Agenda and minutes

            The Chief Executive submitted the summons convening the meeting.

            Apologies were reported on behalf of the High Sheriff (Councillor Howard), Aldermen McCoubrey, R. Patterson and Spence and Councillors Armitage, McAllister and McCusker.

            No declarations of interest were reported.

Moved by the Lord Mayor (Councillor Hargey),

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

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the monthly meeting of the Council of 1st October be taken as read and signed as correct.

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

            The Lord Mayor, on behalf of the Council, congratulated the Belfast-born novelist Anna Burns on winning the 2018 Man Booker Prize and confirmed that she would, together with the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor McDonough-Brown), be hosting a civic reception, to which all Members would be invited, to mark her achievement.

            At the request of Councillor Long, the Lord Mayor undertook to forward, on behalf of the Council, a letter to Michael D. Higgins, congratulating him on being re-elected as Uachtarán na hÉireann.

            At the request of Councillor Lyons, the Lord Mayor, on behalf of the Council, thanked the artist Neil Shawcross for donating his ‘Writers of Belfast’ collection to the Council.

            The Lord Mayor, together with a number of Members, paid tribute to those officers from the Council and other participating councils, universities and colleges for their significant contribution in securing £350 million of funding under the Belfast Region City Deal.

Moved by Alderman Rodgers,

Seconded by Councillor McAteer,

      That the minutes of the proceedings of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 5th and 19th October be approved and adopted.

Amendment

Brexit Committee Proposed Visit to Brussels

Moved by Councillor Walsh,

Seconded by Councillor McAteer,

      That the decision of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 19th October, under the heading “Brexit Committee Proposed Visit to Brussels”, be amended to provide that the Lord Mayor accompany the delegation.

            On a recorded vote, twenty-six Members voted for the amendment and twenty-four against and it was declared carried.

Amendment

Brexit Committee Proposed Visit to Brussels

Moved by Councillor Reynolds,

Seconded by Councillor Craig,

      That the decision of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 19th October, under the heading “Brexit Committee Proposed Visit to Brussels”, as amended, be rejected and, accordingly, the Council agrees not to approve a budget to be made available for a delegation from the Council to undertake a visit to Brussels.

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

Request for Cash Flow

            Prior to considering the above-mentioned minute, the Council agreed to exclude the members of the press and public from the meeting, as there could be a disclosure of exempt information, as described in Section 42(4) and Section 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

            (Alderman Rodgers declared an interest at this point in that he was a shareholder with Glentoran Football Club and left the Chamber whilst the matter was under consideration.

            Alderman Copeland declared an interest insofar as she was on the Board of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners and, along with Councillor Beattie, who was also on that Board, left the Chamber whilst the matter was under consideration.)

Amendment

            Moved by Councillor Newton,

            Seconded by Councillor Long,

      That the decision of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 19th October, under the heading “Request for Cash Flow” be amended to provide that the Council delegates its powers for a decision on this matter to the Committee, once the due diligence exercise has  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Moved by Councillor Nicholl,

Seconded by Councillor Magennis and

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the People and Communities Committee of 9th October be approved and adopted.

Moved by Councillor Lyons,

Seconded by Councillor O’Neill and 

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee of 26th September and 10th October be approved and adopted.

Moved by Councillor O’Hara,

Seconded by Councillor Hutchinson and 

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the Licensing Committee of 17th October, omitting matters in respect of which the Council has delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

Moved by Councillor Garrett,

Seconded by Councillor McAteer and

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the Planning Committee of 16th and 26th October, omitting matters in respect of which the Council has delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

Moved by Councillor Walsh,

Seconded by Councillor Carson and

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the Brexit Committee of 11th October be approved and adopted.

Proposed by Councillor O’Neill,

Seconded by Councillor Nic Biorna,

“This Council supports the ‘On the Ball’ campaign, the aim of which is to provide free sanitary products in as many sporting grounds and public buildings as possible to combat the ever growing issue of period poverty.

As an initial step, the Council will examine the feasibility of providing these products in the City Hall, in all Council offices, and, in keeping with the ‘On The Ball’ campaign, also look at the feasibility of providing free sanitary products in our sporting and leisure facilities.

It should be the norm in schools, universities colleges, workplaces, football grounds, concert venues for free access to sanitary product provision to help combat the ever growing issue of period poverty.”

(To be referred, without discussion, to the

Strategic Policy and Resources Committee)

            In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor O’Neill proposed:

“This Council supports the ‘On the Ball’ campaign, the aim of which is to provide free sanitary products in as many sporting grounds and public buildings as possible to combat the ever growing issue of period poverty.

