Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Councillors Graham, Heading and Nicholl.

            The minutes of the meeting of 24th January, omitting those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee, were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 3rd February.

            Alderman Haire declared an interest in relation to item 2e – George Telford Memorial Grand Lodge Centenary Dinner in that he was in attendance at the event and he left the meeting whilst the item was under discussion.

            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 Director of Finance and Resources submitted a report which presented the Quarter 3 financial position for the Council, including a forecast of the year-end outturn.  It included a reporting pack with a summary of the financial indicators and an executive summary.  In addition, it had provided a more detailed explanation of each of the relevant indicators and the forecast outturn for the year.

            The Director reported that the departmental year-end forecast was an underspend of £764k which represented a variance of 0.5% of the annual net expenditure budget.  The district rate forecast from Land and Property Services (LPS) was a clawback of £1.4 million.  He pointed out that officers would continue to work with LPS to scrutinise the rate forecast before the final position was presented to Committee at year-end.

            He reminded the Members of previous commitments to support a number of unbudgeted initiatives as detailed in the report, that is, Air Quality, the World Irish Dancing Championships and the 2021 UEFA Supercup and it was recommended that they be prioritised for funding given the forecasted available balances.  He pointed out that requests for funding had been received from the Ulster Boxing Council, The Belfast Advice Group (Citywide Tribunal Service), the Centre for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) and the MAC, and the Committee would have to consider whether it wished to provide any funding to those organsiations.

            After discussion, the Committee affirmed its commitment to support the unbudgeted initiatives as detailed in Par 3.7 - 3.9 of the report, that is, Air Quality, The World Irish Dancing Championships and the 2021 UEFA Supercup.

Moved by Councillor Beattie,

Seconded by Councillor McLaughlin,

      That the Committee agrees to provide additional support of £100k to the Ulster Boxing Council to host the 2020 EUBC School Boys and School Girls European Boxing Championships from 7th June - 11th July 2020.

Amendment

Moved by Councillor Long,

Seconded by Councillor Dorrian,

      That the Committee agrees:

·        that the General Reserves balance be set at £13 million;

·        to defer the decision on funding of £75,000 to the Belfast Advice Group (Citywide Tribunal Service) to cover the period April 2020 – March 2021 until the Department for Communities clarifies its position; and

·        the remaining forecasted underspend be considered again at the year-end (quarter 4) with a view on it being put into a general reserve and consideration being given to it being used to support alleygating and Belfast Bikes.

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

            The amendment was put as the substantive motion and agreed.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 20th January, it had agreed to a corporate response being submitted to the Department for Communities (DfC) consultation on the Regulation of Gambling and that each of the Party Group Leaders would nominate a Member to engage with officers to draw up the response.

            The City Solicitor reported that that engagement had now taken place and he submitted for the Committee’s consideration a proposed response to the consultation.

            The Committee agreed:

·        the corporate response to the DfC Consultation on the Regulation of Gambling; and

·        the response insofar as it related to casinos within the consultation.

            The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the matter to enable a further report to be submitted in relation to free tours for Belfast citizens.

            The Chief Executive tabled for the Committee’s information a report which highlighted issues being raised with the Council by Northern Ireland Water in relation to the impact of underinvestment in the waste water infrastructure in Belfast and requested the Committee to consider the position it wished to take in response.

            The Committee requested that letters be forwarded to NI Water, the Utility Regulator and the Ministers for Finance and the Department for Infrastructure seeking clarification in relation to the issues outlined in paragraph six of the report.

            The City Solicitor submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report outlining the findings of an investigation following an incident at the City Hall on 12th October, 2019 at a centenary dinner hosted by the George Telford Memorial Grand Lodge.

            The City Solicitor outlined the summary of findings and the recommendations for the future use of the City Hall arising from the investigation.

            During discussion, a Member requested that the terms and conditions of use include other Council facilities and, after a lengthy debate, the Committee:

1.     noted the report and findings;

2.      agreed that the terms and conditions for the use of City Hall and other Council facilities be revisited and refreshed, with express reference to the Council’s equality obligations;

3.      agreed that those who fail to comply with terms and conditions for the use of City Hall may be subject to a sanction barring them from the future use of Council facilities, either permanently or for a time-bound period; and

4.      agreed that event organisers be asked to meet any additional costs of providing security staff for events if the risk assessment or event management plan indicates additional staff would be required.

Moved by Councillor McLaughlin,

Seconded by Councillor McDonough-Brown,

      That, given the decision taken by the Committee in relation to point 3, the George Telford Memorial Grand Lodge and Govan Protestant Boys be banned from booking the City Hall in the future.

            On a vote by show of hands, twelve Members voted for the proposal and four against and it was declared carried.

            The Committee proceeded to discuss a proposed statement to be issued by the Council in relation to the incident and it was:

Moved by Councillor McDonough-Brown,

Seconded by Councillor Long,

      That the statement to be issued by the Council include the decision in relation to the banning of the George Telford Memorial Grand Lodge and the Govan Protestant Boys from booking the City Hall in the future.

