Agenda and minutes

            Apologies were recorded on behalf of Councillors Corr, Magennis and Newton.

            The minutes of the meeting of 9th January were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st February.

            The Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Copeland) declared an interest in agenda item 1 (d), viz., Marie Curie Northern Ireland - Request to Present to Committee, in that she volunteered for the Charity.

The Committee agreed to invite representatives of Marie Curie NI to present at a special meeting of the Committee on its case for a whole society approach to end of life care.

            The Committee was reminded that, at the meeting of the Council on 1st February, the following motion, which had been proposed by the High Sheriff (Councillor Howard) and seconded by Deputy Lord Mayor (Councillor Copeland), had been referred to the Committee for consideration:

“This Council supports making Belfast a Dementia Friendly City and, by doing so, would envisage each business and transport provider signing up to having a Dementia Champion and to take part in Dementia awareness training.” 

            The Committee agreed that a report be submitted to a future meeting.

            The Committee was reminded that, at the meeting of the Council on 1st February, the following motion, which had been proposed by the Councillor Nicholl and seconded by Councillor O’Neill, had been referred to the Committee for consideration:

“This Council commits to seeking ways to better support people with anaphylaxis living within and visiting the City, including by considering ways to help raise awareness of the condition and reviewing support and facilities available for them in Council amenities.”

            The Committee agreed that a report be submitted to a future meeting.

            The Committee was reminded that, at the meeting of the Council on 1st February, the following motion, which had been proposed by the Councillor Milne and seconded by Councillor Kyle, had been referred to the Committee for consideration:

“This Council notes that many cities in the UK and Ireland are taking action against plastic waste by implementing free water refill points.  Notably, Bristol has been implementing a very successful refill scheme since 2015, and London has recently pledged to increase the availability of water refill points to help limit the amount of recyclable waste sent to landfill.

Not only will increasing the provision of free water refill points help reduce plastic waste, but increased access to water can contribute towards people living a healthier lifestyle.

The Council, therefore, agrees to assess the feasibility of implementing a bottle refill initiative.  Additionally, it will write to the Belfast Chamber of Commerce seeking to determine whether local shops and businesses can work together to provide access to public drinking water.  This could potentially increase footfall within local businesses and even further improve the public relations impact of our business community.”

            The Committee agreed that a report be submitted to a future meeting.

The Assistant Director advised that, at the meeting of the Strategic Cemetery and Crematorium Working Group held on 29th January, the following key items had been considered:

·        the lifting of heavy coffins;

·        update in relation to the water infrastructure at Roselawn Cemetery;

·        update in respect of the preferred options for the Crematorium Development; and

·        discussion regarding poor attendance at meetings of the Working Group.

            Following a query from a Member, the Democratic Services Officer undertook to clarify directly with the Member the protocol around the Independent Member attending the Working Group. 

            The Committee:

·        approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Strategic Cemeteries and Crematorium Working Group held on 29th January;

·        agreed that the Chairperson would write to the Party Group Leaders highlighting the lack of attendance over the last two years at the Working Group and suggesting that the Party might wish to consider reviewing its Membership in an endeavour to ensure cross-party participation at future meetings; and

·        noted that Party Group Briefings were being offered on the proposals in respect of the Crematorium options, as agreed at the January meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

The Committee agreed to hold a strategic planning workshop on 27th February, from 12.00 noon - 2.00 p.m. (venue to be confirmed) to review the achievements of the 2017/18 Committee Plan and to consider the priorities to be included in the Committee’s 2018/19 Plan.

            The Committee was advised that Ligoniel Improvement Association was seeking the Council’s formal support of its application for a Heritage Lottery Fund Great Places application for its North Belfast Greenway Project.

            The application was for £250,000 to promote and develop community activity and participation along the walking route from Ligoniel, through Ligoniel Park, across the Cavehill to McArt’s Fort and down to Belfast Castle.  This would involve developing interpretation and extending the historical exploration of significant features along the route.

