Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported on behalf of Alderman Copeland and Councillors Baker and McCusker.

            The Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, extended his condolences to Councillor Baker on the recent death of his father. 

            The minutes of the meeting of 11th May were taken as read and signed as correct.

            It was reported that the minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st June, subject to the following amendment:

            At the request of Councillor de Faoite, the minute will now read.

            ‘The Members noted the update and recommended that, in accordance with the Council decision of 4th May, the Chief Executive exercise her delegated authority to grant permission for Mr. Tim Walker, acting Chief Executive, arc21 to present to a future meeting of the Committee on relevant important proposed legislation affecting the future of Waste Collections and that Belfast City Council supports the implementation of a full bottle deposit return scheme as opposed to an "on the go" scheme.’

            No Declarations of Interest were recorded.

            The Chairperson welcomed Ms. Frances Dowds, Belfast and South East Area Manager, Health and Social Care (HSC).  She commenced by explaining that her remit was specifically over drugs, alcohol, and mental health issues. Ms. Dowds then introduced her colleagues Mr. J. Brogan, Assistant Director of Integrated Care and Ms. K. Turner, Medicines Management Lead for Integrated Care, along with associates from the Public Health Authority (PHA), Ms. L. Wylie, Senior Health and Social Well Being Improvement Officer and Mr. M. Owen, Health and Social Well Being Improvement Manager.ea;t.

            Ms. Dowds thanked the Members for the opportunity to present and apologised for the delay in attending, which she explained had been a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing work pressures.  She advised that she and her colleagues would be presenting in regard to the ongoing work to try and reduce alcohol and drug related harm in Northern Ireland within the context of the New Strategic Direction for Alcohol and Drugs Strategy (2011-2016) and Draft Programme for Government Framework (2016 – 2021). 

            Mr. Rogan advised that the Department of Health (DoH) was currently leading on the development of a new Substance Use Strategy – ‘Preventing Harm and Empowering Recovery – A Strategic Framework to Tackle Substance Use’.  This strategy had been co-produced with a wide range of stakeholders and the public consultation had closed on 5th February 2021.  He advised that the co-production writing group had been reconvened and was currently discussing the responses received, once complete, the final strategy would then be forwarded to the Minister for Health for his consideration and then to the Executive for final approval.  

            He highlighted that most of the responsibility for illegal substances had not been devolved and was still the responsibility of the Home Office, therefore, it was important for the Members to understand that the PHA did not have the lead in this area and it was trying to deliver within the parameters of the existing legislation.  He then provided an overview of the remits of both the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) and the Public Health Agency (PHA). 

            The Committee was advised that, in addition to the new Substance Use Strategy, the following would also be key policy considerations going forward in 2021:

·        New Liquor Licensing Bill being progressed by Department for Communities (DfC);

·        Consultation on Minimum Unit Pricing for Alcohol; and

·        Consultation regarding the new Mental Health Strategy.

            Ms. Dowds then provided the Committee with an overview of the PHA Health Improvement – Regional and Local Level Approach.  She advised that statistics showed that 1 in 14 adults with a mental illness also suffered with a substance abuse disorder, therefore in terms of drugs and alcohol and mental health and suicide prevention it was essential that there was a coordinated multi-agency approach to ensure the sharing of good practice.  She also referred to the high drug related deaths in areas of deprivation and stated that they were committed to focusing on addressing these inequalities.

            The representative referred  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

            The Chairperson welcomed Mr. T. Walker, Arc 21 Acting Chief Executive to the meeting to present an update on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). 

            Mr. Walker commenced by explaining that the Government aimed to establish the transfer of responsibility from brands to Councils to ensure the producers paid the full cost of dealing with the waste packaging that they each produced. He explained that the original producer responsibility scheme did not support the principles of producers paying for the full costs, nor that the benefits should be spread across all stakeholders in the supply chain.  The aim of the new EPR scheme was to focus on addressing this shortfall to ensure that it was fairer to all stakeholders.  He advised that it was anticipated that the proposed changes would create an annual bill of over £2.7 billion, this would have profound implications upon the Council’s current waste activities and particularly on the financing of collection arrangements and revenue arising from the sale of recyclables. 

