Agenda and minutes

            An apology for inability to attend was reported from Councillor Hutchinson.

            The minutes of the meetings of 5th and 19th January were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st February.

            Alderman Rodgers declared an interest in respect of item 5a “Update on Capital Programme” in so far as he was a shareholder with Glentoran Football Club and he left the meeting whilst this item was under consideration.

            The information contained in the following report 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 Committee meeting during discussion of this item as, due to the nature of the item, there would be a disclosure of exempt information as described in Section 42(4) and Section 6 of the Local Government Act (NI) 2014.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 22nd September, 2017, it had agreed that the Council should make an application to the Local Full Fibre Networks (LFFN) Programme.  The Director of Finance and Resources submitted a report which provided a summary of the Council’s application which had been lodged on Friday 26th January and outlined a number of recommendations that would be required for successful delivery of the Programme should the bid prove to be successful.

            The Committee agreed to:

·        Put in place the project resources and delivery structure outlined in the report to deliver the Belfast LFFN Programme;

·        Allocate £100K for the procurement of External Technical and Procurement Advisors with specialist telecoms expertise to assist with the delivery of the Programme; and

·        Prioritise engagement with the UK Government’s Barrier Removal Taskforce in relation to adopting a streamlined local approach to highways, planning and wayleaves in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure.

            The Committee was reminded that, in accordance with Standing Orders, the following motion, which had been proposed by Councillor McDonough-Brown and seconded by Councillor Attwood, had been referred to the Committee for consideration:

"In light of the recent recommendation from the Northern Ireland Audit Office report, this Council agrees to review the processes regarding the Local Investment Fund (LIF) and the Belfast Investment Fund (BIF) to consider the appropriateness and effectiveness of the method of funding projects.

The Council believes that future Council funding should follow an open process with the advertisement of funding, have strategic objectives and have measurable outcomes."

            The Committee was reminded further that the motion had been deferred at its meeting on 19th January to enable legal opinion to be obtained.  Accordingly, a copy of the legal opinion was submitted for the Committee’s consideration.

After discussion, it was

Moved by Councillor Long,

Seconded by Councillor Attwood,

      That the Committees agrees to progress the actions as outlined in the motion.

            On a vote by show of hands five Members voted for the proposal and thirteen against and it was declared lost.

            The Committee noted, however, at the meeting of the Audit and Risk Panel on 8th December it had considered a report to those charged with Governance 2016/17 from the Local Government Auditor (LGA).  One of the priority 2 areas identified by the LGA, which are important issues to be addressed by management in their areas of responsibility, related to the Local Investment Fund.  The issue raised by the NIAO related to the evaluation of each project for effectiveness against achieving benefits and outcomes, as well as a review of the Fund as a whole to assess and consider the appropriateness and effectiveness of this method of funding projects.  This issue and the proposed management response to the audit recommendation was discussed at the Audit and Risk Panel, in line with normal procedure.  In summary, management had agreed with the recommendation, indicating that the Fund would be reviewed in the context of the development of corporate neighbourhood regeneration strategy.  As with other recommendations, the Panel, through reports from Audit, Governance and Risk Services, would monitor implementation actions.

            The Committee considered the following motion, which had been proposed by Councillor Nicholl and seconded by Councillor McDonough-Brown, which had in accordance with Standing Order 13(f) been referred to the Committee for consideration:

“This Council notes the increasing number of people diagnosed with HIV in Belfast year on year; is concerned at the levels of stigma experienced by people living with HIV; acknowledges the need for a new campaign to promote awareness and prevention, specifically tailored to Northern Ireland and the City of Belfast; commends the work of Belfast based, Positive Life, Northern Ireland's only dedicated charity working to support people diagnosed with HIV; and agrees to support this organisation in the development of a centre of excellence at its new headquarters.”

            The Committee agreed, in the first instance, to undertake a site visit to the organisation.

The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the matter to enable Councillor Boyle, who had submitted the motion, to be in attendance.

The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the matter to enable Councillor Armitage, who had submitted the motion, to be in attendance.

