Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported from the Chairperson, Alderman Kingston, Alderman Spence and Councillors Hargey and McAllister.

            The minutes of the meeting of 21st April were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 29th April.

            Councillor Beattie declared an interest in relation to item 2(a) – Memorandum of Understanding between the Belfast Harbour Commissioners and the Council insofar as he was a member of the Board of the Harbour Commissioners, Councillor Murphy declared interest in item 5(d) Financial Reporting Quarter 4, in so far as he was a Board Member of the City Wide Tribunal Service.  Both Members left the meeting whilst these items were under consideration.

            The Committee approved the Schedule of meetings for August – December 2019, set out below, commencing at 9.30am:

Friday, 23rd August

Friday, 20th September

Friday, 25th October

Friday, 22nd November

            The information contained in the reports associated with the following 5 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 Committee considered a reportwhich was seeking  approval for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Belfast Harbour Commissioners and Belfast City Council for a Strategic Partnership Agreement.

            The purpose of the MOU was to outline how the Commissioners and the  Council would work together through a strategic partnership arrangement to realise their shared ambitions for the strong growth, regeneration and prosperity of the City. 

            The Committee approved a Memorandum of Understanding between the Belfast Harbour Commissioners and Belfast City Council for a Strategic Partnership Agreement. 

            The Committee noted the appointment of the following successful candidates to key Director/Head of Service posts and approved the outcome of the Legal and Civic Services Department review:

·        Director (Operational) of City Regeneration and Development – Cathy Reynolds

·        Director (Operational) of Physical Programmes – Sinead Grimes

·        Director (Operational) of City and Neighbourhood Services – Ryan Black

·        Head of Audit, Governance and Risk Services (AGRS) – Claire O’Prey

·        Head of Finance (Head of Profession) – Trevor Wallace

·        Head of Human Resources (HR) – Christine Sheridan

            The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the Council’s governance approach to deal with issues at bonfires and to provide an overview of key work regarding the 2019 approach and the key decisions required.

            The Committee noted the contents of the report and agreed:

·        that officers engage with the Inner East Forum group members to appoint a suitable local umbrella organisation to develop a programme of activity, funded by The Executive Office and Belfast City Council, to animate the Bloomfield Walkway following the completion of Environmental Improvement works; and

·        not to install permanent fencing at Ravenscourt Car Park.

            The Committee considered a report which presented the financial outturn for the Council for the year ended 31st March, 2019. It included a reporting pack which contained a summary of the financial indicators and an executive summary. It also provided a more detailed explanation of each of the relevant indicators and covered the outturn for the year and implications for reserves and the year-end Treasury Management position.

            The Director of Finance and Resources reported that, in financial terms, it was a difficult year for the Council. The Primark fire and changes to the rules on holiday pay had led to an additional funding requirement of £3.7m. In order to protect general reserves as much as possible, the Members had agreed previously not to re-allocate any in-year under spends and to use any year-end balances to support the £3.7m funding requirement. The year-end position was that £2.2m of balances were available. That meant that £1.5m of general reserves would be needed to finance the remaining balance. That left the Council with £12.8m of general reserves.

            Given the shortfall of funding for the year, there was no finance available to support year-end reallocations or cash flow requests. The financial position of the Council would next be considered in the context of the Quarter 1 2019/20 report which would be presented to the Committee in August 2019. 

            The Committee:

·        noted the year end outturn and reserves position for 2018/19;

·        noted that there was no finance available to support year end reallocations or cash flow requests and that the financial position of the Council would next be considered in the context of the Quarter 1 2019/20 report which would be presented to the Committee in August 2019;

·        agreed that £75,000 be reallocated from the specified fuel reserve to fund the City Wide Tribunal Service for a period of 3 months;

·        that any future underspend be used, in the first instance, to replenish the specified fuel reserve; and

·        that a request be sent to the Department of Communities seeking a meeting with an All-Party Deputation from the Council, consisting of the Party Leaders (or their nominees), to discuss funding for the City Wide Tribunal Service and other issues.

            The Committee was reminded that the completion of the part ERDF/Invest NI funded infrastructure project for Giant’s Park in August 2016 saw the installation of 1.7 Km of roads, together with footways, services and landscaping.  The new infrastructure provided the opportunity to market a portion of the site for Cleantech purposes in accordance with the terms of the ERDF/INI grant funding.

            At its meeting on 17th August 2018, the Committee had granted authority for the Council to enter into Site Option Agreements with three developers, subject to detailed terms being agreed with the Council’s Estates Manager, together with the City Solicitor.  Discussions on detailed terms of these Site Option Agreements and associated legal documents were continuing with Evermore Limited (for a proposed Data Centre), Viridian Group (now Energia Group) (for a proposed Anaerobic Digestion Facility) and Giant’s Park Belfast Limited (for proposed Leisure Led Scheme) at Giant’s Park.  Discussions were also ongoing with Invest NI regarding the compatibility of the Data Centre and Leisure Led developments in relation to Invest NI’s overall economic and employment goals.

            The Committee was advised that the existing Harbour Commissioners (BHC) film studios at Giant’s Park was located on a site of approximately 7.6 acres and comprised some 66,000 sq. ft. of studio space, 37,000 sq. ft. of offices/production facility and some 23,000 sq. ft. of workshop space.  The existing legal agreement with BHC provided them with an option to enlarge their existing site northwards into an area totalling approximately 2.1 acres.  In addition, BHC was seeking to develop film studio facilities on a further 16.4 acres to the south of the existing studios.

            The Committee granted approval for the Council to enter into a Site Option Agreement with Belfast Harbour Commissioners for the development of new film studio facilities on approximately 19 acres at the Giant’s Park, North Foreshore, subject to detailed terms to be agreed with the Director of Property and Projects, together with the Director of Legal and Civic Services.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To consider a motion on climate resilience, which was referred to the Committee by the Council at its meeting on 21st May, and to consider draft Terms of Reference for an all-party Working Group on Climate Resilience. 

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to

·        Consider the motion and to take such action thereon as may be determined.

3.0       Main report

3.1       The Council, at its meeting on 21st May, considered the following motion which had been proposed by Councillor de Faoite and seconded by Councillor Flynn:

            ‘This Council agrees to establish an all-party Working Group on climate change resilience, to explore how Belfast can react to the climate crisis; protect our citizens from the existing and likely future effects of climate breakdown and investigate measures the Council can take to limit its impact on the climate crisis.’

3.2       In accordance with Standing Order 13(f), the motion was referred without debate to the Committee.

3.3       If the committee is minded to approve this motion, the following draft Terms of Reference are proposed:

            The Working Group on Climate Change will be responsible for researching, monitoring and considering the potential implications of climate change for the city of Belfast and for making recommendations to Council on a strategy or series of interventions to build Belfast’s climate resilience. 