            He then advised the Members of the operational costs and potential infrastructure that the Council would require to enable delivery of the proposed scheme along with the following key dates:

·    Autumn 2021 –        Environmental Bill to receive Royal Assent;

·    2022 –                      EPR Regulations laid before Parliament;

                               Obligated producers to compile and report packaging data;

                               Scheme Administrator procured in 2022and appointed in       2023;

·    2023 -                       Phase 1 – first payments to be made to Local Authorities from           October 2023 based on modelled costs;

·    2024 -                       Phase 2 – Modulated fees, litter and business payments and full       net costs to be paid to Local Authorities;

·    2025 -                       Packaging re-use targets from 2025; and

·    2026 -                       Plastic film from 2026.

            In terms of the proposed Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), the representative advised that Northern Ireland, England and Wales had committed to introduce the scheme for drinks containers subject to further consultation, he advised that it was anticipated that this scheme would be implemented in late 2024, as part of the EPR Scheme to ensure that there was no gap in funding.  He then provided a comprehensive overview of the proposed scheme including information in respect of deposits, return points and digital options.  He stated that the recent consultation would help inform final policy decisions on key aspects of the scheme, such as governance, targets, and implementation timelines.

            The representative concluded the presentation by advising that he felt that the proposals represented an opportunity in progressing the development of a Circular Economy and should be viewed as such.  The aim of placing the cost burden on producers would hopefully cause them to question whether their packaging was necessary, could be reduced, or not used at all, any reduction in waste packaging would be positive and should, in time, help to reduce the overall financial burden placed on councils in dealing with packaging waste. 

              The Chairperson thanked the representative for his comprehensive presentation following which he left the proceedings.

            The Chairperson welcome Mr. D. Polley, Director – Housing Supply Policy, and Ms. D. Knowes, Head of Affordable Warmth and Energy Branch, both representing the Department for Communities, to the meeting to address Member’s queries regarding the Affordable Warmth Scheme (AWS).

            Mr. Polley commenced by advising that he was delighted to confirm that funding of 16 million had been allocated for the overall scheme, this would equate to 30 referrals per month per Council. He also confirmed that the affordability threshold was due to increase from 20k – 23k, it was anticipated that this increase would result in the scheme being available to more people. In addition, some of the benefits, including Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and Carer’s Allowance were being removed from the calculation of income, which should result in a fairer scheme for applicants.

            The representative referred to the Covid-19 Pandemic. He advised that delivery of the scheme had been interrupted due to the necessary restrictions and it had taken a while to get the scheme restarted, which had resulted in an underspend in the scheme.  To try address the impact on councils of the reduced funding, DfC had provided an upfront ‘in year’ payment to councils and there had also been the option to apply for any additional costs incurred.

            Mr. Polley advised that representatives from the DfC, in conjunction with an officer from the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council (who was representing the 11 Councils), were currently drafting a new Service Level Agreement (SLA) for the AWS which would be shared for consideration in due course.

            He highlighted that Busines Continuity Services (Department of Finance) was currently undertaking a review on the targeted approach and funding models for the AWS, the final report on this was likely to be available by the end of June 2021.  Any proposed changes to the scheme would have to be signed off by the relevant government departments and it was therefore unlikely that this would be completed before the next financial year.

            He also referred to discussion that had taken place with SOLACE regarding a 50:50 funding model, explaining that this would allow for 50% funding upfront to Council, with the remaining 50% payment per referral. 

            He concluded by confirming that since 2015 the scheme had allocated 82 million which had provided affordable warmth improvement measures to 20,000 homes.  He stated that the AWS was vital to the Fuel Poverty Strategy and it was essential therefore that both worked hand in hand.  He detailed that he was aware of several issues that the Department were currently working on addressing but added that he anticipated an improved scheme going forward.

            Following a query from a Member, Mr. Polley confirmed that the Department for Communities did liaise with the Department of Finance and Department for the Economy in the regard to the Energy Strategy.

            During discussion, the current rise in material costs was highlighted and the fact that this was affecting the margins to deliver on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

            The information contained in the reports associated with the following 3 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 on the following 3 items as, due to their nature, 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 Committee considered a request seeking permission to use the Boucher Road Playing Fields from 6th September – 13th September 2021 for the purpose of hosting a local music festival - Planet Love 2021 in association with Cool FM.