            The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the motion in relation to the audio recording of the Council Working Groups to enable legal advice to be obtained in relation to the recording of the Shared City Partnership and the Audit and Risk Panel and for information to be provided also on the proposed recording of the Party Leaders’ Forum and the Budget and Transformation Panel.

            The Committee was reminded that, at the meeting of the Council on 1st February, the following motion, which had been proposed by Councillor Collins and seconded by Councillor Milne, had in accordance with Standing Order 13(f), been referred to the Committee for consideration:

"This Council notes with deep concern news that potential job losses are being considered across leisure services in 2018. In line with the trades union movement, the Council is opposed to any job losses as part of the leisure transformation programme, whether through voluntary or involuntary redundancy.

“Furthermore, the Council believes that it is vital that staff are protected and allowed to retain their terms and conditions throughout the leisure transformation programme. To this end, the Council is deeply concerned that, in regards to Andersonstown Leisure Centre, management are effectively preventing staff from returning to their workplace under their former terms and conditions. The Council considers it crucial that 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.” 

            After discussion, during which Councillor Collins, the proposer of the motion, addressed the Committee, the Committee noted the motion.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, at its meeting on 24th November 2017, agreed the recommendations contained in the outline business case for an enhanced and innovative approach to customer focus in the council.

1.2       The purpose of this report is to outline a proposed way forward to progress the implementation phase of the OBC recommendations.

2.0       Recommendations

            The Committee is requested to agree:

-       that a Programme Director post be created to oversee the implementation of the customer focus programme.

-       that the Programme Director, once appointed, be tasked with leading the development of a comprehensive Customer Focus Improvement Programme in line with the recommendations contained in the OBC.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Figure 1 below outlines the four main themes of the customer focus blueprint. From this, it can be seen that this work constitutes a major programme of work which will require careful planning and significant resources to deliver. For this reason, the Council has agreed to adopt a three phase approach starting with mobilisation, then discovery and ending with design and implementation. 

            Figure 1: Overview of Blueprint for Customer Focus

3.2       The key element of the mobilisation phase is to assign the appropriate leadership roles for the project. The Chief Executive will have overall responsibility but has assigned the Senior Responsible Officer role to the Deputy Chief Executive. The complexity and scale of the programme, however, means a full time dedicated leadership resource in the form of a programme director for a minimum of three years will be required. This role, if agreed, will be funded through the customer focus specified reserve established as part of the half year finance report. It is important that this leadership role is in place before the discovery phase starts. This phase will produce a comprehensive set of tools and deliverables, along with a thorough understanding of the proposed solutions, which will assist the project in design and delivery.  

3.3       It is anticipated that the discovery phase will take 10-12 weeks to complete. A further report will be brought back to Committee on its completion.   

            Financial and Resource Implications

3.4       The Strategic Policy and Resources Committee agreed at its meeting in November that a reallocation of £500k as part of the Quarter 2 finance report be set aside to cover the costs associated with the implementation of this Customer Focus project. The cost of the Programme Director will be covered as part of this reallocation.

3.5       Further information will be brought back to committee on the additional resources that will be required to support the rollout of the Implementation Plan but again it is anticipated that any costs associated with this can be accommodated from the £500k previously agreed.

            Equality and Good Relations Implications

3.6       N/A.”

            The Committee adopted the recommendations.

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1        The Council’s Physical Programme covers 205 live regeneration projects across a range of funding streams including the Capital Programme, Leisure Transformation Programme, LIF, BIF, SOF (Social Outcomes Fund) and the projects which the Council is delivering on behalf of other agencies. This report outlines

-       an update on the Capital Programme for 2017/2018

-       project updates – King George V Playing Fields: New 3G pitch – proposed replacement of project with new 3G pitch at Blanchflower Playing Fields and movement of Blanchflower and Ulidia schemes to Stage 3 – Committed

-       the Capital Programme and capital financing for 2018/2019 

-       Physical Programme 2018/2019 and beyond

2.0       Recommendations

2.1      The Committee is requested to;

·        note the update on the Capital Programme as at 3.1-3.2 below and that the Property and Projects Department is happy to arrange a site visit to any projects that have been completed and/or are underway

