Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Councillors de Faoite, McLaughlin and McMullan.

            The minutes of the meeting held on 2nd April were taken as read and signed as correct.

Councillor Black declared an interest in respect of agenda item 2 (c), Community Development Grants Update, in that she was employed by the Grosvenor Community Centre, which received a community developments grant, and she removed herself from the room while the item was under consideration.

Councillor Verner declared an interest in respect of agenda item 7 (j), Ur City 2, in that she was employed by the Greater Shankill Partnership which had an application in, and she removed herself from the room while the matter was under consideration.

Councillor Bunting declared an interest in respect of agenda item 6 (a), Parks Events Small Grants Scheme, in that she was secretary of the Belvoir Area Residents Group which had applied for funding.  Similarly, Councillors Kyle and Newton declared an interest in the same item as they were members of the Lagan Village Youth and Community Association which had also applied for funding. However, as the report was only for noting, they remained in the room during the discussion.

            The Committee:

1.      agreed that all future meetings would commence at 5.15pm;

2.      noted that three additional Special meetings would be held throughout the year focusing on local housing issues and engagement with the Belfast Youth Forum; and

3.      agreed that it would meet on the following dates in 2019:

·        Tuesday, 6th August;

·        Tuesday, 10th September;

·        Special Meeting on Monday, 16th September (to include the Housing Investment Plan and the Belfast Youth Forum);

·        Tuesday, 8th October;

·        Tuesday, 5th November; and

·        Tuesday, 3rd December.

The information contained in the reports associated with the following three 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 three items as, due to the nature of the item, 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 which sought approval for the use of the Boucher Road Playing Fields and the Great Lawn at Botanic Gardens for a number of music events between 2020 and 2023.

During discussion, a number of Members requested that the organisers of the events would engage with local residents.  A Member stated that it was important that Neighbourhood officers were not relocated from other areas to assist with large concerts.  A further Member suggested that officers should ensure that the Council would be able to revoke use of the venues if necessary.

A Member suggested that it would be helpful for the Committee to receive a report after the events had been held in June by Aiken Promotions, in order that it could make an informed decision regarding the hire of the Great Lawn in Botanic Gardens for future years.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed:

1.      to defer consideration of the hire of the Great Lawn at Botanic Gardens for a series of music events in the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 until August;

2.      to grant authority to Aiken Promotions the use and hire of the facilities at Boucher Road Playing Fields for a series of music events, with attendances up to 45,000 persons, during the months of May and June in the years 2021, 2022 and 2023, to include set up and take down; and

3.      to grant authority to the Strategic Director of City and  Neighbourhood Services, subject to satisfactory terms being agreed and on condition that:

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

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

·        the promoter would meet all the statutory requirements of the Planning and Building Control Service, including the terms and conditions of the Park’s Entertainment Licence; and

·        to negotiate an appropriate fee for use of the both facilities taking into account costs to the Council, minimising negative impact on the immediate area but also the potential wider benefit to the city economy.

            (Ms. J. Wilson, Business Manager, City and Neighbourhoods Department attended in connection with this item)

            The Committee was advised that authorisation was being sought for an outstanding account to be written off.  The Business Manager provided the Committee with the history and the actions which had been taken to date in relation to recouping the debt.

            After discussion the Committee agreed that an outstanding account of £5,656.25 be written off, in accordance with the Council’s Scheme of Delegation 2.2.7.

(Councillor Black declared an interest in respect of this item and left the room while it was under consideration.)

            The Strategic Director provided the Committee with an update on the Community Development Grants Programme (CDGP) for 2019/2020.  He explained that he was seeking approval to extend the current contracts to 31st March, 2020.

            He outlined to the Members that an open call for applications would be operated for Capacity Building Grants, Revenue for Community Building Grants and Advice Funding for the year 2020/21.

            In response to a Member’s request, the Strategic Director agreed that the details of consortia would be outlined in future reports.

            A number of Members expressed concerns regarding the shortfall in funding for the Belfast Citywide Tribunal Service.  The Strategic Director advised the Members that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee would be considering the end of year funding at its next meeting and that it would be best placed to investigate whether any additional funding could be allocated towards that Service.

