Agenda and minutes

            No apologies were received.

            The minutes of the meeting of 8th May were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 4th June

            Councillor Newton declared an interest in agenda item 5 (h), viz, Park Events Small Grants Scheme – Recommendations for Funding, in that he was associated with Lagan Village Youth and Community Group who had received funding.

The information contained in the reports associated with the following four 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 these items as, due to the nature of the items, 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 report detailing a request from representatives of East Belfast Football Club seeking permission for the installation of temporary structure at an appropriate location at the Alderman Tommy Patton Memorial Park. 

            It was,

            Moved by Councillor Armitage,

            Seconded by Councillor Heading,

      That the Committee agrees to defer consideration of the matter to enable a further report to be submitted to the August meeting of the People and Communities Committee, which would include further detail in respect of the Council’s Policy on temporary structures.

Amendment

Moved by Councillor Corr Johnston,

Seconded by Councillor Newton,

      That the Committee agrees to accede to the request, subject to the terms and conditions as detailed in the report.

            On a vote by show of hands, five Members voted for the amendment and ten against and it was declared lost.

            The original proposal standing in the name of Councillor Armitage was then put to the meeting.  On a vote by show of hands, 10 Members voted for the proposal and five against and it was declared carried.

            The Committee considered a report which sought approval for the use of the playing fields at Boucher Road for a minimum of one and a maximum of four shows during a four-week period beginning in early August, 2019 until early September, 2019 and for the same period in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

            The Committee granted approval for MCD to hold up to four concerts at Boucher Road Playing Fields during a four-week period between early August and early September 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, subject to satisfactory terms being agreed with the Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services and on condition that:

·        the event organisers resolve all operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction;

·        an appropriate legal agreement is completed, to be prepared by the City Solicitor; and

·        the promoter meets all statutory requirements, including the terms and conditions of the Parks Entertainments Licence and any subsequent decisions made by the Licensing Committee

            The Committee considered a request seeking permission to hold a three-day music, food and drink festival in Lower Crescent Park.

            The Committee approved the request for the use of Lower Crescent to hold a three day music, food and drink festival called Trebl on Monday 24th, Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th September 2018, subject to satisfactory terms being agreed and on condition that:

·        the promoter resolves all operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction;

·        an appropriate legal agreement is completed, to be prepared by the City Solicitor; and

·        the promoter meets all statutory requirements, including the terms and conditions of the Parks Entertainments Licence and any subsequent decisions made by the Licensing Committee.

            The Director of Neighbourhood Services advised that a request had been received from a number of young business owners who were seeking permission to hold an event called Focal, in Lower Crescent Open Space, which would showcase the best of young entrepreneurial talent in the food and drinks industry.

            The Committee granted authority for Focal to hold an event on Thursday 30th, Friday 31st August and Saturday 1st September 2018 in Lower Crescent Open Space, subject to satisfactory terms being agreed with the Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services and on condition that:

·        the promoter resolves all operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction;

·        an appropriate legal agreement is completed, to be prepared by the City Solicitor; and

·        the promoter meets all statutory requirements, including the terms and conditions of the Parks Entertainments Licence and any subsequent decisions made by the Licensing Committee.

            The Director of City Services advised that, at the meeting of the Strategic Cemetery and Crematorium Working Group held on 2nd May, the following key issues had been considered:

·        a proposal to explore further the possible relocation of the Bereavement Services Office; and

·        an update in respect of the Water Infrastructure at Roselawn Cemetery.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Strategic Cemeteries and Crematorium Working Group held on 2nd May 2018.

            The Director of City Services provided the Committee with an update in respect of the process to design, produce and install a permanent memorial at Plot Z1 in the City Cemetery. 

            The Director reminded the Committee that a Focus Group had been established, which was made up of representatives of families that had relatives buried in the plot.  She reported that the Focus Group had met regularly over the past few months and had imputed into the brief for the sculptor.  She then drew the Members’ attention to the draft proposed design for the permanent memorial that had been agreed by the Focus Group and advised that it was proposed that a public consultation on the draft design be undertaken during July and August.