            The Committee noted that this would be a one-day event on the 11th September from 1.00 p.m. – 11.00 p.m.  This would be a ticketed, licensed event for strictly 18+ patrons and identification would be required upon entry to the venue.

            The Event Layout would allow for the safe egress of 15,000 patrons. It was expected that there would be maximum capacity of this number. Entertainment would be provided by both Live Acts and DJs performing on multiple stages located inside the site. There would also be Amusement/fairground rides, Fireworks/Pyrotechnics, Food Vendors, a marquee and the pavilion would be being used.

            In accordance with the Council decision of 4th May, the Members agreed that the Chief Executive exercise her delegated authority to:

(i)          grant authority to Notorious Brands for the use of Boucher Road Playing Fields for a local music festival Planet Love in association with Cool FM from 6th September -13thSeptember 2021;

(ii)     delegate authority to the Director of Neighbourhood Services to:

·        negotiate an appropriate fee which recognises the costs to Council, minimises negative impact on the immediate area and takes account of the potential wider benefit to the City economy, in conjunction with the Council’s Commercial Manager;

·        negotiate satisfactory terms and conditions of use via an appropriate legal agreement prepared by the City Solicitor, including managing final booking confirmation dates and flexibility around ‘set up’ and take down’ periods, and booking amendments, subject to:

o  the promoter resolving any operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction;

o  compliance with Coronavirus restrictions in place at the time of the event; and 

o  the promoter meeting all the statutory requirements of the Planning and Building Control Service including the terms and conditions of the Park’s Entertainment Licence.

            The Director asked the Members to note that the above recommendations were taken as pre-policy position, in advance of the Council agreeing a more structure framework and policy for ‘Events’, which was currently being taken forward in conjunction with the Council’s Commercial team.

The Committee considered a request from Rosario Youth Club seeking ongoing additional financial support with staff costs incurred due to longer operating at Ulidia Playing Fields, in addition to the contribution paid under their Partnership Agreement.

            The Director reminded the Members of a previous request from Rosario Youth Club seeking to progress to an alternative management model for the facility, by way of a potential lease arrangement.  He advised that officers had been working with the club to further progress discussions around their plans and aspirations for a potential Community Asset Transfer, with the club looking at providing detailed information demonstrating clear community benefit from their plans, however, due to difficulties arising from the Covid19 pandemic progress had been delayed. The Committee noted that it was anticipated that this would be progressed under a new Community Asset Transfer framework for the Council, which officers were currently drafting.  Given the delay in progressing any new arrangements, the group was keen to sustain the existing resource support and therefore were seeking interim support.

            Following a query from a Member who suggested that Rosario YC was experiencing difficulties with the community funding application process, the Director of Neighbourhood Services advised that he was unaware of any such issues.  He suggested that if the Member had additional information, to contact him directly and he would have it investigated. 

            Following a further query, the Director advised that the formation of the Community Asset Transfer Policy Framework was in its early stages.  He explained the that the aim of the framework was to streamline the numerous arrangements across the City, he highlighted that pilot schemes were being considered which would be subject to committee consideration and approval.

            In accordance with the Council decision of 4th May, the Members agreed that the Chief Executive exercise her delegated authority to agree to provide a maximum financial payment to Rosario Youth Club of up to £2,000 per month for staff costs, subject to vouching of fully evidenced expenditure from July 2021 to March 2022.

The Committee were advised that, following the recent relaxation on restrictions, several requests had been received from organisers seeking to host events in various Belfast park locations during coming months. 

            The Director of Neighbourhood Services advised that any events would be subject to strict criteria and a robust risk assessment. As with all the events, delivery would be fully dependent on compliance with NIE restrictions and government guidelines at the time. The situation remained fluid and, should the government guidance change, some events might need to be amended, postponed, or even cancelled.

            The Members noted that these events would see a return to more animation of the Council’s Parks and Open Spaces.  Some of the events were long standing having previously taken place for many years, offering many of our Belfast citizens and family’s great fun, entertainment, and experiences.

           A Member raised some concern in relation to the proposed Finaghy Cultural Festival, given that this was a densely populated area.  The Director of Neighbourhood Services undertook to discuss these concerns further directly with the Member but reaffirmed the process and the requirement for event management plan to be agreed in advance of any formal permission being granted. The Director advised that officers would be liaising with the event organisers to discuss and seek the assurances that the Council would require.  