After discussion, the Committee:

1.      agreed that the Chairperson of the Committee would engage with the Chairperson of the Strategic Policy and Resources (SP&R) Committee to convey the Committee’s concerns regarding the shortfall in funding for the Belfast Citywide Tribunal Service, particularly in relation to the SP&R Committee’s upcoming report on end of year funding;

2.      agreed the extension of current funding contracts for Capacity Building Grants, Revenue for Community Buildings Grants and Advice Funding to 31 March 2020; and

3.      noted the open call for applications for Capacity Building Grants, Revenue for Community Building Grants and Advice funding for 2020/21.

            The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 1st April, had passed a motion in relation to the increasing number of suicides across the City and called on the Northern Ireland Assembly to implement the Protect Life 2 Strategy on suicide prevention.

            The Members were advised that a detailed response to the Council’s letter had been received from Mr R. Pengelly, the Permanent Secretary and Health and Social Care Chief Executive.

            In his letter, the Permanent Secretary had explained that he welcomed the Council’s recognition of the devastating impact of suicide and its willingness to work with others to reduce rates across the City.  He outlined that, regionally, £8.7million was invested each year in suicide prevention.  He also stated that the Public Health Agency supported a range of projects aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing through a small grants scheme, where £63,000 had been awarded to 18 projects across the Belfast area last year.

            He outlined that, in the absence of the Northern Ireland Assembly, and of a Health Minister, the Department was continuing to review all health and social care policies on a case by case basis and was taking decisions, with legal advice, when it was in the public interest.  He advised that the Department was currently seeking agreement from other stakeholders on their actions contained within the draft Protect Life 2 strategy prior to his consideration for publication.  He emphasised that, despite the delay in publication of the new strategy, suicide prevention services continued to be supported and developed and a number of new initiatives from the draft strategy were being piloted using transformation monies.

            The Committee noted the response.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       This paper presents a list of emerging priorities for note by the new committee. These are based on the Belfast Agenda commitment, the emerging corporate plan and ongoing work programmes within the Department.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are asked to note;

·        the emerging priorities at this stage for the City and Neighbourhoods Department.

·        That the Strategic Policy & Resources committee on the 21st June will discuss a Draft Corporate plan that will set the organisational direction which will then inform this committee’s planning over the coming months.

3.0       Main report

            Key Issues

            Background and context

3.1       In preparation for the new Council term the Chief Officers have reviewed and revised the Corporate business planning approach and have been developing a draft Corporate plan to assist member discussion and it is anticipated that this will be presented to SP&R in June.

3.2       It is expected this will facilitate discussion at the various committees and help to finalise the specific committee plans. The anticipated timeframe is:

·        Committee priorities overview to shape the new committees discussions (June)

·       Committee plan for People and Communities should be developed by September.

3.3       New Members of Council will also receive more information on this Department and its wide range of functions etc as part of the planned induction (10/ 11 June).  Members should note that there is a significant body of service delivery on a daily basis which forms the business as usual for this department, although this is not reflected in the table below these are also subject to review and improvement.

3.4       The table below outlines the emerging Committee priorities overview for which this committee has oversight for or has influence over, as part of the Belfast Agenda. This has been cross-referenced with existing programmes and key projects and cross cutting themes such as the Belfast Region City Deal.

            The Director of City Services reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 2nd April, it had agreed that an Expression of Interest (EOI) would be undertaken to identify potential burial land which would serve the north and west of the City.  She explained that officers were currently working on drafting the necessary paperwork for the EOI to be issued.

            She explained further that, at that meeting, the Committee had been provided with information which had been commissioned in order to assist the Council in determining the amount of burial land which remained and its future requirements.  The Members were advised that, given good practice guidelines, the Council would be seeking between 5.51 and 8.66 hectares of new land.

            The Committee was advised of a recent request which had been received from Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC), requesting a sub-regional approach towards searching for burial space and crematorium provision, given the complexity of finding and resourcing such key projects. 

            The Director explained that an initial discussion had been hosted between senior officers of Belfast City Council, LCCC and representatives of Ards and North Down and Antrim and Newtownabbey Councils in May 2019.

            After discussion, the Committee noted:

1.      that preparation was underway for an Expression of Interest (EOI) to be issued for new burial land, as agreed by the Strategic Cemeteries and Crematorium Working Group at its meeting in December 2018, and ratified by the People and Communities Committee in April 2019; and

2.      the requests in respect of consultation and engagement by LCCC with neighbouring Councils and approved formal engagement with adjacent councils to consider and progress discussions, if appropriate, a sub-regional options proposal on burial space and crematorium provision.

