Agenda and minutes

Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Councillors Nicholl and Long.

            The minutes of the meeting of 25th October 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 November.

            Councillor Black declared an interest in respect of item 2a – Revenue Estimates and District Rate and left the meeting whilst this item was under discussion.

            The Committee approved the following schedule of meetings for 2020, all meetings to commence at 9.30 am:

Friday, 10th January (Rate setting, if required)

Friday, 24th January

Friday, 21st February

Friday, 20th March

Friday, 24th April

Friday, 22nd May

Friday, 19th June

Friday, 21st August

Friday, 18th September

Friday, 23rd October

Friday, 20th November

Friday, 18th December

            The Committee approved the change of date of the December meeting from Friday 13th to Tuesday 17th to commence at 9.30 am.

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 (Northern Ireland) 2014.

            The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Finance and Resources submitted a report which provided an update on the development of the Revenue Estimates for 2020/21 which advised the Members of the next steps in the rates setting process.

            The Director highlighted the seven key elements to setting the rate, the current Revenue Estimates position, including the recommended Growth Proposals and the Business as Usual costs pressures, the Efficiency Programme, the Growth Proposals – Priority Areas, Capital Finance, the Estimated Penny Product (EPP) and the General Reserves position.

            After discussion, the Committee:

1.      noted the update on the development of the revenue estimates and the setting of the district rate;

2.     noted that party group briefings had been arranged for the week beginning 25th November 2019, with a further report on the setting of the district rate being brought to the Committee at its meeting on 17th December 2019; and

3.      agreed that representatives of Land and Property Services be invited to the December meeting to provide a presentation on the outcome of the Non-domestic re-evaluation.

            The Committee considered a report which presented the Quarter 2 financial position for the Council, including a forecast of the year end outturn.  It included also a reporting pack with the summary of the financial indicators and an executive summary.  It also provided a more detailed explanation of each of the relevant indicators and the forecast outturn for the year.

            After discussion, the Committee:

·        noted the report and agreed that, given the departmental and district rate forecasts, no further reallocations or cash flow payments are considered until the Quarter 3 position is presented to the Committee in February 2020;

·        agreed that officers proceed with the development of a specification for an Air Quality Assessment and consider its financing as part of the Quarter 3 Financing Report;

·        agreed that a specified reserve be established to build up the required level of funding for the hosting in the City of the 2021 Super Cup; and

·        agreed that no funding be allocated toward the hosting of the 2020 UEFA Men’s Under-19 Euro Championships but to provide in-kind support through, for example, the provision of training facilities.

            The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the emerging Strategic Sites Assessment workstream and the recommendations which had been agreed by City Growth and Regeneration Committee at its meeting on 6th November.  The report also sought approval from the Committee to explore the feasibility of including a number of priority sites within wider regeneration projects.

The Committee:

                       i.     noted that the City Growth and Regeneration Committee on 6th November 2019 had agreed a number of recommendations as set out in the report and appendices;

                     ii.     Noted the progress on Phase 1 of the SSA and the recommendations from the City Growth and Regeneration Committee on 6th November 2019;

                    iii.     agreed to explore the feasibility of taking ownership of the Department of Finance’s (DoF) Corporation Street site, taking into account the capital implications of acquiring the land, including the potential for land swaps with the DoF or a similar arrangement as recommended by the City Growth and Regeneration Committee;

                    iv.     agreed to the inclusion of the Council’s Hope Street North car park and Whitla Street car park within the planning and masterplanning considerations for the Weavers Cross regeneration project and the Yorkgate Train Station project, respectively;

                     v.     agreed to the inclusion of Gloucester Street within the strategic site delivery programme; and

                    vi.     agreed to a Phase 2 SSA and that a scoping exercise be undertaken to see what other sites were available throughout the city.

The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the development and publication of a Belfast Agenda statement of progress in November 2019, which was a legislative monitoring requirement for the Council and its community planning partners.  The Committee was reminded that the Belfast Agenda, the city’s first community plan, had been published in November 2017 and was led by the Council, in partnership with its community planning partner organisations.  The Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 required the Council and its partners to publish a statement of progress highlighting delivery towards the outcomes and actions taken every two years.  The first statement of progress was due for publication by the end of November, 2019.

            At its meeting on 23rd August, 2019, the Committee had agreed the proposed structure and contents of the Statement of Progress, which was in line with legislative guidance issued by the Department for Communities.  In addition, the Committee had agreed a proposed timeline for the publication of the report which included consultation with partners and political engagement with members via party group briefings in October 2019.

            The draft and detailed statement of progress had been developed in association with and input from all community planning partners.  The document also adhered to the full spirit of the legislation and provided detailed information on delivering against the stretched goals, indicators and outcomes as well as progress update on the action plans attached to the Belfast Agenda boards established to drive forward collaborative action.  The Statement of Progress also highlighted a number of case studies and noteworthy achievements showcasing the work of partners over the last 12-18 months in the context of community planning.

            After discussion, during which a number of questions were raised by the Members, the Committee:

a)     noted the statutory requirement for the Council and its community planning partners to publish a Statement of Progress in November 2019;

b)     noted the process of engagement and input from community planning partners which had led to the development of the Statement of Progress;

c)      considered the statement of progress executive summary, attached at appendix 1  the full detailed and technical statement of progress attached at appendix 2 to the report;

d)     agreed that both documents be made available and circulated to community planning partners and the Department of Communities;

e)     agreed that the executive summary be published and promoted for the public and the full detailed report would be available on line; and

f)       agreed to convene a meeting of the Elected Members’ Working Group to discuss a number of questions which had been raised during the Committee meeting.

            The Committee considered a report which proposed an approach to deliver a public realm upgrade scheme comprising a new surface, bollards, lighting, seating, paving, kerbs and associated site works at Erskine House, the proposed new office building for HMRC, at 34-36 Chichester Street, utilising a developer contribution which had already been secured for the site.

            The Committee:

                    (i)     agreed that the developer contribution of £110,000 received by the Council in respect of Planning Application Ref.LA04/2016/1789/F(Demolition of existing building at 34-36 Chichester Street and erection of new 8No. storey mixed use development incorporating retail and office ground floor, and 1st-7th floor offices (with associated external plant) be utilised to deliver the approved public realm upgrade scheme at Erskine House (Planning Application Ref.LA04/2018/2650/F; and

                   (ii)     agreed that the Council enters into an appropriate agreement with the developer and HMRC to ensure that the developer contribution was used solely for the purpose of delivering the enhanced public realm scheme, prior to the occupation of the office space in Erskine House.

            The Committee was reminded that, at the Council meeting on 4th November, the following motion had been proposed by Councillor Newton and seconded by Councillor Graham:

“This Council expresses concern about unregulated car washes and calls for a detailed report to be prepared on the number of unregulated car washes across Belfast. The necessary investigation and production of the report to be led by Council officers and to involve experienced staff from all relevant statutory bodies, in particular, the Police Service of Northern Ireland. The Council requests that the report cover all aspects of unregulated car washes, including potential human trafficking, employee contracts and wages, environmental and health and safety issues.”

            In accordance with Standing Order 13(f), the motion had been referred without debate to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

            The Committee agreed that the Policing and Community Policing Partnership (PCSP) be consulted and requested to consider the motion and that a report on how this would be facilitated, resourced and managed be brought back to the Committee.

            The Committee was reminded that, at the Council meeting on 4th November, the following motion, which had been proposed by Councillor Black and seconded by Councillor McAteer, had been referred to the Committee, in accordance with Standing Order 13(f), for consideration:

“Practical healthy eating, supported by positive influence around lifelong food choices, improves children’s wellbeing in physical and mental terms, including their ability to concentrate and learn. 

Good nutrition is essential for children to grow properly, do their best in school and be healthy and happy in the future.  (Education Authority).

A World Health Organisation commission has described childhood obesity as a ‘growing epidemic’.  Department of Health survey statistics indicate that 25% of children in this region are deemed to be overweight or obese.  The estimated costs of healthcare attached to weight problems are around £450 million, representing 2.8% of total healthcare expenditure.

Small changes across a range of arenas can help to turn the tide.  Implementing healthy snack choices, as part of the daily routine, significantly increases the capacity of positive choices becoming embedded, ultimately, resulting in wider savings to the health sector.   

Belfast City Council supports a range of services and programmes for children, including Summer Schemes and Out-of-Hours School Clubs in areas facing disadvantage and food poverty.

Such spaces provide daily opportunities for children to undertake physical activity, learning and play.  It is worth noting the capacity for such spaces to further improve the health of children via the provision of small healthy snacks.

It is within this Council’s gift to contribute to the improvement of quality of daily life for children and to cement children’s positive relationship with food and nutrition. 

Accordingly, the Council agrees that a report, looking at clubs located in areas of disadvantage and the potential for such spaces to incorporate healthy snacks, as part of out of school hours provision during both term and non-term time, be prepared.”

            The Committee agreed that a report on how this could be facilitated, resourced and managed be brought back to the Committee.

            The Committee was reminded that, at the Council meeting on 4th November, the following motion had been proposed by Councillor Pankhurst and seconded by Councillor Verner:

“This Council notes the huge success of our Hallowe’en Monster Mash event.

As a regional capital city, the Council agrees to hold on an annual basis a similar event to celebrate the New Year. The event will appeal to all our citizens and visitors, enhancing the appeal of Belfast as a welcoming and diverse city.”

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

            The Committee agreed to a report, on how this could be facilitated, resourced and managed, being submitted to a future meeting.

            The Committee was reminded that, at the Council meeting on 1st October, the following motion had been proposed by Councillor Ferguson and seconded by Councillor Matt Collins:

“The Council notes that NIPSA members have planned strike action for Thursday, 3rd October. Council also notes that public sector workers have faced years of wage freezes and attacks on working conditions. Council believes that in this context strike action is a measured and appropriate response to the paltry pay deal that is currently being offered to public sector workers. 

To this end, the Council fully supports NIPSA in their campaign for better pay and better terms and conditions, including strike action. The Council sends particular support to those workers on picket lines on Thursday. Finally, the Council agrees that the Chief Executive should write to Permanent Secretary of the Department for Finance, Sue Gray, to implore her to immediately revisit the issue of public sector pay and reconsider the offer extended.” 

            It was reported that, subsequent to the motion being passed, a letter had been forwarded to the Permanent Secretary.

            A response had now been received in which she had concluded that there were no plans to re-open negotiations on 2018 pay and she had already initiated negotiations on 2019 pay.

Noted.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       At the Council meeting on 1st October 2019, the following motion, which had been proposed by Councillor Dorrian and seconded by Councillor McMullan, had, in accordance with Standing Order 13(f) been referred to the Committee for consideration:

            ‘This Council continues to stand with those who suffered as a result of the Srebrenica genocide. We will continue to support those who suffered during this shameful time and mark the occasion with a suitable event, which informs the wider community and promotes the message of reconciliation.’

1.2       Subsequently, the Committee noted the motion and agreed that a report on how this would be facilitated, resourced and managed would be brought back to the Committee.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are asked to approve the following actions:

·        That officers liaise with Remembering Srebrenica to ascertain their plans for the commemoration of the 25th anniversary in 2020.

·        That officers work in partnership with representatives from Remembering Srebrenica to determine how this period can be marked in Belfast.

·        That any proposals be brought to the Shared City Partnership in the first instance for discussion given the remit of the Partnership in this subject matter.

3.0       Main report

            Key Issues

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 massacre as 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       The 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica genocide will occur on 11th July 2020. In previous years, events have been held between 7-10th July given the time of year.

3.4       Belfast Council has assisted Remembering Srebrenica NI to mark the Srebrenica genocide in July over the past number of years. This has been in the form of provision of a venue and/or the attendance of the Lord Mayor who usually speaks at the event. Support is also provided through TEO and Remembering Srebrenica UK. The latter provides the resource to bring survivors or relatives of those who were killed to tell their story and emphasise the importance of reconciliation including recognition of the steps that can lead to genocide and tackling prejudice at an early stage in a robust way.

3.5       Remembering Srebrenica is a charitable initiative. 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3e

            The Committee deferred consideration of the report and agreed that it be referred for Party briefings.

            The Committee was reminded that it had eight Members on the National Association of Councillors – Northern Ireland Region.  In addition, it was aware that Alderman Sandford had been appointed to represent the Northern Ireland Region on the National Executive, which would require attendance at a number of meetings in 2020.  The meetings were scheduled to be held on 13th January, 11th May and 7th September in London, with the AGM to be held on 28th November in Liverpool.  Accordingly, authority was being sought to authorise the payment of travel costs and subsistence for the attendance of Alderman Sandford at those events.

            The Committee approved the attendance of Alderman Sandford at the meetings of the National Executive of the National Association of Councillors and authorised the payment of the proposed travel costs and subsistence.

            The Committee was advised that the NILGA Annual Conference would take place this year at the Crown Plaza Hotel on 20th February, 2020.  The Council was represented on NILGA by 10 Members across the political parties and the normal practice was to authorise those representatives to attend the Annual Conference if they so desired.  In addition, later that evening the Northern Ireland Local Government Awards dinner would be held, these awards set out to showcase excellence in service delivery across the work of Councils.  It was reported that there were two free places for each Council, with a cost for each additional day delegate at the conference only costing - £99 plus VAT; and day delegate plus awards dinner - £145 plus VAT.  Any costs for attendance at the conference and or awards dinner could be met from within existing budgets.

            The Committee approved the attendance of the Council representatives on NILGA at the Annual Conference, Exhibition and the Local Government Awards dinner on 20th February.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To advise the Committee of the cost to the Council of the Local Government Elections in May 2019.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to

·        note the report.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Key Issues

            The local council expenditure for delivering Local Government Elections is, under the provision of the Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962, constrained by a scale of expenditure set by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

3.2       The Local Election Fees and Expenses Scale for Belfast City Council for May 2019 was £650,100. This excludes the cost of candidates’ mailing, which is not included within that maximum. However, that cost still has to be covered by the Council.

3.3       The Cost of administering the election was £584,374.61, which was within the budget set by the Northern Ireland Office (NIO). With the additional cost of candidates’ mailing being £268,634.03 this brings the total cost to the Council to £853,008.64.

3.4       Compared with the cost of the Elections in 2014 of £618,114, this is an increase of £234,894.64

3.5       This increase is due principally to the fact that in 2014, as well as the Local Government Elections, for which the Council has responsibility, there was also a European Election, which falls under responsibility of the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland (EONI), the costs to cover the polling stations, polling staff, etc. was split between the Council and EONI.

3.6       As this year was a single election, the Council is required to bear that cost. A breakdown of the costs is set out below:

3.7       Financial & Resource Implications

            There were sufficient funds in the relevant specified reserve to meet the election costs. The reserve will need to be maintained and possibly enhanced in the future to meet the cost of the 2023 election.

3.8       Equality or Good Relations Implications

            None associated with this report.”

            The Committee noted the contents of the report.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To consider the process to be used to identify 8 elected Members to be considered under a public appointment’s process to fill 4 places on the Board of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is recommended to:

·        employ a one-off proportionality exercise for the purpose of identifying the political nomination of 8 members for consideration for appointment to the Board of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners.  Note only 4 members will be chosen.

·        to agree which of the proportionality systems it wishes to use.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Key Issues

3.2       The Belfast Harbour Order (Northern Ireland) 2002 provides that a maximum of four of the Harbour Commissioners shall be Members of Belfast City Council.

3.3       Correspondence has been received from the Department for Infrastructure dated 31st October indicating that the Council should provide to it the names of eight Members who would be willing to serve as Commissioners from which four would be selected by the Permanent Secretary following an interview under a public appointment’s process.

3.4       The Department has also pointed out that a Councillor would not be permitted to serve more than two terms (normally of four years each) as a Commissioner and no more than ten years in total.

3.5       The Committee is reminded that, in June, 2011, when the former City Council was considering the appointment of Members to the Harbour Commissioners, it was decided that a one-off selection process using the d’Hondt system to select 8 nominations was the proper way to proceed rather than including the selection of names as part of the overall pool of nominations to outside bodies.

3.6       Again in April 2015, the Council agreed to the use of a one-off selection process, with each of the proportionality systems considered at that time, that is, d’Hondt, Saint Lague and the Quota Greatest Remainder, achieving the same outcome.

3.7       In keeping with this principle, a one-off d’Hondt exercise for eight nominations would provide the following result:

3.8       Therefore, Sinn Fein – 3 nominations, DUP – 2 nominations, Alliance – 2 nominations and SDLP – 1 nomination.

3.9       The Sainte Lague method would provide the following result:

3.10      Giving Sinn Fein – 3 nominations, the DUP – 2 nominations with the Alliance, SDLP and Green having 1 nomination each.

3.11      The Quota Greatest Remainder method does not produce an order list but would provide the following result and number of nominations:

3.12      Sinn Fein – 3 nominations, DUP – 2 nominations, Alliance – 1 nomination, SDLP – 1 nomination, Green – 1 nomination

3.13      Financial & Resource Implications

            There are not any financial  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4d

            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:

·        Agree to that the Fraunhofer Institute support the development of the regional digital projects, including the Regional Innovators Network and testbeds.

·        Agree the minutes of the BRCD Council Panel held on 23rd October 2019.

·        Note the next steps in maximising the cross cutting challenges of the BRCD Programme.

3.0       Main report

            Programme Update

3.1       Members will be aware that work to support the development of Phase 2 of the BRCD Programme is continuing with the establishment of an overall governance structure at a regional level and the set-up of a central Programme Office in Belfast City Council (BCC).

3.2       The focus of this has primarily been the development of Outline Business Cases (OBCs) for the individual BRCD projects which will help inform the content of the documents required for this phase including

·        A Financial Plan and Agreement

·        A Deal Document - detailed document covering all elements included within Heads of terms, including Governance Framework

·        An Implementation Plan - summarising milestones for key deliverables, outputs, resources and risk mitigation for each project

3.3       The majority of the OBCs are being progressed through the individual partners, who have committed specific internal and external resources to their development, under the guidance of the Advisory Boards and in consultation with colleagues from UK Government and NICS.

3.4       Members will also be aware that the Fraunhofer Institute have been appointed to support the development of the digital projects, given their complexity and specialist nature.  The regional aspect of the digital programme, which includes Regional Innovator Networks and testbeds across the city region is a key element of the programme as it enables the benefits of the Digital and innovation projects to be connected across the region and support wider, more inclusive economic growth.  Again the further development of these will require specialist input and it is therefore recommended that the Fraunhofer Institute undertake an additional specific piece of work which focuses on the regional aspect of the digital programme to maximise the overall benefits.  This work has been costed at £134k and will be paid for by the other five councils within the BRCD.

            BRCD Council Panel

3.5       The BRCD Council Panel provides a joint forum for members from all six councils to meet to jointly discuss issues, progress and benefits of the BRCD.   Each council has four members on the Forum and as agreed by this committee the four nominees from BCC are the party group leaders (or their nominees) of the four largest parties.

3.6       The Panel held its first meeting on 23rd October in Belfast City Hall.  They agreed terms of reference, received an update on the BRCD programme and discussed items for consideration at further meetings.  The minutes of the meeting are attached at Appendix 1.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5a

            The Commissioner for Resilience submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report

1.1       SP&R has requested the All-Party Group on the Climate Crisis recommend a process for producing a comprehensive Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Plan for the Council.  A Council motion approved by SP&R in October confirmed that a fully costed Climate Plan should be completed by mid- 2021 at the latest.  At its meeting on the 18th November, the All Party Working Group approved this document for recommendation to SP&R.

1.2       This paper outlines a proposed methodology, governance structure and resourcing for an eighteen-month programme of work to agree targets and produce a Climate Plan.  It was developed in consultation with a number of other cities across the 100 Resilient Cities Network to learn from established practice, and also in consultation with UK cities that are part of the Place Based Climate Action Network (P-CAN).

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        approve the proposed methodology, governance structure and resourcing for development of a Climate Plan, and establishment of an internal Programme Board to take this forward.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Many cities globally have developed Climate Plans to set out how to respond to the potential impacts of climate change, and to reduce adverse impacts on the environment, e.g. by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  Belfast’s city-wide climate plan will aim to deliver the vision set out in the draft Resilience Strategy- to transition to a low-carbon economy in a generation. 

3.2       The plan will focus on climate adaptation and mitigation.  Climate adaptation is the process associated with preparing for the effects of climate change, e.g. building flood defences.  Climate mitigation is the process associated with preventing or alleviating the impacts of climate change, e.g. reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by reducing an organisation’s carbon footprint.  Many organisations produce two separate plans as they tend to involve distinct disciplines.  However to reflect the level of urgency attached to the climate crisis by Belfast City Council, it is proposed that adaptation and mitigation are planned together within the Council.

3.3       Separately from the Council’s plan, a city-wide Climate Plan amounts to a substantial piece of work, and some cities have spent several years developing plans.  Given the urgency of the climate crisis, we are proposing a parallel process; (1) that Belfast City Council develops its Climate Plan by mid-2021, overseen by the All-Party Group on the Climate Crisis, for approval by SP&R and Council (2) a city-wide Climate Plan is developed by stakeholders across the city using existing community planning structures through the establishment of a Resilience and Sustainability Board, which will commence its work in November, and is Chaired by the Commissioner for Resilience.  In steering the development of both plans, the Commissioner for Resilience will have responsibility for ensuring they are aligned. 

3.4       This document recognises that the core business of Council cannot stop as we put the plan together- therefore the plan must have sufficient in-built flexibility to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5b

            The Committee was advised that the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), Metro Dynamics (MD), Centre for Progressive Policy (CPP) and the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) had developed a proposition paper aimed at establishing an Inclusive Growth Knowhow Network based in the UK with international links.  The purpose of the network was to equip individuals and organisations leading on inclusive growth with practical “know how” (evidence, knowledge, expertise) through peer learning.  It built on the foundation of the combined work at place level by these lead partners and the former Inclusive Growth Commission.  The proposed mission statement for the Network was:

“Members of the Inclusive Growth Knowhow Network across the UK have the commitment, knowhow and tools to develop, deliver and measure inclusive growth.  Through this, the Network will help to tackle inequalities, alleviate poverty, drive productivity and create sustainable, inclusive local economies.”

            It was envisaged that the Inclusive Growth Knowhow Network (IGKN), which was aiming to launch in April 2020, would provide the following:

·        A local inclusive growth network of places

·        Implementation advice / advisors

·        Thematic working groups and workshops

·        A website and online communication tools

            In the shorter term, the network would comprise up to 12 local areas committed to the inclusive growth agenda.  Those areas involved would be required to demonstrate active involvement (to be defined), including relevant senior attendance at the annual workshop, hosting/participation in thematic working groups, and deep place engagement with partner implementation advisers. 

            The Councils Strategy, Policy and Partnership Manager had been actively engaged with the Network partners over the last twelve months in terms of shaping their proposition to provide practical support to local authorities to support the embedding and delivery of inclusive growth.

            Given the Council’s role to date in driving the inclusive growth agenda at the Belfast City and regional level, it was important that the Council continued to be actively involved.  The membership of the Network would assist the Council as it began to implement its Inclusive Growth Strategy, which was currently out for public consultation, and would further demonstrate the Members’ commitment to inclusive growth for the city and as part of the Belfast Region City Deal.

            There was no direct financial implication arising from participation.  The Joseph Rowntree Foundation had committed funding to the IGKN for a period of 4 years, with additional in-kind support from the Centre for Progressive Policy.  Participation offered a significant opportunity to access support and resources from across the Network to support the Council’s inclusive growth ambitions.

            During discussion, a member requested if some amendments could be incorporated into the mission statement, such as, needing systemic change to tackle inequalities to alleviate poverty and, in addition, references being made to community wealth building and the inclusion of social justice.

            The Director of City and Organisational Strategy pointed out that a meeting of the Network would be held in due course and discussions could be held in relation to the mission statement to ascertain if the issues which  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5c

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report

1.1       To present a draft Corporate Consultation & Engagement Framework, including outline action plan, for approval.  This framework is needed in order to meet Local Government Auditor recommendations, to signal a best practice approach and to support delivery of Inclusive Growth and Corporate Plan commitments. 

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to agree:

                                          i.     the draft policy framework, outline action plan and underlying principles and best practice standards that will guide our approach to consultation and engagement; and

                                         ii.     to authorise its release for public consultation.

3.0       Key Issues

            Background

3.1       In 2015, following a review of council’s approach to consultation and engagement (C&E), SP&R approved in principle a draft C&E framework.  However, a public consultation and final adoption of the framework was postponed to enable supporting infrastructure to be implemented and for emerging engagement requirements associated with the Belfast Agenda to be more fully taken into account.  The draft framework has now been revised to reflect new developments and process, including commitments in the Belfast Agenda and draft Inclusive Growth Strategy. 

            Why the Framework is needed

3.2       The Local Government (NI) Act 2014 reinforced the council’s duty to consult.  The framework, which aims to improve the quality and consistency our C&E thereby providing improved value for money, reputation and trust, is an important step in demonstrating council’s commitment to consultation.  As a result, the Local Government Auditor has highlighted the delay and absence of an agreed corporate C&E framework as a key area for improvement [Assessment Report 2018].  Whilst, council’s approach to consultation has improved significantly in recent years, our approach to engagement remains an area for development.  An indicative action plan has been developed to support the framework which focuses in particular, on enhancing our engagement capabilities.  Ultimately, the framework seeks to ensure that our residents and partners are more involved in the decisions and services that affect them.  This brings about positive benefits for public services and for communities and is one of the commitments in our draft Inclusive Growth framework (IG). 

            Draft Consultation and Engagement Framework 2019

3.3       The draft framework is not a programme of engagement events or consultations, but instead provides the policy context in which we will do this i.e. how we will plan, deliver and utilise our C&E activity.  The framework outlines the council’s approach to C&E and sets out a vision with underlying principles and standards that we will aspire to meet.  It aims to improve the quality, value and cost-effectiveness of our consultation and engagement, enabling council to meet statutory duties to consult whilst also helping to manage the increased public expectation to be consulted and involved.

            Strengths and Areas for Improvement

3.4       Since 2015, council has invested in staff capacity building and an online corporate consultation platform, which over the past 3 years has hosted 167 consultations (public, customer and internal) and generated in excess of 28,000 individual survey  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5d

            The Committee noted a report which provided an update on the progress of the draft Belfast Open Spaces Strategy (BOSS) and provided also an initial update on the findings of the public consultation on the draft strategy.

            The Committee:

i)              Belfast Transport Hub – Proposed land transfer and licences, Belfast City Council to the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company

-         approved the grant of licences to the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (NITHC) on lands at the Blythefield Play Area; and

-         approved the transfer of a plot of land to the NITHC.

ii)            133 Mount Eagles Avenue – Land Transfer

-                approved the transfer of a small plot of grass land at Mount Eagles Open Space to the owner of an adjoining residential property known as 133 Mount Eagles Avenue.

iii)      Dunbar Link Depot – Proposed licence to Limelight Belfast Ltd for Emergency Escape

-                approved a licence to Limelight Belfast Ltd for a period of 18 months for use of Council lands at Dunbar Link Depot to facilitate an emergency escape.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

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

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to note the contents of this report and

·        Note that site visits to the two completed centres have been arranged for Wednesday 27th November and all Members are encouraged to avail of this opportunity

·        Note the detail of the ongoing promotional activity in relation to the new centre openings and planned taster sessions outlined at 3.5

·        Note the update with respect to GLL’s community engagement plans for the new centres and the recommendation that these are funded from the Programme’s Mobilisation budget as outlined at 3.6

·        Note the update around the next phase of the Programme with respect to proposed closure and start dates for Avoniel and Templemore as outlined at 3.9 and recommend that the current centre at Templemore remains operational until June 2020 and that notice is served on Templemore Users Trust by end December 2019

·        Note the update with respect to a further leisure development at the Girdwood site as outlined at 3.10

·        Note the update with respect to the remaining centres within the leisure estate and agree the Terms of Reference to carry out a feasibility study in this regard as outlined at 3.11

3.0       Main report

            Project Updates – Current Phase 

            Works are well underway on the three new builds and all are currently on schedule.

3.1       Lisnasharragh- Construction works to the building are now largely completed and GLL have begun their mobilisation phase. Staff are now in the building, installing equipment, testing systems and receiving training. The centre is due to open on 2nd December. The initial opening hours for the centre will be 6am-10pm. Initially access to the pool area will be limited to specific sessions in the morning, afternoon and evening to allow for staff training and review sessions. The other facilities including the sports hall, fitness suite, exercise studios and 3G pitch will be fully open. A full programme of activities from Avoniel such as swimming lessons and exercise classes will also be delivered from opening. New programmes will start from January. Members are also asked to note that works on the back of the site (to include the second 3G pitch and new playground) commenced at the start of November and is due to complete in the Spring time.

3.2       Brook- Construction works to the building are now largely completed and GLL have begun their mobilisation phase. Staff are now in the building, installing equipment, testing systems and receiving training. The centre itself is on course to open on 4th December (with the old Brook Activity Centre due to close on 3rd December). The initial opening hours for the centre will be 9am-9pm. Initially access to the pool area will be limited to specific sessions in the morning, afternoon and evening to allow for staff training  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6b

The Committee:

·        approved the public advertisement of tenders as per Standing Order 37a as detailed in (Table 1) set below;

·        approved the contract extensions as detailed in (Table 2)

·        approved the direct award contracts in line with Standing Order 55; Exceptions, as detailed in (Table 3); and

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

Appendix 1

Table 1 – Tenders to be Advertised

Table 2 Contract Extensions

Table 3 Single Tender Actions

            The Committee was reminded that the contract for the Bobbin was due to be re-let following the Committee’s decision of 25th January.  The Director of Legal and Civic Services had indicated at that meeting that he was exploring opportunities to increase revenue whilst enhancing the customer experience at the City Hall.  Subsequently, at its meeting on 20th September, the Committee had approved, in principle, to the inclusion of an outdoor coffee unit, to be placed periodically in the grounds of the City Hall, into the forthcoming Bobbin catering contract.  It was also agreed that a follow up report would be presented to the Committee for final decision.

            The unit would enable tourists and locals to avail of tea, coffee and tray bakes whilst enjoying the grounds of the City Hall.  The self-contained unit would also provide revenue to the Council as part of the franchise tender and would be included as part of the contractual arrangement in respect of the Bobbin.

            The City Solicitor reported that, to ensure the unit was not intrusive on the landscape of the City Hall, the specification of the proposed unit would be small in size (approx. 8ft x 6ft). Officers would work in conjunction with the appointed Bobbin franchisee on the unit specifications, equipment and design.  It was important that the unit colour scheme would be in keeping with the heritage palette of the City Hall building façade with colours of cream / grey / copper greens.

            The proposed unit would be located along the West Façade of the City Hall, beside the electric power outlet.  The West façade was preferred over the East, due to the Visitor Exhibition being located on the East and the desire to not obscure the outlook from the East windows and that footfall was higher on the West façade.  The unit would be present during events and busy months of footfall in the grounds (the dates would be pre-agreed with the franchisee).  However, it would not be present during the annual Christmas and Spring Continental Market.

            The Committee:

·       noted the siting, scale and appearance of the unit and operating principles;

·        approved the inclusion of an outdoor catering unit in the grounds in the forthcoming Bobbin catering tender as a desirable addition, with operational details to be finalised with the appointed franchisee; and

·        approved the leasing/sub-contracting of a self-contained unit for a trial period within the Bobbin tender.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes and the recommendations from the Shared City Partnership Meeting held on 11th November, 2019, including:

·        to note the reports in relation to the PEACE IV Secretariat and updates in relation to the CYP, SSS and BPR themes; and

·        that authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services, in consultation with the Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson of the Partnership and with input from the Special European Union Programmes Body, to proceed with the most appropriate option to facilitate project delivery for the Tech Connects project under the CYP theme.

            The Committee was advised that the Department for Communities had issued its Section 75 Action Plan for consultation which set out actions to address the inequalities identified after undertaking an Audit of Inequalities.  The key areas of priority were: economic inactivity and unemployment; poverty and disadvantage; area-based deprivation; good relations; sports and arts; housing; public appointments; and community empowerment.

            The Equality and Diversity Unit had prepared a draft corporate response, a copy of which is set out hereunder:

APPENDIX 1

Infrastructure and Community Development

Whilst the programmes and actions are welcome, we feel that a greater emphasis on community development is required to enable and equip particular individuals and communities to avail of the support and initiatives available.  We are particularly conscious of the need to build confidence and resilience in young people generally and those further removed from the workplace.  Joint initiatives with other government departments and community planning partnerships will be required to ensure a greater joined up person and community centred approach to addressing the inequalities.

It is important therefore, that any equality schemes build on this partnership working ethos from the outset.  To ensure that this happens and is supported, a particular action design to put in place these building blocks and infrastructure is required.  This could be captured under the action heading of “Community Planning” with bespoke actions included that are designed to support collaboration, understanding need and impact (see below) and addressing “voice poverty”.  Community development is essential for effective community planning and we would welcome greater acknowledgment and support for this.  In addition, we would suggest that there is a need for greater emphasis and support for community engagement, as part of community planning and over and above the focus on women’s empowerment. 

Enabling seldom heard voices and those who are in voice poverty, would help address many of the inequalities and barriers that people face.  Voice poverty is when people are unable to influence the decisions that affect their lives and are excluded from the decision-making process.  It means that their voices are not heard, or even ignored, by decision makers.  Often we speak to the communities that are easiest to reach and we know their views are not necessarily representative of the wider community.  Government and the public sector need to do more to improve how we involve underrepresented groups, including young people in the LGBT+Q communities and minority ethnic communities.  An action that relates to working partners with community planning partners to improve how we engage and involve community groups and organisations which work with those groups experiencing voice poverty would be welcome.

Partnership Working

We would encourage the ongoing partnership working between the Department and local government to co-design the delivery of actions to meet the needs of local areas as it is essential to ensure alignment between regional programmes and the local areas and labour markets.

Cultural Strategy

We are of the view that the Department should consider including the Council’s new ten-year Cultural Strategy which will create  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8b

            The Committee approved the recommendations made in respect of applications received up to 11th November, 2019, as set out in the undernoted appendix:

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report

1.1       To consider a request of the City Hall function rooms and grounds for the Belfast City Marathon Expo and Pack Collection in April 2020 and 2021.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is recommended to

·        approve the application by Belfast City Marathon.

3.0       Main report

            Background

3.1       The Belfast City Marathon has been organised since 1982 by an organising committee involving Belfast City Council, Athletics Northern Ireland and other partners and sponsors. The event traditionally took place on the first bank holiday Monday in May.

3.2       The Committee, at its meeting on 27th June, 2018, agreed that, from 2019 onwards, the Belfast City Marathon would be held on a Sunday and approved a revised route for the event.

3.3       The Committee, at its meeting on 13th February, had approved a rolling reduction in the Council’s financial commitment to the Marathon, from £26,000 in 2019 to zero support by 2025/26.

3.4       Belfast City Marathon previously held the Pack Collection and Expo at the City Hall in the days prior to the main event. This event was very successful in City Hall, receiving plenty of support from both participants, spectators and Belfast City Council staff. Marathon organisers have received numerous requests for the Expo and Park Collection to return to City Hall.

3.5       In recent years organisers moved the Pack Collection and Expo to other locations including Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park and Mary Peters Track, however the space available was too small and organisers received complaints that sites were too far away from the city centre. Investigating private locations puts a strain on Belfast City Marathon financially as space needs to be booked in bulk.

            Key Issues

3.6       Benefits for Belfast City Marathon if approval is granted for Pack Collection and Expo to be located back in City Hall for 2020 and 2021.

3.7       With the change of day (Monday to Sunday) and route, the organisers believe the number of participants will increase enabling more international athletes to take part. In 2019 total    participant numbers increased 20% on 2018 as follows;

·        Marathon 4803 (65% increase)

·        Team Relay 12,055 (11% increase)

·        Walk 967 (8% increase)

·        911 (4% increase)

3.8       In 2019 total economic value to the City through our event was over £2million. Organisers believe that the event in 2020-2021 will continue to increase and having the Expo and Pack Collection at the City Hall would certainly assist with these numbers.

3.9       City Hall is an iconic landmark for the City and features heavily on marathon promotional material. The Marathon no longer starts at the City Hall, thus pack collection and expo provides an opportunity for participants to visit this landmark city centre venue. At other major  European marathons, the Expo and Pack Collection takes place at an important landmark of their City to promote the City’s tourism.

3.10      City Hall’s central location is more accessible for all participants encouraging use of public and city centre parking. Consequently people  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9b

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Party Group Leaders’ Consultative Forum of 14th November, 2019.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Working Group on the Climate Crisis of 18th November, 2019.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Customer Focus Working Group of 6th November, 2019.

            The Committee noted the minutes of the meeting of the Party Group Leaders’ Forum of 31st October.

            In the absence of Councillor Long, Councillor McAllister requested to the Committee to consider:

·        “to actively promote a public awareness campaign on the responsible use of fireworks – including specific information on the legal consequence of misuse; the impact of fireworks on vulnerable people and animal welfare; and precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks’

·        to write to the UK Government urging them to introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 90dB for those sold to the public for private displays; and

·        to encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display.”

            The Committee agreed that a report, on how this could be facilitated, resourced, managed, be brought back in due course.

            Prior to consideration of the reports on the Revenue Estimates and District Rates 2020/21 and Financial Reporting Quarter 2, the Committee was advised the representatives of the Ulster Orchestra and the MAC were in attendance to address the Committee in relation to funding issues.

            The Committee agreed to receive the presentations and accordingly the representatives were invited to the meeting.

            Ulster Orchestra

            Mr. Richard Wigley, Managing Director, Ulster Orchestra, stated that the Orchestra was seeking to continue its Additional Funding Agreement with the Council beyond the current endpoint of March 2020. He indicated that it had been a vital part of the Orchestra’s success story, and a strong Public Value Proposition, by allowing the Orchestra to focus resources on securing income for its Learning and Community Engagement programme (LGE), and that that needed to continue.

            He reviewed what the additional funding agreement covered, including Ulster Hall and Waterfront Hall rent and services, LGE activity and office rent.

            Mr Wigley then reviewed what the Ulster Orchestra was able to achieve with the Council’s support and what it would allow it to do in the future and how it supported partners and local people.  He then referred to its search for a new rehearsal and leaning hub.

            In conclusion, he highlighted the Orchestra’s 50 performances in one day event to mark its 50th anniversary.

            Mr Wigley then answered a number of questions from the Members and the Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, thanked him for his presentation and he retired from the meeting.

            The MAC

            Ms. Anne McReynolds, Chief Executive, The MAC, highlighted how the venue was animating the city since its opening in April, 2012, in that it was open 365 days a year, was accessible, inclusive, home-grown and international.  It had received 27 awards and 12 nominations for the building, the business and its work and had 2.2 million visits to date.

            Following a review of its business model in 2017, the MAC had developed a sustainability plan which included bringing the café bar in-house, redeveloping the venue’s hire strategy, the creation of a cabaret club and a creative leaning strategy.

            This had resulted in a 76% theatre occupancy versus the Northern Ireland average of 50%; an increase of 25% in the sale of tickets compared to year one; and income being nearly doubled since 201/13.  Ms. McReynolds then reviewed the income from venue hire, from the cafe bar and from trusts and foundations, corporate sponsorship and donations.

            She the outlined the financial support received from the Council for the previous three years and stated that for the current year The MAC was seeking a similar level of funding this year as in the previous 2 years.

            Ms. McReynolds concluded by the outlining the venue’s purpose which was “To make Northern Ireland a better place through the creation and enjoyment of and participation in outstanding art” and its vision which was “A creative and confident society that celebrates diversity”.

            The Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.