            The Committee agreed to the proposals for a public consultation exercise in relation to draft proposed design for the permanent memorial for Plot Z1 in the City Cemetery.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this paper is to outline to Members the draft Council response to the current Department of Justice statutory consultation on Anti-Social Behaviour legislation in Northern Ireland due on 12 June 2018 and to seek Member approval for the draft response that will be submitted subject to final ratification by Council in July 2018.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to;

·        consider the consultation and key findings from the Member and Officer workshops and to agree the draft response.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Council received an invitation to respond in May 2018 tothe Anti-social Behaviour Legislation in Northern Ireland consultation. The consultation is a review of the current justice legislative framework to tackle anti-social behaviour (including on-street drinking). The main existing legislation included in the consultation is:

·        The Anti-social Behaviour (NI) Order 2004

·        Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act 1997

·        Public Processions (NI) Act 1998

·        Part 5 of the Criminal Justice (NI) Order 2008, sections 68 to 72 – enacted but not commenced so cannot be enforced on the ground due to practical issues.

3.2       Given the significant levels of interest in the issue of anti-social behaviour, a consultation workshop was held with Members and a separate workshop with Officers.  The purpose of these workshops was to facilitate practical and meaningful engagement of Members (including PCSP Members) and Officers to inform the corporate response.

3.3       The workshops considered the existing legislation and its effectiveness, suggested new powers in the consultation and had a broad conversation on ‘other’ legislation or legislative practice that would be relevant for referencing in the response. 

3.4       The main messages gathered as consensus from all the workshops were:

·        Council welcomes this consultation as a starting point, not a conclusion and recommends ongoing cross central government departmental conversation to create a robust and flexible framework to address the complex nature of ASB

·        This consultation only focuses on the justice family of legal powers.  Due to the complex nature of ASB and the diverse range of Council services that deal with ASB, there is a need for a more holistic framework.  This framework should not only includes justice powers but other legal powers across central government departments e.g. housing and the environment and include council byelaws. It is recommended Council caveat the response with this.

·        An inter-agency and multi-dimensional framework for action would incorporate joint powers for enforcement, education and empowerment regionally to reflect all types and properly take account of supporting individual, family and community resilience and support.

·        Council welcomes the alignment of an inclusive framework to the Programme for Government outcome for a safer society.

·        The existing legislation was not designed for the wide variety of purposes in which it is needed and is often retrofitted. Additionally, practice and legislation in addressing anti-social behaviour is not keeping up with the change in social culture. Therefore, any effective way forward should take in to account the wider  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4c

            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 a year-end update on the People and Communities Committee Plan 2017/18 outlining key achievements and progress on key actions and milestones.

1.2       The People and Communities Committee Plan 2017/18 was approved by Committee on the 13 June 2017 and a follow up mid-year progress update was agreed by Committee on the 7 November 2017.  The People and Communities Committee Plan 2018/19 was recently approved by Committee on the 8 May 2018 and a final designed version will be circulated to Members following ratification at the June Council meeting.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1               The Committee is asked to;

·        Note the year-end progress against the agreed actions within the Committee Plan.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Committee Plan Update

            Over the last year, a range of strategies, policies, programmes and projects have been developed and implemented, aimed at improving the quality of life at the local level, working with partner organisations and communities to realise the City’s full potential.  Members will be aware that due to the nature of these key pieces of work, they are delivered over a medium to long-term timescale and will continue to feature on the plan until fully implemented.  Lead officers provided progress updates against Committee Plan projects, programmes and activities.

3.2       All our business as usual services are essential for creating  ‘clean, safe and well-resourced communities’, we have over 1400 staff doing the day job picking up bins, sweeping the streets, burying the dead, helping to ensure food hygiene is maintained, helping tenants deal with housing problems, opening up and operating community centre’s and parks.  All of these services contribute to the wellbeing and success of our city making Belfast a great place to live, work, study, visit and do business in.  Members can access an update on some of the key statistics achieved by these services in Section 4.0 of the People and Communities Committee Plan 2018/19. 