            The Assistant Director advised that Ligoniel Improvement Association’s application for the North Belfast Hills Greenway project had been shortlisted in the first round and was now one of five finalists.

            The Committee noted that both the Belfast Hills Partnership and Cavehill Conversation Campaign had endorsed the project.  

            The Committee agreed, in principle, to enter into a Partnership Agreement with Ligoniel Improvement Association, in support of its funding application to the Heritage Lottery Fund Great Places for its North Belfast Hills Greenway Project.  This would be subject to consultation with Legal Services and the Property and Projects Department and the agreement of terms with the City Solicitor.

            The Committee noted that the Comber Greenway had been constructed in 2008 and was currently under the ownership of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).  It was 6.5 miles long and passed through three Council areas, namely, Belfast City Council (3 miles), Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (2 miles) and Ards and North Down Borough Council (1.5 miles).  It was the only greenway in Northern Ireland in the ownership of DfI.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 10th January 2017, it had agreed that the Council would request to meet with DfI officials to try and establish the Department’s commitment to the greenway within its strategy.  It had also agreed that officers would aim to create a Steering Group with the DfI and the other relevant Councils to try and develop costed plans for the Comber Greenway that would identify contributions and responsibilities.

            The Assistant Director advised that officers from the three Councils had since met and the Comber Greenway Steering Group (CGSG) had been established. 

            The officer then drew the Members’ attention to the proposed Terms of Reference for the Steering Group.  She advised that the anticipated outcome for the project would be the production of an options appraisal for the future of the Comber Greenway, this would have to be considered and agreed by all three of the Councils.

            The Committee agreed to the Terms of Reference for the Comber Greenway Steering Group, subject to agreement by Legal Services.

            The Assistant Director advised that a request had been received from Ballysillan Swifts Football Club seeking permission for the temporary use of Ballysillan Bowling Pavilion from which to deliver a programme of events for younger people.  The officer advised that the proposed programme would be aimed at building capacity and addressing antisocial behaviour problems and she stated that it would benefit from being located within the local community.

            The officer detailed that access to the pavilion would be required for evening and weekends on a temporary basis and a key holding agreement would be drawn up between the Club and the Council, subject to the proposal being agreed and the club being able to meet the requirements of the agreement.

            The Committee approved the request from Ballysillan Swifts to have temporary free use of Ballysillan Bowling Pavilion, to provide a programme of events for younger people, which would help build capacity in relation to sporting activities and help tackle the issue of anti-social behaviour in the area.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       In 2014 the Council secured funding of £11.7m from Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) under Peace III for the construction of the Girdwood Hub and associated environmental works. As part of the project Belfast City Council purchased a temporary marquee structure through a budget uplift provided by SEUPB as part of the Peace III allocation. The purpose of the temporary structure was to animate the outdoor space in Girdwood Park and complement a programme of outdoor activity and a series of seasonal events. Consultation with key stakeholders recognised the need for outreach and detached youth work to address nuisance and anti-social behaviour on the site and it was agreed that the temporary marquee structure could provide a base from which to engage with the local community. The current position however at Girdwood Community Hub is that key stakeholders and youth practitioners are not yet in a position to provide the support required to successfully manage the structure as a long term feature in Girdwood.

1.2       In March of 2017 the marquee was erected at Girdwood Community Hub for the first birthday celebrations. The use of the structure was very successful, it’s size provides an impressive central point for activities and event information; and in inclement weather will provide much needed shelter for activities.  As a result, Council officers have been tasked with finding a suitable alternative home for the structure so that the investment from SEUPB is utilised accordingly.

1.3       Council officers have discussed a number of different locations for the placement of the temporary structure and at this stage the rose bed/grassed area next to the bowling pavilion in Victoria Park is the preferred option. There is consensus that the structure could be put to good use at the park for both weekly and annual events that are held there.