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

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       To consider a response from the Permanent Secretary, Department of Health, to a motion on Bowel and Breast Cancer Screening which was passed by the Council at its meeting on 2nd December. 

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is requested to

·        consider the response and take such action thereon as may be determined.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       At the Council meeting on 2nd December, the following motion, which was proposed by Councillor Canavan and seconded by Councillor S. Baker, was passed:

            ‘This Council notes that early diagnosis of bowel cancer and breast cancer offers patients the best chance of successful treatment.

            England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland all currently use the more accurate screening test, the Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) for bowel cancer and have a lowered age for screening.

            NHS England is currently trialling breast cancer screening at the lower age of 47 and the upper age of 72.

            This Council agrees to write to the Permanent Secretary, Department of Health, highlighting the difference in the screening service provision across Britain and Ireland and calling for the extension of the age range for bowel screening and to trial breast cancer screening at a lower age in the North of Ireland.’

3.2       A response has now been received from the Permanent Secretary.

3.3       The Permanent Secretary explains that the Northern Ireland Bowel Cancer Screening Programme currently covers all men and women between the ages of 60 and 74. In relation to the further development of the Programme, the Northern Ireland Screening Committee has recommended a phased approach involving, firstly, the replacement of the Faecal Occult Blood test with the Faecal Immunochemical Test, which has a better performance in terms of participation rates, and, secondly, giving consideration to offering screening from the age of 50. The move to Faecal Immunochemical Testing is due to take place early this year and, once completed, the extension of the age range for bowel screening will be considered. In view of these developments, there is, therefore, no plans to undertake a review of bowel screening at this time.   

3.4       The Permanent Secretary then provides details of the Northern Ireland Breast Screening Programme. He explains that, in line with the recommendations of the UK National Screening Committee, women between the ages of 50 and 70 are invited for screening every three years. Those over the age of 70 are able to self-refer every three years by contacting their local screening centre. Breast screening is not, however, offered to women under the age of 50, as their risk of developing breast cancer is deemed to be lower and their mammograms tend to be more difficult to interpret, thereby leading to false positive results, anxiety and unnecessary biopsies. He adds that, in April, 2013, the Northern Ireland Breast Screening Programme assumed responsibility for the surveillance screening of women with a higher risk of breast cancer and that women from the age of 20 upwards were now  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3a

            The Committee was reminded that, at the Council meeting on 2nd December, the following motion, which had been proposed by former Councillor Hargey and seconded by Councillor McLaughlin, had been adopted by the Council:

            “This Council notes with deep concern the hugely damaging, toxic and chaotic politics currently being administered by the Conservative British Government regarding Brexit.

            This City has an ever-growing population of young people who will ultimately have to live with the long term consequences of this British Government’s damaging policy of attempting to drag citizens out of the European Union against the wishes of the majority of citizens in Belfast who voted to remain.

            As a Council, we have a duty to protect all our citizens, young and old, against the policies and hardship that this British government and its allies will bring by dragging them out of the European Union. There is no Brexit that is a good Brexit for the citizens of Belfast or elsewhere in Ireland.

            This Council must, therefore, investigate alternative solutions to Brexit that seek to protect its citizens from the damaging effects which Brexit will ultimately bring.

            In seeking alternative solutions to protect Belfast citizens, a referendum on Irish Unity, as enshrined within the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, must be legitimately considered. This is a solution that would protect our citizens from Brexit and is supported by categorical statements from the European Council where, in the event of Irish Unity, the citizens in the north would be returned back into the European Union.

            The Council calls for the establishment of a New Ireland Forum for the 21st Century, alongside a series of comprehensive Citizens’ Assemblies, to examine the practical, social and economic aspects of a New Ireland.

            The Council believes that winning people to the idea of a unified state will require a vision of a different kind of Ireland, which sees an end to the low tax haven and soaring rents in the South, the complete separation of church and state, an all-island NHS and an end to sectarianism and racism and the communal carve up of resources in the North, where those who live here are welcome here, no matter where they are born, and where the rights of women and the LBGTQ+ communities are respected. 

            The Council agrees to write directly to the Taoiseach and to the British Secretary of State requesting that they clearly specify what would satisfy the requirement, as provided for under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, to facilitate an Irish Unity referendum.”

            It was reported that responses had now been received on behalf of the Secretary of State and the Tánaiste addressing in detail the issues raised within the motion in relation to a unity referendum and Brexit and copies of the responses had been circulated for the information of the Members.

            A Member pointed out that the responses did not address the questions which were asked in the motion and requested that the Committee consider forwarding a further  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3b

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       Committee is asked to consider a request from Northern Ireland Water for the Council to engage with them in relation to the Northern Ireland Water Refillution Campaign.

1.2       Committee is also asked to note the update re the Notice of Motion, raised by Councillor McMullan and seconded by Councillor McReyonlds in regards to examining the feasibility of installing Water refill points across the Council Estate. 