As an initial step, the Council will examine the feasibility of providing these products in the City Hall, in all Council offices, and, in keeping with the ‘On The Ball’ campaign, also look at the feasibility of providing free sanitary products in our sporting and leisure facilities.

It should be the norm in schools, universities colleges, workplaces, football grounds, concert venues for free access to sanitary product provision to help combat the ever growing issue of period poverty.”

            The motion was seconded by Councillor Nic Biorna.

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

Proposed by the Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor McDonough-Brown,

Seconded by Councillor McReynolds,

“This Council agrees that Climate Change is one of the biggest global challenges of our time, affirms that the Council has an important leadership role in creating a low carbon future and, accordingly, agrees that officers bring back a report on the possibilities of Belfast City Council becoming a Carbon Neutral Council, including possible timescales for achieving carbon neutrality and the deployment of electric vehicles in service of this aim."

(To be referred, without discussion, to the

Strategic Policy and Resources Committee)

            At the request of the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor McDonough-Brown), the Council agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 13(i), that the motion standing in his name be withdrawn from the agenda.

Proposed by Councillor Heading,

Seconded by Councillor McCusker,

“This Council congratulates the children and families of the Build Homes Now and Homes Now campaign on the production of their film ‘Waiting on a Childhood’, which documents their experiences and campaign to tackle homelessness.

The Council recognises that we are in the midst of a housing and homelessness crisis.

The Council recognises the impact of homelessness on the children of Belfast. Recent figures from the Housing Executive show that there are at least 20,950 children on the housing waiting list in total. At least 13,636 of these children are said to be in ‘housing stress’ and at least 11,372 are full duty housing applicants. On three separate occasions in the last 10 years, the United Nations has intervened, urging the Westminster Government and the devolved Stormont Executive to intensify their efforts to address and overcome persistent religious inequalities in social housing.

The Council calls upon the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to work with the Council to use all available powers, including powers of vesting, zoning and planning, to ensure that housing provision meets current and projected needs in the city of Belfast.”

(To be referred, without discussion, to the

Planning Committee)

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

“This Council congratulates the children and families of the Build Homes Now and Homes Now campaign on the production of their film ‘Waiting on a Childhood’, which documents their experiences and campaign to tackle homelessness.

The Council recognises that we are in the midst of a housing and homelessness crisis.

The Council recognises the impact of homelessness on the children of Belfast. Recent figures from the Housing Executive show that there are at least 20,950 children on the housing waiting list in total. At least 13,636 of these children are said to be in ‘housing stress’ and at least 11,372 are full duty housing applicants. On three separate occasions in the last 10 years, the United Nations has intervened, urging the Westminster Government and the devolved Stormont Executive to intensify their efforts to address and overcome persistent religious inequalities in social housing.

The Council calls upon the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to work with the Council to use all available powers, including powers of vesting, zoning and planning, to ensure that housing provision meets current and projected needs in the city of Belfast.”

In the absence of Councillor McCusker, the motion was seconded by Councillor Lyons.

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

Proposed by Councillor Lyons,

Seconded by Councillor Attwood,

“This Council:

·         congratulates the Belfast Central Library on the recent celebration of its 130th Anniversary;

·         notes that the Belfast Central Library has for 130 years provided free public access to a wide range of social, cultural and educational material and services, and is the oldest civic building in Belfast to continue to serve in its original function;

·         further notes that the Belfast Central Library is uniquely positioned to contribute to the regeneration of its locality and enhance opportunities provided by recent nearby developments such as the relocation of the Ulster University and the cultural provisions of the Cathedral Quarter; and

·         agrees that an all-party delegation meet with representatives of Libraries NI and the Department for Communities, in firm support of the proposals to have the Belfast Central Library restored and extended.”

(To be debated by the Council)

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

“This Council:

·        congratulates the Belfast Central Library on the recent celebration of its 130th Anniversary;

·        notes that the Belfast Central Library has for 130 years provided free public access to a wide range of social, cultural and educational material and services, and is the oldest civic building in Belfast to continue to serve in its original function;

·        further notes that the Belfast Central Library is uniquely positioned to contribute to the regeneration of its locality and enhance opportunities provided by recent nearby developments such as the relocation of the Ulster University and the cultural provisions of the Cathedral Quarter; and

·        agrees that an all-party delegation meet with representatives of Libraries NI and the Department for Communities, in firm support of the proposals to have the Belfast Central Library restored and extended.”

The motion was seconded by Councillor Attwood.

