Agenda and minutes

An apology was reported on behalf of Councillor Craig.

            The minutes of the meeting of 25th 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 4th February.

Councillor Hutchinson declared an interest in relation to item 2c, Peace IV Objective 3.1 – Shared Spaces and Services – Capital Update, in that he had lobbied on behalf of the Black Mountain Shared Spaces project, and left the meeting whilst the matter was under discussion.

The Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, extended his sympathy and condolences to Mr. J. Hanna, Senior Democratic Services Officer, on the recent death of his mother.

The Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, welcomed Ms. N. Bohill, who had been appointed recently to the post of Head of Commercial and Procurement Services, to her first meeting.

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

            The Director of Finance and Resources submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report which set out the Quarter 3 financial position for the Council, including a forecast of the year end outturn. The report included a reporting pack providing an overview of the financial indicators, together with an executive summary. It provided also a more detailed explanation of each of the relevant indicators and the forecast outturns for the year. 

            He reported that the Departmental year end forecast was a net under spend of £1,689k, which represented a variance of 1.2% of the annual net expenditure budget.  When combined with the underspend forecast of £1m in the capital financing budget and a forecasted specified reserves balance of £135k, a balance of £2,824k was available. In terms of expenditure, the District Rate forecast by Land and Property Services was a clawback of £1,201k and the Council had agreed to allocate £2,040k to the Primark recovery programme and £1,500k to holiday back pay. As part of the rate-setting process, £150k had been allocated from the Council’s reserves to meet the final Ulster Orchestra additional funding payment. There was, therefore, an anticipated funding shortfall of £2,067k.

            He provided further information around capital projects, capital financing and the reserves position and, in terms of rates finalisation, highlighted the fact that a number of outstanding major appeals could incur a substantial backdated penalty, as part of the 2018/19 or 2019/20 Actual Penny Product, which could have a significant impact upon the level of general reserves.

            Accordingly, he recommended that, given the shortfall in available balances to meet Primark commitments, the Rates clawback and the potential impact on the 2018/19 or 2019/20 Actual Penny Product of major appeal backdated penalties, the Committee maintain its position that no further allocations or cash flow requests be considered until the year end position was presented to the Committee in June. 

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

            The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the refurbishment of the Robinson Centre. The report provided information also on the naming of leisure facilities within the Council’s leisure portfolio and, in accordance with the Council’s decision of 4th February, identified the following options in relation to the naming of the Robinson Centre:

Proposal

            Moved by Councillor Reynolds,

            Seconded by Alderman Haire,

            That the Committee agrees to adopt Option 1.

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

Proposal

            Moved by Councillor Beattie,

            Seconded by Councillor Carson,

            That the Committee agrees to adopt Option 3.

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

Proposal

            Moved by Councillor Long,

            Seconded by the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor McDonough-Brown),

            That the Committee agrees to adopt Option 2.

            On a vote by show of hands ten Members voted for the proposal and none against and it was declared carried.

Further Proposal

            In light of the foregoing decision to name the centre without proceeding to public consultation, it was

Moved by Councillor Long,

Seconded by Councillor Attwood,

            That the Committee agrees that new leisure facility on the site of the former Robinson Centre be named Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre.

            On a vote by show of hands eleven Members voted for the proposal and seven against and it was declared carried.

Further Proposal

Moved by Councillor Long,

Seconded by Councillor Hutchinson and

            Resolved – That the community facility adjoining the Lisnasharragh Leisure Centre be named Clonduff Community Centre.

            The Director of Property and Projects reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 20th April, 2018, it had agreed to act as the lead partner for two projects under the Peace iv Objective 3.1 – Shared Spaces and Services Theme, namely, Black Mountain Shared Space and Shankill Women’s Centre.

            He reported that a Letter of Offer had been received from the Special European Union Programmes Body for the Black Mountain Shared Space project which, at €6,302,716, was significantly lower that the €8,381,698 which had been sought. He then reviewed the capital and revenue implications for the Council which had been identified under the due diligence exercise, in light of the reduced level of funding which had been offered.