1.4       If this proposal is approved, then further consultation will take place with the various user groups and community organisations in partnership with the Connswater Community Greenway team. In partnership BCC will develop a programme of animation to support the positive use and engagement of this asset in line with the council’s strategic outcomes. We hope to develop a diverse programme of activities and interventions to suit a wide audience including local communities and visitors. It is anticipated that once the structure is operational that further opportunities will also arise as a result of community engagement and changing needs therefore as issues in the community may arise we will be able to develop some flexibility into the programme.  

2.0       Recommendations

            The Committee is asked to;

·        Give approval for Council Officers to continue to engage with community partners and stakeholders to design a robust programme of activity that will enhance the work of the Connswater Community Greenway and will also include youth detached and outreach work particularly targeting hard to reach young people. Following commitment from community partners and agreement around programme delivery Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5d

            The Assistant Director advised the Members that the East Area Working Group had recently considered a request, from both Bloomfield Football Club and Cycling Ireland, that the Council consider making a capital investment at the grounds of Bloomfield Football Club and the adjacent outdoor velodrome in Orangefield Park, in order to make the area a more usable space for both clubs.  The Working Group had requested that the potential of the proposals be assessed further. 

            She advised that, whilst there was no current budget for such a project, there was a limited amount of capital finance available to support capital proposals, however, to access this funding, all projects had to go through the three stage approval process for capital projects.  It was noted that it was important that these proposals be considered within the context of the emerging thinking around area planning, projects that were currently underway and/or planned investments in the area and emerging proposals.  She advised that, as this would be a capital project, it would have to be considered by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, in its role as investment decision maker. 

            The Committee noted that at this stage there were no costs associated with the proposal and it was not an agreed Council project, furthermore, neither Club had funding for the proposed projects.  The Members were advised that Sport NI intended to open a Multi Facilities Fund in 2018, this would target sites that offered at least four sporting facilities and the proposal could potentially make an application through this fund.  More details would not be available until spring 2018.   

            The Committee recommended to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, in its role as investment decision maker, that the upgrade of Orangefield Park be considered as part of the Parks Improvement Programme which was an existing Stage one project on the Capital Programme. It was noted that this would enable it to be assessed in line with the Council’s three stage approval process for all capital projects and would allow it to be aligned with the emerging area planning discussions and other planned and/or emerging capital investments within the area.

            The Committee was advised that the Council had entered into a Facilities Management Agreement with the Families at the Waterworks on 1st January 2005.  This agreement had set out the respective responsibilities of both the Families and the Council, it had been for an initial period of six years, extended for a further six years and had terminated on 31st December 2017.

            The Assistant Director advised that the management agreement related to the use of the upper pond for fishing and also allowed for the use of a container on the site.  She reported that the Families continued to make use of the facility and sought to encourage greater use of it on a cross community basis and inter-generationally, however, the standard of the existing facilities were inadequate to meet the aspirations of the group.

            The officer reported that representatives of the Families had met with Council officers and advised that they were seeking additional funding through the ALPHA fund to enable them to add to the existing storage facilities and to provide a space that would support them in delivering educational programmes to local groups who might wish to learn more about fishing and related activities.  It was noted that a report would be submitted in due course to seek any necessary approvals.

            The Assistant Director also advised that, despite regular maintenance, there was an ongoing issue regarding the presence of invasive species and weeds within the top pond at the facility.  She highlighted to the Members that recent reservoir legislation required the Council to carry out works to ensure that the waterways remained safe and fit for purpose.  A hydraulic assessment had been carried out in 2016, this had included the upper and lower ponds at the Waterworks and Alexandra Park.  The officer reported that the required works were currently on the capital programme as an emerging project and highlighted that further work was required.  At this stage, the ponds would have to be drained and it was proposed that the treatment of the invasive species would also be undertaken at this time. 