            In accordance with the Council decision of 4th May, the Members of the Committee agreed that the Chief Executive exercise her delegated authority to grant authority to each of the applicants for the following proposed events:

·        Feile; 5th – 15th August at Falls Park;

·        Into the Woods; 9th - 15th August at Botanic Gardens;

·        Finaghy Cultural Festival; 27th – 29th August at Wedderburn Park;

·        Culture Night; 17th September at Cathedral Gardens;

·        EastSide Arts Festival; 5th – 15th August along the Connswater Community Greenway; and

·        Belfast 24 Hour International Road Race; 16th & 17th October at Victoria Park.

            it was further agreed that she grant authority to the Director to negotiate satisfactory terms and conditions of use, including any relevant fees, via an appropriate legal agreement prepared by the City Solicitor, including managing final booking confirmation dates and flexibility around ‘set up’ and take down’ periods, and booking amendments, subject to:

·        the promoter resolving any operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction;

·        compliance with Coronavirus restrictions in place at the time of the event; and

·        the promoter meeting all the statutory requirements of the Planning and Building Control Service including the terms and conditions of the Park’s Entertainment Licence.

            The Director asked the Members to note that the above recommendations were taken as pre-policy position, in advance of the Council agreeing a more structure framework and policy for ‘Events’, which was currently being taken forward in conjunction with the Council’s Commercial team.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1             As agreed at the May 2021 People and Communities Committee, this update is to provide Committee with a copy of the relevant responses from the Council and arc21 to recent consultations on EPR and DRS relating to packaging waste. Both consultations opened on 24 March 2021 and closed on 04 June 2021.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Members of the Committee are asked to recommend that, in accordance with the Council decision of 4th May 2021, the Chief Executive exercise her delegated authority to:

·        Retrospectively (as noted as last month’s Committee meeting, the consultations formally closed on 4th June) adopt the consultation responses to Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Introducing a Deposit Return Scheme in England, Wales & Northern Ireland.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Members may recall a series of consultations in 2019, relating to packaging.  This consultation process was the beginning of an approach to reform the arrangements for producer responsibility for packaging waste, which has been in place since 1997. The responses, to the original consultations, from both Belfast City Council and arc21, were presented to Committee in June 2019.

3.2       These consultations collectively represent possibly the biggest change in UK Waste Management practices in a generation.  These will have profound implications upon BCC’ waste activities and particularly on the financing of collection arrangements and revenue arising from the sale of recyclables. 

3.3       The premise of the EPR consultation is to ensure ‘producers pay the full costs of dealing with the waste packaging they produce’.  The original producer responsibility scheme in its current guise has flaws and does not support the principles of producers paying for the full costs, nor that the benefits should be spread across all stakeholders in the supply chain.  This new EPR scheme is focusing more clearly on addressing this shortfall to ensure that it is fairer for all stakeholders. 

3.4       The EPR consultation has much to commend it in progressing the development of a Circular Economy and should be viewed as an opportunity, subject to the actual implementation of the detail to be contained within the legislation.  The aim of placing the cost burden on producers with the expectation that this will cause them to question whether their packaging is necessary, could be reduced, or not used at all, is a positive change and should reduce the  overall financial burden placed on councils in dealing with packaging waste. 

3.5       Following strong support from the 2019 consultations, Northern Ireland, England and Wales committed to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers subject to further consultation. This second consultation is seeking views from across the industry, on how the scheme will function to ensure it achieves the desired outcomes. Responses to this consultation will help inform final policy decisions on key aspects of the scheme, such as governance, targets and implementation timelines.

3.6       At its meeting on 11 May 2021, Committee agreed to support an  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

            The Members of the Committee recommended that, in accordance with the Council decision of 4th May, the Chief Executive exercise her delegated authority to approve the application for naming a new street in the City as set out below:

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1             The purpose of this report is to provide Members with an update on the ongoing recovery of our pest control service and in particular the commencement of home visits and treatments.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Members of the Committee are asked to recommend that, in accordance with the Council decision of 4th May 2021, the Chief Executive exercise her delegated authority to

·        note the progress made to date on the ongoing recovery of the pest control service and the steps being taken to address the remaining challenges.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Members will be aware of the significant impact the pandemic has had on front line services such as pest control. In the early stages of last year a number of pest control officers were furloughed as they were required to shield for various reasons. The service continued to deliver the sewer baiting programme throughout that time and residents were offered advice and information. The tenants of social housing were advised to contact their housing provider to obtain pest control services.

