Agenda and minutes

            The Chief Executive submitted the summons convening the meeting.

            Apologies were reported on behalf of Aldermen Browne and R. Patterson and Councillors Craig, McAteer and McCusker.

            No declarations of interest were reported.

Moved by the Lord Mayor (Councillor McAllister),

Seconded by the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Copeland) and

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the monthly meeting of the Council of 4th December be taken as read and signed as correct.

            The Lord Mayor, on behalf of the Council, extended her condolences to Councillor Howard on the death of her mother, Violet.

            At the request of Councillor Boyle, the Council agreed that the Lord Mayor forward to the family of the late Sir William Hastings and of the late Dr. Maurice Hayes letters expressing the Council’s condolences and recognising the significant contribution which they had each made to the City.

            The Lord Mayor referred to the recent resignations of the former Alderman McKee and the former Councillor Bell and welcomed Councillor Daniel Baker, who had replaced the former Councillor Bell, to his first meeting of the Council.

            The Lord Mayor, on behalf of the Council, congratulated Councillor Howard on being nominated for appointment as High Sheriff for 2018.

            At the request of Councillor Armitage, the Lord Mayor agreed to forward to the Belfast Islamic Centre a letter highlighting the Council’s condemnation of recent racist attacks on the Centre and affirming its ongoing support for the work which it was undertaking.

To consider a request from a representative of County Antrim Boxing to address the Council on the Boxing Strategy and its funding in future years.

            The Chief Executive reported that requests had been received from Mr. M. Scott, Secretary of County Antrim Boxing, and from Mr. T. McCorran, Secretary of the Northern Ireland Boxing Association, to address the Council on its support for boxing.

            The Council acceded to the requests and Mr. Scott, together with Mr. P. Barnes Snr. and Mrs. C. McAuley were welcomed firstly to the meeting.

            Mr. Barnes informed the Council that he acted as President of County Antrim Boxing, which was affiliated to the Irish Athletic Boxing Association. He explained that, since the Council’s Boxing Strategy had been introduced in 2012, the number of clubs participating had risen from twenty-seven to thirty-one and that funding had been used primarily to develop young boxers, as well as coaches and referees, and to host international boxing events. He pointed out that ten of the thirteen boxers who would be representing Northern Ireland at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games had benefitted from the Boxing Strategy and urged the Council to continue to make funding available for the initiative. 

            Mrs. McAuley explained that she was the Irish Athletic Boxing Association’s Operations Manager for its affiliated clubs in Ulster and that one of her key areas of responsibility related to equality and governance. She reported that, following a well- publicised incident in 2012, an independent review had been commissioned, which had identified ten recommendations to be addressed by the Association and two by Sport NI. She provided an overview of those recommendations, which had now been implemented in full and been endorsed by Sport NI, and confirmed that an action plan was being developed for the next stage in the process. She provided details around two significant elements of work, namely, the Pathways to GB document and a Flags and Emblems Policy, which would be publicised and implemented over the coming months and stressed that the Association would continue to promote a culture of excellence, in terms of both sporting performance and governance and equality.

            The deputation was thanked by the Lord Mayor, who then welcomed Mr. T. McCorran and Mr. S. Titoli, representing the Northern Ireland Boxing Association, to the meeting.

            Mr. McCorran explained that he had requested the opportunity to address the Council in order to highlight equality issues around the current Boxing Strategy. He pointed out that some clubs in Belfast were unable to benefit from the Strategy, as they were affiliated to the Northern Ireland Boxing Association, rather than the Irish Athletic Boxing Association, which was regarded as the solitary governing body within amateur boxing. As a result, those clubs were required to find alternative sources of funding and, importantly, their boxers were denied the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland in tournaments other than the Commonwealth Games. He informed the Council that Sport NI recognised two governing bodies in the sport of soccer and argued that there was, therefore, nothing to prevent it from recognising both the Irish Athletic Boxing Association and the Northern Ireland Boxing Association. Such a move would promote inclusion  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Moved by Councillor Hargey,

Seconded by Councillor Beattie,

      That the minutes of the proceedings of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 15th December be approved and adopted.

Amendment

Revenue Estimates and District Rate 2018/2019

            Moved by Councillor Garrett,

            Seconded by Councillor Magennis,

That the decision of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 15th December, under the heading “Revenue Estimates and District Rate 2018/2019”, be amended to provide that the Council agrees that £200,000 be included within the revenue estimates to support the Boxing Strategy.

