1       Key Issues

            The Industrial Strategy is a high level strategy that sets out the main policy commitment for growing the economy and creating jobs. In general, the proposals are in line with commitments contained within the Belfast Agenda and are likely to contribute positively towards growing the economy in an inclusive manner.

3.2       The draft Strategy provides contextual information about the economy, its recent performance, and how the region compares to other similar economies. It sets out the vision for 2030 for Northern Ireland to be ‘a globally competitive economy that works for everyone’. 

3.3       It contains commitment to outcomes-based accountability, in line with the Programme for Government.  It also includes a number of headline milestones, namely:

-       By 2021: 50,000 new jobs will be created; 18,000 economically inactive people will be helped back to work; Northern Ireland will be the number 1 FDI destination outside London

-       By 2025: 380,000 qualifications at level 3 and above will be awarded; the value of sales outside of Northern Ireland will increase by 80%; the amount of spend by tourists from outside NI will be doubled

-       By 2030: private sector output will grow by 35%, creating 80,000 new jobs; NI will be in top 3 most competitive small advanced economies; 80,000 jobs will be created in the knowledge economy; annual R&D spend will be increased to £1.5billion  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5a

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1        The Belfast Agenda sets out an ambition for growth and opportunity that includes four headline goals to focus collaborative efforts on economic and social growth of Belfast so that by 2035:

-       Our city is home to an additional 70,000 new residents

-       Our urban economy supports 50,000 more jobs

-       There will be a 50% reduction in the life expectancy gap between the most and least deprived neighbourhoods

-       Every young person leaving school has a destination that fulfils their potential

1.2       In an increasingly competitive global environment, Belfast must emphasise its distinct competitive advantage if it is to continue to compete and successfully attract FDI, and tourists to the city as well as encouraging more businesses to start and support those existing businesses to grow in the city.  Members have emphasised the importance of continuing to attract and support FDI to Belfast and the Council has been delivering on the Tourism Strategy Action Plan, developing a ‘Go to Market’ plan and working with city stakeholders in the development of the International Relations Framework which seeks to promote the profile of Belfast internationally as a place to visit, live and invest. 

1.3       To focus our efforts on growing a sustainable, inclusive economy a number of targets have also been set for 2021 along with key programmes of work (see draft Belfast Agenda).  This report focuses primarily on the issue of city deals and economic and social progress in the context of Brexit.  It needs to be noted that significant other pieces of work sit alongside this paper on job creation, skills development, liveability and neighbourhood regeneration.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

(i)     note the current programme of work underway which seeks to position Belfast as a competitive place and key attractor for people to visit, live, learn and invest;

(ii)   consider and agree the proposed next steps as set out at paragraph 3.3.4 below.

3.0       Main report

3.1      Key Issues

3.1.1    The Council is increasing its ambition around positioning the city to attract international investment from developers, FDI and institutional investment and the recent success at MIPIM 2017, along with the International relations Framework 2016-2021 provide fresh impetus to consider how the City can begin to embed and sustain this collaborative and outward-focused approach to deliver on the City ambitions in the Belfast Agenda.

3.1.2    Central to promoting growth and positioning the city is the Council’s role in supporting and adding value to the work of key city partners in their efforts to increase the number of international students in the city, grow tourism investment and support more Foreign Direct Investment as well as helping local businesses to become more active in international export markets. 

3.1.3    In the context of the Belfast Agenda, Members have already commissioned or agreed a range of work, currently underway, to drive forward growth and position the city in a time of increasing economic and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5b

            The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 1st September, 2016,  had agreed to act as a partner for the delivery of the Shankill’s Women’s Centre and Black Mountain Shared Space project which were being submitted for Peace IV funding under theme 3.1 Shared Space and Services.  Both the projects had now been advised by the Special European Union Programmes Body (SEUPB) that their relevant proposal had now been progressed to Stage 2 of the Peace IV funding process following successful completion at Stage 1.

            The Committee was advised that 13 applications out of 33 had been successful in reaching Stage 2 under this call for funding.  It included one other Belfast based project – the Greater Whitewell Community Surgery - for a project at the former Ballygoland Primary School.  It was pointed out that the theme remained extremely competitive and the total funding for the shortlisted bids was approximately £90m and there was only £45m available under the theme.  Therefore, the Committee was asked to note that any progression to Stage 2 was not a guarantee of funding and that no grant had been allocated yet to any projects, including the Shankill Women’s Centre and the Blackmountain Shared Space project.

Noted.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1        This report updates Members on the development and implementation of the £105m leisure assets capital programme. 