3.3       Some key achievements for 2017/18 include:

·        Successfully delivered the (D) PCSP Strategic Plan 2017/18 using an outcomes-based monitoring approach. 

·        Achieved 17 Green Flag Awards – by successfully retaining 15 and 2 additional at Tullycarnet Park and Dunmurry Village.

·        Finalised the final section of the transformative Connswater Community Greenway (CCG), developed and delivered an animation plan to animate the space.  The Greenway has developed a Management Plan and has applied for Green Flag accreditation.

·        Finalised, tested and delivered the social innovation programme framework, across four areas in the city and further pitching workshops are organised for New Lodge and Inner East.

·        As part of the Amateur Boxing Strategy, the 2017/18 action plan was delivered, monitored on a quarterly basis and a new action plan and budget agreed for 2018/19.

·        As part of the Playing Pitches Strategy, 9 out of 10 projects are now complete and when the work at Cherryvale is completed at the end of summer 2018, the £15m investment and 10 projects will be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4d

            The Committee was advised that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, at its meeting held on 5th January 2018, had agreed that a Belfast City Council Sports Development Strategy and associated funding strategy would be developed.  The aim of the strategy was to provide a framework for future decision making on providing funding to National Governing Bodies of Sport delivering programmes in Belfast in support of existing funding streams and work programmes that would enhance sporting opportunities for Belfast’s sporting organisations and individuals.

            The Director of Neighbourhood Services drew the Members’ attention to the proposed terms of reference and draft timeline for the development of the strategy which would be for a period of ten years.   

            Following a query from a Member regarding the Council’s Boxing Strategy, the Director of Neighbourhood Services confirmed that a report would be submitted to the August meeting of the Committee to agree strategic principles.

            Following a number of other queries, the Director of Neighbourhood Services also confirmed that the NI Amateur Boxing Association and disabled sports would be given consideration when drafting the strategy. 

            In response to a query regarding rugby facilities, the Director advised that the strategy would focus on revenue support for sports development through programming, whilst facilities requirements would be considered separately under capital.

            In response to a query regarding multi-use pitches, the Director undertook to forward the required specifications for a multi-use pitch directly to the Member.

            The Committee agreed to recommend to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee the proposed terms of reference and the draft timeline for development of the Sports Development Strategy.

            The Director of Neighbourhood Services reminded the Committee that the Council had previously agreed to enter into Partner Agreements at seven sites and she then provided an update on the progress in relation to the Agreements for January – March 2018. 

            She explained that, in line with the Council’s objectives, regular checks on the necessary Insurance, Health and Safety and Governance had been completed monthly and that six of the seven Partners had been compliant with the Partner Agreement.

            She explained that, in line with the Council’s objectives, the diversification of use and improved sports development impact were priorities at the partner agreement sites and she advised that so far the programme delivery had led to significant positive achievements across the sites.  She then drew the Members’ attention to a table which indicated the outputs at the sites as reported by six of the seven partners up to the end of March 2018. 

            Following a query, the Director of Neighbourhood Services confirmed that officers from the Council had met with representatives from Sirocco Works Football Club to highlight the Council’s concern over its continued non-compliance.  She reported that, at this meeting, an agreed plan of action had been drawn up in an attempt to address the ongoing issues within a reasonable timeframe.   She undertook to keep the Committee apprised of the situation. 

            The Committee noted the quarterly progress update report regarding the Partner Agreement sites.

            The Committee was advised of the key issues regarding asset related disposals, easement and licence matters at the Ravenscroft Avenue Car Park, Finlay Park and the Henry Jones Playing Field.

            The Committee approved the following, subject to the approval of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee and the terms being agreed by the Estates Manager and City Solicitor:

·        Ravenscroft Avenue Car Park (Land Disposal) – to dispose of a portion of land at Ravenscroft Avenue to the Department of Infrastructure for £2,000.00, to facilitate the construction of a bike shelter as part of the Belfast Rapid Transit Project;

·        Finlay Park (Licence) - to grant a licence and easement for Choice Housing Association to make a connection to the public sewer situated in Finlay Park; and

·        Henry Jones Playing Field (Licence) - to grant a new licence agreement with Hillfoot Homing Pigeon Society.