            Its specific functions include:

-       Identifying the specific challenges and risks to the city which may emerge as a result of projected climate change;

-       Monitoring the particular implications of climate change for vulnerable and disadvantaged communities across the city;

-       Understanding the economic risks to the city associated with climate change – including how it might impact the ability of Belfast to continue to attract and retain investment and grow the rate base;

-       Understanding how risks associated with climate change may impact on Belfast Agenda priorities and strategies and programmes in place across the city;

-       Influencing and contributing to regional considerations of the implications of climate change on both the work of the Council and on the city;

-       Collating and considering good practice from other cities and local authorities from the UK, Ireland and internationally;

-       Considering actions, interventions or programmes on climate adaptation which the Council may wish to take to build the city’s climate resilience;

-       Considering actions, interventions or programmes on climate mitigation which the Council may wish to take to build the city’s climate resilience;

-       Considering public campaigns/public education programmes which the Council may wish to deliver to change behaviour among residents and businesses;

-       Taking account of the Council’s statutory responsibilities on sustainable development and relevant Programme for Government commitments; and

-       Hearing evidence from other parties

3.3       Membership of the Working Group will be the same, if agreed earlier in the meeting, as other working groups, that is, one Member from each of the eight Political Parties represented on the Council.

3.4       It is proposed that the Working  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3a

            The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 4th February, had passed the following motion on Single use plastics by supermarkets, which had been proposed by Councillor McReynolds and Seconded by Councillor McAllister:

“This Council acknowledges the damage caused by single use plastics across the earth; welcomes the leadership of Iceland in introducing a plastic return scheme here in Belfast;

acknowledges, with the responsibility of waste collection under our remit, that we must come up with innovative ways to reduce the use of single use plastics;

and, agrees to write to the major supermarkets in Belfast to ask what steps they are taking to manage, reduce and reuse single use flexible plastics.”

            The Committee was advised that letters had subsequently been forwarded to Asda, Marks and Spencer, Lidl, Tesco and Sainsbury’s in relation to the motion.  Responses had been received from each of the retailers which provided details of the steps each was taking in order to reduce plastic waste.

            The Committee noted the responses which had been received.

            The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 4th March, had passed the following motion on Support for Roads Infrastructure in Scotland, which had been proposed by Alderman Kingston and seconded by former Councillor Reynolds:

“This Council:

-       Recognises the long-standing cultural and economic ties between Northern Ireland and Scotland, and that fundamental to increasing the benefit to Belfast from this connection is the need to improve transport connections between Scotland and Northern Ireland;

-       Welcomes that the ferry services between Cairnryan and Belfast, by Stena Line, 6 times per day, and between Cairnryan and Larne, by P&O, 7 times per day, are among the busiest services in the UK and represent a strong opportunity for economic and tourism growth; however, the inadequate transport infrastructure beyond the ferry terminals at Cairnryan is inhibiting that growth and require investment to bring them up to standard;

-       Supports the campaign in Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway for investment in the roads infrastructure - along the A77 towards Glasgow/central Scotland and along the A75 towards the Scotland/England border, which are both predominantly single carriageway routes and pass through a number of small towns and villages – and in the rail infrastructure along the same routes, and agrees to write to the Scottish Government in support of calls for a long-term programme of such investment in the transport infrastructure of South West Scotland.”

            A Letter was forwarded subsequently to the Scottish First Minister in relation to the motion and a response had been received from Mr. Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity.

            In his response, Mr. Matheson had indicated that Transport Scotland had been taking forward the South West Scotland Transport Study, which had a particular focus on access to the ports at Cairnryan.  The draft findings of that were due to be published soon and the public and interested parties could provide comments before the final report was published.

            In addition, he had pointed out that Scotland’s National Transport Strategy was currently being reviewed. The Review would work on a draft strategy, which would provide a further opportunity to engage on connectivity between Scotland, Northern Ireland and England.

            In conclusion, Mr. Matheson had thanked the Council for its interest and had asked officials at Transport Scotland to consider the points  it had made in the South West of Scotland Transport Strategy.

            The Committee noted the response which had been received.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of report or summary of main issues

1.1       The screening is provided in response to a request from Strategic Policy & Resources Committee on 22 March 2019, when the Committee agreed to a notice of motion ‘to fly the rainbow flag over the City Hall on 3rd August, 2019, subject to an equality screening being undertaken’.  In light of the screening you are asked to consider if you wish to affirm the decision previously made.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The screening identified a minor positive impact on the promotion of equality of opportunity and a minor negative impact on the promotion of good relations. The screening should be considered in:

·        Making a final decision on the notice of motion.

·        The content and appropriateness of a communications campaign to highlight the work undertaken in City Hall, including the exhibition and stain glass windows which represents diverse backgrounds in Belfast, and the recently opened changing places facility, to be promoted as symbols of the city of Belfast, which aims to be welcoming, safe, fair and inclusive for all. Raising awareness of the of the Council’s approach to an inclusive and diverse society may counter any perceived negative impact.

3.0       Main report

3.1       A Notice of Motion was agreed at Strategic Policy & Resources Committee on Friday 22 March to fly the Rainbow Flag on Saturday 3 August 2019 (Pride Day), the decision is outlined below. The decision was subsequently amended at the Council’s meeting 1 April 2019, with the removal of the statement in brackets.

The Committee agreed to the motion and to fly the rainbow flag over the City Hall on 3rd August, 2019, subject to an equality screening being undertaken and to a report being submitted to the Committee on those dates that are included [in the illuminate programme] where there is a festival or celebration also held in the city and how they could receive dual recognition of a flag and illumination of the building.

3.2       The scope of the screening and this report is the agreement to fly the rainbow flag over the City Hall on 3 August, 2019. The report requested on dual recognition of a flag and illumination of the building will be submitted at a later date.

            Key Issues

3.3       The stated aims of the Notice of Motion were:

            This Council recognises and values the huge contribution our LGBTQ+ Citizens make to the city of Belfast and beyond. As a statement of our solidarity with our LGBTQ+ citizens and community, and building on the progressive moves of the council to support Belfast Pride and illuminate the City Hall in the colours of the Pride Rainbow; the council agrees to continue this support, and, as a further demonstration of our solidarity, agrees to fly the rainbow flag over the City Hall from dawn to dusk on Saturday 3rd August 2019 to coincide with the annual Pride parade.

3.4       Any action by the Council to demonstrate support for Pride Day through the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3d

            The Committee noted the contents of a report which provided an overview of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee and its roles and responsibilities.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To consider an amendment to the Council’s Scheme of Allowances to provide for the withholding of allowances to a Member who is disqualified, suspended or partially suspended following an adjudication by the Local Government Commissioner for Standards in relation to a breach of the Northern Ireland Local Government Code of Conduct for Councillors.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       It is recommended that the Committee:

1.      Approve the amendment to the Scheme of Allowances as set out in the report;

3.0       Main report

3.1       Key Issues

3.1.1     The Council is required, under the Local Government (Payments to Councillors) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012, to publish a Scheme of Allowances, which sets out the allowances, and support services that apply to a Councillor.

3.1.2     The Council’s current Scheme does not cover what should happen if a Councillor is disqualified, suspended or partially suspended following an adjudication by the Local Government Commissioner for Standards in relation to a breach of the Northern Ireland Local Government Code of Conduct for Councillors.

3.1.3     The Committee has previously considered reports on this matter and deferred consideration until the Local Government Commissioner for Standards had provided information on her role in the issue.  However, the Council has received an addendum to circular LG 23/2016 from the Department for Communities requiring the Council to update its Scheme of Allowances in relation to the payment of basic allowance to provide that:

3.1.4     ‘In circumstances where a councillor is suspended from carrying out the duties of a councillor, in accordance with section 59(5) or section 60(1) of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, the part of the basic allowance payable to the councillor in respect of the period for which the councillor is suspended should be withheld.’