            On a vote by show of hands, twenty-two Members voted for the amendment and thirty-one against and it was declared lost.

Request for a Matter to be Taken

Back for Further Consideration

            Notice of Motion – Amendment to Standing Order 30

            Councillor Dudgeon requested that the Chairperson agree to the minute under the heading “Notice of Motion – Amendment to Standing Order 30” being taken back to the Committee for further consideration.

            The Chairperson declined the request.

Amendment

Notice of Motion – Amendment to Standing Order 30

            Moved by Councillor Dudgeon,

            Seconded by Alderman McGimpsey,

      That the decision of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 15th December, under the heading “Notice of Motion – Amendment to Standing Order 30”, be referred back to the Committee for further consideration.

            On a recorded vote, nineteen Members voted for the amendment and thirty-four against and it was declared lost.

Amendment

Notice of Motion – Amendment to Standing Order 30

            Moved by Councillor Reynolds,

            Seconded by Councillor Hussey,

      That the decision of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 15th December, under the heading “Notice of Motion – Amendment to Standing Order 30”, be amended to provide for the insertion of the word ‘grossly’ after the word use and before the word offensive in the proposed wording.

            On a vote by show of hands, nineteen Members voted for the amendment and thirty-three against and it was declared lost.

Adoption of Minutes

            The minutes of the proceedings of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 15th December were thereupon approved and adopted.

In accordance with Standing Order 64, to pass, in accordance with the Committee’s decision of 15th December, a Resolution amending Standing Order 30 to read as follows: “A Member shall not impute motives or use offensive expression in reference to any person or section of society, including any such expression that shows contempt in relation to their race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious belief, age or disability.”

            Moved by Councillor Hargey,

            Seconded by Councillor O’Neill and

      Resolved - That the Council agrees, in accordance with Standing Order 64, to pass, in pursuance of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee’s decision of 15th December, a Resolution amending Standing Order 30 to read as follows: “A Member shall not impute motives or use offensive expression in reference to any person or section of society, including any such expression that shows contempt in relation to their race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious belief, age or disability.”

Moved by Alderman Sandford,

Seconded by Councillor Corr Johnston and

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the People and Communities Committee of 5th December be approved and adopted.

Moved by Councillor O’Donnell,

Seconded by Alderman Kingston, 

      That the minutes of the proceedings of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee of 6th and 12th December be approved and adopted.

NI Water – Living with Water

                     At the request of Councillor Armitage, the Council agreed that each of the Political Parties should be offered the opportunity to avail of a further briefing on this topic.  

Adoption of Minutes

         Subject to the foregoing addition, the minutes of the proceedings of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee of 6th and 12th December were thereupon approved and adopted.

Moved by Alderman Spence,

Seconded by Councillor Carson and 

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the Licensing Committee of 13th December, omitting matters in respect of which the Council has delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

Moved by Councillor Lyons,

Seconded by Councillor Hutchinson and

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the Planning Committee of 12th December, omitting matters in respect of which the Council has delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

Proposed by Councillor Mullan,

Seconded by Alderman Spence,

“Given the number of cities which have developed a sustainable food policy, this Council agrees to develop such a policy for Belfast, looking in particular at the opportunities which such an initiative could offer, including the employability potential.” 

(To be referred, without discussion, to the

People and Communities Committee)

            In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor Mullan proposed:

“Given the number of cities which have developed a sustainable food policy, this Council agrees to develop such a policy for Belfast, looking in particular at the opportunities which such an initiative could offer, including the employability potential.” 

            The motion was seconded by Alderman Spence.

            In accordance with Standing Order 13(f), the motion was referred, without discussion, to the People and Communities Committee.

Proposed by Councillor Mc Reynolds,

Seconded by Councillor O’Neill,

“This Council recognises the important role that transparency, accountability and openness play in strengthening the trust of the public in their representatives; notes the important role which the audio recording of Committee meetings since January 2016 has played in that process; acknowledges that the Area Working Groups perform a vital function in allocating sums of money to worthwhile projects across Belfast; and that they will have an additional important role with the upcoming local area plans.

Accordingly, the Council agrees to commence the recording of all Area Working Group meetings to demonstrate to the public that resources are being allocated openly, fairly and transparently.” 

(To be referred, without discussion, to the

Strategic Policy and Resources Committee)

            In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor McReynolds proposed:

“This Council recognises the important role that transparency, accountability and openness play in strengthening the trust of the public in their representatives; notes the important role which the audio recording of Committee meetings since January 2016 has played in that process; acknowledges that the Area Working Groups perform a vital function in allocating sums of money to worthwhile projects across Belfast; and that they will have an additional important role with the upcoming local area plans.

Accordingly, the Council agrees to commence the recording of all Area Working Group meetings to demonstrate to the public that resources are being allocated openly, fairly and transparently.” 

            The motion was seconded by Councillor O’Neill.

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

Proposed by Councillor McDonough-Brown,

Seconded by Councillor Long,

"In light of the recent recommendation from the Northern Ireland Audit Office report, this Council agrees to review the processes regarding the Local Investment Fund (LIF) and the Belfast Investment Fund (BIF) to consider the appropriateness and effectiveness of the method of funding projects. The Council believes that future Council funding should follow an open process with the advertisement of funding, have strategic objectives and have measurable outcomes."

(To be referred, without discussion, to the

Strategic Policy and Resources Committee)

            In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor McDonough-Brown proposed:

"In light of the recent recommendation from the Northern Ireland Audit Office report, this Council agrees to review the processes regarding the Local Investment Fund (LIF) and the Belfast Investment Fund (BIF) to consider the appropriateness and effectiveness of the method of funding projects.

The Council believes that future Council funding should follow an open process with the advertisement of funding, have strategic objectives and have measurable outcomes."

            The motion was seconded by Councillor Attwood.

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

Proposed by Councillor Armitage,

Seconded by Councillor Nicholl,

“This Council notes that, with the Belfast Agenda and the Local Development Plan coming into reality, there will be a need for 66,000 new housing units by 2035. This will need an imaginative response by all, including the Council.

The Council calls upon all statutory bodies to review their land ownership and to determine if any such land is surplus and suitable for housing.  Subject to legal requirements, the Council asks that consideration be given to making that land available to meet any identified housing needs and projected needs in terms of growth.

The Council is committed to a shared future and, therefore, is committed to shared housing. This shared housing should consist of community background, private and social housing.”

(To be referred, without discussion, to the

People and Communities Committee)

            In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor Armitage proposed:

“This Council notes that, with the Belfast Agenda and the Local Development Plan coming into reality, there will be a need for 66,000 new housing units by 2035. This will need an imaginative response by all, including the Council.

The Council calls upon all statutory bodies to review their land ownership and to determine if any such land is surplus and suitable for housing.  Subject to legal requirements, the Council asks that consideration be given to making that land available to meet any identified housing needs and projected needs in terms of growth.

The Council is committed to a shared future and, therefore, is committed to shared housing. This shared housing should consist of community background, private and social housing.”

            The motion was seconded by Councillor Nicholl.

            In accordance with Standing Order 13(f), the motion was referred, without discussion, to the People and Communities Committee.

Proposed by Councillor Beattie,

Seconded by Councillor McVeigh,

  “This Council shall submit to the Department for Infrastructure a corporate response 

    to the Consultation on Bus Lanes within Belfast, as follows:

The Belfast Rapid Transport (BRT) lanes should not operate from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday;

Operation hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday is sufficient for the operation of the BRT lane without general traffic;

Ordinary drivers and businesses in the area will suffer badly, funerals processions will be affected and taxi drivers will find it increasingly difficult to earn a decent wage;

All taxis should be allowed into all BRT routes and all bus lanes in Belfast on a permanent basis; and

The recent twelve-week trial allowing all taxis to use the lanes in East and West Belfast and in the City centre was a success and made a noticeable improvement to traffic on these routes and should now be introduced across Belfast in all lanes permanently.”

(To be referred, without discussion, to the

City Growth and Regeneration Committee)

In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor Beattie proposed:

“This Council shall submit to the Department for Infrastructure a corporate response to the Consultation on Bus Lanes within Belfast, as follows:

The Belfast Rapid Transport (BRT) lanes should not operate from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday;

Operation hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday is sufficient for the operation of the BRT lane without general traffic;

Ordinary drivers and businesses in the area will suffer badly, funerals processions will be affected and taxi drivers will find it increasingly difficult to earn a decent wage;

All taxis should be allowed into all BRT routes and all bus lanes in Belfast on a permanent basis; and

The recent twelve-week trial allowing all taxis to use the lanes in East and West Belfast and in the City centre was a success and made a noticeable improvement to traffic on these routes and should now be introduced across Belfast in all lanes permanently.”

            The motion was seconded by Councillor McVeigh.

            In accordance with Standing Order 13(f), the motion was referred, without discussion, to the City Growth and Regeneration Committee.