            Project Updates and Movements

2.2

·        note the update in respect of the King George V (KGV) Playing Fields proposed 3G pitch project at 3.3-3.7 and agree that given the requirements of the Living with Water Programme and that it is likely to be at least 2022 before this project can be taken forward that this is replaced on the Capital Programme by a 3G pitch at Blanchflower Playing Fields given its state of readiness. Members are asked to note that the scope of this project will remain as per the KGV proposal for a 3G pitch and floodlights only - similar to the scope of Ulidia which is also on the Capital Programme

·        if agreed, it is further recommended that both the Ulidia and Blanchflower 3G pitch projects are moved to Stage 3- Committed on the Capital Programme with a maximum budget of £1.1m to be allocated per scheme– the Director of Finance & Resources has confirmed that this is within the affordability limits of the Council. It is recommended that these are held at Tier 0 – Schemes at Risk pending the final tender return prices (see 3.8-3.9)

            Capital Programme and Capital Financing 2018/2019

2.3      

·        agree the Capital Programme for 2018/2019 as outlined in Appendix 1-3 (see 3.10-3.13)

            Procurement

2.4       agree that necessary procurement processes (including the invitation of tenders and/or the use of appropriate ‘framework’ arrangements) be initiated for the Ulida/Blanchflower 3G pitch projects; and any non-recurrent projects for 2018/2019 and the Social Outcomes Fund projects, as required, with contracts to be awarded on the basis of most economically advantageous tenders received and full commitment to deliver

3.0       Main Report

            Key Issues

3.1       The Council’s rolling Capital Programme is a significant regeneration programme and Members agreed the Capital programme for 2017/18 in March last year.  An update on the Programme is outlined below:

            Completed Projects

-       Connswater Community Greenway - the completion of the major CCG project which consists of 16km of new foot and cycle paths, improved green spaces, 23 new  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5a

Gloucester Street Offices – Proposed Disposal

            The Committee approved the commencement of a disposal and marketing process in respect of a site comprising the former Council offices at Gloucester Street, with further updates to be reported back to the Committee as appropriate in relation to the disposal process.

            Land at Cregagh Park – Proposed Disposal

            The Committee approved acceptance of an offer of £225,000 to purchase land at Cregagh Park, subject to receipt of planning permission and on other terms to be agreed by the Estates Manager and City Solicitor.

            62 Antrim Road – Residential Letting

            The Committee granted retrospective approval to the letting of a residential property at 62 Antrim Road to a Council employee.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of Area Working Groups as follows:

·        East Area Working Group 11th January and 8th February; subject to the omission of the minute of the East Area Working Group of 8th February under the heading “Physical Programme Update”, in so far as it related to the King George V Playing Fields/Blanchflower Playing Fields, which had been referred back to the East Area Working Group earlier in the meeting;

·        South Area working Group 22nd January;

·        North Area working Group 23rd January;

·        West Area working Group 26th January; and

·        Agreed to the recommendation from the South Area Working Group to ring-fence the remaining LIF budget of £40,000 to LORAG towards the John Murray Lockhouse.

            The Director of Finance and Resources submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of Main Issues

1.1       This report presents the Quarter 3 financial position for the Council including a forecast of the year end outturn. It includes a reporting pack which contains a summary of the financial indicators and an executive summary (Appendix 1). It also provides a more detailed explanation of each of the relevant indicators and the forecast outturn for the year.

1.2       The Departmental year end forecast is a net year end under spend of £557k which represents a variance of 0.4% of the annual net expenditure budget. Members will recall that as part of the Revenue Estimate setting process for 2018/2019 the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee at its meeting on 15th December 2017 agreed that non recurrent funding of £147k for Community Grants and £70k for Twilight Markets would be made available for 2018/2019. This means that the forecast surplus at the year-end is only £340k.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        note the contents of the report; and

·        agree that no further re-allocations are considered until the year end, given that the uncommitted forecast represents less than 0.2% of departmental net expenditure.