3.1.5     The addendum also requires the Council to update its Scheme of Allowances, as it applies to Special Responsibility Allowances, to provide that:

3.1.6     ‘In circumstances where a councillor is suspended from carrying out the duties of a councillor, in accordance with section 59(5) or section 60(1) of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, any SRA payable to the councillor in respect of the period for which the councillor is suspended should be withheld.’

3.17      As the Council receives its lawful authority to make any payments from the Department under the Payments to Councillors Regulations, then it must abide by any instructions from the Department in relation to those Regulations.

3.1.8     The advice of the Department for Communities was sought on the practical application of these changes and Mr Jeff Glass from DfC has commented as follows:

            ‘The basic allowance is not hypothecated to a certain number or level of duties, and it is not related to a certain time commitment by councillors in carrying out their approved duties, it is however payable to councillors for carrying out the role of a councillor.  If a councillor is suspended from a particular duty/role but is still carrying out duties  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4b

            The Director of Legal and Civic Services submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To consider whether to establish, as a successor to the Budget and Transformation Panel, a Party Leaders’ Consultative Panel and to re-establish the Party Leaders’ Forum subject to the suggested remit, arrangements and conventions as set out in the report.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to;

·        Agree to establish the fora as set out in the report to enable better communication and dialogue on strategic and/or political/controversial issues.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Background

            The Budget and Transformation Panel was established by Strategic Policy & Resources Committee and terms of reference agreed in March 2009 to provide political leadership and oversight of the Council’s efficiency and transformation agenda and the Council’s finances in general. It comprised one representative from each political party grouping plus the Chair of Strategic Policy & Resources Committee however currently, it is attended by the Party Leaders and the Chair of Strategic Policy & Resources Committee. It meets every month on the week before the Strategic Policy & Resources Committee meeting. Secretariat is provided by the Strategic Performance Manager.

3.2       As a Working Group, it is not decision-making and its minutes are brought to Strategic Policy & Resources Committee. It provides a forum for officers to discuss issues with Members to get their initial views and ensure that the appropriate level of information is provided to Members to support the formal decision-making process at Strategic Policy & Resources Committee. No formal recommendations are made to Strategic Policy & Resources Committee as issues are subsequently taken to Committee for decision. 

3.3       The Party Leaders’ Forum was established in 2011 as part of strategic planning process which led to the development of the Council’s Investment Programme. It evolved to become a safe space in which politically sensitive issues could be discussed. It was established to be led by Members with officers present only at the request of Members. It was originally externally facilitated however secretariat is now provided by the Chief Executive’s Support Manager. It meets every month the week after the Strategic Policy & Resources Committee meeting. 

3.4       Again, as a Working Group, it is not decision-making and its minutes are circulated among the Party Leaders. No formal terms of reference were agreed and it currently operates under the same terms of reference of the Budget and Transformation Panel.

3.5       Both of these fora have operated successfully to act as a clearing house for potential complex reports going to Committee and/or to provide a safe space in which discussions may take place on political, confidential or contentious issues. Other Councils have followed Belfast City Council’s decision to establish such fora and they are now the accepted norm within governance frameworks.

3.6       As part of the planning for the new governance arrangements for the new council, it was agreed at Strategic Policy & Resources in April 2019 to retain these working groups and refresh their names and terms of references.

3.7  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4c

            The Democratic Services Manager advised the Committee that there were a number of Outside Bodies which requested that a Member or several Members sit on the Board of their Body.  Accordingly, as it was the start of the new Council term, these appointments needed to be made.

            He explained that several appointments to Outside Bodies were determined by the Department of the Environment to fall within the process established in the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 for Positions of Responsibility.  Those were arc 21, the Partnership Panel, the Northern Ireland Housing Council, the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association and the Policing and Community Safety Partnership and its 4 District Partnerships.  Those appointments were determined using the d’Hondt system of proportionality alongside the appointments for the Lord Mayor, the Deputy Lord Mayor and the Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons of the 5 Standing Committees of the Council and these had been appointed at the Annual meeting of the Council in May.

            In considering the requests for appointments to Outside Bodies which were not considered to be Positions of Responsibility, the Council was free to choose any methodology it so wished.  However, in keeping with the process of proportionality which was enshrined in the 2014 Act and which had been employed in the Council for a number of years, the Committee had approved of the use of the Sainte Lague system.

            The process was for all of the appointments to Outside Bodies to be grouped together in one pool and the Party Leaders at a meeting on 14^th June had selected the positions set out in the appendix below.

            In order for a process to be established which dealt with any additional requests from Outside Bodies for Council representation during the Council Term, it was recommended that the party or parties who would have had the next available choice(s) under the Sainte Lague table would be asked to nominate a representative(s).

            With regard to NILGA, its Constitution required that the Council’s 10 nominations reflect the overall balance of the political parties on the Council.  That would not be able to be achieved if the 10 positions were to be included in a larger pool of positions.  Therefore, for that reason, the Party Leaders had agreed that the 10 nominations be allocated using a separate Sainte Lague exercise.

            The outcome of a Sainte Lague exercise provided for 3 Sinn Fein, 2 DUP, 2 Alliance, 1 SDLP, 1 Green and 1 PBPA nominations:

Appointments to Outside Bodies

14th June, 2019

National Association of Councillors

Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA)

Belfast City Centre Management Board

George Best Belfast City Airport Forum  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4d

            The Democratic Services Manager submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

            To consider the appointment of Members to the four Partnership Boards.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is recommended to:

1.      Approve of the use of the Quota Greatest Remainder method to identify those parties entitled to nominate representatives to the Forward South Belfast and Eastside Partnership Boards, based upon the number of Members returned at the Local Elections for the District Electoral Areas coterminous with the Partnerships’ areas.

2.      Approve of the Party allocations for the Forward South and Eastside Partnerships as set out in Sections 3.1.5 and 3.1.6 of the main report.

3.      Approve of the compromise arrangement for the appointment of Members to the West Belfast and Greater Shankill Partnership Boards and to the Party allocations under this arrangement as set out in Sections 3.1.7 to 3.1.9 of the main report.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Key Issues

3.1.1     The Council, in 2011 and again in 2015, made nominations of Members to serve on the 5 Partnership Boards (North, South, East and West Belfast and Greater Shankill).  These nominations were made from the Members returned for the related District Electoral Areas (DEAs) at the Local Elections, depending upon the political party strengths in those DEAs.

3.1.2     The representation in 2015, taking account of the new DEAs established as a result of the redrawing of the boundaries as part of the Review of Public Administration, was:

            North Belfast Partnership – 6 Members from Castle and Oldpark DEAs

            South Belfast Partnership – 8 Members from Botanic and Balmoral DEAs

            East Belfast Partnership – 8 Members from Lisnasharragh, Ormiston and Titanic DEAs

            West Belfast Partnership – 8 Members from Black Mountain and Collin DEAs

            Greater Shankill Partnership - 6 Members - 4 from Court DEA (excluding the 2 SF Members) and 2 Unionist Members from Oldpark DEA

3.1.3     The North Belfast Partnership no longer exists and therefore no nominations are to be made from the Council.  The South Belfast Partnership has been renamed as Forward South Partnership and only now require 5 Members from the Council rather than 8. The East Belfast Partnership has been renamed as the Eastside Partnership and still requires 8 Members.