The Committee approved:

·        the naming in respect of Stirling Way, off Tudor Drive, BT6 and  Stirling Green, off Stirling Avenue, BT6; and

·        the realignment of existing roads namely, Kitchener Street, off Frenchpark Street Broadway and Kitchener Drive, BT12 and Broadway Parade, off Frenchpark Street and Broadway, BT12.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       Background

            The second phase of the development of the new Olympia Leisure Centre is nearing completion and includes a new entrance road leading from Boucher Road. As part of the project, Officers began a process to name the new entrance road, following a similar processes as that applied to name various elements of the Connswater Community Greenway.

1.2       Stage 1 was an open call for suggestions. There were 170 suggested names collated from 531 entries. 40 suggestions (87 entries) were immediately deemed ineligible for consideration (people suggested are still alive, names were derogatory/nonsensical e.g. ‘the path to the devil’s belly’, or no reason for suggestion given). The 130 remaining suggestions were categorised into a long, available on the Council’s website.

1.3

·        Of the 130 eligible suggestions:

·        9 related to Windsor (288 entries)

·        17 related to Olympia (21 entries)

·        1 related to George Best (21 entries).

1.4       All remaining 93 suggestions (114 entries) were suggested by one or two people each, although there were other clusters of similar suggestions.

1.5       The shortlisting process (stage 1) was carried out by officers from Parks, Leisure Development, Property & Projects and Building Control. The criteria were applied to the long list. The naming guidelines in the Council’s Street Naming and Numbering Policy were also applied. This policy is available on the Council’s website and advises against similar sounding names to ensure clarity particularly for the emergency services), no duplication of existing names, appropriate suffixes etc.

1.6       The following three names were shortlisted by the panel:

·        Olympia Boulevard

·        Boucher Boulevard

·        Legends Way.

1.7       The next stage of the process was to ask the public to vote on the shortlisted names with the final decision on the outcome of voting to be agreed by the People and Communities Committee.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to; 

·        note the process undertaken for naming the new road at Olympia and the issues raised.

·        consider the options outlined and to give direction on the way forward.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Key Issues

            The shortlisted names were presented at the March meeting of the South Area Working Group prior to opening the public vote.

3.2       Elected members for the area raised concerns about the proposed names, promoted a specific name on the list, and made additional suggestions, Elisha Scott and Grace Bannister. Several queries were received from others asking why ‘Windsor Way’ wasn’t selected as it had received the most suggestions.

3.3       The public vote did not commence as officers considered it appropriate to advise Members of these issues and to seek direction on the way forward.

3.4       Members may wish to consider the following options in determining a way forward:

1.      Continue with the public vote on the three shortlisted names with the winner to be recommended to People and Communities Committee.

2.      Add ‘Windsor Way’ to the shortlisted names and proceed to public vote as above.

3.      Extend the short list to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6b

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To report to People & Communities Committee on the feasibility of implementing a bottle refill initiative in Belfast.

2.0       Recommendations

            The People & Communities Committee is asked to consider

·        Whether they wish to join a water refill scheme for Belfast. 

2.2       If Committee agrees to join a water refill scheme for Belfast, they are asked to

·        Approve the next steps outlined in paragraph 3.13 below.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Background

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

3.2       “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.

3.3      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.

34        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.”

3.5       The People & Communities Committee of 6th February 2018 agreed that a report be submitted to a future meeting.

3.6       Current Context

            Plastic pollution has become an increasingly prevalent issue through the additional media scrutiny on the harmful effects of plastic on the marine environment.  China has recently imposed quality restrictions on the import of recyclable materials, in an attempt to address domestic concerns about pollution and public health.  This in effect closes down the export of recyclable plastics and other materials from the world’s richest countries.  The need to reduce the amount of plastic used has become more urgent.