            After discussion, the Committee: 

                      i.        noted that acting as lead partner effectively required the Council to be ‘guarantor’ for the project and that, as part of the Letter of Offer, it was required to sign up to meeting any potential deficit in Capital Financing, as well as any ongoing revenue deficit.  Given this, a detailed due-diligence exercise had now been undertaken on the emerging financial implications for the Council;

                     ii.        noted that neither the Black Mountain Shared Space project, nor the Shankill Women’s Centre project, had been agreed originally as Council projects. As such, no financing had been put in place from a capital perspective and there was no allowance within budgets for ongoing revenue costs, which would be required once the building had opened. Given this, and the current financial position, the Director of Finance and Resources was unable to confirm that this project was within the affordability limits of the Council and would not be position to confirm this until June;

                    iii.        noted that officers had met with Black Mountain Shared Space and that they were seeking to identify potential funders to make up the difference.  This might have implications on timelines etc. in terms of build programme and that timelines and terms and conditions from other funders may not align with the Peace IV timescale

                    iv.        noted that a meeting between senior Council officers and the Chief Executive of SEUPB had been arranged and that officers were clarifying also the potential implications of BREXIT with the Special European Union Programmes Body; and

                     v.        granted approval for officers to accept the Letter of Offer ‘at risk’ in respect of the Black Mountain Shared Space project, pending the Director of Finance and Resources providing an update in June on its affordability. 

            The Chief Executive submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report providing information on the activities and timescales associated with the next phase of the Council’s Improvement Plan. She explained that the high level organisational and functional structure which had been agreed previously had, in the main, been embedded and that the focus was now on individual services and functions.

            She provided details of the next steps in the process and referred, for example, to work being undertaken with the City and Neighbourhood Services Department to develop the detail of the open spaces and street scene models for delivering front line services, the progress being made around the development of the model for the Finance function and the relocation of the HR function and the Procurement Unit to the Strategic Hub and the Finance and Resources Department, respectively.

            She confirmed that work had commenced around the development of a People Strategy for the Council, which would set out how the organisation would manage, lead, develop, support and engage with staff. As part of that Strategy, a values, behaviours and performance management framework would be launched, under the title “Achieving through People”. Training on leadership and management training would be provided for senior and middle management across the organisation and the Council was working with the Trades Unions to ensure that the improved Industrial Relations Framework was fit for purpose. Steady progress was being made around the Customer Focus programme and work was underway to improve the way in which the ongoing delivery of the Belfast Agenda outcomes, Corporate Plan and Annual Improvement Plan was monitored by the Corporate Management Team.

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided.

            The Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services informed the Committee that the Council had received a request from the Belfast Advice Group for funding of £33,000 to maintain the citywide tribunal service till the end of March 2019. It was requesting also that the Council cover the full cost of the service in 2019/20, which was estimated at £190,000. 

            He reminded the Committee that it had, earlier in the meeting, agreed, on the recommendation of the Director of Finance and Resources, that no further reallocations or cash flow payments be considered until the year end position was presented to the Committee in June.

            He reported that, subsequent to the Committee report being published, discussions had taken place with the Department for Communities, following which the Permanent Secretary had confirmed that £33,000 would be offered to the Belfast Advice

Group, which would allow it to maintain the citywide tribunal service for the remainder of this financial year. In terms of 2019/20, the Department for Communities was examining

the possibility of allocating funding to support claimant appeals, which, if agreed, would be made available via the Welfare Reform Mitigation monies.

            After discussion, the Committee:

                 i.   agreed that the Council’s allocation of the estimated £300,000 of funding which the Department for Communities had ring-fenced, through the Welfare Reform Mitigation monies, to support claimant appeals be allocated to the Belfast Advice Group to assist in the delivery of the citywide tribunal service for 2019/20; and

                ii.  granted approval for officers to accept the Letter of Offer from the Department for Communities providing funding of £33,000 to the Belfast Advice Group to maintain the citywide tribunal service for the remainder of 2018/19.