3.1.4     The Committee is recommended to again adopt the Quota Greatest Remainder system of proportionality to determine the party representation to the Partnership Boards in South and East Belfast as set out below.

3.1.5     Forward South Partnership Board (5 Members)

            The appointees are drawn proportionately from the Parties represented in the Balmoral and Botanic DEAs.

            The strengths of the Parties in these DEAs is set out below, together with the number of places which the Parties would be entitled to on the Board based upon the strict application of proportionality.

            Four of the five seats are allocated automatically and,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4e

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To consider the appointment of Members to the five Building Successful Communities Forums operating in the city.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is recommended to:

1.      Agree to the use of the Quota Greatest Remainder system of proportionality to allocate the available places on the five Forums amongst the political parties represented in the relevant DEAs.

2.      Agree to the allocation of the seats on the five Forums as follows:

·        Lower Oldpark and Hillview – 1 SF and 1 SDLP

·        Tiger’s Bay and Mountcollyer – 1 DUP and 1 SF

·        Lenadoon and Glencolin – 2 SF

·        Lower Shankill & Browns Square and  Falls – 2 DUP, 1 SF and 1 PUP

3.0       Main report

3.1       Key Issues

3.1.1     In October, 2013 the Department for Social development launched five pilot schemes in Belfast under the Building Successful Communities Programme.  These were:

·        Lower Oldpark and Hillview

·        Tiger’s Bay and Mountcollyer

·        Lower Shankill and Brown Square

·        Lenadoon and Glencolin

·        Lower Falls

3.1.2     These Forums, up until 2015, had membership from elected representatives, local communities and statutory and voluntary agencies.  The Forums were tasked with identifying the particular housing and regeneration needs of their area and developing and implementing plans to reverse the decline in those areas and create more sustainable communities.

3.1.3     Elected member representation on the Forums had been identified by way of nomination from MLAs.  However, the Department in 2015 sought the formal nomination of up to two Council representatives on each of the five Forums.

3.1.4     In 2015, the Council agreed, in order to ensure that the nominated Members were from the District Electoral Areas (DEAs) in which the Forums operated and that the nominations were proportional to the political party strengths in those DEAs, that a Quota Greatest remainder exercise should be undertaken.  It is recommended that the same approach is taken for the nomination of Members in 2019.

3.1.5     The five Forums and the relevant DEAs have been identified as:

·        Lower Oldpark and Hillview – Oldpark DEA

·        Tiger’s Bay and Mountcollyer – Castle DEA

·        Lenadoon and Glencolin – Collin and Black Mountain DEAs

·        Lower Shankill and Brown Square – Court DEA

·        Lower Falls – Court DEA

3.1.6     Accordingly, it is suggested that the two Forums for Lower Shankill and Brown Square and Lower Falls should be grouped together for the purpose of the proportionality exercise as the membership for both is being drawn from the Court DEA, as was the case in 2015.

3.1.7     The outcome of the Quota Greatest Remainder exercise is set out below:

3.1.8     Lower Oldpark and Hillview – Oldpark DEA

            The Quota Greatest Remainder system dictates that where two or more parties have the same remainder figure the available place should be allocated to that party which attracted the most first preference votes in the most  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4f

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 12th April, it had considered a report on the new Council term commencing in May, 2019 and had agreed to continue with the existing governances arrangements, that is, a traditional committee system, with 7 standing Committees.

            Since 2007, the Council had agreed also to appoint Working Groups to focus on issues of particular concern.  In addition, the Council had agreed previously the following principles associated with appointment of Working Groups:

·        Working Groups should be established only if they are considered to be essential for the achievement of effective and efficient decision-making;

·        such Working Groups should be appointed for a fixed-term and for a specific purpose;

·        the Groups would not have decision-making powers but rather would produce a report with recommendations (usually in the form of minutes of the meeting) for consideration by the parent Committee;

·        after the Working Group has concluded the business for which it was established, it would cease to exist; and

·        Working Groups should be formed on the basis of All-Party representation with nominees sought from the Party Group Leaders.

            At the meeting on 12th April, the Committee had agreed to the reconstitute the following Working Groups:

            A copy of the current Terms of Reference for each of the Working Groups is attached at Appendix 1.

            The normal practice/convention for the Council in establishing Working Groups was to appoint one representative from each Political Party which had two or more representatives on the Council.  If the Committee was minded to retain this convention, none of the current political parties would be adversely affected since all eight Parties had two or more Elected Members on the Council.

            The change and reconstitution of both the Budget and Transformation Panel and the Party Leaders’ Forum had been considered and agreed earlier in the meeting

            It was pointed out that the North Foreshore Members’ Steering Group previously had two representatives from each Party and the Committee might wish to give consideration to this as that would result in a membership of 16 (which would actually be larger than two of the Standing Committees).

            The Committee had also agreed to retain the Area working Groups but that these move to a more area-based framework approach based on local needs encompassing:

·        council service and facility provision;

·        external or multi-agency and facility provision;

·        agreed local area plans to improve outcomes for local people; and

·        longer term local regeneration and investment plans (including capital, revenue or other projects with multiple funding sources).

            The Area Working Groups were to be reviewed within that context and, following a series of workshops with each Group, a revised Terms of Reference would be drawn up which would be submitted to the Committee for approval in late summer/autumn.

Appendix 1

Terms of Reference - Working Groups

Reference Group on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4g

            The Committee was advised that the Department for Communities had issued a circular, LG 07/2019, which set out revised maximum limits for basic and special responsibility allowances with effect from 1st April, 2019.

            The Democratic Services Manager reminded the  Committee that, at its meeting in August 2016, it had agreed to apply the increase in the basic allowance from £14,200 per annum to £14,342 with effect from 1st April, 2016 and agreed also the increase in the basic allowance to £14,485 with effect from 1st April, 2017.  That had represented a 1% increase for both the 2016 and 2017 years.  However, the Council, at its meeting in September 2016, rejected that decision and agreed not to apply any increase in the basic and special responsibility allowances for 2016 and 2017.  Since that date, no increase in either the basic or the special responsibility allowance had been approved.

            He explained that information received had indicated that all of the other ten local councils had agreed to apply the increases and, therefore, an elected Member in Belfast was currently receiving a lesser basic allowance than Councillors in the other councils.  The Committee was requested to consider whether it wished to agree to the increase in the basic allowance to £15,071 per annum with effect from 7th May, 2019 (the date upon which Members of the Council officially took up office after the local elections).