3.7       Plastic bottles are one of the main sources of plastic pollution within Northern Ireland.  It is estimated that 12,000 tonnes of plastic bottles are collected every year in NI, equating to 181 million plastic bottles per year.  Although there are no specific estimates for Belfast, an extrapolation of the NI average suggests that 33.3 million plastic bottles are collected every year within Belfast.

3.8       Refill Schemes

            In relation to refill schemes, there are two main schemes – Refill Ireland and City to Sea.  Both schemes follow the same concept – premises/organisations voluntarily join the scheme, offering the public to get their bottles refilled for free, get a sticker advertising this placed on the front door or window and get mapped onto the website or app. 

3.9       City to Sea is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6c

            The Director of City Services outlined the principal aspects of the Food Service Delivery Plan for 2018-2019, which set out the activities, techniques and approaches to be taken during the year to support businesses in ensuring food safety and to promote informed healthy choices. She explained that the Plan provided the basis on which the Council’s regulatory activities would be monitored and audited by the Food Standards Agency.

            The Members noted that BREXIT posed a major challenge for the import and export of foods and that the Council would be reviewing developments closely with a view to supporting export and import food businesses to meet additional food safety requirements.

            The Committee approved the Food Service Delivery Plan 2018-2019, a copy of which was available on the internet on the Council’s website.

            The Committee was advised that a request had been received from Create Productions Ltd to host a ‘Subway Helping Hearts 5k Family Race’ at Ormeau Park on Sunday 12th August from 6.30 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. 

            The Committee noted that the Subway Helping Hearts Series had been successfully held at Ormeau Park annually since 2014 and it was estimated that there would be 3500 entries.  All money collected through registration and sponsorship helped to fund the Heart Research UK Subway Healthy Heart Grants Programme and was allocated and spent in the area where it had been raised.  

            The Committee granted permission to hold the ‘Subway Helping Hearts 5k Family Race’ at Ormeau Park on Sunday, 12th August from 6.30 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.  It agreed further to all subsequent annual ‘Subway Helping Hearts 5k Family Race’ events at this location, subject to the completion of the appropriate Event Management Plans and satisfactory terms being agreed by the Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services and on the condition that the Event Organisers would be required to:

·        resolve all operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction;

·        meet all statutory requirements, including Public Liability Insurance cover, Health and Safety and Licensing responsibilities; and

·        consult with adjoining public bodies and local communities as necessary.

The Committee was advised that a request had been received from Charter NI to host a ‘Youth Event with Gertrude Star Band’ at C.S. Lewis Square on Saturday, 7th July from 4.00 p.m. – 6.00 p.m.

            The Committee noted that Charter NI had received £3,500.00 in funding from Belfast City Council’s Policing and Community Safety Small Grants for elements of the event.  The event would include a Memorial Parade on the Newtownards Road, a Youth Event at C.S. Lewis Square and the unveiling of the Gertrude Memorial Star Plinth on the Newtownards Road.

            The Committee granted permission for the use of C. S Lewis Square on Saturday, 7th July to hold a ‘Youth Event with Gertrude Star Band’, subject to the completion of the appropriate Event Management Plans and satisfactory terms being agreed by the Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services and on the condition that the Event Organisers would be required to:

·        resolve all operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction;

·        meet all statutory requirements including Public Liability Insurance cover, Health and Safety and Licensing responsibilities; and

·        consult with adjoining public bodies and local communities as necessary.

            The Committee authorised the use of Dundonald Cemetery for the following two events, subject to the Event Organisers resolving all operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction:

·        Dundonald Apprentice Boys of Derry – to conduct a wreath laying ceremony on Thursday, 28th June from 7.00 p.m. – 8.00 p.m. to commemorate the Battle of the Somme.  It was noted that this event would take place before Council ratification; and

·        Laganville Somme Society – to conduct a wreath laying ceremony on Saturday, 4th August from 1.30 p.m. – 3.00 p.m. to commemorate the outbreak of hostilities in World War.