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Committee is asked to;

                                           (i)          Consider the request from Northern Ireland Water and to approve that officers engage with them in relation to Belfast City Council participating in this scheme.

                                         (ii)          Note that a recommendation to add ‘Installation of Water Refill Points in Council Assets’ as a Stage 1 – Emerging Project onto the Capital Programme is  contained within the Physical Programme Update report which is also on the agenda for consideration by Members today at Item 6

3.0       Main report

3.1       REFILLOUTION CAMPAIGN

            Members are advised of a request from Northern Ireland Water in relation to the ‘Refilloution’ Campaign.  This request compliments previous discussions on water refill points and would encourage members of the public to refill a reusable bottle with tap water rather that buy single use plastics. 

3.2       Over the last year, Northern Ireland Water has engaged with Northern Ireland Councils, including Belfast City Council, to partner with them on helping reduce plastic pollution.  Northern Ireland Water launched its ‘Refillution,’ Campaign on 19th June to coincide with a National Day of Action.

3.3       The ‘Refillution’ Campaign is aimed at encouraging people to refill a reusable bottle with tap water and buy less single use plastic bottles.

3.4       Ards and North Down Borough Council became the first Council area to partner with Northern Ireland Water in May 2019.  A number of businesses in the Borough, around 70, have signed up to ‘Refillution’ where the public can refill their reusable water bottles for free, from shops or cafés that are supporting the campaign. 

3.5       Northern Ireland Water provides the business with a number of window stickers, posters and bottles as part of a ‘Toolkit.’  There are also opportunities for joint press and shared articles in the Council Magazine.

3.6       Eight of the other Councils also supported the NI Water launch on 19th June.  Northern Ireland Water have requested that the Belfast City Council meet with them to look at how this scheme can be introduced into the City.

3.7       WATER REFILL STATIONS

3.8       Members will recall the notice of motion brought forward by Cllr McMullan, seconded by Cllr McReynolds at the August meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee:

3.9      “This Council recognises the over reliance on single use plastic water bottles.  It notes innovative solutions to tackle this issue and support sustainable living, for example, the water refill stations recently installed by Mayo County Council.

            The Council agrees to the installation of water bottle  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3c

            The Committee was reminded that, at the Council meeting on 3rd February, the following motion had been proposed by Councillor de Faoite and seconded by Councillor McKeown and, in accordance with Standing Order 13(f), had been referred to the Committee for consideration:

“This Council:

·        notes the objectives of the Growing Communities Strategy 2012 – 2022, which include supporting environmental sustainability and the development of the social economy;

·        recognises that, as society continues to care more about how food is produced, processed and transported, market gardens and urban farming are increasingly popular alternatives for climate-conscious consumers;

·        further recognises that market gardens and urban farming align closely with the three pillars of sustainable development: they contribute to production; they boost social integration; and they improve our environment and general health;

·        acknowledges that market gardens and urban farming can play a positive role in supporting the development of environmental and agricultural education at all levels; and

·        resolves to work with all relevant partners to establish an urban farm for community use and market garden development on an existing site within the Belfast City Council land bank, using revenue raised by the disposal of other sites.”

            Councillor de Faoite, who proposed the motion, addressed the Committee and requested support for the proposals outlined.  He referred to the report which would be considered later in the meeting in relation to the Council–owned land at Beechvale Farm.  He requested the Committee to consider alternative proposals for the land, in particular those which were outlined in the motion.

            After discussion, the Committee:

·        agreed a report on how this would be facilitated, resourced and managed be brought back; and

·        the proposals be taken into consideration when the Committee was considering the report on the Beechvale Farm later in the meeting.

            The Committee was reminded that the following motion had been proposed by Councillor Beattie and seconded by Councillor Garrett at the Council meeting on 3rd February.  In accordance with Standing Order 13(f), the motion had been referred to the Committee for consideration.

“This Council agrees to task officers to prepare an initial report on developing a new growth deal for the city of Belfast. 

The Belfast Agenda recognises and builds on our City’s achievements. Our success in economic growth is making a vital contribution to the broader economy. We are a significant employer of people living in and outside the city. However, for Belfast to achieve its ambitions, it needs to work in partnership with the Executive.

One potential avenue for this growth deal could be the regional rate. If the Council was to work in conjunction with the Department of Finance and secure an additional 2% from the regional rate, it would derive an additional £30 million in revenue.

Two of the potential sectors to benefit from this additional growth fund could be in the building of much needed public housing or the renewable energy market in the form of an offshore wind farm. Currently, there are no offshore wind farms in the North of Ireland. These two potential options both conform to the Belfast Agenda and the draft Programme for Government. They are sustainable projects which would ensure a steady return to this Council over many years.”

            The Committee agreed that a report on how this would be facilitated, resourced and managed, be brought back to a future meeting.