            The Committee:

·        agreed to extend the existing agreement on a month by month basis, not to exceed March 2019 without seeking further consents;

·        agreed to review and revise the existing agreement, in consultation with the relevant fisheries authority and the Families;

·        noted the need for works to the waterways under the Reservoirs legislation and that an environmental assessment was underway and agreed that these works be aligned;

·        noted that the Families at the Waterworks, if successful, would seek an appropriate licence agreement to locate the building on Council land within the existing compound; and

·        noted that a further report would be submitted in due course.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       Members will be aware that Belfast City Council is engaged in a partnership with the Department for Communities (DfC) and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) in the delivery of the Affordable Warmth Scheme (AWS). The scheme aims to address fuel poverty for the most vulnerable households in the city. 

1.2       This report provides an update on the scheme and contains a response to a consultation on the scheme issues by the DfC.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are asked to:

1.     Note the contents of the report and

2.     Agree the contents of the response to the consultation to be submitted to the DfC by 16th February as subject to council ratification in March.

3.0       Main report

            Key Issues

3.1       In the report brought in November 2017 members were updated on the progress of the scheme including proposals made by the DfC, the number of referrals provided to the NIHE and the ongoing pressures to deliver the service given the significant amount of self-referrals being made to the scheme. Members agreed that the scheme should continue to be fully funded by the DfC on an 11 council model.

3.2       Subsequent to the committee meeting it was agreed at the full Council meeting in December that the council would write to the Head of Fuel Poverty within the DfC requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the funding arrangement for Belfast.  This letter was sent on 21^st December 2017, but at the time of submitting this report, no response had been received.

            The current position with the scheme is as follows:

3.3       Referrals sent to NIHE 2017-2018

            The target number of referrals for January – March 2018 reduces to 30 per month and the team is endeavouring to process as many referrals as possible during this period.  The DfC have confirmed that in order to manage the NIHE budget and ensure no underspend they will take additional referrals from councils that can provide them.  It was hoped that this could be discussed with DfC officials at the meeting mentioned above.

            *Note: in official figures 13 surveys from September are included in October as they were transferred on Monday 3^rd October.

3.4       The Service has received 1493 calls from July 2017 (on average 52 per week) regarding the scheme and is working to call back those on the backlogged waiting list. When we receive the details from a phone call we assess if the person is likely to be eligible for the scheme, and prioritise their case on the basis of need.  The current live cases are collated as follows:

3.5       Number of high priority cases currently being processed (these are mainly those with no heating due to boiler issues): approximately 40 cases. This number fluctuates  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6a

            The Committee approved the erection of a second street nameplate in Irish at St.  Galls Avenue.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To consider a motion in relation to the establishment of a not-for-profit energy company which, in accordance with standing orders, was referred to the Committee by the Council at its meeting on 4th December 2017.

1.2       The report provides Members with background on not for profit energy companies and suggests next steps around the options for establishing a Belfast City Council ‘not-for-profit energy company’. 

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        agree that the options for establishing a Belfast City Council ‘not-for-profit energy company’ are explored within the development of relevant strategies including Belfast’s Sustainable Development Framework and a city energy programme.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Key Issues

            At the meeting of the Council on 4th December, the following notice of motion was proposed by Councillor Attwood and seconded by Councillor Milne:

“This Council notes that the Scottish Government and a number of local authorities have established not-for-profit energy firms in search of new revenue, to restore faith in public services and tackle fuel poverty.

The Council notes that the first and best-known publicly owned energy companies, Robin Hood Energy in Nottingham and Bristol Energy, have given consumers, particularly those on low incomes, more choice and the option of a supplier whose only job is to secure the lowest price for consumers.

The Council agrees to explore the potential benefits of establishing a Belfast City Council owned not-for-profit energy company to tackle fuel poverty in Belfast.”

3.2       Initial research has shown that there is a growing interest in the area of alternative energy suppliers and the benefits it can bring including tackling of fuel poverty.  The Council has considered this issue previously and in March 2013 a report was brought to the former Health and Environmental Services Committee on the issue of Collective Switching.  Collective switching is when a large group of people, known as a community or closed group, uses its collective purchasing power to negotiate its own tariff with energy suppliers.  This was as a result of a Council Motion agreeing that an investigation be conducted exploring possibilities for the introduction of a ‘collective switching’ scheme in Belfast.  Members agreed that the collective switching scheme was not feasible locally and it was not progressed at that time.