            The Committee considered a report which outlined the decisions taken by the Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services, under delegated authority, regarding the Parks Events Small Grants applications received in Tranche 1 for events taking place in parks between 1st April and 30th September, 2018.

            The Director advised that a total of 42 applications had been received for the grant and reported that these had been assessed by the Open Spaces and Active Living Unit, 34 applications had met the criteria for an award to be made and 8 had been unsuccessful.

            The Committee noted that an Independent Assessment Panel had reviewed a sample (20%) of the applications and had been satisfied with the scoring and application of the criteria for the grants and had approved the recommendations for awards. 

            The Director outlined that, in line with the ongoing strategic review of grant-aid within the Council, it was being suggested that officers would review the essential criteria for these grants to ensure that they were fit for purpose.  He advised that the overarching aim was to enable application groups to contribute to the achievement of the Council’s objective to provide attractive, animated, shared and safe parks and open spaces in the City as well as to align with the wider objectives of the Belfast Agenda.  He undertook to update the committee accordingly if any further amendments were considered necessary.    

            The Committee noted the decision taken by the Strategic  Director of City and Neighbourhood Services Department, under delegated authority, regarding the applications received in Tranche 1 for events taking place in Parks between 1st April 2018 and 30th September 2018.

            The Committee was reminded that the Council had previously authorised the payment of a £100 donation to Societies involved in the organisation of the Spring Fair and Autumn Fair to assist with the provision of hospitality. 

            The Committee noted that it was proposed that the donation be increased to £200 per organisation, in recognition of the valuable role and the significant level of voluntary involvement made by the various organisations.

            The Committee approved a donation of £200.00 per annum to the following Societies, for the period 2018 – 2021, to assist with the provision of hospitality at the Societies’ annual events, awards ceremonies and stakeholder meetings:

·        Northern Ireland Daffodil Group;

·        Belfast and District Beekeepers’ Association;

·        Belfast Winemakers’ Circle;

·        British Cactus and Succulent Society;

·        Federation of Women’s Institutes of Northern Ireland;

·        Irish Fuchsia and Pelargonium Society;

·        North of Ireland Dahlia Society;

·        Northern Ireland Bonsai Society;

·        Northern Ireland Group of Flower Arrangement Societies;

·        Northern Ireland Vegetable Association; and

·        The Rose Society of Northern Ireland. 

            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 update Members of a need to further review the current operational arrangements of the Animal Welfare Service across the five Regional lead Councils with a view to future-proofing service delivery within anticipated future budgetary constraints.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        Note the contents of the report, in particular the themes to be covered in the review and the advice from the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA) around future budget uncertainty.

3.0       Main Report

            The Welfare of Animals Act 2011

3.1       The arrangements for enforcement of the Welfare of Animals Act 2011 by Councils was approved by the NI district council Chief Executives, at a SOLACE meeting on 4th November 2011, where it was determined that the most appropriate means to deliver the new animal welfare duties placed upon local government would be by the adoption of a regional collaborative ‘cluster’ approach.  The principle of collaboration across councils was enshrined in the arrangements for animal welfare with shared staff in the form of animal welfare officers being authorised by all councils to act on their behalf whilst recognising the individual responsibility of the council to give consideration to relevant issues should there be a need for prosecution. The service is fully funded by DAERA and, as agreed at implementation, is cost neutral to Councils.

3.2       Since the operative date of The Welfare of Animals Act on 2 April 2012, the Animal Welfare service in Councils has been reviewed by the Project Board in March 2013 and March 2015 with recommendations endorsed by SOLACE resulting in increases in staffing levels due to the increasing demands on the service.

3.3       Committee was informed of the outcome of the review that was undertaken by DAERA following the Motion that was debated in March 2014 at the Northern Ireland Assembly calling for a review ofthe implementation of the Welfare of Animals Act (NI) 2011, particularly in relation tosentencing guidelines and practices, to ensure that the maximum effectiveness was being brought to bear to combat animal welfare offences.

3.4       The Final Report of the Review of the Implementation of the Welfare of Animals Act 2011 included 68 recommendations with the purpose of improving the implementation of the Act to better protect the welfare of animals. An Action plan in relation to the final report was published in November 2016 and the actions are updated quarterly.