3.0       Main Report

            Current and Forecast Financial Position 2017/2018

3.1       The financial position for Quarter 3 is a net departmental under-spend of £2,031k (2.0%). The forecast year-end departmental position is an under-spend of £557k (0.4%), which is well within the acceptable variance limit of 3%.

3.2       The departmental underspend arises mainly from below budget employee costs, due to staff vacancies, staff turnover, additional income and reductions supplies expenditure in Waste Management which has helped offset budgetary pressures within Facilities and the Zoo.

            Rates Finalisation

3.3       The District Rate forecast by Land and Property Services (LPS) is a favourable outturn of £645k, which is a decrease of almost £500k in the estimated rate finalisation from the position reported at Quarter 2.

3.4       Two large buildings which were valued as industrial (one in Queen’s Island with a Net Annual Value – NAV of £208k and one in Royal Avenue with an NAV of £195k) were made vacant which resulted in the industrial status being removed. Industrial status entitled a property to 30% rate reduction. However, the move from industrial to vacant status qualifies for 100% (Non Domestic Vacant Rating – NDVR) exemption and this manifests in an increased loss. Associated with this change in occupancy status is a reduction in the de-rating compensation which is evident through the increased de-rated clawback. A third property with an NAV of £143k moved from NVDR  50% to NDVR exclusion.

            Capital Projects

3.5       Planned capital expenditure for 2017/18 approved as part of the capital programme is £36.5m with forecast expenditure for the year of £24.98m.

3.6       The Summary Dashboard on Page 2 of the attached performance report summarises forecast expenditure on other capital programme including Non-Recurring Projects (£1,037k), Feasibility Fund (£191k) and projects in the new  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6a

The Committee:

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

·        granted delegated authority to the appropriate Director, using pre-agreed criteria, to accept the most economically advantageous tender and allow month by monthly extensions where contracts were under review as outlined in Appendix 1, Table 2:

Appendix 1

Schedule of Tenders for Consideration

Table 1 – New tenders

Table 2 – Contracts for extension of contract period

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes and the recommendations from the Shared City Partnership meeting held on 5th February, 2018, as follows:

·        to note the update on PEACE IV and that an invitation was be extended to the Special European Union Programmes Body (SEUPB) to attend future meetings of the Partnership where PEACE IV was on the agenda;

·        to agree the recommendations in relation to the Review of the Shared City Partnership, as outlined in the minutes;

·        to agree that the East Belfast Community Development Agency’s request for financial assistance towards a dedicated staff resource be supported through the District Council Good Relations Programme at a cost of £10,000 per annum for two years, in principle, pending the submission of an action plan and other sources of funding being confirmed; and

·        to agree that the Council partners with the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute and the Senator George J. Mitchell Institute for the Global Peace Security and Justice at Queen’s University to facilitate the launch of the Global Peace Index in Belfast on 14th June and that £500 of match funding would be allocated towards the event.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of Main Issues

1.1       To update Members on the NILGA Forward Work Plan for the period 2018-2019

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is requested to:

·        note the contents of the NILGA Forward Work Plan for the period 2018-2019; and

·        note the annual subscription fee of £71,467,which represents a 0% increase on previous year, which has already been included in 2018/2019 budget.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       The Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) is the representative body for the new 11 councils. It seeks to promote, develop and champion the best interests of local government by developing regional positions and approaches to key issues affecting the sector, including elected Member development, collective lobbying and policy development and hosting good practice events including the annual local government awards. The Association also seeks to represent NI Local Government’s interests on regional bodies such as the Partnership Panel with the NI Assembly, within the Local Government Group of Associations in the UK (with over 550 councils as members) and in Europe.

3.2       NILGA members are drawn from the 11 councils with ten elected Members representing Belfast City Council on the Association.

            Forward Work Plan 2018-2019

3.3       The Council has received a copy of the proposed Forward Work Plan for the period 2018-2019, a copy of which is attached. A summary of the areas of focus over the coming months is set out below for Members information.