3.3       Officers have also explored options around community energy schemes but potential legal issues were identified with the Council getting involved in these schemes and they have not been progressed.  However, this is an evolving area and there have been new developments since this work was undertaken, so there may be merit in revisiting some of this work.

3.4       In addition, the Belfast Agenda has identified a key workstream to ‘Develop a city energy programme’ and it would be expected that this would include consideration of some of these new developments.

            Examples of work going on elsewhere

3.5       There are good examples of work going on elsewhere in the area of energy supply. These  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6c

            The Assistant Manager advised that the Council had been approached by representatives from local communities who were keen to assist in the improvement and maintenance of their local verges, roundabouts and open spaces.  In addition, officers involved in the Belfast in Bloom Competition, a campaign to encourage residents and business owners to add flower and colour to their homes and businesses were also keen to engage with potential sponsors with a view to enhancing the entries to the competition.

            The officer detailed that, as the Members would be aware, many cities, towns and villages already engaged with local businesses with a view to seeking financial support to enhance their local areas and it had proven to be a popular way of seeking additional revenue.

            Following a query from a Member regarding the protocol around any advertising/sponsorship, the Assistant Director advised that, if the sponsorship proposals were to be progressed, policies and guidelines would have to be established regarding what would be permitted. 

            A further Member stated that it was essential that the various statutory agencies all played their role in the maintenance of these open spaces. 

            The Committee granted officers authority to engage:

·        with statutory agencies, public and private companies with a view to seeking agreement regarding obtaining sponsorship to improve and enhance roundabouts, open spaces and to stimulate civic pride in local community spaces; and

·        with statutory agencies with a view to seeking agreement for local communities to take responsibility to enhance and assist with the maintenance of open space and verges within their local community.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of Main Issues

1.1       Members will recall Committee consideration in February 2016 of a request to commence the formal and statutory pre-consultation for possible alleygates in Castle Arcade.  The purpose of the proposed alleygates was to address ongoing criminality and anti-social behaviour in Castle Arcade.

1.2       At that meeting, a number of Members stated that they felt the erection of alleygates at this location would not be an effective solution to the issue and whilst they recognised the ongoing concerns around crime and anti-social behaviour, concern was also expressed around the potential for displacement of vulnerable people who used the Arcade.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are asked to

·        approve the proposed regeneration and environmental improvement approach to increasing the footfall in Castle Arcade and reversing the physical decline of the area.

3.0       Background

3.1       Members will be aware that Castle Arcade is a partially covered entry running between Castle Lane and the corner of Cornmarket and Castle Place.  The Arcade is part of the wider Belfast Entries network of narrow alleyways in the city centre around which the city of Belfast developed and was an entrance in to the old Belfast Castle in the city centre. The Arcade has lost its historical character unlike some of the other entries in the city centre and in recent years the area has become disused by workers, tourists and shoppers.

3.2       The Arcade has also become associated with graffiti and criminal damage, drug related incidents, begging, assaults, street drinking, public urination/defecation, and rowdy behaviour.  Additionally, a number of the individuals known to frequent the area are thought to be vulnerable due to being homeless and/or having addiction/mental health issues.

3.3       Police are called daily to the area with the calls ranging from low level ASB to serious assaults and the area is an ongoing priority for police in the city centre. Police do not report any difference in the number of calls they receive before and after the closure of the anchor tenant in the area British Home Stores (BHS), however, there is no doubt the closure of BHS has further reduced the footfall in the area and contributed to the overall feeling of degradation.

3.4       There is a sizeable cost to Council as part of its city centre street cleaning operation in attempting to minimise the issues in the Arcade

            Stakeholders

3.5       A significant lobby developed in 2015 from British Home Stores and Belfast City Centre Management around the cost of these issues to the economic prosperity and vibrancy of the area.  This culminated in a proposal by British Home Stores to pay for the installation of dusk to dawn alleygates in the area and to take responsibility for opening and closing these alleygates.