3.5       Since the implementation of the animal welfare legislation, the service has been delivered on a sub-regional basis with a staffing complement of nine Animal Welfare Officers employed to deliver the function across the region.

3.6       The delivery of the Service is overseen by a regional Project Board which provides governance arrangements and financial oversight.  Belfast City Council has one Animal Welfare Officer and one dedicated administrative officer.  The Animal Welfare service in the City Council area accounts for 17% of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6j

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of Main Issues

1.1       Members will recall previous agreements at People and Communities Committee providing Officers with authority to develop integrated animation/programming and operations with partners to address anti-social behaviour around Falls Park/City Cemetery and Orangefield Park/Avoniel Park.

1.2       Members will further recall that discussion took place about including other parks/open spaces in this integrated working approach at an appropriate time in the future.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to;

·        agree the inclusion of Marrowbone Park, Ballysillan Park and Dunville Park in the integrated working approach as outlined above.

3.0      Main Report

3.1       As outlined at People and Communities Committee in April 2018, Officers regular review the following information as a way to identify emerging priority parks/opens spaces:

-       Number of complaints

-       Cost of repairs due to vandalism

-       Elected Member queries

3.2       Recent trends have identified significant ongoing issues at Marrowbone Park with increasing levels of Elected Member concern.  Additionally, based on previous issues at similar times of the year it is anticipated Ballysillan Park and Dunville Park will experience issues in the coming weeks.

            As such, Members are asked to agree the following for Marrowbone Park, Ballysillan Park and Dunville Park:

-       Development of a 6 week programme of animation activities in partnership with all local youth and community organisations

-       All Elected Members for the relevant DEA’s to be invited to participate in the development of the programme

-       Animation programme to be delivered by Parks Outreach Service at a time of most benefit based on feedback from local youth and community organisations

-       Education Authority Youth Workers requested to support these activities with staff resources

3.3       Financial & Resource Implications

            Staff Resources

            The above approach continues to support the values and principles of the City and Neighbourhood Services and wider Corporate Change Programme of customer focus, service integration and neighbourhood working.  Learning from this work will continue to inform the ongoing transformation of the organisation.

3.4       Financial Resources

            All of the above work continues to be accommodated from within existing Council and (D) PCSP revenue budgets.  The work is intended to maximise existing resources, reduce duplication and facilitate joined up decision making and resource allocation in the identified parks/open spaces.

3.5       Equality or Good Relations Implications

            There are no equality or Good Relations implication at present, however, this will monitored on an ongoing basis.”

            The Members discussed other parks and open spaces that were also affected by incidents of anti-social behaviour and also the transient nature of the problem.

            Following a request from a Member, the Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services undertook to supply the Members with up-to-date information on the number and levels of fines in relation to incidents of anti-social behaviour.     

            The Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services confirmed that, as the Members were already aware, the situation was fluid and was continuously being monitored and reviewed as and when problems arose.  The Council, in conjunction with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6k

The Committee considered a request from Feile an Phobail for the use of the facilities in Falls Park during the West Belfast Festival and also for use of the City Cemetery.

            The Committee approved the use and hire of the facilities at Falls Park for Feile an Phobail from Friday, 3rd - Friday, 10th August and also for the use of the City Cemetery for guided tours with an appropriate charge, on condition that:

·        the Event Organisers resolve all operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction;

·        an appropriate legal agreement is prepared by the City Solicitor;

·        the Event Organisers meet all statutory requirements including Public Liability Insurance cover, Health and Safety, Food Safety and Licensing responsibilities;

·        the Event Organisers obtain licences for the sale of alcohol, in a timely manner through the appropriate channels;

·        the agreed charges and bonds are paid, as required in the legal agreements; and

·        the Event Organisers consult with adjoining public bodies and local communities as necessary.

At the request of Councillor McCusker, the Committee agreed that an update report in respect of Ligoniel Park would be submitted to the next meeting of the North Area Working Group.