            At the request of Councillor Reynolds, the proposer agreed to amend his motion to provide for the addition of the following bullet point at the end of his motion:

·        encourages Libraries NI and the Department for Communities, along with the relevant authorities, to Belfast Central Library being established and resourced as a Depository Library, as part of its long-term strategy.

              The motion, as amended, was thereupon put to the Council and passed.

Proposed by Councillor Nicholl,

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

"This Council notes the PSNI led “No Grey Zone” awareness campaign, which clearly sets out what constitutes sexual assault, debunks myths and provides information on available support.

The Council believes that everyone in our City should feel supported and empowered to speak out when a sexual assault occurs.  Accordingly, the Council declares every Belfast City Council premise to be a #NoGreyZone and resolves to arrange a cross-party delegation, to include Council Communications officers, to meet with the PSNI, prosecutors, sexual violence charities and student representatives to identify how to effectively support the campaign in Belfast City Council premises."

(To be referred, without discussion, to the

Strategic Policy and Resources Committee)

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

"This Council notes the PSNI led “No Grey Zone” awareness campaign, which clearly sets out what constitutes sexual assault, debunks myths and provides information on available support.

The Council believes that everyone in our City should feel supported and empowered to speak out when a sexual assault occurs.  Accordingly, the Council declares every Belfast City Council premise to be a #NoGreyZone and resolves to arrange a cross-party delegation, to include Council Communications officers, to meet with the PSNI, prosecutors, sexual violence charities and student representatives to identify how to effectively support the campaign in Belfast City Council premises."

The motion was seconded by the Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor McDonough-Brown).

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

(The Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor McDonough-Brown) in the Chair.)

Proposed by Councillor McReynolds,

Seconded by Councillor Long,

“This Council is committed to increasing household recycling across the city of Belfast; notes the colossal impact which waste is having on our oceans, cities and countrysides; welcomes the recent waste consultation; and will commit to introducing glass recycling in households across the city of Belfast as soon as possible.”

(To be referred without discussion to the

People and Communities Committee)

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

“This Council is committed to increasing household recycling across the city of Belfast; notes the colossal impact waste is having on our oceans, cities and countrysides; welcomes the recent waste consultation; and will commit to introducing glass recycling in households across the city of Belfast as soon as possible.”

            The motion was seconded by Councillor Long.

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

(The Lord Mayor (Councillor Hargey) in the Chair.)

Proposed by Councillor Craig,

Seconded by Councillor Boyle,

“In recognition of the 80th Anniversary of Kristallnacht, 9th-10th November 1938, this Council follows the example shown by other public bodies in the United Kingdom and adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, which is:

‘Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews.  Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed towards Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.’

Furthermore, the Council agrees that this definition and associated examples of anti-Semitism, published by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance on 26th May 2016, are fully incorporated into this Council’s Good Relations strategy and associated policies.”

(To be referred, without discussion, to the

Strategic Policy and Resources Committee)

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

“In recognition of the 80th Anniversary of Kristallnacht, 9th-10th November 1938, this Council follows the example shown by other public bodies in the United Kingdom and adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, which is:

‘Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred towards Jews.  Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed towards Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.’

Furthermore, the Council agrees that this definition and associated examples of anti-Semitism, published by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance on 26th May 2016, are fully incorporated into this Council’s Good Relations strategy and associated policies.”

            The motion was seconded by Councillor Boyle.

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

Proposed by Councillor Dudgeon,

Seconded by Alderman McGimpsey,

“This Council supports the passing into law at Westminster of these two Bills:

·         The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) (Northern Ireland) (No. 2) Bill, sponsored by Conor McGinn MP (St Helens North) and scheduled for 2nd reading in the House of Commons on Friday 26th October 2018; and

·         The NIO’s Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Bill with its new clause 7 entitled Equal Rights for People of Northern Ireland, agreed in the House of Commons on 24th October 2018 by 207 votes to 117, against the wishes of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, which new clause reads:

(1)  In the absence of Northern Ireland Ministers to address the matters identified by recent, current and future court proceedings in relation to the human rights of the people of Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State must issue guidance to senior officers of all Northern Ireland departments which will specify how to exercise their functions in relation to:

(a)  the incompatibility of the human rights of the people of Northern Ireland with the continued enforcement of sections 58 and 59 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861 with the Human Rights Act 1998, and

(b)  the incompatibility of the human rights of the people of Northern Ireland with the continued enforcement of section 13(e) of the Matrimonial Causes (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 where they pertain to the provision and management of public services in Northern Ireland.

(2)  The Secretary of State shall report guidance under this section on a quarterly basis to the House of Commons and set out her plans to address the impact of the absence of Northern Ireland Ministers on human rights obligations within three months of the day on which this Act is passed.”

(To be debated by the Council)

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

“This Council supports the passing into law at Westminster of these two Bills:

·        The Marriage (Same Sex Couples) (Northern Ireland) (No. 2) Bill sponsored by Conor McGinn MP (St Helens North) and scheduled for 2nd reading in the House of Commons on Friday 26th October 2018; and 

·        The NIO’s Northern Ireland (Executive Formation and Exercise of Functions) Bill with its new clause 7, entitled Equal Rights for People of  Northern Ireland, agreed in the House of Commons on 24th October 2018 by 207 votes to 117, against the wishes of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, which new clause reads:

1.     In the absence of Northern Ireland Ministers to address the matters identified by recent, current and future court proceedings in relation to the human rights of the people of Northern Ireland, the Secretary of State must issue guidance to senior officers of all Northern Ireland departments which will specify how to exercise their functions in relation to:

(a)   the incompatibility of the human rights of the people of Northern Ireland with the continued enforcement of sections 58 and 59 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861 with the Human Rights Act 1998, and

(b)   the incompatibility of the human rights of the people of Northern Ireland with the continued enforcement of section 13(e) of the Matrimonial Causes (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 where they pertain to the provision and management of public services in Northern Ireland.

2.     The Secretary of State shall report guidance under this section on a quarterly basis to the House of Commons and set out her plans to address the impact of the absence of Northern Ireland Ministers on human rights obligations within three months of the day on which this Act is passed.”

      The motion was seconded by Alderman McGimpsey.

            On a recorded vote, thirty-two Members voted for the motion and thirteen against, with four “no votes” and it was declared carried.

Proposed by Councillor Collins,

Seconded by Councillor Heading,

"This Council notes that this month marks three years since the Northern Ireland Assembly voted to give consent to the Welfare Reform Bill (2015) being taken forward by the Westminster Parliament.

The Council believes that, since then, Welfare Reform has been a disaster for benefit claimants here and has resulted in thousands of our most vulnerable unfairly losing money, through the introduction of PIP, Universal Credit and the Bedroom Tax.

In the absence of an Assembly sitting at Stormont, the Council has an important role to play in articulating the negative impact of welfare reform and benefit cuts in this city. To this end, the Council calls on the British government to immediately halt the roll out of PIP and Universal Credit and to scrap the Bedroom Tax for all benefit claimants."

(To be debated by the Council)

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

"This Council notes that this month marks three years since the Northern Ireland Assembly voted to give consent to the Welfare Reform Bill (2015) being taken forward by the Westminster Parliament.

The Council believes that, since then, Welfare Reform has been a disaster for benefit claimants here and has resulted in thousands of our most vulnerable unfairly losing money, through the introduction of PIP, Universal Credit and the Bedroom Tax.

In the absence of an Assembly sitting at Stormont, the Council has an important role to play in articulating the negative impact of welfare reform and benefit cuts in this city. To this end, the Council calls on the British government to immediately halt the roll out of PIP and Universal Credit and to scrap the Bedroom Tax for all benefit claimants."

            The motion was seconded by Councillor Heading.

At the request of Alderman Copeland, the proposer agreed to amend his motion to include the following paragraph at the end of his motion: “The Council agrees that the Permanent Secretary and senior officials within the Department for Communities be invited to meet at the earliest opportunity with an All-Party delegation from the Council to discuss issues associated with Welfare Reform.”

Councillor Canavan requested that the proposer agree to amend his motion further to allow for the following paragraph to be inserted after the first paragraph: “The Council notes also that, without that happening, the Executive and Assembly would have collapsed and full- blown Welfare Reform would have been introduced, without the £500 million mitigation package being in place to assist those most directly affected.”

Councillor Collins declined the request.

Amendment

Moved by Councillor Canavan,

Seconded by Councillor Garrett,

That the motion under the heading “Welfare Reform”, as proposed by Councillor Collins and seconded by Councillor Heading, as amended, be amended further to allow for the following paragraph to be inserted after the first paragraph: “The Council notes also that, without that happening, the Executive and Assembly would have collapsed and full-blown Welfare Reform would have been introduced, without the £500 million mitigation package being in place to assist those most directly affected.”

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

The motion, as amended, was thereupon put to the Council as the substantive motion and passed as follows:

"This Council notes that this month marks three years since the Northern Ireland Assembly voted to give consent to the Welfare Reform Bill (2015) being taken forward by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.