Agenda and minutes

Chief The Executive submitted the summons convening the meeting.

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported on behalf of Alderman Browne and Councillors Graham, Howard and Mullan.

·        Councillor Corr – in that his son worked for Feile an Phobail and also as he was a member of the West Belfast Partnership Board which received SIF funding.

            Aldermen McCoubrey and Copeland and Councillor Beattie declared an interest in respect of the minute of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee meeting of 13th February, under the heading “Belfast Harbour Commissioners - Proposed Memorandum of Understanding”, in that they were Board Members of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners but as the matter did not become the subject of debate, the Members did not get an opportunity to leave the meeting.

            Alderman Sandford declared an interest in respect of the minutes of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee meeting of 13th February, under the heading “Infrastructure and Transport Update”, in that his son worked for Translink and he left the meeting whilst the Translink Depot Relocation was being discussed.

            Councillor Boyle declared an interest in respect of the minutes of the Licensing Committee minute of 20th February, under the heading “Update on Transfer of Houses in Multiple Occupation – Fees and Fixed Penalty Notices”, in that he owned a number of HMO’s within the City, however, as the matter did not become the subject of debate, the Member did not get an opportunity to leave the meeting.   

            Councillor Murphy declared an interest in respect of the minute of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee minutes of 22nd February, under the heading “Citywide Tribunal Service” in that he was a member of the Ligoneil Improvement Association which was the landlord of the City Tribunal Service.

            Alderman Kingston and Councillor Hutchinson declared an interest as members of the Greater Shankill Partnership.

            Councillor McReynolds declared an interest as a member of Eastside Arts. 

Moved by Councillor Hutchinson,

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

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

            The Council approved a request from the BBC to film for a short period during the meeting.

Expression of Sympathy

            The Lord Mayor referred to the recent death of the father of Councillor Black and, on behalf of the Council, extended condolences to her family.

World Downs Syndrome Day

            The Lord Mayor advised that World Downs Syndrome Day would be observed on Thursday, 21st March and she thanked the Party Group Leaders for agreeing to illuminate the City Hall on this day which would help raise public awareness of Downs Syndrome.

International Women’s Day

            The Lord Mayor reminded the Council that International Women’s Day was on Friday, 8th March and advised that the Council was running an event for its staff and Elected Members.  She also reminded the Members that the Annual International Women’s Day Rally was on Saturday, 9th March, departing Writers’ Square at 11.30 a.m. and arriving at the City Hall at 12.00 p.m.  The theme of this year’s event was ‘The Time is Now – Women Rise Up’.   

Retirement - Best Wishes 

            The Council’s attention was drawn to the fact that Mrs. Mary Houston, Members’ Attendant, was due to retire from the Council at the end of March after almost twenty-seven years of service.

            Several Members highlighted the significant contribution which Mrs. Houston had made to the Democratic Services Section during her time in the Council and a number of the Members expressed how helpful she had been to them when they had initially joined the Council. 

            The Lord Mayor, on behalf of the Council, expressed her thanks to Mrs. Houston and wished her well in her retirement.

Moved by Councillor Johnston,

Seconded by Councillor Beattie,

            That the minutes of the proceedings of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 22nd February be approved and adopted.

Assets Management – Proposed Transfer of Open Space at Moltke Street

            At the request of Councillor Boyle, it was agreed that the Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services would provide clarity around the timeline for the transfer of ownership of the open space at Moltke Street from Radius Housing to the Council.

Amendment

Robinson Centre

            Moved by Councillor Reynolds,

            Seconded by Councillor Hussey,

            That the decision of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 22nd February under the heading “Robinson Centre” be rejected and accordingly the Council agrees to adopt Option 1, that is, that there be no change to the current name.

            On a recorded vote, nineteen Members voted for the amendment and thirty-three against, with one no vote, and it was declared lost.

Amendment

            Moved by The High Sheriff of Belfast (Alderman Sandford),

            Seconded by Councillor Bunting,

            That the decision of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 22nd February under the heading “Robinson Centre” be rejected and accordingly the Council agrees to name the centre the “Castlereagh Leisure Centre”.

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

Amendment

            Moved by Councillor Hutchinson,

            Seconded by Councillor Corr Johnston,

            That the decision of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 22nd February under the heading “Robinson Centre” be rejected and accordingly the Council agrees to name the centre the “Ervine Centre”.

            On a recorded vote, three Members voted for the amendment and thirty-four against, with seventeen no votes, and it was declared lost.

Moved by Councillor Nicholl,

Seconded by Councillor Magennis,

      That the minutes of the proceedings of the People and Communities Committee of 5th and 12th February be approved and adopted.