3.6       At that time, Council People and Communities Committee did not consider alleygates the appropriate response to the issues in the area and that remains the position to date.

            The issues highlighted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6e

            The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the report in respect of Mountain Biking at Cavehill to enable officers to undertake more consultation with the various stakeholders and to attend Party Group Briefings.  It was further agreed that the matter be forwarded to the North Area Working Group for consideration, following which, a report would be submitted to a future meeting of the People and Communities Committee.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       This report outlines a proposal from ArtsEkta to deliver an outdoor event, Belfast Mela, a multicultural festival for approximately 20,000 people, in Botanic Gardens. If, from a logistical point of view, Botanic Gardens is not suitable, ArtsEkta have requested to hold the same event in Ormeau Park. The event will take place on 26 August, 2018, from 12noon – 6.00pm and will require the closure of all or a substantial proportion of the facility. 

1.2       It is proposed that Council continues to provide financial support to the event (up to £20,000) given the positive economic impact it has for the city, improved good relations and attractiveness of the Council assets.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        Approve this proposal from ArtsEkta to deliver an outdoor event, Called Belfast Mela, in Botanic Gardens. If, from a logistical point of view, Botanic Gardens is not suitable, ArtsEkta have requested to hold the same event in Ormeau Park.

·        The event will take place on 26 August, 2018, from 12noon – 6.00pm and will require the closure of all or a substantial proportion of the facility.

·        To provide financial support to the event (up to £20,000) given the positive economic impact it has for the city, improved good relations and attractiveness of the Council assets.

·        Agree that the appropriate legal agreements for each programme, including bond arrangements are prepared to the satisfaction of the Town Solicitor;

·        Agree that Event Organisers are required to meet all statutory requirements and responsibilities including Public Liability Insurance cover, Health and Safety, Food Safety and licensing (including for the sale of alcohol, where required);

·        Agree the timely payment of the agreed charges and bonds as required in the legal agreements; and

·        Agree that Event Organisers shall consult with public bodies and local communities as necessary.

3.0       Main report

            Background

3.1       Over the past number of years, the Council has established a successful partnership with the organisers of Belfast Mela.  This type of event is well-received by audiences and significantly add to the attractiveness of the Council’s parks and open spaces. 

3.2       The partnership has delivered a diverse range of events which have had wide appeal for local communities, as well as attracting significant numbers of tourists and visitors to Council assets. 

3.3       This year the Council has received a request from the Director of ArtsEkta to use Botanic Gardens for the Belfast Mela on 26 August 2018.

3.4       It is proposed that Council continues to provide financial support to the event (up to £20,000) given the positive economic impact it has for the city, improved good relations and attractiveness of the Council assets.

3.5       As a condition to funding, it is recommended that ArtsEkta is requested to facilitate community engagement and taster events in other local neighbourhoods, to build the audience from across the city.  Specific locations could be identified in conjunction with the Community Parks Outreach  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6g

            The Committee was advised that Athletics Northern Ireland (ANI) currently managed the Mary Peters Track as part of a contract that had been awarded 4.5 years ago. 

            The Assistant Director informed the Members that the contract was due to terminate on 30th June 2018, as a result of this, a new tender was being prepared and was scheduled to be released in late February 2018.  The officer reported that, as June was one of the facilities busiest months, it was felt that it would be an inappropriate time to terminate the existing contract.

            The officer confirmed that officers had been in contact with ANI and it had agreed to continue the management of the facility until 31st August 2018.   

            The Committee granted permission to extend the existing tender, which was due to terminate on 30th June 2018, for a two-month period to ensure a more appropriate date of 31st August 2018 for any potential handover of the management of the facilities at Mary Peters Track.

            The Committee was advised that a request had been received from the Mary Peters Trust seeking the Council’s financial assistance to help support the work of the Trust for the 2018/19 financial year. 