3.4      

1.     Legislative, powers, investment & transfers of functions e.g.

-       Establishment of an All Party Parliamentary Group on Local Government’s Development and Sustainability moving into new electoral period.  

-       Advocate for an Entrepreneurship Strategy

-       Policy and research support and evidence on key local government priorities e.g. devolution, PfG and NI Budget, Brexit etc

-       Bring forward a new Burdens Framework which seeks to indemnify councils for any future transfer of functions

2.     Regional communications activities and support e.g.

-       Scheduling monthly showcase events open to councils

-       Publication of bulletins, press and media releases and other communication materials

3.     Statutory representation and co-ordination e.g.

-       Representation on a range of local government related bodies and forums   

-       Joint Secretariat support to the Partnership Panel (if Assembly reinstated)

-       Help co-ordinate LG input into the Employer’s side of National Joint Council

4.     Regional and Sub-Regional awareness and networking e.g.

-       Co-ordinate 24 learning and networking events on key priority and policy related issues for LG

-       NILGA Annual Conference and Local Government Awards

-       National Events e.g. RHS Britain in Bloom 2018 UK Awards Ceremony for NI – to be hosted in Belfast in Oct 18

5.     Elected Member Development including Charter / Charter Plus e.g.

-       Help councils retain National Charter / National Charter Plus awards

-       In partnership with LGTG and National Association of Cllrs, deliver a Regional Member Development Programme

-       In partnership with 11 councils, LGTG and SOLACE – develop an Elected Members Induction Programme

6.     National and regional policy, lobbying,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8a

            The Committee noted the contents of a report which outlined timescales, business impact and the complexities of the ICT infrastructure relocation from Gloucester Street to 9 Adelaide.

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:

-       seek approval from the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee to further consult the public on their attitudes to Sunday Trading in the city and to gauge public opinion as to whether the Council should designate Belfast as a ‘holiday resort’ under Article 6 of the Shops (Sunday Trading &c.) (Northern Ireland) Order 1997

-       A holiday resort designation would provide ‘large shops’ with an option to extend their Sunday trading hours in the city centre on up to 18 Sundays (other than Easter Sunday) between 1 March and 30 September in any calendar year.  Such a designation may not come into effect until at least one month after the resolution of the Council. 

-       Small shops are already permitted to open at any time on Sunday’s throughout the year. 

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        note the contents of the report, including the findings from the original public consultation which concluded on 5th May 2017; and

·        provide approval for officers to consult the public on their present attitudes to Sunday Trading and to ask the public whether the Council should make a ‘holiday resort’ designation under Article 6 of the Shops (Sunday Trading &c.) (Northern Ireland) Order 1997.

3.0       Main Report

            Background

3.1       The initial proposal was made in response to a strong lobby within the city to designate Belfast as a ‘holiday resort’ area in order to improve the tourism offering in Belfast (particularly on a Sunday morning), to boost the local economy and to support the overall regeneration of the city centre. 

            The principle of additional Sunday opening hours for large shops in ‘holiday resort’ areas was established under Article 6 of the Shops (Sunday Trading &c.) (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 (a copy is attached). 

3.2       Article 6 was included in the 1997 Order as an additional exemption to allow large shops in tourist areas to avail of the additional tourist trade over the summer months.   A range of areas and towns in Northern Ireland have been designated and remain as ‘holiday resorts’ for this purpose including Derry-Londonderry, Newry, Kilkeel, Portrush, Portstewart and Ballycastle.  It was felt that Belfast, as a growing tourist destination in both Northern Ireland and wider afield may similarly wish to avail of this exemption. 

3.3       There is nothing in this proposal which will result in any change in existing legislation or further ‘deregulation’ of Sunday trading law.

            Requirement to consult

3.4       Any designation as a ‘holiday resort’ must be done by resolution of the Council.  The legislation states that before making a designation the Council must first consult persons likely to be affected by the proposed designation. 

3.5       The Council has already consulted widely on this issue during 2017 and the findings from that consultation have been summarised at paragraphs 3.6 – 3.11.  It is proposed that the Council undertake an additional 6-week consultation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8c

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Budget and Transformation Panel of 8th February, 2018.