Amendment

Anti-social Behaviour

            At the request of Councillor Garrett, it was agreed that an update report would be submitted to a future meeting of the People and Communities Committee in respect of the Council’s animation programme for its Parks.  

            It was further agreed, at the request of Alderman Rodgers, that quarterly reports on vandalism within the Council’s Parks would be incorporated within the anti-social behaviour report.

Adoption of Minutes

            Subject the foregoing addition, the minutes of the proceedings of the People and Communities Committee of 5th and 12th February were thereupon approved and adopted.

Moved by Councillor Lyons,

Seconded by Alderman Kingston,

            That the minutes of the proceedings of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee of 13th February be approved and adopted.

City Events Programme

            The Chief Executive referred to the Appendix associated with the City Events Programme 2019/20 report.  She advised that in the table the proposed 2019-2020 Programme Agreed Estimates detailed that the total figure amounted to £1,092,114 and this should have been £1,127,114.  The Chief Executive clarified that £1,127,114 had been included within the Departmental budget for 2019/20.

Noted.

Amendment

City Events Programme 2019/20/Progression of the

Cultural programme – Festivals and Events Update

            Moved by Councillor McAllister,

            Seconded by Councillor Long,

            That the decision of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee of 13th February under the heading “City Events programme 2019/2020 and Progression of the Cultural Programme – Festivals and Events Update” be amended to provide that no funding be allocated to the Cultural Programme at this time, and that it be referred back to the Committee for further discussion and that the decision relating to the funding for the City Events Programme would proceed as agreed by the Committee.

            On a recorded vote, six Members voted for the amendment and thirty-nine against, with six no votes, and it was declared lost.

Amendment

            Moved by Councillor Beattie

            Seconded by Councillor Garrett,

            That, in accordance with Standing Order 47 (2) (c), the decision of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee of 13th February under the heading “City Events Programme 2019/20 and Progression of the Cultural programme – Festivals and Events Update”, not be subject to call-in, as an unreasonable delay could be prejudicial to the Council’s or the public’s interests.

            On a recorded vote, thirty-eight Members voted for the amendment and eight against, with four no votes, and it was declared carried.

Amendment

Infrastructure and Transport Update

            Moved by Councillor O’Donnell,

            Seconded by the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor (Councillor Hargey),

            That the decision of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

Moved by Councillor O’Hara,

Seconded by Councillor Hutchinson and 

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the Licensing Committee of 20th February, 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 Armitage and

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the Planning Committee of 19th February, omitting matters in respect of which the Council has delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

Moved by Alderman Haire,

Seconded by Councillor Johnston,

      That the minutes of the proceedings of the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd. Shareholders’ Committee of 11th February be approved and adopted.

Amendment

Impact of Brexit on the ICC Belfast

and the Ulster Hall

            At the request of Councillor Walsh, it was agreed that a report be submitted to the Brexit Committee outlining the impact that Brexit was having on the ICC Belfast and the Ulster Hall.

Adoption of Minutes

         Subject to the foregoing addition, the minutes of the proceedings of the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Shareholders’ Committee of 11th February were thereupon approved and adopted.

Moved by Councillor Walsh,

Seconded by Councillor McAteer and

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the Brexit Committee of 14th February be approved and adopted.

Proposed by Councillor Heading,

Seconded by Councillor Long,

“The importance of trees to the ambience, amenity and beauty of cities and to the wellbeing of their citizens is universally recognised, as is the role they play in promoting public health by combatting the air pollution that is linked to a range of medical conditions including asthma, heart and lung diseases, and early onset Alzheimer’s.

Cognisant of these benefits, and consistent with this Council’s commitment to transform the way in which post-conflict Belfast is perceived by its citizens, potential investors, and visitors from home and abroad, the Council agrees to position Belfast as a leading sustainable, green city, by facilitating the planting of at least a million trees in Belfast over the next fifteen years.”

(To be referred, without discussion, to the People and Communities Committee)

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

“The importance of trees to the ambience, amenity and beauty of cities and to the wellbeing of their citizens is universally recognised, as is the role they play in promoting public health by combatting the air pollution that is linked to a range of medical conditions including asthma, heart and lung diseases, and early onset Alzheimer’s.

Cognisant of these benefits, and consistent with this Council’s commitment to transform the way in which post-conflict Belfast is perceived by its citizens, potential investors, and visitors from home and abroad, the Council agrees to position Belfast as a leading sustainable, green city, by facilitating the planting of at least a million trees in Belfast over the next fifteen years.”

            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.

Proposed by Alderman Kingston,

Seconded by Councillor Graham,

“This Council:

-        Recognises the long-standing cultural and economic ties between Northern Ireland and Scotland, and that fundamental to increasing the benefit to Belfast from this connection is the need to improve transport connections between Scotland and Northern Ireland;

-        Welcomes that the ferry services between Cairnryan and Belfast, by Stena Line, 6 times per day, and between Cairnryan and Larne, by P&O, 7 times per day, are among the busiest services in the UK and represent a strong opportunity for economic and tourism growth; however, the inadequate transport infrastructure beyond the ferry terminals at Cairnryan is inhibiting that growth and require investment to bring them up to standard;

-        Supports the campaign in Ayrshire and Dumfries & Galloway for investment in the roads infrastructure - along the A77 towards Glasgow/central Scotland and along the A75 towards the Scotland/England border, which are both predominantly single carriageway routes and pass through a number of small towns and villages – and in the rail infrastructure along the same routes, and agrees to write to the Scottish Government in support of calls for a long-term programme of such investment in the transport infrastructure of South West Scotland.”

(To be debated by the Council)

            In accordance with notice on the agenda, Alderman Kingston proposed:

“This Council:

¾     Recognises the long-standing cultural and economic ties between Northern Ireland and Scotland, and that fundamental to increasing the benefit to Belfast from this connection is the need to improve transport connections between Scotland and Northern Ireland;

¾     Welcomes that the ferry services between Cairnryan and Belfast, by Stena Line, 6 times per day, and between Cairnryan and Larne, by P&O, 7 times per day, are among the busiest services in the UK and represent a strong opportunity for economic and tourism growth; however, the inadequate transport infrastructure beyond the ferry terminals at Cairnryan is inhibiting that growth and require investment to bring them up to standard;

¾     Supports the campaign in Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway for investment in the roads infrastructure - along the A77 towards Glasgow/central Scotland and along the A75 towards the Scotland/England border, which are both predominantly single carriageway routes and pass through a number of small towns and villages – and in the rail infrastructure along the same routes, and agrees to write to the Scottish Government in support of calls for a long-term programme of such investment in the transport infrastructure of South West Scotland.”

The motion was seconded by Councillor Reynolds.

            On a vote by show of hands, twenty-nine Members voted for the motion and nineteen against and it was declared carried.

Proposed by Councillor Campbell,

Seconded by Councillor Baker,

“This Council recognises and values the huge contribution our LGBTQ+ Citizens make to the city of Belfast and beyond.

As a statement of our solidarity with our LGBTQ+ citizens and community, and building on the progressive moves of the council to support Belfast Pride and illuminate the City Hall in the colours of the Pride Rainbow; the council agrees to continue this support, and, as a further demonstration of our solidarity, agrees to fly the rainbow flag over the City Hall from dawn to dusk on Saturday 3rd August 2019 to coincide with the annual Pride parade.”

(To be referred, without discussion, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee)

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

“This Council recognises and values the huge contribution our LGBTQ+ Citizens make to the city of Belfast and beyond.

As a statement of our solidarity with our LGBTQ+ citizens and community, and building on the progressive moves of the council to support Belfast Pride and illuminate the City Hall in the colours of the Pride Rainbow; the council agrees to continue this support, and, as a further demonstration of our solidarity, agrees to fly the rainbow flag over the City Hall from dawn to dusk on Saturday 3rd August 2019 to coincide with the annual Pride parade.”

The motion was seconded by Councillor Baker.

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

Proposed by Councillor Black,

Seconded by Councillor Canavan,

“This Council notes the anticipated staged implementation of the Special Educational Needs Framework throughout 2020, as per the SEND Act of 2016. 

The Council fully recognises the challenges faced by parents and children related to diagnosis, service access, support and isolation on this often lengthy and daunting journey. 

It is critical that families can avail of support during term and non-term time and both on and off the school site.  As such, the Council wishes to highlight the vital role which all Out of School Hours providers occupy in such families lives and ensure equal cross sector engagement in strategy implementation.  Out of School Hours services include, but are not limited to, summer and seasonal schemes, community sports programmes, afterschool clubs in community settings and targeted family support.   This illustrative list is indicative of the pivotal role this Council therefore occupies.

The Council is incredibly mindful of the budgetary limitations and prioritisation expectations placed on schools.  The increased demand for SEN support as felt in formal education settings is mirrored in Out of School Hours community provision.  This fuels the need for collaborative engagement with Out of School Hours service providers to review additional pressures and pathways for shared support to best meet complex whole family needs.

The Council agrees that a cross party delegation meet with the Education Authority, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Out of School Hours Service providers to review resource challenges, share experiences, measure demand and explore best fit options of support to enable all children and young people to reach their highest aspirations.”

(To be debated by the Council)

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

“This Council notes the anticipated staged implementation of the Special Educational Needs Framework throughout 2020, as per the SEND Act of 2016. 

The Council fully recognises the challenges faced by parents and children related to diagnosis, service access, support and isolation on this often lengthy and daunting journey. 

It is critical that families can avail of support during term and non-term time and both on and off the school site.  As such, the Council wishes to highlight the vital role which all Out of School Hours providers occupy in such families lives and ensure equal cross sector engagement in strategy implementation.  Out of School Hours services include, but are not limited to, summer and seasonal schemes, community sports programmes, afterschool clubs in community settings and targeted family support.   This illustrative list is indicative of the pivotal role this Council therefore occupies.

The Council is incredibly mindful of the budgetary limitations and prioritisation expectations placed on schools.  The increased demand for SEN support as felt in formal education settings is mirrored in Out of School Hours community provision.  This fuels the need for collaborative engagement with Out of School Hours service providers to review additional pressures and pathways for shared support to best meet complex whole family needs.

The Council agrees that a cross party delegation meet with the Education Authority, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Out of School Hours Service providers to review resource challenges, share experiences, measure demand and explore best fit options of support to enable all children and young people to reach their highest aspirations.”

            The motion was seconded by Councillor Canavan.

            The proposer agreed, at the request of Councillor Lyons, to the following addition to the last paragraph of the motion:

“This Council agrees that a cross party delegation meet with the Department of Education, the Education Authority, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Out of School Hours Service providers.”

            After discussion, the motion, as amended, was put to the meeting and passed.

Proposed by Councillor Walsh,

Seconded by Councillor Murphy,

 “This Council recognises the beneficial impact that investment strategies offered through this council such as LIF & BIF have had in communities across this city.

Many of these community projects have evolved to successful completion through initial feasibility support, and in doing so have allowed groups to present a case for capital funding to this council and other funding bodies.

The Council agrees to create a feasibility budget for each area-working group. This will allow members of each area-working group to identify community projects and recommend feasibility support to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for significant community capital schemes.”

(To be referred, without discussion, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee)

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

 “This Council recognises the beneficial impact that investment strategies offered through this council such as LIF & BIF have had in communities across this city.

Many of these community projects have evolved to successful completion through initial feasibility support, and in doing so have allowed groups to present a case for capital funding to this council and other funding bodies.

The Council agrees to create a feasibility budget for each area-working group. This will allow members of each area-working group to identify community projects and recommend feasibility support to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for significant community capital schemes.”

The motion was seconded by Councillor Murphy.

            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,

 “This Council undertakes to make its venues, buildings, leisure centres and other public properties dog-friendly in light of the recent badging scheme it developed.”

(To be referred, without discussion, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee)

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

 “This Council undertakes to make its venues, buildings, leisure centres and other public properties dog-friendly in light of the recent badging scheme it developed.”

            The motion was seconded by Councillor Long.

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

Proposed by Councillor Collins,

Seconded by Councillor Heading,

 “This Council congratulates the Extinction Rebellion movement and other activists who have recently protested in Belfast and across the world in order to highlight the threat of catastrophic climate change.  The Council recognises this as one of the greatest threats facing citizens in Belfast, and believes that urgent action must be taken in Belfast and globally in order to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.  Accordingly, the Council agrees to immediately declare a “Climate Emergency”.

The Council also urges other local Councils to follow suit, and calls on both British and Irish governments to also declare a climate emergency.  Such a call aims to see Belfast move away from fossil fuels and fully toward renewable energy sources.  This initiative would see the Council doing everything it can to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions, including, for example, ensuring that all new buildings are ecologically friendly, that the retrofitting of homes is a priority, and that public transport is expanded.  The Council agrees to immediately establish a multi-agency team across the city, which should include various governmental departments, political parties and other relevant agencies, to ensure that tackling the causes of climate change is an immediate priority.”

(To be referred, without discussion, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee)

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

 “This Council congratulates the Extinction Rebellion movement and other activists who have recently protested in Belfast and across the world in order to highlight the threat of catastrophic climate change.  The Council recognises this as one of the greatest threats facing citizens in Belfast, and believes that urgent action must be taken in Belfast and globally in order to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.  Accordingly, the Council agrees to immediately declare a “Climate Emergency”.

The Council also urges other local Councils to follow suit, and calls on both British and Irish governments to also declare a climate emergency.  Such a call aims to see Belfast move away from fossil fuels and fully toward renewable energy sources.  This initiative would see the Council doing everything it can to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions, including, for example, ensuring that all new buildings are ecologically friendly, that the retrofitting of homes is a priority, and that public transport is expanded.  The Council agrees to immediately establish a multi-agency team across the city, which should include various governmental departments, political parties and other relevant agencies, to ensure that tackling the causes of climate change is an immediate priority.”

            The motion was seconded by Councillor Heading.

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