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

            Programme level – Planning

·        note that planning was approved by the Planning Committee on Tuesday 11th April for the two new major leisure facilities at Brook and Robinson and the planning application for Andersonstown was submitted at the end of March

            Specific projects

            Members are asked to –

            Brook

·        note the updates as outlined at  3.4 in respect of the planned pop-up gym facility in part of the main sports hall at Brook and on the basis of the information provided to consider if they wish this to progress.  In considering this Members are asked to note that officers investigated the potential of using space upstairs but that this is not feasible; that discussions have taken place with all affected groups and that all groups/activities can continue to be supported in the remaining part of the Hall or can be re-arranged elsewhere and the Centre can continue to act as an evacuation point if this is required.

            Andersonstown –

·        note the feedback from the additional Stage 2 - consultation exercise which was undertaken prior to the submission of the planning application.

·        note after lengthy discussion Members agreed not to relook at the agreed facilities mix given the implications on the cost, design, planning and programme but requested officers to bring back an options paper to a future meeting which would consider all options available for securing the required additional resources for a moveable floor to be included within the existing proposal including details in respect of discussions with the DfC regarding community benefit monies and the mobilisation budget. Members are asked to note this is currently under development with an update to be brought in due course.

·        note that a mobilisation workshop will be scheduled in advance of May SP&R.

3.0       Main report

            Programme level – Planning

3.1       Planning approval for the redevelopment of the £20m Robinson and the £15m Brook was approved by the Planning Committee at its meeting on 11th April.  This represents a significant step forward for the overall programme with works due to commence on site in the summer.  Planning for Andersonstown was submitted at the end of March following a further round of consultation on the proposed changes to the centre (see 3.7).  Members are asked to note that any changes to the design could have an impact on planning which in term will impact the overall programme

            Project level

            Brook – Pop-up gym facility

3.2       Members have expressed their desire to start construction on the new Andersonstown as soon as possible and subject to a positive planning decision it is envisaged that construction will commence on the new facility in August 2017. As part of the business continuity planning for Andersonstown Members endorsed a proposal in February that a pop up gym facility  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6b

Minutes

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meetings of the Area Working Groups as follows: South Area Working Group 20th March; North Area Working Group 29th March; East Area Working Group 6th April and West Area Working Group 6th April.

            North Area Working Group

            The Committee noted that the North Area Working Group, at its meeting on 29th March, had approved a minor change in scope in relation to NLIF2-17/NLIF072 Ballysillan Youth for Christ Project so that the funding could be used for new build equipment and to upgrade fixtures and fittings as additional funding for the project had been received under New Urban Villages.

            East Area Working Group

            The Committee noted that the East Area Working Group, at its meeting on 6th April, had approved a minor change in relation to ELIF2-14 – The Dock Titanic Quarter in respect of its location as the Group had been advised by Titanic Quarter that the proposed premises were no longer available.

            The Committee:

(1)   approved the public advertisement and acceptance of tenders as listed in Appendix 1, Table 1 below, through the Council’s electronic procurement system; and

(2)   granted delegated authority to the appropriate Director, using pre-agreed criteria, to accept the most economically advantageous tender, and allow extensions where contracts were under review as per Table 2:

Appendix 1 - Schedule of tenders for consideration

Table 1 – New tenders

Table 2 – Contracts for extension of contract period

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

“1.0     Purpose of report or summary of main issues

1.1        To request approval of the draft Policy on Linguistic Diversity for public consultation, including staffing resource.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        Approve the draft Policy on Linguistic Diversity for consultation. 

·        Consider the staffing resource element of the policy i.e.: (i) staff member dedicated to the promotion of the Irish Language (currently included in the draft Policy on Linguistic Diversity); or (ii) a staff member dedicated to the promotion of Linguistic Diversity (not currently included in the draft Policy on Linguistic Diversity). Or (iii) an Irish Language Officer and a post covering wider language promotion (perhaps at a later date)

·        Agree the outline consultation plan and next steps

3.0       Main report

3.1       Background

            The original Language Policy was adopted by Council in 2006. The Joint Diversity Group (of Party Group Leaders and the Historic Centenaries Working Group) agreed that it should be up-dated and refreshed in line with legal advice on the Council’s compliance with all relevant legal obligations.

            Denise Wheatley of Policy Arc consultants was commissioned in March 2013 to prepare a scoping paper, as she had experience of preparing the Equality Schemes for both Foras na Gaeilge and the Ulster-Scots Agency, she had also assisted Magherafelt District Council with the EQIA of their recent Irish Language Policy. 