            The Committee was also requested to consider whether to apply the revised allocation of the special responsibility allowances, as set out in appendix 3 to the report, with effect from 21st May, 2019 (the date of the Annual Council Meeting).  For a number of years, the Council had agreed a split in the special responsibility allowance budget so as to pay both the Chairpersons and the Deputy Chairpersons of the Standing Committees and the Party Officers (Party Leader, Deputy Party Leader and Party Secretary – depending upon Party size).  In this new Council Term, there were now eight Parties as opposed to the six we had in the previous Term and therefore there were more Party Officers sharing the overall allowance.  If the increase in the overall budget was not applied, then that would mean that the Committee would need to approve a new split of the SRAs. A suggested split was set out in appendix 2 to the report.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor Beattie,

Seconded by Councillor Carson,

      That the Committee agrees not to increase the basic and special responsibility allowances.

Amendment

Moved by Councillor Long,

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

      That the Committee agrees to increase the basic responsibility allowance from £14,200 to £15,057 with effect from 7th May, 2019 but that no increase be applied to the special responsibility allowance (SRA) and that the split for  the SRA be as set out in appendix 2.

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

            The amendment was thereupon put as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4h

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To update Committee on the progress of the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD). 

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked:

·        To note the governance and programme arrangements that have been put in place to support the development of the next phase of the BRCD which includes the production of  an implementation plan and funding agreement for the delivery of the BRCD programme and associated projects

·        To note the next steps on the development of the SOC for the Dublin Rail Connectivity and Economic Corridor.

·        To approve the next stages in the delivery of the Belfast Destination Hub including;

-       the establishment of a robust governance structure; the production of a Treasury compliant green book appraisal; development work on potential site identification and a communications plan and

-       the recruitment of a Project Director to lead the development and delivery of the project

3.0       Main report

3.1       Members will be aware that a major programme to enable the development of the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD), in accordance with the requirements of the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), resulted in the submission of the BRCD proposition document to NIO and UK government on 30th September 2018.  The proposition outlined approximately 22 projects across the investment pillars of Digital / Innovation, Infrastructure and Tourism led Regeneration underpinned by a significant employability and skills programme, which will provide inclusive job opportunities and significantly enhance the region’s economy.

3.2       As a result, in his budget on 29th October 2018 the Chancellor announced a commitment of £350m from UK government, levering at least £350m from NI regional government, £100m from the BRCD councils and £50m from the two universities to deliver the proposed BRCD programme.  This provided a starting funding package of £850m which will be further enhanced by at least £150m private sector investment, providing the BRCD with a 10 year £1billion Programme of Investment. 

3.3       At the March Committee Members approved the BRCD Heads of Term document which set out the funding commitment for the £850m investment Programme announced by the Chancellor and reflected the programme of investment presented in the BRCD proposition document.

3.4       This document was then signed by both governments, the six councils and the two universities, allowing work to progress on the next phase of the development of the programme.

            Programme Development - Progress to Date

3.5       A key element in developing the BRCD Programme was the governance structures that were put in place to support partnership working and effective decision making at both individual council level and collectively across the programme.  This included a Joint Council Forum, comprising Councillors from all six partner Councils and a Programme Board with senior representation from all the partners.  These structures have been built upon to support the next phase of delivery with Advisory Boards created for each of the Pillars of Investment to oversee and support the development of Outline Business Cases  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5a

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

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       Members are reminded that in March 2019 Committee considered proposals for the Customer Focus Programme and agreed the implementation approach, key milestones of the implementation plan, the programme workstreams and the resource requirements that will be necessary to successfully take forward the programme of work.

1.2       This report provides an update on activity during the last quarter and seeks support to progress a number of elements including the establishment of a mechanism to involve elected members in the design of the Customer Hub to ensure Members’ needs are met.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

1.      Approve the establishment of a cross party task and finish group to engage with the Customer Focus programme to represent Members’ needs throughout the design and implementation phases of the programme. A draft Terms of Reference for the task and finish group is attached at Appendix 1.

2.      Approve the use of the ‘Nextdoor’ social media platform as a pilot to assess its effectiveness and potential as part of the Customer Hub design.

3.      Note progress during the last quarter including the appointment of a Customer Services Manager and the award of contract for the Strategic Delivery Partner.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Elected Member Engagement in the Customer Focus Programme

            The Customer Hub will deal with customer contact for all departments and services, across all channels (online, mobile, telephone, face-to-face, email, social media) and will oversee the introduction of a single telephone number for the Council.

3.2       A key focus in the design of the Customer Hub will be a streamlined process to proactively manage the information requirements of elected members. It is important that, during the design and implementation phases, elected members are engaged in the design process. It is therefore proposed that a cross party task and finish group is established to provide insight and guidance regarding Members’ requirements to influence the design of the Customer Hub and the channels therein. A draft Terms of Reference has been circulated.

3.3       Appointment of Customer Services Manager

            Integral to the overall Customer Focus programme will be the design and implementation of the Customer Hub including staffing and operation. The post of Customer Services Manager is seen as critical to the successful operation of the hub and therefore recruitment of the post was a priority. Members are advised that the post has been recruited successfully.

3.4       Proposed Pilot of Nextdoor

            The design of the Customer Hub will include a review of how social media channels are managed from both corporate and service delivery perspectives. A new channel called ‘Nextdoor’ has emerged in recent years and is growing in use in Neighbourhoods in Belfast (currently 20,000+ members). Nextdoor is a website and app for neighbourhoods connecting people with their neighbours to build stronger, safer and happier communities. Residents use Nextdoor for a variety of things but some of the most popular are  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5b

            The Committee deferred consideration of the report to enable discussions to be undertaken with the Neighbourhood Renewal Partnerships and to a further reported being submitted to the August meeting.

            The Committee was informed that the Corporate Plan was a key governance document, cited in the council’s constitution, as the means by which the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee sets the strategic direction of the council.  It sets out what the council wants to achieve for the city and the key priority actions to make this happen.

            A four year (2017 – 21) corporate plan was approved by the Committee on 23rd June 2017, with the agreement that it would be updated annually.  This four year period was to align the corporate plan to the Belfast Agenda (the city’s first community plan).  However, given the recent local government election, it was important that the new Council was given the opportunity to shape the new corporate plan and set clear priorities.

            In order to form a starting base for Members to consider, a draft corporate plan had been prepared.  This draft was based on the priorities the Council had committed to in the Belfast Agenda; the priorities set by the previous Council; and the analysis of the social, economic and environmental needs of the city.

            To facilitate Member input into the corporate plan, it was recommended that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee agrees to host an all Member workshop in August that would focus on the priorities for the Council. It was also anticipated that further discussion would take place during the Party Group Leader planning session in September. 

            Following that workshop, a redrafted corporate plan would be brought to the Committee in September before commencing a public consultation process.  Following that process, the priorities agreed would be used as a basis for the rate setting process.

            The Committee noted the draft corporate plan for 2019-23, agreed to the ongoing process that would enable Members to further develop this draft to fully reflect the Council’s priorities and agreed to the holding of a workshop for all Members of the Council on 8th August at 5.00p.m.

            The Strategic Director of City and Organisational Strategy submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report

1.1       To update Members on results of the public consultation on the draft council improvement objectives and to present the draft Council Improvement Plan 2019 - 2020 for Committee approval and publication.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to

·        Approve the draft 2019-20 Council Improvement Plan.  A draft was presented to SP&R Committee in February and draft improvement objectives agreed for public consultation.  As council is legally required to publish its improvement plan by 30th June, Members are also asked to authorise its publication on the council’s website subject to formal ratification by Council on 1st July.