            The Assistant Director detailed that an agreement was in place to co-ordinate funding allocations between the Mary Peters Trust, GLL Sports Foundation and Support for Sport individual grants in order to avoid duplication.  She stated that it was suggested that a contribution of £5,000 be made to the Trust, which was in line with contributions from previous years.  

            The Assistant Director reported that a request had also been received from the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council (NICGC), seeking financial support to assist in the costs associated with sending the Northern Ireland team to the Commonwealth Games, which would be held in Australia during April.

The Committee:

·        agreed to provide the amount of £5,000 to the Mary Peters Trust which provided significant financial support for developing talented athletes from Belfast; and

·        agreed to provide the amount of £15,000 to the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council (NICGC) in support of the team attending the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast, Australia. 

            The Assistant Director advised that a request had been received from the Families at the Waterworks Fishing Club to support the third year of the Celtic World Spey Casting Invitational Challenge Event at the Waterworks Park.

            The officer advised that the event would bring world class fishermen from all over the globe to Belfast, with over fifty competitors and 250 spectators estimated daily. 

            The Committee noted that the event would greatly enhance cross community relations and promote the Waterworks Park as a shared space. 

            The Committee agreed:

·        to host the event on 18th – 20th May 2018 at the Waterworks Park, subject to completion of the appropriate Event Management Plans and on the condition that the Event Organisers meet all statutory requirements, including Public Liability Insurance and provide relevant Health and Safety documentation and Risk Assessments; and

·        to provide additional funding up to £7,500 to host the event, to assist with the following:

·        £2,000 towards medals, gifts and trophies;

·        £2,000 towards the cost of daily lunches and hosting a reception at the Belfast Castle;

·        £1,000 for a compere for both the event and the competition;

·        £1,000 for bouncy castles for family engagement;

·        £500 for toilet hire;

·        £500 for first aid provision; and

·        £500 for the transport of International Competitors.

            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 inform members on the progress of the Live Here Love Here Campaign (LHLH) to date and to propose further support for the campaign.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to;

·        Note the progress made with the LHLH campaign to date and the benefits in collaborating in a wider behavioural change campaign.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Key Issues

            At a meeting of the Health and Environmental Services Committee on 6th February 2013, a report relating to the Council committing funding to the proposed Civic Pride Programme was considered.  Committee agreed to commit £41,000 per annum of the Council’s existing anti-litter campaign budget to the project for a 3 year period, subject to appropriate funding from other agencies. On 7th August 2013 the Committee was updated and advised that the commencement of the project was delayed.  Committee agreed that the Council would continue to support the campaign for 2014/15 and 2015/16.  On 8th December 2015, the People and Communities Committee agreed that Council’s funding for the project would continue for the third year 2016/2017.

3.2       The ‘Civic Pride Programme’ has subsequently been re-branded as ‘Live Here Love Here’ (LHLH) and has been developed by a partnership of organisations including Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful (formally Keep Northern Ireland Tidy), the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs and local Councils. Last year additional supporters, Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Choice Housing came on board, and this year, McDonalds and Coca Cola have contributed to the project.

3.3       In year 4 of the campaign (2017/18), 9 councils supported the programme, 2 more than the previous year)

·        Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

·        Ards and North Down Borough Council

·        Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon

·        Belfast City Council

·        Derry and Strabane District Council

·        Fermanagh and Omagh District Council

·        Mid and East Antrim Borough Council

·        Mid Ulster District Council

·        Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

3.4       The programme is made up of three elements: a media campaign; a volunteering support programme and; a small grants scheme.  The aims of the LHLH programme are:

·        To create a movement in the Northern Ireland community focused around the concept of Civic Pride;

·        To effect behavioural change in the public and business community through the promotion of Civic Pride;

·        To improve the quality of the built and natural environments in Northern Ireland;

·        To continuously improve street and beach cleanliness in Northern Ireland;

·        To promote and support local volunteers and volunteer networks to lead Civic Pride initiatives in their local areas;