The Committee:

·        approved the recommendations made in respect of applications received up to January, 2018 as set out in Appendix 1 below; and

·        approved the waiving of the standard room/hire charge in respect of the Science Festival event.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 15th December, in considering a report on the “Grenville Tower Fire – Update on actions of Belfast City Council”, it had agreed that a letter be forwarded to the Department of Finance, Building Standards Branch, seeking an update on the process of recruitment of the Northern Ireland Building Regulations Advisory Committee and the outcome of its review of Technical Booklet E (Fire Safety).  It was also agreed that the letter should indicate that the Department should be more proactive in reviewing the Building Regulations rather than awaiting the outcome of the review in England.

            The Committee was advised that a response had been received from the Chief Executive of the Department of Finance.  The Department’s position on each of the issues raised was as follows:

1.     ‘A progress update on the recruitment process for The Northern Ireland Building Regulations Advisory Committee (NIBRAC)’ - The Department is currently finalising the recruitment arrangements and expects to advertise for candidates during February or March 2018.

2.     ‘The outcome of the Department’s review of Technical Booklet E, Fire Safety’ – An interim review looking at possible measures around high rise residential accommodation is ongoing, after which any policy proposals would be subject to Ministerial consideration and consultation.

3.     ‘The Strategic Policy and Resources Committee’s view that the Department should take a more proactive approach to updating building regulations in NI and that this should commence now rather than awaiting the outcome of the review in England’ – The Department continues to work with officials in England and the other devolved administrations regarding building regulation amendments and Dame Judith Hackett’s Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety.  The Department has no plans at this time to move from its policy of following England’s general position, as recommended in the McConnell Report, or to bring forward significant changes in advance of the outcome of Dame Judith’s review.

            At that meeting, it had also been agreed that officers should engage with the NI Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) with a view to them appearing before the Committee to discuss their capacity to enforce the Fire Services Order.  The Building Control Manager had been in contact with the NIFRS and Director of Community Protection, Alan Walmsley, who had confirmed that he would attend the Committee’s meeting scheduled for 23rd March.

            The Committee noted receipt of the response from the Chief Executive, Department of Finance; and noted also that the Director of Community Protection NIFRS had accepted the Committee’s invitation and would be in attendance at the March meeting.

            The Committee was reminded that 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.  The Council was a member of the Rainbow Project’s Diversity Champions Programme which provided support and advice to the Council on the delivery of its LGB&T action plan in particular.

            It was reported that the Rainbow Project was one of the Lord Mayor’s charities this year and the City Hall would host the final ever Rainbow Project’s “Out2Dance” charity fundraising event on 19th May, 2018.  A member of the Council’s LGB&T staff network had volunteered to participate in the fundraising event and the Council had been asked to sponsor the employee’s participation at a cost of £200.  The sponsorship would afford the Council, like other businesses involved, the usual benefits of charity event sponsorship via promotion at the event and in publicity materials.

            The Committee approved the sponsorship as outlined.

            In considering the minutes of the meeting of the Historic Working Group of 7th February, the Committee’s attention was drawn to the decision of the Group to recommend to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that the Historic Working Group cease to operate.

Moved by Alderman Spence,

Seconded by Councillor Craig,

      That the Committee agrees to reject the recommendation of the Historic Working Group and, accordingly, the Historic Working Group continues to operate.

            On a vote by show of hands six members voted for the proposal and ten against and it was declared lost.

            The Minutes of the meeting of the Historic Working Group of 7th February were thereupon approved and adopted.

            The Committee agreed that the Elected Member representation on the recruitment panel for the Head of Policy and Strategy consist of the Chairperson (Councillor Garrett), the Deputy Chairperson (Councillor Graham) and Councillor McDonough-Brown (or their nominees).

            In accordance with notice on the agenda, Alderman Convery raised the issue of the procedures during voting at Council meetings.

            After discussion the Committee agreed that, when an amendment was made at a meeting of the Council, the default position would be that the amendment would be read out in advance of the vote being taken on that amendment.