3.2       We re-introduced the pest control service in September 2020, albeit in a very limited way. Risk assessments and the various control measures meant that very few home treatments could be carried out and only for the most vulnerable and where significant public health issues were identified. Most visits were restricted to external only, with officers providing advice and information.

3.3       In recent months with transmission rates reducing and the easing of government restrictions the Pest Control team has been working with Corporate Health and Safety to carry out further risk assessments using the less than 2m template and to put in place additional safety measures to enable home treatments to resume at the beginning of June. The Trade Unions have been kept informed and the risk assessments have been agreed.

3.4       The proposed safe system of work will require more time for each visit and in between visits as officers have a list of questions to ask the householder before entering the property and they will be required to change their PPE between visits.

3.5       The safety measures will impact on the number of treatments that can be completed in a day and there is the potential for a long waiting list to build up very quickly. This is a concern to both staff and the Trade Unions because of the negative impact this can have on customer perception of the service and subsequently on staff morale. In order to manage the waiting list it is proposed, in the first instance, to only carryout treatments in private rented sector and owner occupied property and to continue to refer the tenants of social housing to the Housing Executive and Housing Associations. This approach will be supported by sewer baiting, external assessments and drain testing for defects as required regardless of tenure.

3.6       We have only recently started collecting information that enables us to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to update Committee on the work being taken forward through Community Planning with a specific focus on the Living Here Board and its recent meeting held on Monday 17 May 2021.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Members of the Committee are asked to recommend that, in accordance with the Council decision of 4th May, the Chief Executive exercise her delegated authority to note the:

                                                (i)          Key areas of work currently being progressed by the Living Here Board (LHB), as outlined below.

                                              (ii)          Alignment and synergies between the Board and the work of the Committee.

                                            (iii)           Planned process for refreshing the Belfast Agenda and the role of Elected Members in supporting this process.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Background

            Members will be aware that the Community Planning Partnership (Partnership) was established in February 2018, under the auspices of the Local Government (NI) Act 2015, to improve the economic, social and environmental wellbeing by encouraging and enabling joined up planning and collaborative delivery across partners, as well as promoting and enabling innovation and sharing good practice.  In order to ensure that the vision and ambitions set out within the Belfast Agenda (community plan for the city) are translated into action and to mobilise city partners to support delivery, four ‘delivery focused boards’ have been formed to drive collaboration (i.e. City Development, Skills, Jobs and Education, Resilience and Sustainability and Living Here Board), as illustrated below:

3.2       Living Here Board

            The LHB is co-Chaired by the Council’s Director of Neighbourhood Services and the Health and Social Care Board’s Assistant Director and Commissioning Lead for Belfast. The Board comprises Council officers and a range of its Community Planning Partners, including representation from the Statutory and VCSE sectors. The areas of collaborative focus being taken forward by the LHB, as set out below, clearly aligns with the remit of the Committee and seeks to support vulnerable people and communities as well as creating integrated approaches to improving service provision and support within the city. The LHB work programme currently focuses on the following:

                                             (i)          Addressing Health Inequalities with a specific focus on

·        Drugs, Alcohol and Mental Health

·        Avoidable winter deaths

·        Promoting Positive Emotional Wellbeing

                                            (ii)          Community Recovery and Area Planning (including Multi-Agency Support Hub)

                                          (iii)          Integrated, inter-agency approaches to early intervention including early years support and family programmes.

            As theeffects of theCovid-19pandemic havebegunto emerge,thereisa need to understand howour city economyandcommunitiesarelikelytobeimpacted,andwhatweneedtofocusontorebuild inthecomingmonthsandyears.Clearly,thepandemicisnotoverandtherewillneedtobesustainedefforts toprotectthesafetyandhealthofourcitizens,whileatthesametimebalancingtheneedtostabiliseand rebuildoureconomyandcity.Inthiscontext,andaspartofthereviewoftheBelfastAgenda,thereis  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17a

The Director of Neighbourhood Services provided the Members with a detailed update in respect of the Belfast Open Spaces Strategy (BOSS) and the proposed approach to implement the strategy through the development of Delivery Plans.

            He reminded the Members that the new BOSS was an update of the previous Open Spaces Strategy – ‘Your City, Your Space’ which had been completed in 2005.  The Council had appointed AECOM to help prepare a new BOSS for the council area.  The BOSS, including the data collected during its preparation, had formed part of the evidence base for the Local Development Plan (LDP).  A public consultation had been carried out on the draft BOSS from June -September 2019, with an update and proposed amendments having been presented to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee in March 2020.  As a result of the pandemic there had been a delay in finalising the publication of the BOSS.

            The Members noted that the vision of the BOSS was that by 2035 ‘Belfast will have a well-connected, accessible network of high quality, sustainable open spaces recognised for the value and benefits they provide to everyone who lives, works in and visits our city.’

            The strategy outlined seven guiding strategic principles (SP), to ensure the council’s existing and new open spaces were fit for the future.

·        SP1. Provide welcoming shared spaces

·        SP2. Improve connectivity

·        SP3. Improve health and wellbeing

·        SP4. Support place-making and enhance the built environment

·        SP5. Increase resilience to climate change

·        SP6. Protect and enhance the natural environment

·        SP7. Be celebrated and support learning

            The Director advised that the strategy had identified a range of opportunities and headline actions aligned to the seven strategic principles above. These actions were currently underway or planned for the council’s open space network across the city in the next five years.  He detailed that over the coming months, officers from the CNS Department would work collaboratively with colleagues across the council to develop more focused thematic and geographically based (N, S, E, W and city wide) open space delivery plans. This work would include a review of the progress to date on the headline actions currently in the BOSS and the development of smart outcomes-based proposals for future actions.

           Several Members welcomed and noted the importance of open spaces, stating that this had been particularly highlighted during the pandemic.  During discussion the importance of improving connectivity through connecting spaces (greenways), sustainable transport and accessible travel and linking this work with the Belfast Access Strategy and aligning it with the work of the Physical Programmes section was highlighted. 

           The Director of Neighbourhood Services referred to localised delivery plans and advised that it was anticipated that much of the work to develop these plans would be progressed through the Area Working Groups.

            The Members of the Committee noted the final version of the Belfast Open Spaces Strategy and the proposed approach and next steps in implementing the strategy through the development of smart outcomes-based delivery  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17b

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 9th March 2021, Members agreed to extend the current partnership agreement with Belfast Healthy Cities, until 30th September 2021 to allow for the submission of the application for Phase VII of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network and the completion of a value for money review of partnership arrangements with Belfast Healthy Cities, who facilitate the city’s membership of the WHO European Healthy Cities Network.

1.2       On 21st May BHC notified us that the City of Belfast has been designated in Phase VII thereby extended to April 2026.  Council Officers will work with BHC to ensure that the certificate is formally signed off by the incoming Lord Mayor over the coming weeks.

1.3       Belfast City Council are one of four core funders of Belfast Healthy Cities along with the Public Health Agency, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Northern Ireland Housing Executive. Belfast’s membership to the WHO European Healthy Cities Network is facilitated by Belfast Healthy Cities.  The CEOs of each of the four funding bodies will receive a copy of the final designation letter.

1.4       The value for money review draft report has now been issued, on 6th May 2021, to the core funding partners of Belfast Healthy Cities for review and comment. Overall, the findings outlined in the initial draft report do indicate that the collective investment in Belfast Healthy Cities represents ‘good value for money’ based on the returns the city receives in both profile and practice.

1.5       Further engagement within, and across, each of the core funding partners is now required to collectively examine the content of the draft report. As such, and to ensure continuity of delivery during this period, it is recommended the current partnership agreement with Belfast Healthy Cities is extended until 31st March 2022.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Members of the Committee are asked to recommend that, in accordance with the Council decision of 4th May 2021, the Chief Executive exercise her delegated authority to:

·        Note the content of the report

·        Agree to extend the current partnership agreement with Belfast Healthy Cities to 31st March 2022

·        Agree to a further report being brought to committee in the Autumn which will detail both the findings and recommendations from the final version of the value for money review as well as the four core funding partners plans for acting on/responding to the findings /recommendations.