·        To increase opportunities for volunteering in Civic Pride Initiatives;

·        To encouraging a sense of ‘active communities’ / local activism in Northern Ireland;

·        To create a sense of ownership among local communities and individuals in waste reduction, waste management and recycling, use of green space;

·        To promote public health through increased community engagement and community involvement in local and regional communities; and

·        To encourage tourism through increasing the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6k

            The Assistant Director advised that the Council’s former Parks and Leisure Committee, at its meeting on 8th August 2013, had agreed to establish pilot programmes in four parks through a public expression of interest process in order to gauge the uptake and assess if further mobile catering outlets should be provided in other locations.  She advised that the department had since undertaken a review of the pilot.

            The Committee was advised further that an expression of interest had taken place in April 2015 in relation to the above pilots, however, expression of interests had only been received for two of the four sites, namely, the Waterworks and Cherryvale.  The terms of those agreements were now ending and the department had reviewed the level of income received and the level of administration required to manage the agreements.  As a result, the department had launched an expression of interest process, based on a new approach, for a three-year period, to commence on 1st April, 2018.  The sites identified in the original pilot were to be included as well as sites that had existing hot food and ice cream concessions, she advised that those included, but not exclusively, Belmont Park, Botanic Gardens, Cavehill Adventurous Playground, Cherryvale Park, City of Belfast Playing Fields, Drumglass Park, Dunville Park, Falls Park, Grove Playing Fields, Musgrave Park, Ormeau Park, Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, Victoria Park, Waterworks and Woodvale Park.  The officer explained that the submissions would be evaluated over the next few weeks for arrangements to commence at the beginning of April 2018. 

            Following a query regarding the proposed change to how the rental fees would be calculated, the Assistant Director undertook to update the Member directly.

            The Committee agreed that any additional proposals for sites outside of the existing ones would be considered through the Area Working Groups and that a further report would be submitted to Committee in due course. 

            In accordance with notice on the agenda Councillor McReynolds raised:

“This council acknowledges the massive impact Japanese Knotweed is having in properties across Belfast and Northern Ireland; acknowledges that the matter remains civil in law; agrees that the Council must do more to assist individuals whose homes are negatively impacted upon; agrees to write to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) to see if they would be content to co-fund a Belfast City Council 'not for profit' service to treat properties across Belfast.

I would therefore ask the Committee to consider assessing the feasibility of this request.”

            With the permission of the Chairman, Councillor McReynolds addressed the Committee and outlined his concerns regarding the management and control of Japanese Knotweed across the City.  He requested that a report be submitted to a future meeting which would consider options as to how the Council could, in conjunction with the NIEA, assist the ratepayers of Belfast with the removal of this highly invasive species.

            The Assistant Director advised that the Council received regular enquiries and complaints regarding the presence of Japanese Knotweed on residential and commercial sites and on vacant land.  However, she explained that the Council had no legislative authority to deal with Japanese Knotweed beyond its own properties and open spaces.

            Several Members cautioned against the Council taking on any role in respect of Japanese Knotweed removal and highlighted the significant resource implications which the Council might incur should it agree to co-fund an eradication service.

            A Member requested that, when considering this matter, officers would also consider alternatives ways to treat Japanese Knotweed rather than herbicide injection which involved injecting the pesticide glyphosate directly into the stem.  She explained that the long-term safety of this product was, as yet, unknown.

            The Committee agreed that an update report would be submitted to a future meeting.

            With the permission of the Chairperson, Councillor McCusker addressed the Committee and outlined his request which sought the erection of signage at various locations which would provide contact information for people who were in distress.

            The Committee noted the sensitive nature of the request and the ongoing work throughout the City to prevent suicides in public places.  In addition, a number of the Members stressed the importance of ensuring that any measures taken in relation to this work were appropriate and proportionate and would not cause unnecessary fear or anxiety associated with any of the locations.

            The Committee agreed that an update report would be submitted to a future meeting.