3.0       Key Issues

3.1       Background

            The Local Government Act (NI) 2014 introduced a duty on councils to make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the exercise of their functions.  As a result, we are required to consult residents on our proposed improvement objectives and to publish an annual Improvement Plan setting out the agreed improvement objectives for the year ahead and our arrangements to achieve them.  In February, SP&R approved six draft improvement objectives, aligned to the Belfast Agenda, which we issued for public consultation:

3.2       Consultation Responses

            The consultation ran for a period of 6 weeks and received 43 responses, an increase from last year.  The majority of those responding to the consultation supported the proposed improvement objectives - see table 1.  Where respondents did disagree, comments suggest that this was largely because they felt council should be focusing on core services rather than doing what they seen as ‘the job of other organisations’.  In the case of the waste and recycling objective, although some respondents said they disagreed with this objective, their comments suggest that they disagreed with the proposed approach to reducing waste rather than the objective itself.  When we broke down the level of agreement in more detail, recycling, supporting healthier lifestyles and customer care improvements showed the highest levels of ‘strongly agree’.

3.3       When asked to submit ideas for improving the objectives or to suggest other areas for improvement, around half (22 respondents) provided comments. Although these comments varied widely, respondents mentioned the environment / sustainable development and encouraging active travel the most frequently.  Other suggested issues included addressing anti-social behaviour, supporting people in poverty, better support for people with disabilities and better support for mental health.  These issues, most of which require a partnership effort, will be addressed through  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5e

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The Council’s Physical Programme covers over 200 live regeneration projects across a range of funding streams including the Capital Programme, Leisure Transformation Programme, Belfast Investment Fund, Local Investment Fund, Social Outcomes Fund and the projects which the Council is delivering on behalf of other agencies. 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 –

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

·        note that it is proposed that a series of Party Group Briefings on the Physical Programme are undertaken in August to update Members on the status of projects under the Programme along with the emerging implications for future investment decisions and in particular the potential impact on the district rate.. These will be delivered in conjunction with the Director of Finance & Resources.

            Proposed movements

·        note that satisfactory tender returns have now been achieved for two IT projects (the IT Programme – Asset Management System and the Customer Focus Programme – New Telephony System ) and that it is recommended that a maximum budget of up to £150,000 is now allocated per project.  The Director of Finance & Resources has confirmed that this is within the affordability limits of the Council.

            Project Updates

·        agree in principle to the transfer of Paisley Park from DFC to the Council following completion of any upgrade works by DFC and subject to this being in line with the Council’s agreed policy on the transfer of assets.

            Non-recurrent projects

·        note that the incremental nature of the capital programme allows the Council the opportunity to allocate an element of the 2019/2020 capital financing budget to finance a number of one-off (non-recurrent) projects within year.  It is recommended that this is focused on progressing projects which the Council is required to take forward either from a health and safety perspective and/or a legislative perspective.

·        agree that necessary procurement processes (including the invitation of tenders and/or the use of appropriate ‘framework’ arrangements) be initiated for any non-recurrent projects for 2019/2020 as required, with contracts to be awarded on the basis of most economically advantageous tenders received and full commitment to deliver.

3.0Main report

            Key Issues

3.1       The Council’s Capital Programme is a significant regeneration programme of investment across the city, which improves the existing Council assets or provides new council facilities.

            An update on the key projects under the various programme is outlined below;

            Completed Projects

-       Pitches Programme at Ulidia Playing Fields

-       Upgrades to parks, open spaces and playgrounds – including the refurbished playgrounds at Hammer, Glenbank, Duncairn and Fullerton

-       Corporate Projects - including Fleet Replacement Programme for 2018/19 and a range of ICT projects

-       In addition 18 projects were completed under LIF  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6a

            Tullycarnet Park – Pavilion and Bowling Green

            The Committee granted a land lease to Tullycarnet Action Group Initiative Boxing Club (TAGIT) for the purpose of constructing a new boxing club facility on the council lands.

            Beechvale Farm – Proposed disposal

            The Committee approved the appointment of an agent for the marketing of Beechvale Farm and noted that, following receipt of offers, a report would be brought back to the Committee.

            Cregagh Youth and Community Centre –

            Licence to Ulster Rugby for occasional use of

            overflow car park

            The Committee granted a 9-month Licence to Ulster Rugby for their occasional use of the overflow car park adjacent to Cregagh Youth and Community Centre.

            Ravenhill Rest Gardens – Environmental Improvements

            The Committee approved the demolition of the former toilet block and to enter into a licence with Communities NI to undertake the demolition redevelopment landscape works and a maintenance agreement for a period of up to three years.

            Cromac Street Car Park – Licence agreement renewal

            The Committee approved a licence agreement renewal with NIHE for the Council operated off street car park at Cromac Street.

            The Ulster Hall, 34 Bedford Street, Belfast

            The Committee agreed to enter into a Crane Oversailing Agreement with McAleer & Rushe Contracts UK Limited, for the purposes of their Contractor carrying out works on their new Bedford Square Development opposite the Ulster Hall.

            River Terrace – Lease of land to Lower

            Ormeau Residents Association Group

            The Committee agreed to the lease of land to LORAG by way of a 25 year lease for the purposes of a community garden facility.

            Avoniel Play Centre – Proposed temporary

            relocation to the Diamond Project

            The Committee agreed to a Licence Agreement with Charter NI for the provision of accommodation at 32 Constance Street BT54QF for services displaced from the BCC Avoniel Play Centre, with the licence to run until 31st March 2021.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report;

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this paper is twofold;

·        to explain to Members the key elements of the ‘year-end’ process and the ‘assurance framework’ that the Council has developed over recent years to help ensure that the Council complies with statutory requirements and Members and senior officers can have effective, ongoing oversight of the Council’s governance and assurance arrangements, including the annual report of the Audit & Risk Panel for 18/19.

·        to present the Annual Governance Statement for 2018/19, for consideration and inclusion in the unaudited statement of accounts which will be certified by the Chief Financial Officer by 30 June 2019 and then subject to NIAO audit. The Statement has been considered by the Audit Assurance Board, but has not been reviewed by the Audit & Risk Panel as it has not been possible for the Panel to meet in June due to the timing of the nominations process following the elections.  The Statement should now be approved by the Committee Chair, the Chief Executive and the Chief Financial Officer.

1.2       The Annual Governance Statement is an important document and it is important that the Committee is fully aware of its contents.  The disclosures in the statement are based upon the Council’s corporate risk register and take into consideration the disclosures made by Chief Officers in their individual annual assurance statements.  The Annual Governance Statement also incorporates a summary of the Head of Audit, Governance and Risk Service’s annual assurance statement.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are asked to note the Council’s Assurance Framework and note the annual report of the Audit & Risk Panel for 18/19.

            Members are asked to review and approve the draft Annual Governance Statement for 2018/19 and, in particular, the disclosure of the significant governance issues contained in the statement.

2.2       Following review, the statement will be incorporated into the Council’s unaudited financial statements for 2018/19 which will be certified by the Chief Financial Officer by 30 June 2019.  It will be subject to review by the LGA (NIAO) as part of their annual audit.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Key Issues

            The Council’s Assurance Framework is summarised at Appendix A.  It shows how different sources of assurance and related key elements / control measures combine to enable the Council to monitor its governance arrangements and produce the evidence to support its Annual Governance Statement.  The diagram shows how the Council’s Audit & Risk Panel, the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee and Council provide oversight of these governance arrangements.  Related to this, the annual report of the Audit & Risk Panel for 18/19 is at Appendix B.

3.2       Preparation of Annual Governance Statement

            The Council has a statutory responsibility to annually prepare and publish an Annual Governance Statement as part of the Financial Report.  Many different processes inform the preparation of the Statement as can be seen from the Assurance Framework at Appendix A.  Specifically, the Annual Governance Statement sets out:

·        scope of the responsibility of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7a

            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 award the most economically advantageous tender;

·        agreed to accede to Standing Order 55(b)  - exceptions in relation to contracts by direction of the council acting on recommendation of a Chief Officer - that the exception is justified in special circumstances for the contracts setout in 3.6 andAppendix 1 Table 2;

·        approved the extensions as detailed in Appendix 1, Table 3;

·        noted the contracts that have been awarded (January – May 2019 inclusive) Appendix 1, Table 4; and

·        noted that the Committee had delegated authority in relation to the award of contracts.

Appendix 1 - Schedule of tenders for consideration

Table 1 - New tenders

            The Committee considered a report in relation to the end of year absence rates for 2018/19.

            At the end of March 2019, the average number of day’s sickness absence per full time employee was 13.71 days.  The Council did not meet its target to reduce sickness absence to 10 days. However, the rate did not increase on last year's (13.72) rate, rather there was a marginal reduction. There was an increase in the number of staff with no absence this year, 38.75% compared to 37.04% last year. Long term absence increased this year with 67.44% of absence classified as long term absence compared to 64.20% for the same time last year.

            The number of days lost per full time equivalent was slightly less in quarter four (3.47 days) when compared to quarter three (3.55 days).  The quarterly comparison chart showed  a significant improvement in the quarter four absence rate this year when compared to the same period last year (3.92 days).

            The report provided details on the disability related absence; stress related absence; and for Musculo-skeletal related absence for 2018/19.  In addition, the report highlighted the initiatives introduced  and various programmes for employees in order to assist to reduce sickness absence.

            The Committee was advised that, in recent years, a corporate target of 10 days had been set and this figure remained as the target for the Council’s absence rates. It had been recognised, however, that this target was difficult for larger departments to achieve in one step in the course of a single year.

            In order to recognise the significant efforts being made to reduce absence levels and achievements in some areas, and taking account of the significant organisational change ongoing, it was proposed that departments continue to work towards a target of 10 days, to be achieved by the end of the current Council term, that is, by the end of March 2023. It was hoped that a more achievable target for all departments, that is, one based on an annual percentage reduction might provide more of a realistic incentive for departments to strive towards and could be applied across the board down to service or section level.   A proposed reduction of 7.59%* would mean the following targets for each year until 2023.

19/20          12.67

20/21          11.71

21/22          10.82

22/23          10

            *A review of the target each year is required as it is based on a percentage reduction of the previous year.

            The committee noted the contents of the report and agreed the proposed corporate target.

            The Committee was advised that one of the main requirements of the Council’s Equality Scheme was to carry out the screening of new and revised policies.  That allowed any impacts related to equality of opportunity and/or good relations to be identified and addressed.

            In addition, the Council now had a statutory duty under the Rural Needs (NI) Act 2016 to consider rural needs in the development of new policies, plans or strategies or in any service design/delivery decisions and was required to ensure that the annual reporting returns were submitted to Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

            The Committee noted the summary of equality screening and rural needs impact assessments which had been undertaken from January till March, 2019.

            The Members were reminded that the Council, at its meeting in March 2019, had agreed to accept the gift of a statue representing non-violence from The Olsson family, founders and owners of Stena Line. The owner supports many causes and charities, including the Non-Violence Project Foundation. The family was interested in exploring a potential initiative with the City of Belfast.

            The symbol for this was the famous statue by Carl Reutersvärd, which, among other places, was situated in front of the United Nations building in New York. That statue is a well-known symbol of peace and non-violence.

            While it might initially appear that the image of the “knotted gun” does not sit comfortably within the Belfast context, the Members might wish to note the statue can be customised to meet local needs  / issues and it can be colourful and vibrant.  However, given the Belfast context - a city moving out of conflict and which is being regenerated, not just centrally but in local communities with the aim of promoting connection and cohesion, the Council considered Girdwood as an appropriate place to site the statue.

            The representatives from Stena Line were impressed with the history and the development of the site. The building of a shared space in a previously contested area, the development of a further phase to continue the work at the site and beyond including linkages to a major arterial route were factors, which they recognised sat with the aims of the project as well as providing natural local connections with any potential programme.

            As the Council had agreed to the above request, the company have stated that they would be willing to invest significant funds in a programme for children and young people through schools which would look at non-violence. They had advised that they would wish the Council to take the lead on this initiative.  The Members would be aware that the Council was currently supporting a number of programmes through PEACE IV but these were confined to afterschool activities as stipulated by the funding conditions.

            In the interim, officers had met with representatives from the Education Authority (EA) who were responsible for Shared Education and the suggestion would be that a partnership approach be undertaken. That would mean that, in addition to the financial contribution from Stena Line, resources could be accessed from the Shared Education Programme through the EA. The Council had already agreed that funding from the Council’s Good Relations Action Plan be directed towards a schools intervention programme.

            In implementing this approach, it would deliver a flexibility to work with schools/groups on a single identity basis, reduce the risk of duplication, increase the significance of the programme and meant that ongoing support and progression could continue which would result in the projects being mainstreamed – a more sustainable approach.

            Such an approach would require the Council and the EA to enter into a partnership agreement and Members were asked to give approval for officers to progress this  agreement, subject to input  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8b

            The Committee consider the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to advise the Committee of correspondence from the Chair of the Remembering Srebrenica UK formally inviting the Good Relations Manager to participate in a 4 day visit to Srebrenica along with other civil service and senior political representatives in September/October 2019. This follows on from visits by delegations from all parts of the UK and Ireland including at very senior level within other devolved regions.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to;

·        Consider the invite from the Chair of the Srebrenica Committee UK for the participation of the Good Relations Manager in a visit to Srebrenica in September/October 2019.

3.0       Main report

            Background

3.1       The Srebrenica massacre, also known as the Srebrenica genocide was the July 1995 massacre of more than 8,000 Bosniaks, mainly men and boys and mostly Muslim, in and around the town of Srebrenica during the Bosnian War.

3.2       In 2005, Kofi Annan, then Secretary-General of the United Nations described the massacreas the worst crime on European soil since the Second World War. Both the International Tribunal to the former state of Yugoslavia and the International Court of Justice have ruled the acts committed in July 1995 constituted genocide.

3.3       Remembering Srebrenica and Council involvement

            Remembering Srebrenica is a charitable initiative. It recognises that we have achieved a lot in terms of building a cohesive society here in the UK, but discrimination, promotion of hatred, extremism, and exclusion persist, and we must play our part, no matter how large or small, to create a better and safer society for all.

3.4       It organises UK memorial events to honour survivors and keep alive the stories of their loved ones who died. They work with individuals and organisations to help strengthen society by learning the lessons of history to help tackle hatred, racism and intolerance wherever it occurs. They do this through commemoration, education and by taking individuals from communities across the UK to Srebrenica to speak to survivors and families whose loved ones were killed. Following the visit, participants are asked to apply the lessons learned from the experience and apply them in their own community and context to combat prejudice.

3.5       Council have previously supported the Remembering Srebrenica event through provision of the City Hall as a venue which takes place in July and previous Lord Mayors have been invited to attend and deliver a speech.

3.6       In commemorating this genocide in Europe in 1995, Remembering Srebrenica aims to:

·        Raise awareness of the genocide and consequences for victims and their families;

·        Highlight the impact of ethnic and religious intolerance;

·        Confront the consequences of prejudice; and

·        Encourage our community champions who have participated in similar visits to use their learning in their own communities and regions.

3.7       Request

            Since 2013, Remembering Srebrenica has taken over 1,200 people to Srebrenica to learn about the consequences of hatred. Upon their return, delegates  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8c

            The Committee noted the progress which had been made in the delivery of the Language Strategy Action Plan 2018-20 and the overview of planned activities.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To advise members of a further request to participate in the international Shared Societies Project involving 5 other countries in Kosovo from 10-16th September 2019.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to consider and agree the following:

·        That Belfast City Council agrees to participate in the project in September 2019 to contribute to the discussion and explore how the project is developing.

·        That a report on the project after the event would be brought back to the Council through the Shared City Partnership for further consideration

·        Given the nature of the project, The Chair and Vice Chair of the Shared City Partnership or their nominees would be the most appropriate participants to attend.

·        Given the challenging time commitment from 10-16th September 2019, if required Officers will investigate the options for timing, which will yield the most benefit to Council.

3.0       Main report

3.1       The Council has received a request for up to 2 participants to be part of an international shared societies project.

3.2       This new five year project began last autumn, and an invitation was extended to Belfast City Council (BCC) to join as a partner organisation in August 2018.  The decision was not to join at that time, but the organisers are hoping that fresh consideration can now to given to the idea.

3.3       The organisers would like to have Northern Ireland involved in the project: academics and people who have the practical task of implementing policies in a divided society. The academics who were first contacted were asked to suggest a practitioner organisation.  They suggested the Council as an organisation with much to share from its experience in trying to create a shared city ethos, and the Council would still be the first choice.

3.4       The project which is a 5 year programme aims to bring together six countries to work collectively to create a deeper understanding of the idea of a shared society. It will bring together theorists from universities and practitioners who have to contend with real life cultural conflict on a day to day basis.

3.5       The opening residential seminar took place at the Arab-Jewish peace centre, Givat Haviva, in Israel in October 2018. The next residential event is planned to take place in Kosovo between September 10th and 16th this year

3.6       It has been designed as a shared learning experience and has secured funding for the first year from the German Peace Academy. Funding is being sought for the following years from EU Horizon 2020 project and other funding bodies. The countries involved are Belgium, Germany, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Israel/Palestine and Kosovo.

3.7       Participants from Northern Ireland

            The academics who were contacted about the project thought that BCC as a practitioner organisation would have much to share from our experience of creating a shared city ethos. The academics who will be attending are

            Gráinne Kelly, a Ulster University lecturer in Peace and Conflict Studies at INCORE,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8e

            The Committee approved the recommendations made in respect of applications received up to 10 June 2019 as set out below:

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of Budget and Transformation Panel of 13th June, 2019.

            The City Solicitor/Director of Legal and Civic Services informed the Members that the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) had been working in conjunction with a number of companies to promote Belfast as a showcase destination for tourists, with a particular focus on tour operators and business incentive market (in which companies offer travel products as bonuses/incentives).  That entailed bringing a range of venues and attractions together and marketing them in a unique package.

            As an example, last year the City Hall was used to host the Hosts Global Conference which had generated £4 million for the local economy to date. That type of market was very competitive and lucrative and the unique selling proposition (USP) of a city was key to successful marketing and securing business.  The City Hall was regarded as a signature feature of the City and a major incentive in attracting business. Giving access to the City Hall for events was a major selling point that many other cities could not offer.  The NITB regarded this type of business as of equal importance to conferencing in terms of bed nights and visitor spend in the City. It was further of the view that there was a serious risk that this business would be lost if the City Hall could not be made part of the offer. Under the current arrangements the City Hall was permitted to be used for hosting events related to conferences but not the destination tourism type events described.

            Accordingly, he recommended that the Committee agrees to amend the terms and conditions regarding use of City Hall to permit the hosting of events to promote destination tourism.

            The Committee adopted the recommendation and granted delegated authority to the City Solicitor/Director of Legal and Civic Services to approve the hosting of events as described and to also delegate to the Director the negotiation and charging of fees for such events.

Councillor Long to propose:

“This Council calls on the Northern Ireland Local Government Officers Superannuation Committee (NILGOSC) to divest the Local Government pension scheme from any fossil fuel companies within 5 years.”

            In accordance with notice on agenda, Councillor Long addressed the issue of  divestment by NILGOSC and proposed the following:

“This Council calls on the Northern Ireland Local Government Officers Superannuation Committee (NILGOSC) to divest the Local Government pension scheme from any fossil fuel companies within 5 years.”

            The proposal was seconded by Councillor McDonough-Browne.

            At the request of a Member, the proposer agreed to amend his motion with the replacement of the words “within 5 years” with “as soon as possible” and to the addition of “and agrees to write to the other NI Councils seeking support for this motion”.  However, he refused a further request to include “tobacco and arms companies” in the proposal.

            Accordingly, it was

Moved by Councillor Garret and

Seconded by Councillor Murphy,

      That the proposal standing in the name of Councillor Long and seconded by Councillor McDonough-Brown be amended to read as follows:

“This Council calls on the Northern Ireland Local Government Officers Superannuation Committee (NILGOSC) to divest the Local Government pension scheme from any fossil fuel, tobacco and arms companies as soon as possible and agrees to write to the other NI Councils seeking support for this motion”. 

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

            The amendment was put as the substantive motion, when nine Members voted for and seven against and declared carried.

            In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor Kyle addressed the Committee in relation to concerns around future leisure provision in East Belfast, mainly with regard to the closure of the Avoniel Leisure Centre and Templemore.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed that officers host further meetings with users of the Avoniel Leisure Centre in order to discuss mobilisation and community concerns.

            Councillor M. Kelly, in accordance with the notice previously given, referred to a report which had been published earlier that week entitled “A Prison Without Walls – Asylum, Migration and Human Rights”.  She explained that a number of the recommendations contained in the report were relevant to and/or impacted on the Council and requested if a report on these issues could be submitted to the August meeting of the Committee.

            The Committee agreed to this course of action.

            The Committee’s attention was drawn to the fact that Mr. Mark McBride, Head of Finance and Performance, Mr. Gerry Millar, Director of Property and Projects, and Mr. Stephen McCrory, Democratic Services Manager, would be retiring from the Council in the near future.  The Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, referred to the significant contribution that the officers had made to the Council during their time in service and wished them well in their retirement.