            The Committee was reminded that, at the meeting of the Council on 3rd February, a motion on the Belfast Zoo had been proposed by Councillor Maskey and seconded by Councillor Murphy and subsequently referred to the Committee for consideration.  The proposer of the motion, Councillor Maskey, had indicated that he wished to amend the motion into the following form and the Committee agreed that that be accepted:

“The Council agrees to undertake a feasibility study with a view to producing an ambitious plan to transform the Belfast Zoo into a world-class visitor attraction by 2025. The display of caged animals in enclosures doesn’t mirror in any way their natural habitat and has no place in modern society.

The five year transitional period will enable the Council to explore how best to facilitate the most ethical, safe and appropriate future environment for the animals which are currently housed at the zoo.

The ratepayers of the city have to subsidise the zoo to the tune of £2.5 million annually. The feasibility study will consider if the savings could be re-invested in the site to create a world class visitor attraction.  The study should include the feasibility of incorporating a conservation facility and programme for indigenous animals.  In doing so the Council will seek to commit to securing all jobs currently at the zoo site, with the options of retraining and redeployment if required.  The feasibility study to inform the transformation plan would include consultation with staff, trade unions and the residents of the city.”

Amendment

Moved by Councillor McAllister,

Seconded by Councillor Groogan,

      That the motion in relation to the Belfast Zoo be substituted with the following:

“This Council reaffirms its support for the Belfast Zoo and its staff and its long term sustainability and future investment.

The Council agrees to scope future investment and a feasibility study for the long term sustainability of the Belfast Zoo and the surrounding area, including the Flora Hall.  This will be done in conjunction with leading experts, key stakeholders and public consultation and engagement.”

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

            The motion, as amended, was put to the Committee as the substantive motion and agreed.

            The Committee deferred consideration on the matter to enable briefings to be provided to those Parties who so wished.

            The Committee was advised that the Council, at its meeting on 6th January, had passed the following motion, which had been proposed by Councillor Flynn and seconded by Alderman Rodgers:

“This Council recognises the important work carried out by local animal charities, including the Dogs Trust, which recently suspended its adoption service over the holiday period to highlight the fact that dogs are for life and not just for Christmas.

The Council notes with concern that unethical breeders and profit-driven third party commercial traders of young animals has led to an industry rife with serious neglect and abuse of animals across the United Kingdom and Ireland and has led to the unnecessary suffering of animals bred in dissolute puppy farms.

The Council recognises the successful campaign for the introduction of Lucy’s Law in England, which will come into effect from April 2020. This new legislation will ban the sale of puppies and kittens from third parties, ensuring that buyers deal directly with registered breeders.

Accordingly, the Council resolves to write to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to express its concerns, affirm its support for Lucy’s Law and request that preparatory work be undertaken to allow for Lucy’s Law to be legislated for in Northern Ireland.”

            It was reported that a response had now been received from the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural affairs.

            In the response, the Minister explained that his Department was monitoring changes in the legislation in England in relation to amendments to the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, as a result of the campaign for Lucy’s Law.  He pointed out that the new rules, which were due to come into effect in England in April, would mean that puppies and kittens could no longer be sold by a third party seller, such as a pet shop or commercial dealer, unless they had bred the animal themselves.  Anyone seeking to buy or adopt a puppy or kitten under six months old must either deal directly with the breeder or an animal rehoming centre.

            The Minister had confirmed that he intended to monitor the changes being implemented in England, with a view to considering the most appropriate way forward for Northern Ireland.  He concluded by stressing his commitment to ensuring that Northern Ireland had high welfare standards and that the wellbeing of pets remain protected. 

            The Committee noted the response.

            The Committee considered the following 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 progress in the further development of the BRCD

·        To note the proposed NI Funding and Governance Arrangements and BRCD partner response

·        To note the minutes of the BRCD Council Panel held on 29th January 2020.

3.0       Main report

            Programme Update

3.1       Members will be aware that the BRCD proposition contains 22 projects across Digital, Innovation, Infrastructure and Tourism & Regeneration investment pillars, which will be underpinned by an integrated employability and skills programme.

3.2       Robust Outline Business Cases (OBCs) demonstrating the ability of each project to support the BRCD’s stated objectives are required for each project in order to release the BRCD Funding.  The main focus of this stage of the process, Phase 2, is therefore the development of the OBCs.   Projects are being progressed by individual partners with the guidance and support of Advisory Boards and an update on each investment pillar is provide below.

            Investment Priorities

3.3       Tourism and Regeneration

            Plans for the development of many of the OBCs within the agreed timeframes have been reviewed by the Advisory Board, which is now receiving monthly updates on the progress of each project. Project teams have confirmed that they are largely on course to produce OBCs between February and May, but there is limited room for slippage if deadlines are to be achieved.  To ensure projects align with emerging government strategies and tourism priorities the Advisory Board includes representation from Tourism NI, the Department for the Economy and the Department for Communities.  Tourism NI is now examining possible market testing options for projects in order to assess their potential tourism ‘appeal’ - this will provide important evidence for inclusion in the OBCs.  To complement this Tourism Ireland has also offered to produce analysis of the strengths/weaknesses of each project. 