            The opinion of Richard Gordon QC of Brick Court Chambers in London was sought since he had extensive experience in advising on human rights issues and his advice, including references to both local and international law, was submitted to the Joint Diversity Group at its meeting on 21 May 2013 along with a draft language policy.

            Following discussion at the Joint Diversity Group, 18 October 2013, an enquiry was made to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) regarding Newry & Mourne Council’s Language Policy.  ECNI responded:

            ‘We have commented that Newry & Mourne has a clear policy in place to promote the Irish Language and the Commission has provided advice, when requested, in relation to the implementation of the policy. In general we consider the language rights issue to be more a human rights issue than an equality issue although there is an intersection with employment and good relations aspects.’

            ECNI also summarised their response to Committee of Experts on the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages:

            ‘Our response had made the point that the notion that providing equality or protection for one group limits their availability for another is both unfounded in itself and acts to the detriment of all who seek to live in a society that is fair and equitable and should be avoided in the drafting of public policy.’

            At that time no agreement was reached and the demands of Local Government Reform prioritised work streams in that area, consequently the 2006 Language Policy remained in place. In late 2016 a decision was made to revisit the 2006  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8a

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Shared City Partnership of 11th April and specifically agreed the following:

            Bonfire and Cultural Expression Programme

·        to adopt the recommendation to grant the use of delegated authority to the Director of City and Neighbourhood Services to approve applications under the Bonfire and Cultural Expression Programme; and approve the recommendation that Reverend Bill Shaw be appointed to the role of independent assessor on the Programme Review panel.

            Review of the St. Patrick’s Day Small Grants Programme

Moved by Councillor McVeigh,

Seconded by Councillor Hargey,

      That the Committee agrees to reject the decision of the Partnership to approve the proposal to review the current approach to St. Patrick’s Day celebration grants and undertake a consultation and screening process with current grant recipients and adopt - in principle, option 3, subject to further information being provided in due course; and accordingly agrees to adopt option 1, that is, to do nothing and continue with the grants scheme in its current format.

            On a vote by show of hands twelve members voted for the amendment and four against and it was declared carried.

            The Committee was reminded that Belfast Pride was a major city event which was embraced by many people who support the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) community.  It attracted audiences of up to 50,000 people each summer.  The Council had, through the Community Festivals Fund which was match funded by the Department for Communities, regularly supported the Belfast Pride festival.

            The Council’s Equality and Diversity Network championed and steered the Council’s strategy on matters relating to diversity and equality in both service delivery and employment and in particular fed into the development of the Council’s diversity action plans.  An LGB&T sub-group of the Equality and Diversity Network was tasked with assisting the Council to address key issues around promoting positive attitudes, respect and inclusion of people from the LGB&T community relating to the Council’s workforce and customers.  It was also tasked with the revision and development of the Council’s LGB&T action plan.

            In addition, as part of the LGB&T action plan, an LGB&T employee network was established last year.  It brought together, across all areas of the Council, individuals who identify as belonging to the LGB&T community, along with their allies and other supporters, to meet and share ideas and also to feed into the LGB&T action plan.  Both the sub-group and the employee network were keen that, as part of the LGB&T action plan going forward, Council employees participate in the annual Belfast Pride Parade, either by entering a walking group or a float, that is, using a Council vehicle along with an accompanying walking group.

            The Committee agreed to interested employees participating annually in the Belfast Pride Parade, with initial attendance at the 2017 event being held on Saturday 5th August.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Budget and Transformation Panel of 13th April.

The Committee noted the minutes of the Active Belfast Board of 21st March.

          The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the North Foreshore Steering Group of 20th March.

            The Committee was reminded that, every year, the Business in the Community’s Responsible Business Awards captured inspiring stories of businesses as a positive force for change and told them to a local, national and international audience.  The awards event was open to companies of any size, sector and scale and the entries were rigorously assessed by a select judging panel.  The Committee was advised that, the following the success of the Council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which was considered as an exemplar within the public sector, the Council had submitted an application to the “Wellbeing at Work” category of the awards.  The Council had been successfully shortlisted in this category, together with the Bank of Ireland, Queen’s University, Belfast Lagan Construction, BT, Coca Cola and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.  The winner of the award would be announced at a gala awards ceremony in the Belfast Waterfront on 1st June, 2017.

            The Committee approved the attendance of three officers at the Business in the Community’s Responsible Business Awards 2017 and noted that the event was being held on 1st June, at the same time the Annual Council would be held at which the new Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Committee would be appointed, and therefore agreed not to nominate any Councillors to attend on this occasion.

            The Committee adopted the recommendations in relation to the requests for the use of the City Hall and the provision of hospitality set out below: