Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Alderman Spence and Councillors McAllister and Nicholl.

No declarations of interest were reported.

            The Committee was reminded that the Council’s Bonfire Governance Arrangements stated that the Press and public will be excluded from meetings in relation to bonfire-related issues, having regard to the sensitive nature of the business to be transacted and for the protection of officers who might be required to provide information to assist in decision-making. In addition, the information provided was to be treated as sensitive and confidential.

            Accordingly, the Committee agreed that the Press and public be excluded from the meeting.

            The Committee was advised also that, in accordance with Standing Order 37a - Duties of Committees: Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, it had full delegated authority to take decisions in relation to bonfire-related issues.

            Avoniel Site

            The Chief Executive provided the Members with an update in relation to the Avoniel site with regards to the contractor employed for the removal of the bonfire materials at the site and the position of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, following a complaint of aggravated trespass by the Council.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed:

·        to the establishment of an All-Party Working Group to put in place a framework to achieve more effective management of bonfires on Council-owned sites/facilities, with a report on the Terms of Reference of the Working Group to be submitted to the meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee on 23rd August;

·        to reiterate its support for the Police Service of Northern Ireland to take action against those committing and orchestrating aggravated trespass at Avoniel; and

·        that appropriate investigations be undertaken by the Council and the Police Service for Northern Ireland in relation to any leaks of confidential/restricted information regarding the Council’s contractor for the removal of bonfire materials.

Call-in

            The Committee agreed further, in accordance with Standing Order 47 (a) (2) (c), that the decisions would not be subject to call-in, on the basis that an unreasonable delay could be prejudicial to the Council’s or the public’s interest.