The Strategic Director of Place and Economy submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report which reviewed Phase 1 of the City Recovery Programme which had been put in place following the fire in the Bank Buildings in August. The report outlined also proposals for Phase 2 of the Programme which would focus primarily upon physical and environmental enhancements, an animation programme, incentivisation and trader support, marketing and communications, creative input and programme delivery support and research/retail.  

After discussion, the Committee:

                      i.        noted the overall programme expenditure to date of £1.882m for Phase 1 of the City Recovery Programme, which included both capital and revenue interventions;

                     ii.        noted the update in relation to the City Recovery Phase 1 Programme, in terms of activity and outcomes;

                    iii.        noted that the Council would continue to undertake expenditure on behalf of Treasury and NICS Government departments, as detailed within the report, and as outlined to the Committee on 14th November, 2018;

                    iv.        agreed the budget envelopes, totalling £2.505m, for the key strands of activity to be taken forward as part of the Phase 2 of the City Revitalisation Programme and noted that, in line with the scheme of delegation, the Director would have authority to incur expenditure within the limits of that authority and other contracts exceeding that limit will be brought to committee for approval in the usual way; and agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 47 (2) (c), that these decisions be not subject to call-in, on the basis that an unreasonable delay could be prejudicial to the Council's or public's interest.

i)     SIF - Licences for Council Contractors

      The Committee granted approval to the Council taking licences from the landowners at Glenburn Methodist Church, Joanmount Methodist Church, PIPS and Mount Merrion Parish Church to allow its contractors to carry out the refurbishment of the buildings, which is being funded by the Executive Office Social Investment Fund.

ii)    Proposed Transfer of Open space at Moltke Street

      The Committee approved the transfer of open space at Moltke Street, and its associated maintenance and public liability, from Radius Housing Association to the Council.

iii)  Belfast Castle – New Lease of Office Space at Belfast Castle to arc21

      The Committee agreed to enter into a new lease agreement with arc21 for the office accommodation at the Belfast Castle.

iv)   27 Medway Street  – Site Disposal

      The Committee approved the disposal of the Medway Street site to Hagan Homes Limited, at a consideration of £170,000.

The Strategic Director of Neighbourhood Services submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report which provided an update on developments within the arc21 Organic Waste Treatment Contract and highlighted difficulties associated with developing the Dargan Road site.

He explained that, due to changes in the regulatory environment and other intervening events, the contract had not been implemented as originally envisaged.  Accordingly, the arc21 Joint Committee had considered a report which had outlined the options and risks associated with moving from the current arrangements and recommending next steps to regularise the contract. He reviewed the four options which had been considered and confirmed that the arc21 Joint Committee had recommended that the six participating councils adopt Option D, as set out with the Committee report, that is, a negotiated amendment to the contract.

After discussion, the Committee:

                       i.        agreed, in principle, to adopt Option D, and that Members would receive a briefing in advance of the Council meeting on 4th March and

                      ii.        noted that arc21 representatives would engage with Council officers regarding the future arrangements for the lands at Dargan Road.

The Committee was advised that, at the meeting of the Council held on 4th February, the following motion which had been proposed by Councillor McAllister and seconded by Councillor McReynolds, had, in accordance with Standing Order 13(f), been referred to the Committee for consideration:

“Given the ambitious plans behind the North Foreshore and the Giants Park, in particular around the enhancement of tourism and leisure in Giants Park, it is of vital importance that connectivity of active travel between North Belfast and the Giants Park is maximised in the immediate future.

As the Council will continue to have ownership of roads in the area, this is an opportunity to provide leadership to enhance cycling infrastructure in this part of the City, with the long term ambition to better connect North Belfast to the City centre, and beyond.

Therefore, the Council agrees to establish plans to work alongside the Active Travel unit within the Council that will oversee the creation of cycling infrastructure and will write to the Department for Infrastructure calling upon it to enhance the neglected cycling infrastructure in the surrounding area of the North Foreshore and wider North Belfast.”

            After discussion, the Committee adopted the motion and agreed that it be referred to the North Foreshore Members’ Steering Group, with a composite report to be submitted to the Committee in due course.

The Committee was advised that, at the meeting of the Council held on 4th February, the following motion, which had been proposed by the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor McDonough-Brown) and seconded by Councillor McReynolds, had, in accordance with Standing Order 13(f), been referred to the Committee for consideration:

“This Council agrees that Climate Change is one of the biggest global challenges of our time, affirms that the Council has an important leadership role in creating a low carbon future and, accordingly, agrees that officers prepare a report into establishing the carbon footprint of the Council and recommend steps to work towards reducing this.”

            After discussion, the Committee adopted the motion and agreed that the report to be submitted to a future meeting should make reference also to the Air Quality Action Plan for Belfast 2015-2020.

The Committee agreed to defer consideration of this item until such time as the call-in process relating to its decision of 25th January, under the heading “City Hall Grounds” had been concluded.

            The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 3rd December, had passed the following motion on Community Pharmacies, which had been proposed by Alderman Copeland and seconded by Councillor Mullan:

“This Council recognises the contribution to society made by Community Pharmacies and notes with growing concern the current financial crisis facing the sector, caused by a serious level of underfunding over the last decade.

The Council agrees to seek an urgent meeting between the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health and an all-party delegation from the Council, along with representatives of the Pharmacies.”

            The Democratic Services Manager confirmed that letters had been forwarded subsequently to the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Health and to Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI. The Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI had indicated shortly afterwards that he would be willing to meet with an all-Party delegation from the Council and with the Permanent Secretary to discuss the motion. 

            He reported that a response had now been receivedfrom the Permanent Secretary, which had affirmed the Department of Health’s and the Belfast Health and Social Care Board’s commitment to developing sustainable funding arrangements for community pharmacy services which supported patient outcomes in the context of new pharmacy contractual arrangements. The Permanent Secretary had stated that, as a result of ongoing discussions withCommunity Pharmacy NI, his Department had, in November, 2018, announced additional funding of £11.1 million to support community pharmacy services up to March 2020. That had been in addition to £104 million per annum confirmed for 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 and £5 million per annum for public health and pre-registration training. Since the aforementioned announcement, a further £4.6 million had been made available to support transformational change within the community pharmacy network.

 The Permanent Secretary had concluded by pointing out that the Department of Health had committed £121.7 million to the community pharmacy economy during 2018/2019, at a time of significant financial pressures within the wider health and social care service and trusted that this would provide assurance around his Department’s commitment to community pharmacy. However, he had made no reference to the request to meet with an all-Party delegation from the Council and with Community Pharmacy NI, as had been alluded to within the motion.

After discussion, the Committee noted the information which had been provided and agreed that a further letter be forwarded to Mr. Pengelly inviting him to meet with an all-Party delegation from the Council and the Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy NI.

The Committee approved a revised Scheme of Delegation which had been amended to reflect the following:

·           organisational changes;

·           those general powers which could not be delegated from Chief Officers to Operational Directors;

·           those sections relating to the Strategic Directors of City and Neighbourhood Services and of Place and Economy specifically listing their Operational Directors;

·           the transfer of powers relating to Houses in Multiple Occupation (including the addition of the word ‘material’ to reflect the corresponding  change to Standing Orders, as approved by the Committee in November, 2018);

·           a new delegated power relating to the approval process of Single Tender Actions;

·           provisions relating to the organisation of events on the Connswater Greenway, as agreed by the People and Communities Committee in April, 2018;

·           the removal of provision 3.6.4 which had already been provided for already in 2.4.3; and

·           additional relevant legislation had been added to Appendix B.

The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meetings on 2nd July and 1st November, 2018, had passed motions on Personal Independence Payments and Welfare Reform, respectively.

The Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services informed the Committee that the Permanent Secretary, Department for Communities, had been invited to meet with an all-Party delegation from the Council to discuss the motions. The meeting had taken place on 6th February and he provided details of the Elected Members and those officers from the Council and the Department for Communities who had attended. Discussions had focused upon Welfare Reform Mitigation, claiming Universal Credit, support for Advice Services, protecting people moving from legacy benefits, rent arrears and the recommendations arising from the review by Walter Rader of the Personal Independent Payment assessment process. The Permanent Secretary had undertaken to produce for the benefit of Members an information sheet outlining the key statistics relating to Personal Independence Payments and Universal Credit and to facilitate an overview by CAPITA of the Personal Independence Payments process.

After discussion, the Committee noted the information which had been provided and agreed that Members should, in advance of the overview by CAPITA, meet with representatives of the MS Society.

The Director of City and Organisation Strategy submitted for the Committee’s approval the following draft corporate improvement objectives for 2019/20:

1.     We will support people into employment (Working and Learning);

2.     We will support investment and business growth in the city (Growing the Economy);

3.     We will support the regeneration of the city centre and encourage investment (City Development);

4.     We will increase levels of household recycling and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill (City Development);

5.     We will support people to lead healthier more active lives by improving the quality of our parks and open spaces and increasing participation in physical activity and sport programmes (Living Here); and

6.     We will support service improvement and increase customer satisfaction with the Council. 

He reported that the improvement objectives, a number of which had been retained from 2018/19, remained aligned to the Belfast Agenda. However, following feedback from the Local Government Auditor, they had been re-focused to better reflect the specific actions and outcomes which the Council would be delivering in 2019/20. In addition, a new organisational improvement objective, aligned to improving Council services and customer satisfaction, had been included. Feedback from last year’s public consultation had indicated that residents wished to see a greater focus on delivering core Council services and this had been reflected also within the improvement objectives.

He explained that, upon approval by the Committee, the draft improvement objectives would be subject to an eight-week public consultation involving residents and key stakeholders.  The Council would be seeking to increase response rates from last year through greater promotion and targeted outreach. He reminded the Members that the Improvement Plan had, in the past, been included within the Council’s Corporate Plan, however, for 2019/20, it would be published separately. He confirmed that a report would, in June, be submitted to the Committee outlining the results of the public consultation, along with any recommendations. Final improvement objectives, in the form of a draft Improvement Plan, would also be submitted for approval and would be published thereafter on the Council’s website.      

The Committee approved the draft corporate improvement objectives for 2019/20.

The Committee considered the following 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 note the contents of this report and

i)       note the programme level update in respect of the new facilities under the leisure programme as outlined at 3.1;

ii)      Olympia - note the performance indicators from the new Olympia at 3.3 below;

iii)     Robinson – note that a separate report regarding the naming of the Robinson Centre is on the agenda for discussion at Committee today;

iv)     Templemore - note that Templemore has been awarded £5m by HLF;

v)      Avoniel - Note that a planning consultation in relation to the proposals for Avoniel will take place in Avoniel Leisure Centre on 20th March 2019 and that construction works at Avoniel will be taken forward under the Council existing leisure contract with Heron Bros;

vi)     Girdwood - note that officers have met with DfC officials and are looking at next steps in relation to consultation and engagement on the options for Phase 2 and that DFC are looking at funding options for Phase 2 and have committed to coming back to the Council on this; and

vii)   note the update on the Social Responsibility Plan which is being delivered (see 3.13).

3.0       Main Report

Programme level

3.1       Members will recall that they have agreed the design cost limits and the citywide USP strategy for the Council’s £105m leisure programme, which will ensure that the city has a unique offering in terms of its leisure provision and minimises any duplication of provision ensuring both balanced investment and value for money. A high level summary of the current status of all the projects is outlined below –

3.2       Olympia– The new centre offers two swimming pools, a split level 120 station gym, a dedicated spin studio, a four court main hall, a studio available for leisure and community use and a spa. The new Olympia was officially opened on 24th January 2017 and has received very positive feedback. There are also some impressive performance indicators in relation to usage of the new facility as outlined in the table below.  This evidences the impact of the Leisure Programme and is a testament to the ambition of Members to transform the city’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6a

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The Council’s Capital programme is a rolling programme of investment which either improves the existing Council facilities or provides new Council facilities. This report highlights the status of projects under the Programme along with projects recommended to be moved Stages.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1        The Committee is asked to –

            Proposed movements

·         agree that the Replacement Service Yard – Falls Park/City Cemetery project is moved to Stage 3- Committed on the Capital Programme.  It is however recommended that this is held at Tier 0 – Schemes at Risk pending planning approval and the tender return price at which stage the final budget will be brought back to Committee.  Members are further asked to agree that the necessary procurement processes be initiated as required with contracts to be awarded on the basis of most economically advantageous tenders received and full commitment to deliver

·         In agreeing the above Members are asked to note that the redevelopment and relocation of the Service Yard is required to facilitate the HLF – City Cemetery project and that not progressing this will jeopardise the HLF funding. It should also be noted that the existing service yard has been in place for over 20 years and is no longer fit for purpose.

Any project which is being moved from Stage 2 to Stage 3 under the Capital Programme is required as part of the Council three stage approval process to complete an Outline Business Case (OBC).  Members are asked to note that the OBC for the above project has been completed and reviewed internally.

Project Update – Replacement of the Service Yard –

Falls Park/City Cemetery

Members will be aware that in November 2017 they were advised that the Council had received funding of £1.67m from the Heritage Lottery Fund towards a £2.3m redevelopment and upgrade of the City Cemetery. The HLF funding will enable the Council to restore the City Cemetery’s historic features, raise awareness of its rich heritage and reconnect people to it as a useable green space. This project is currently a Stage 3 – Committed project on the Capital Programme.  Members are asked to note that, as part of the HLF processes, organisations must receive an ‘Approval to Proceed’ sign-off before works can be commenced.  Members are asked to note that this has recently been received for the City Cemetery project.

Members will be aware that an integral part of the HLF City Cemetery upgrade project is the development of a new visitor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6b

Area Working Group Minutes

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

·         West – 24th January;

·         South – 28th January;

·         North – 29th January and 18th February; and

·         East – 7th February.

Belfast Investment Fund

The Committee approved the following recommendation from the East Area Working Group:

The Committee approved the following recommendations from the North Area Working Group:

The Committee noted that the following projects relating to the South Area Working Group had been considered by the Due Diligence Group and were ready to move to the next stage in the process:

Belfast Investment Fund

The Committee approved the recommendation from the South Area Working Group that the £10,000 which had previously been allocated to SOLAS for the installation of access ramps be utilised instead to purchase a vehicle for transporting children with disabilities to aftercare and respite services. 

The Committee:

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

·         granted delegated authority to the appropriate Director using pre-agreed criteria to accept the most economically advantageous tender;

·         agreed to allow month by month extensions where contracts were under review, as outlined in Appendix 1, Table 2; and

·         agreed to accede to Standing order 55(b) - exceptions in relation to contracts by direction of the Council acting on the recommendations of a Chief Officer that the exception is justified in special circumstances for the contracts set out in Appendix 1, Table 3.

Appendix 1 - Schedule of Tenders for Consideration

Table 1 - New tenders

Table 2 - Contracts for extension of contract period

Table 3 - Direct Award Contracts (Single Tender Action)

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

              i.        approve the submission of the draft Good Relations Action Plans 2020/21 and 2021/22 to the Executive Office;

             ii.        note that the submission of the Action Plan would be subject to agreement by the Council in relation to the current estimate setting process and also amendment during the assessing and scoring process which will be undertaken by the Executive Office. The Council would be notified of any changes to the final approved Action Plans;

            iii.        note that the Action Plans were subject to the findings of the Good Relations Audit, which would be undertaken in 2019/20, as required by the Executive Office;

            iv.      agree the implementation of the recommendations and actions arising from the Shared City Partnership Planning day on 1st February, 2019;

             v.        invite the researchers from the Northern Ireland Life and Times and Young Life and Times survey to a future meeting to provide an update on the research in relation to understanding sentiment towards asylum seekers and refugees; and

           vi.        defer consideration of the motion on Anti-Semitism to enable officers to submit a report to the March meeting considering the wording of the anti-Semitism motion in a wider context.

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 19th October, it had been advised of an offer of a statue to the City of Belfast which had been received from Stena Line, along with a funded programme regarding non-violence for young people. The Committee had agreed that officers should explore with Stena Line representatives options for the siting of the statue.

The Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services reported that officers had met subsequently with representatives of Stena Line, during which the representatives had suggested a number of locations for the statue, including a maritime site close to the City centre. However, given that Belfast was a city emerging from conflict and was being regenerated, not only centrally but in local communities, with the aim of promoting connection and cohesion, Council officers had suggested Girdwood as an appropriate location.

He explained that the representatives had been impressed with the history of the Girdwood site and had felt that the building of a shared space in a previously contested area and the plans for its future development were aligned with the aims of their project, as well as providing natural local connections with any potential programme. On that basis, Stena Line had recommended that officers seek approval from the Committee to place the statue on the Girdwood site.

After discussion, it was

Moved by Councillor McAllister,

Seconded by Councillor Campbell and

      Resolved - That the statue offered by Stena Line be placed on the Girdwood site, subject to appropriate conditions being put in place.

           The Committee noted that officers would continue to liaise with Stena Line to explore the potential for developing a non-violence programme for children and young people, with any proposals being presented, in the first instance, to the Shared City Partnership.

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 update Members on the updated equality screening that has been undertaken of the Amateur Boxing Strategy.

2.1  Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is requested to note this report.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Key Issues

Members are reminded that this Committee at its rate setting meeting in January 18 considered a request from Antrim Boxing and IABA for funding of £200k per annum to sustain the Belfast Amateur Boxing Strategy to 2020. It agreed to provide £200k for 2018-19 within the revenue estimates.  Members asked that the equality screening be updated which has now been completed. A copy has been circulated.

3.2       An equality screening was undertaken of the strategy when it was developed.  This screening updates the original screening using evidence/information that has become available in the intervening period:

·            Mid-term review of the implementation of the strategy

·            Complaints received during the implementation of the strategy

·            List of geographical location of clubs currently affiliated to the IABA

·            Programme monitoring data from IABA’s delivery programme 2017/18 

·            IABA’s action plan and associated KPIs for delivery of 18/19 funding

·            Presentations to Council meeting on 3rd January 2018 by the IABA and Northern Ireland Boxing Association (NIBA)

3.3       The review of the implementation of the strategy in 2015 showed that there had been some positive outcomes in terms of impact on certain underrepresented groups including younger people and females. It also showed that whilst there was a new club in an area that could be perceived to be predominately Protestant there is still an underrepresentation from people who are from a Protestant background.  The review also demonstrated that whilst there has been some work undertaken to make the sport more accessible to people with a disability including an increase in clubs with facilities that are accessible by a person with a disability there is still an underrepresentation in this area.

            The monitoring of the participant data from the IABA delivery of the programme in 2017/18 shows that whilst some work has been ongoing in targeting people from underrepresented groups there is potential to increase this work in several areas including among females, people with a disability and people from a Protestant background.  Members should note that we have been advised that 3 of the 4 clubs previously affiliated to the NIBA have now re-affiliated to the IABA and the 4^th is not currently affiliated to any governing body.

3.4       Based on the available evidence the equality screening has recommended ‘screened out with mitigating actions’.  The mitigating actions are that we will ask the IABA to increase their targeting of the identified underrepresented groups in the delivery of their 18/19 and any future funding programmes.  These actions will include:

·         delivering more try it events in areas that might be perceived as being predominately Protestant;

·         targeting a greater number of schools from sectors other than the Catholic Maintained sector;

·         in the actions around  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8c

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 outlines the IT Equipment package that will be refreshed for Members following the Local Government Elections in May, 2019. 

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

1.        Note the new IT Equipment package below:

·        Windows Hybrid device: Dell Latitude 7390 (or equivalent), 1 Bluetooth touch pen (if required), and laptop case

·         Smartphone: Either an iPhone XS or a Samsung Galaxy S9

·        Wireless printer for home use (if required): Model to be selected

2.           Note the HP Elite x2 devices and smart phones currently used by members will be redistributed and reused by Council officers who fit a mobile user profile.

3.0       Main Report

 3.1      Following the adoption of a new Microsoft Enterprise agreement, and in order to maximise the rich features of Office 365 to deliver a more social, mobile, accessible and information-driven work environment, the members IT equipment package was refreshed in 2017. Members were provided with:

·         A HP Elite x2 as the hybrid device of choice for members;

·         Either an iPhone 7 or a Samsung Galaxy S7, to standardise the models of smartphones supported;

·         And a wireless printer for home use

3.2       Digital Services are currently standardising on the Dell Latitude 7390 (2 in 1) as the device of choice for mobile users. The HP Elite x2 are now end of production and co-opted Members are already being provided with Dell Latitude devices. To ensure consistency of support for members, Digital Services are recommending that all Members (who have not already been provided with a Dell Latitude device) be supplied with the same device. To remain within existing budget limits and to ensure good management of the Council’s centralised IT Equipment and mobile phone budgets, the HP Elites and smart phones currently being used by Members will be redistributed and reused by Council officers who fit the Council’s agreed mobile user profile.

3.3       Members’ mobile phones have reached the end of their 2-year contract and they will be replaced for the new Council term of office.

3.4       The majority of the home printers provided to Members were purchased in 2013/14 and are now very expensive to operate due to the increasing cost of older toner. These printers will be replaced for those Members who still need to print at home. The most suitable wireless printer is currently being sourced.

3.5       Digital Services are recommending the following implementation plan for the new IT Equipment package.

·              May 2019– Elected Members who are new to the Council will be prioritised for the receipt of the IT Equipment Package

·               May 2019- Digital Services will then work with those Members who have not been re-elected to collect their equipment, facilitate data transfer and to allow the transfer of mobile phone numbers to a personal account. See 3.6 below.

·               June 2019– Remaining Members will be invited to scheduled workshops where staff from Digital Services  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9a

The Committee approved the recommendations made in respect of applications received up to 12th February, 2019, as set out hereunder:

Proposal

Moved by Councillor Beattie,

Seconded by Councillor Carson,

      That the Committee agrees that a review be undertaken of the future role of the Budget and Transformation Panel and the Party Leaders’ Forum.

On a vote by show of hands ten Members voted for the proposal and seven against and it was declared carried.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor Reynolds

Seconded by Councillor Hutchinson,

      That the Committee calls upon the Sinn Fein Party to end its boycott of the Budget and Transformation Panel and the Party Leaders’ Forum.

On a vote by show of hands ten Members voted for the proposal and seven against and it was declared carried.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor Reynolds,

Seconded by Councillor Attwood,

      That the Committee agrees to approve and adopt the minutes of the Budget and Transformation Panel of 14th February.

On a vote by show of hands nine Members voted for the proposal and seven against and it was declared carried.

The Democratic Services Manager informed the Committee that a request had been received from the Electoral Commission for Northern Ireland for the use of the Banqueting Hall on 13th March to hold a briefing for prospective candidates in the forthcoming Local Government Elections. The event would be taking place from 6.00 p.m. until approximately 9.00 p.m. and the Council had granted approval for a similar event in 2014. The Electoral Commission would cover any costs associated with the provision of tea/coffee upon arrival.

After discussion, the Committee:

                      i.        authorised the use by the Elected Commission for Northern Ireland of the Banqueting Hall on 13th March, as outlined;

                     ii.        agreed to waive the fee for room hire for this event; and

                    iii.        agreed that these decisions would not be subject to call-in, due to the timeframe for the event and that an unreasonable delay could be prejudicial to the Council’s or the public’s interest.

The Committee agreed to accede to a request from the Electoral Office for the use of six community centres as polling stations and agreed that officers approve any further requests, on the basis that this was an operational matter.