            The Committee was advised that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, as its meeting on 18thAugust, 2017, had approved funding through the Belfast Investment Fund (BIF) to Tullycarnet Action Group Initiative Trust (TAGIT) Boxing Club for the construction of a new boxing club facility.

            The Members were advised that the Council was proposing to lease 0.093acres of open space land in Tullycarnet Park to TAGIT to facilitate the development of a new boxing club facility, which would significantly enhance the sporting potential of the park and produce a community benefit.

            The Committee agreed to recommend to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that it grants a Land Lease to TAGIT Boxing Club for the purposes of constructing a new boxing club facility on the Council lands.

            (Councillors Bunting, Kyle and Newton declared an interest in respect of this item, in that they were members of groups which had applied for funding.  However, as a decision was not required from the Committee, they remained in the room for the duration of the item)

            The Strategic Director provided the Committee with a list of the successful and unsuccessful applicants which had applied for funding through Tranche 1 of the Parks Events Small Grants Scheme.

            He explained that the Open Spaces and Active Living Unit had assessed the applications against specific criteria, with 35 out of 49 applications having been successful.  The Committee was advised that 20% of the applications had been reviewed by an Independent Assessment Panel.

            The Committee noted the update which had been provided.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The purpose of the report is to update Elected Members on funding provided from within departmental revenue estimates to partner organisations to support their work in the 19/20 financial year.

1.2       Council has partnership working arrangements with a range of organisations which share common objectives.  In previous years, those requests for funding have been approved by People and Communities Committee on a case by case basis.  However, given the changing context and ongoing financial pressures these requests are being presented collectively for consideration.

1.3       Committee may wish to note that at its meeting in March 2019, Members agreed to continue with a partner financial contribution to Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful for the ‘Live Here, Love Here’ Campaign and ‘Eco Schools’ Project to the value of £55,000 but on the condition a value for money/outcomes review was undertaken.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       To seek authority from Committee;

·        to commence a review of the ongoing financial contributions to each of these partner organisations focussed on alignment with the Belfast Agenda outcomes and value for money.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland (ORNI)

            The Council wishes to promote the use of Mountain Bike Trails and Jump Parks at Barnett Demesne and Mary Peters Track to ensure the facility is well used, contributing health and well-being by encouraging active lifestyles.  This is a well-used facility with over 45,000 uses per year on the Barnett’s Mountain Bike Trails and Dirt Jumps.

3.2       The marketing campaigns and website management by ORNI create and manage advertising in Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland to ensure tourists are aware of the trails available at Barnett’s Demesne and Mary Peters Track as well as providing valuable updates on trail closures, conditions and events.

3.3       The funding provided by Belfast City Council is £5,000 towards the cost of promotion, support and liaison with consortium partners to ensure a collaborative approach providing mutual benefits for the mountain bike trail centres in Northern Ireland.  Provision has been made in the departmental revenue budgets for this contribution since 2013/2014.

3.4       The funding provided is based on full support from each stakeholder with match funding being provided by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Mid Ulster District Council for Trail Centres in their areas.

3.5       Belfast Healthy Cities (BHC)

            Belfast Healthy Cities (BHC) was established in 1988 and is part of the World Health Organisation Healthy Cities Network.  Its aim is to work with statutory, community and voluntary partners to make Belfast a more healthy, equitable and sustainable city.   Its involvement in the WHO Healthy Cities Network enables Belfast to connect and learn about health and wellbeing policy and practice from across the world.  Preparation is currently underway to make an application for Phase VII of World Healthy Cities and Officers are working with Belfast Healthy Cities to ensure full alignment with the Belfast Agenda.

3.6       Council has been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6b

            The Committee considered a report in relation to the naming of new streets and a continuation of an existing street in the City.

            The Committee approved the naming in respect of:

·        Castlegowan Drive, off Catlegowan Place, BT5,

·        (Continuation) Castegowan Park, off Quarry Hill, BT5,

·        Whitewell Grove, off Whitewell Road, BT36; and

·        Elmgrove Court, off Beersbridge Road, BT5. 

            The Members were advised that the Council’s policy on the erection of a second street nameplate required that at least 66.6% of the people surveyed in the street must be in favour of the proposal.

            The Committee was informed that at least two thirds of the total numbers of persons surveyed in the streets were in favour of the proposal to erect second street nameplates in Irish.