3.0       Main report

            Key Issues

3.1       At the meeting of the People and Communities Committee on 4th June 2019, Members agreed that a review be undertaken of the Department’s 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.

3.2       Further to this, at the meeting of the People and Communities Committee on 9th March 2021, Members approved an extension of the current partnership agreement  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17c

The Director provided the Members with an update regarding the outcome of the naming process for the new park at Colin, which had previously been reported to the People and Communities Committee at its meeting on 13th April 2021.

            He reminded the Members that the Council were currently working in partnership with the Urban Villages Initiative to develop a large scale ‘destination’ park in the Colin area of the city. The new park, which represented an investment of over £4m in the area, would include a new play park, pump track, education zone and extensive new pathways.  Work on the park was currently progressing well and it was anticipated that it would be completed by July.  As previously advised, a preliminary engagement exercise had been carried out with key local stakeholders to develop several options for a name for the new park, with the initial agreed options having been:

·        PáircNua Colin

·        Leap of Faith Park

·        Sherwood Park

·        Colin New Park

            In addition, as agreed at last month’s meeting Páirc Nua Chollann had also been added to the proposed list.

            The Director advised that the Council had used its new online consultation platform, “Your Say” to consult on the five options above between 10th May and 31st May 2021. Hard copy questionnaires had also beencirculated to key community stakeholders. The consultation had received a very strong uptakewith over 900 responses received, the vast majority of which came from respondentswithin the BT17 postcode area and he drew the Members; attention to the results, as follows:

·        PáircNua Chollann- 42.4% (317 responses)

·        Leap of Faith Park- 23.8% (208)

·        PáircNua Colin- 15.7% (137)

·        Sherwood Park- 12.7% (111)

·        Colin New Park- 5.4% (47)

            In accordance with the Council decision of 4th May, the Members agreed that the Chief Executive exercise her delegated authority to note the findings of the public consultation exercise on the name of the new park at Colin and approve the name of the new park in Colin as Páirc Nua Chollann.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1             The purpose of this report is to update members in relation to the Motion on Recent Violence and Public Disorder considered at the May meeting of committee and to outline how this would be facilitated, resourced and managed.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Members of the Committee are asked to recommend that, in accordance with the Council decision of 4th May, the Chief Executive exercise her delegated authority to:

                                       i          Note that the Motion will be considered at the next meeting of the Belfast Area Outcomes Group for CYP as the most appropriate forum of the relevant statutory agencies and third sector organisations to inform a consistent, young person led approach for future summer periods;

                                     ii          note the recent engagement with BHSCT and DfC to discuss any future discretionary funding to support youth engagement and intervention and commitment to continue the collaborative, flexible, co-design model successfully delivered by the BAOG and Locality groups for CYP Covid response programme support;

                                    iii          note ongoing arrangements to support continued, proactive, engagement with Trade Unions to ensure safety of our staff

                                    iv          note historic and ongoing engagement with Department of Engagement and Youth Service officials to support the ongoing process for the formation of a NI Youth Assembly; and to seek assurances that Youth Citizens' Assemblies will be considered as an engagement model to make recommendations for the city on addressing poverty, inequality, eradicating paramilitarism, integrating communities, expanding opportunity and tackling the climate crises

3.0       Main report

            Key Issues

3.1       The Council, at its meeting on 4th May, considered the following motion which had been moved by Councillor Smyth and seconded by Councillor Mulholland.

3.2       ‘This Council condemns the recent serious violence and public disorder that took place not only in Belfast, but across Northern Ireland.  It condemns paramilitarism, the use of violence for political ends and the exploitation of young people and working class communities.  We were deeply troubled to see images of children and young people involved in violence and deplore the risk of another generation seeing violence as a response to political frustrations. Whilst matters have thankfully settled over the past 2 weeks, we still believe that the underlying issues prevail and the threat of violence is near too far away from the surface in Northern Ireland.

            As the main political body of this city, we have a moral and ethical duty to do everything we can to protect our citizens, particularly those young people at risk of being manipulated into street violence, as well as our duty of care to front line council staff carrying out daily essential services. We must also move away from simply offering condemnation and begin to look at solutions that will offer our young people hope and invest in their futures. This Council will: commit to supporting all elements of the Youth Service, including our own Belfast Youth Forum; and will convene an urgent meeting of the relevant statutory agencies  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18a