3.4       Innovation

            The Innovation Board is continuing to oversee the development of plans for five global centres of excellence in the digital and creative industries, life and health sciences and advanced manufacturing growth sectors, aligned with the priorities of the UK industrial strategy.  Business cases have now been drafted in consultation with government stakeholders. The Board has also been working with the E&S pillar to consider how to ensure the skills will be in place for the jobs emerging as a result of these projects.  The challenges of minimising carbon emissions were the subject of a recent workshop and work to consider potential synergies with the digital pillar has also commenced.   The Innovation strand continues to be furthest advanced  with the completion of the first draft OBCs for the following centres of excellence; 

·        The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre which  will provide high quality innovation support to manufacturing and advanced engineering industry by bringing together early stage research and education delivery (AMIC Campus) together with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4a

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0         Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1The purpose of this report is to provide Members with an overview of the key proposals set out within the recently published ‘New Decade, New Approach’ document; and highlighting several specific points for discussion with NI Executive Ministers.

2.0Recommendations

2.1Members are asked to:

(a)              Note the summary of the New Decade, New Approach attached at Appendix 2.

(b)             Review the proposed discussion points for Ministerial enagemnt, as set out in section 3 below, and identify any addtional issues whch Members may wish to raise.

(c)              Note that an agenda and supporting briefing papers will be preparedfor each Ministerial meeting based on the list of issues agreed by Members.

3.0Main report

3.1Members will be aware that the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ was published by the British and Irish Governments on 9th January 2020 (copy attached at Appendix 1).  The document is split into two main parts with a series of sub-commitments set out covering the following areas:

·        Priorities of the Restored Executive (pages 6-10)

·        Northern Ireland Executive Formation Agreement (pages 11-44)

·        Annex A: specific UK Government commitments to Northern Ireland (pages 45-56)

·        Annex B: specific Irish Government commitments to Northern Ireland (pages 57-62)

3.2A summary of the document is attached at Appendix 2 for Members information. Clearly, there are a wide range of positive commitments set out within the deal which will benefit Northern Ireland and it will be important that we gain a full understanding of their potential impact on Belfast.  Correspondence has been issued to all NI Executive Ministers seeking meetings with a cross-party delegation to discss specific issues  and opportunities  for the city.

3.3Ministerial discussion points

      Given the likely limitation of time secured with Ministers, it will be important that the discussion is focused on key priority areas. To help focus discussion at the meetings, the following areas are proposed for Members consideration and comment.

3.3.1        General Comments

·        Joining up the skills issue across Departments

·        Local government – links to UK policy and funding

·        Local government – relationships with all island bodies

·        The importance of place and the role of local government in place-making.

·        Role of cities as Economic Drivers. Definition of a regionally balanced economy – urban policy

·        Climate adaptation and mitigation planning at local and regional level including funding strategy

·        Refresh of Programme for Government - alignment with Belfast Agenda - strengthened relationship between departments and Belfast CC and other Councils.  New mechanisms for collaboration, co-design and delivery

·        City Deal – forerunner to a new local/regional partnership and funding approach

·        Further devolution agenda

·        Innovation in public sector

·        5G and digital connectivity

3.3.2        The Executive Office

·        The importance of local government in supporting achievement of Executive priorities. Refresh of Programme for Government – linkages to Belfast Agenda: NOTE it is recommended that BCC ask for a role in the PfG development process. 

·        The importance of place - strengthened central/ local  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4b

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report

1.1       To present the draft corporate improvement objectives for 2020 - 2021 and to seek Committee approval to issue these for public consultation in line with our statutory obligations.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are asked to consider the draft improvement objectives for 2020-21, and subject to any refinements, to authorise the public consultation required as part of the council’s improvement duty.  The proposed improvement objectives for 2020-21 are as follows: 

2.2       More information on the improvement objectives, including indicative actions, is contained in Appendix 1. Subject to feedback from the public consultation, detailed actions, performance targets and alignment to inclusive growth will be developed. 

3.0       Key Issues

            Background

3.1       Council has a statutory requirement to produce an annual improvement plan that sets out our improvement objectives for the year ahead.  The Improvement objectives and plan does not include everything that council plans to do that year, but instead focuses on a smaller set of key improvement priorities, as informed by resident priorities and evidenced by need. 

            Review and Development of our Improvement Objectives

3.2       In 2017-18, we aligned our improvement objectives to the key priorities within the Belfast Agenda.  The Belfast Agenda is the overarching strategic plan for the city.  Developed following extensive engagement and analysis, it articulates the key priorities for the city and provides a robust basis for both our corporate plan and our improvement objectives.  As a result of this alignment, our objectives are outcome based and strategic in nature, so although we update the improvement actions on an annual basis, the improvement objectives themselves are likely to remain valid to 2023 (i.e. aligned to the four yearly cycle of the Belfast Agenda planning). 

3.3       Each year however, the council’s strategic hub reviews the improvement objectives to determine whether they are still valid and appropriate.  For 2020-21, we are recommending that council retains last year’s improvement objectives but includes a new improvement objective related to resilience and sustainability. This reflects the growing importance of this issue and the ongoing work in relation to the City Development priority.  It also provides a direct read across against the priorities in our new draft four-year corporate plan.  As a result, the existing improvement objective relating to recycling and waste will move from City Development to Resilience and Sustainability.  Members should also note that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4c

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       At the meeting of the People and Communities Committee on 4th June 2019, it was agreed that a review be undertaken of the Departments ongoing partnership agreements with a focus on alignment with the Belfast Agenda and value for money.  Included within this review was the partnership agreement with Belfast Healthy Cities, who facilitate the city’s membership of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network.

1.2       Following the decision of Committee, officers have been engaging with Belfast Healthy Cities and its three other core funding partners, to inform and establish a shared review process, taking account of the potential to enhance alignment of the city’s membership to the WHO European Healthy Cities Network, with the ambitions of the Belfast Agenda.

1.3       This report outlines action being taken to review Council’s partnership agreement with Belfast Healthy Cities, providing a timeframe for the completion of the review and subsequent next steps, and asks that Members approve a six month extension to the current partnership agreement with Belfast Healthy Cities, to allow for the completion of the review.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The committee is asked to:

·        Note the content of the report;

·        Agree to receive a follow up report outlining the outcomes of the review of Council’s partnership agreement with Belfast Healthy Cities; and

·        Agree to extend the current partnership agreement with Belfast Healthy Cities to 30th September 2020.

3.0       Main report

            Key Issues

3.1       Members approved the completion of an Expression of Interest for Belfast to re-designate as a WHO Healthy City and participate in Phase VII of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network at the meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee on 17th August 2018.

3.2       Belfast’s membership to the WHO European Healthy Cities Network is facilitated by Belfast Healthy Cities (BHC), an independent partnership organisation, recognised as having charitable status by The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. Belfast Healthy Cities is governed by a Board of Directors, elected annually and representing the public, university, voluntary and community sectors.

3.3       As part of the partnership agreement with Council in 2019/20, Belfast Healthy Cities have been leading on the development of the city’s application for Phase VII of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network, including undertaking action to satisfy each of the 13 requirements for the city’s membership. It is envisaged the application for Phase VII will be drafted in the coming months and will be brought before Council in early Summer for approval.

3.4       During Phase VI (2015-19) of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network, the local context in Belfast and the region has shifted, most notably with the introduction of Community Planning and a greater emphasis being placed on outcomes.  The city’s Community Planning Partnership is the key strategic partnership for Council in terms of the ambitions of the Belfast Agenda, including reducing the gap in life expectancy between the most and least deprived communities in Belfast.

3.5       The review of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4d

            The Committee was advised that the APSE Local Government Commission was conducting an independent inquiry into the future role of local government across the United Kingdom.  The Commission believed that, after years of austerity across public services, local government faced a number of policy issues, be it growing inequalities, housing, climate change or public health.  At the same time, the organisational landscape of local government had undergone a patchwork re-organisation through City Deals and combined authorities, partnerships and shared services, asset transfers and local authority companies.

            The Commission would consider the future role of local government across the broad themes of stewardship of place; local finance and funding regimes; local government organisation and structures; workforce capacities and roles; local service provision; local democracy and accountability; community leadership, equality and diversity; and centre-local relations.

            To understand and evaluate what those issues meant for the future of local councils, the APSE Local Government Commission would develop an independent analysis of the state of local government in the United Kingdom and focus on its future challenges and emerging role in delivering a New Municipalism.  Importantly, the Commission had taken 2030 as its key date on the horizon, signaling its commitment to meet the challenges of climate change and sustainability.

            The Commission would then produce a report, with recommendations, in early 2021, based on its findings from written and oral evidence from interested parties across the UK. The Commission had stated that its recommendations would recognise the multiple, complex and evolving systems that mark the landscape of local government across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

            In terms of early engagement with APSE, officers had indicated that the likely key areas of interest for Belfast would include:

·        enhanced devolution to local government, including regeneration, planning, skills investment and planning, and local transport planning;

·        enhanced local investment powers, to ensure that councils had the fiscal levers to tackle issues at community and city level; and

·        the introduction of legislation/measures that strengthen the relationship between central and local government, including a duty to collaborate to provide for responsive and integrated public services delivery at regional, city and community level. 

            As part of the evidence gathering process, APSE was hosting a special evidence session for Northern Ireland Local Government to further inform the work of the Commission. This session was being held today and Council officers were in attendance.  This session would the first face-to-face engagement between APSE and local government and Members would have the opportunity to feed into that work as the inquiry progressed.

            The Committee:

a)     noted that officers have had early engagement with APSE on this inquiry to highlight headline issues for local government;

b)     agreed that, as the independent inquiry progresses, the Council would provide a comprehensive corporate response.

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

            The Committee, at its meeting on 21st June, 2019, had revised the Council’s Scheme of Allowances to make arrangements to cover what should happen to the payments of a Councillor’s Basic Allowance and/or Special Responsibility Allowance if that Councillor was 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.

            No arrangements were currently in place in regard to Civic Allowances should a similar disqualification or suspension be imposed on the Lord Mayor or Deputy Lord Mayor.  However, the Council had 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 Civic Allowances to provide that:

“A Scheme should state that where a Councillor, in accordance with section 59(5) of the Local Government Act (NI) 2014, the part of the Chairperson/Vice Chairperson Allowance payable to the Councillor in respect of the period for which the Councillor is suspended should be withheld.”

            Also, the Department for Communities determined the maximum hourly rates of Dependant’s Carers’ Allowance for both standard care and specialised care.  The rate for standard care was based on the hourly National Living Wage for age 25+, which would increase on 1st April, 2020 from the current rate of £8.21 per hour to £8.72 per hour.  The rate for specialised care was double the rate for standard care.  In addition, the Department for Communities set the maximum monthly amounts for standard care and specialised care, capped at the equivalent of 52 hours per month.

            As the Council received 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.

            Accordingly, in line with the guidance issued by the Department regarding Civic Allowances, and the increase in the National Living Wage, the Committee agreed to the amendments to the Scheme of Allowances as follows:

“Civic Dignitaries Allowance

Where a Lord Mayor or Deputy Lord Mayor is suspended from carrying out the duties of a councillor in accordance with section 59(5) of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, the part of Civic Allowance payable to the Councillor in respect of the period for which the Councillor is suspended will be withheld.”

and

“Dependants’ Carers’ Allowance

Standard Care              £8.72 per hour limited to £453.44 per month

Specialist Care  £17.44 per hour limited to £906.88 per month”

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The Council’s Capital programme is a rolling programme of investment which either improves the existing Council facilities or provides new Council facilities. This report seeks approval to move projects to the next stage of project development process, and provides an update on other projects on the capital programme.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is requested to –

            Movements under the Capital Programme

·        Customer Focus Programme – Customer Hub location: agree to move the Customer Hub Location project to a Stage 2 - uncommitted, under the Capital Programme.

·        Water refill points – agree to add as an Emerging Stage 1 project, under the Capital Programme i.e. SOC and scoping to be worked up.

            Project Updates

·        Fleet Programme - Lord Mayor’s Car – note the further detail provided in relation to options for replacement of the Lord Mayor’s Car and agree which option is to be progressed – a plug-in hybrid model or a fully electric model

            Issues for consideration

·        Request for permission –

a)     Consider the request from The Executive Office in relation to aerial footage of capital projects on council land (UV Programme).

b)     For Council to conduct aerial footage over council lands re PEACE IV connecting open spaces project.

3.0       Main report

            Proposed Movements – Capital Programme

3.1       Members have previously agreed that all capital projects must go through a 3 Stage process where decisions on which projects progress are taken by SP&R. This provides assurance as to the level of financial control and will allow Members to properly consider the opportunity costs of approving one capital project over another capital project. Members are asked to agree to the following movement on the Capital Programme:

3.2

            Customer Focus Programme – Customer Hub location - A Strategic Outline Case (SOC) has been completed and an Outline Business Case (OBC) will now be worked up on the Customer Hub Location proposal – a capital project within the corporate priority Customer Focus Programme - and presented back through internal governance and Committee approval process.

            Water refill points – Members are asked to note that a paper on the ‘Northern Ireland Water Refilloution Campaign & Water Refill Stations’ is also on the agenda for consideration by Committee at its meeting on 21st Feb.  In terms of the Water Refill Stations this relates to a Notice of Motion that was brought to Council in August 2019 requesting that ‘the Council agrees to the installation of water bottle refill stations across the Council Estate.  This aims to help encourage a growing culture  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6a

(i)     Beechvale Farm – Conacre Agreements

The Committee approved the renewal of three conacre licences for the growing of crops, grazing and grass cutting on agricultural lands at Beechvale Farm, Comber for a licence period from and including 1st April, 2020 to 31st March, 2021; agreed to defer actioning or implementing the decision of 21st June, 2019, that is, to market Beechvale Farm for sale, to enable a further report to be submitted on other future options for the site taking into consideration the proposals in the motion discussed earlier in the meeting on Market Gardens and Urban Farming.

(ii)   Morton Community Centre – Licence to Streetwise Community Circus CIC

The Committee approved the grant of a licence agreement to Streetwise Community Circus CIC for use of premises at Morton Community Centre.

(iii)Ormeau Golf Club – Lease Renewal

The Committee approved the renewal of the lease of c. 137 acres of land at Park Road to the Trustees of Ormeau Golf Club for a term of 25 years from 1 July 2020 at a rent of £14,500 per annum with rent reviews every 5 years.

            The Committee noted the contents of a report which provided an update on the mobilisation and opening of the Lisnasharragh and Brook Leisure Centres and which highlighted the successes and challenges to date.

            The Committee approved:

·        the public advertisement of tenders as per Standing Order 37a detailed in Table 1; and

·        the award of STAs in line with Standing Order 55 exceptions as detailed in Table 2:

Table 1 – Publically Advertised Tenders

Table 2 - Direct Award Contracts (Single Tender Action)

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes and the recommendations from the Shared City Partnership Meeting held on 10th February, 2020, including to:

PEACE IV Secretariat

·        an extension request to September 2022 being explored for the Programme, subject to approvals and budget availability.

Peace IV - Children and Young People

·        extend the delivery timeframe for CYP1 Tech Connects to March, 2022; and

·        reallocate necessary funding (up to £57,000) from the CYP underspend to the CYP1 Tech Connects project.

Peace IV - Shared Spaces and Services

·        approve the Partnership’s suggested brand name for the Reconnecting Open Spaces project of 'Forthmeadow’ and the brand description of ‘Community Greenway’.

Good Relations Audit and District Council

Good Relations Action Plan 2020/21

·        note the key findings and recommendations outlined in the draft Good Relations Audit 2020 and agreed that these be recommended for  approval subject to the above changes;

·        note that the audit had raised a range of complementary issues which fell outside of the parameters of the Action Plan and would be considered further by Council in the context of the Good Relations Strategy and Belfast Agenda;

·        approving the draft Action Plans 2020/21 and 2021/22 being submitted to The Executive Office (TEO); and

·        note that this Action Plan submission was subject to agreement by the Council in relation to any estimates setting exercise and also amendments during the assessing and scoring process that would be undertaken by TEO, and that the Council would be notified of any changes to the final approved Action Plans.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To inform elected members of the current stakeholder engagement on PEACE Plus Programme 2021 -2027 being undertaken by The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and seek approval of the council response to the stakeholder survey. A stakeholder survey forms part of the programme engagement exercise running from the 10 December 2019 and has been extended until 17:00 on 28 February 2020. As part of wider engagement SEUPB held stakeholder engagement events including two in Belfast City Hall on 5 February 2020.Council Officers attended both events.

1.2       Peace Plus is a new cross-border programme that will contribute to a more prosperous and stable society in Northern Ireland and the border region of Ireland. It will succeed both of the current 2014 -2020 PEACEIV and INTERREG VA Programmes. This new programme represents an exciting opportunity to continue to fund peace building interventions alongside activities which help to make the region a more prosperous, healthier place to live through funding of areas of mutual interest on a cross border basis. Input is welcome from persons or organisations regardless of whether you have been involved in the current or previous PEACE or INTERREG Programmes, or whether this is your first encounter with an SEUPB managed programme.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked

·        To note the stakeholder engagement currently being undertaken by SEUPB full details of which are outlined in their stakeholder information document at Appendix 1 and approve the Council draft response to the stakeholder survey attached at Appendix 2 of this report.

3.0       Main report

3.1       SEUPB is one of the six – cross border Bodies set up under the Agreement between the Government of Ireland and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland establishing implementing bodies signed on 8 March 1999 (the British- Irish Agreement of 8 March 1999). SEUPB are responsible for the implementation of the EU’s PEACE IV (€270m) and INTERREG VA (€ 283m) Programmes. They also have a sign posting role to promote involvement in the INTERREG VB Transnational and INTERREG VC Interregional Programmes. 

3.2       SEUPB have provided a supporting information document to help completing the stakeholder survey which is composed of five sections attached at Appendix A of this report. In summary  the draft policy objectives for the 2021-2027 funding period are outlined within as follows;

3.3       Policy Objective 1 A SMARTER EUROPE by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation. This Policy Objective focuses on boosting the innovation capacity of the region, the uptake of advanced technology, the growth and competitiveness of the SME sector, and improving digital services.

3.4       Policy Objective 2 A GREENER, LOWER CARBON EUROPE, by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate adaptation, and risk prevention and management.

            Actions could include:

·        measures to improve energy efficiency,

·        additional renewable energy production capacity,

·        smart grids for improved energy management,

·        improved disaster  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8b

            The Committee was advised that the Brexit Committee, at its meeting on 9th January, had agreed to a proposal that the Committee undertakes a study visit to the Port Health Unit Facilities in Belfast and Dublin.  The Committee had noted that, if possible, both visits should be undertaken on the same day.  At that meeting, the Committee had noted also that it did not have a budget and any expenditure agreed by that Committee would have to be approved by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

            The Committee approved a budget of up to £1,500 for the Members of the Brexit Committee to undertake a study visit to the Port Health Unit Facilities in Belfast and Dublin.

            The Committee approved the recommendations made in respect of applications received up to 10th February, 2020 as set out below:

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meetings of the Area Working Groups as follows: South Area Working Group 27th January, North Area Working Group 29th January, West Area Working Group 30th January and East Area Working Group 6th February.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Party Group Leaders’ Consultative Forum of 13th February, 202.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Working Group on the Climate Crisis of 10^th February, 2020.

            In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor Beattie referred to the above mentioned issue and the Committee agreed that it be referred to the Party Group Leaders.