            The Committee approved applications to erect second nameplates in Irish at Edenmore Drive, Bingnian Drive and Corby Way.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       Belfast City Council has been 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) since 2014.

1.2       The scheme aims to address fuel poverty for the most vulnerable households in the city by targeting those households that meet certain criteria, as identified by Ulster University. While it is a targeted scheme, self-referrals are also considered. To qualify for the scheme occupant’s income must be below £20,000 (gross).

1.3       The eligibility criteria for the boiler replacement element of the scheme includes:

·        have an existing central heating boiler that is at least 15 years old; and

·        be aged over 65; or

·        receive Child Benefit for a child under 16 years of age; or

·        receive DLA.

            This report provides an update on the scheme including confirmation received from the DfC of the funding allocation for 2019-2020 and the level of referrals to be provided.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are asked to;

·        note the contents of the report and consider the chair of committee writing to the Permanent Secretary for DfC raising the inadequacy of the level of funding related to the levels of need being identified through the scheme.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Key Issues

            During 2018-2019:

·        the Service completed 303 referrals to the NIHE. 

·        the total value of approvals granted for the scheme in Belfast was £871,381

·        450 measures were installed

·        233 homes were improved within Belfast.

3.2       The scheme continues to receive a high volume of enquiries. While the scheme is primarily targeted, the service received significant number of self-referrals, with 686 households currently on the self-referral holding list.

3.3       Correspondence issued from DfC to Councils on 4th April 2019 , contained in Appendix 1, states that the number of referrals which will be accepted by the NIHE has reduced from 30 per month (18-19) to 18 per month (19-20) for each council area – 216 in total.

3.4       The funding provided to each council to deliver their part of the scheme has also been reduced from £68,780 in 2018–2019 to £41,256 for 2019-2020.  The reduction is due to the overall scheme reduction and the increase in average spend for measures per household, which has risen to £4,500, from the original estimated £1,400. 

3.5       The overall funding is split equally between the 11 council areas, and no consideration is taken on the variations in number of households waiting to be considered, or the nature of the measures involved.

3.6       The funding being provided is insufficient to fully cover the current salary costs and has led to one member of staff being released. The service currently has only the co-ordinator in post who is carrying out the full range of duties to manage the scheme and provide the referrals through to the NIHE. The Building Control Service also continues to subsidise the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7c

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The Food Safety Unit works with local businesses to build compliance with Food Law and to ensure that food produced and sold in Belfast is safe and can be trusted. This not only protects the consumer it also protects and enhances the reputation of the City, our local businesses and their competitiveness.

1.2       Food related illness costs the local economy, individual businesses and the consumer. It is estimated (based on N.I. Department of Health statistics) that in Belfast  around 11,200 people may suffer from food poisoning and food related illness annually, potentially resulting in 104 hospital admissions, 5 deaths and costing the Belfast economy in the region of £19 million.

1.3       A reputation for good food hygiene standards can support economic growth. The Food Hygiene Rating Act (NI) 2016 requires businesses to display their food hygiene rating, improving the opportunities for consumers to make informed choices and encouraging improved compliance. It is expected that this enhances the reputation of Belfast as a safe place to visit with 99% of food businesses rated as 3, 4 or 5 (broadly compliant or better).

            (See appendix 2 for ratings breakdown).

1.4       BREXIT will continue to pose a major challenge for the service this year with the potential for additional checks on the import and export of foods. We are working closely with the Food Standards Agency, DAERA, government departments, local businesses and other stakeholders to plan for reasonable worst case scenario’s and ensure adequate arrangements are in place to facilitate trade and protect consumers.

1.5       It is estimated that around 2 million people living in the UK have a food allergy and officers work to ensure food businesses provide the required (allergen) information to enable consumers to make informed choices. However  recent cases of severe allergic reactions, including the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse after eating a Pret a Manger sandwich, have highlighted concerns regarding the adequacy of labelling requirements for food that is prepacked for direct sale (PPDS) i.e. food that has been packed on the same premises from which it is being sold. The Food Standards Agency have just completed a public consultation on options to address these concerns. Additional legal requirements will require officer time to support, monitor and ensure compliance. It is likely this work will impact significantly on the unit.

1.6       Each year, the Council produces a Food Service Delivery Plan which sets out the activities, techniques and approaches to be taken during the year to support businesses in ensuring food safety, food standards and to promote informed healthy choices. The Plan provides the basis on which the Council’s regulatory activities are monitored and audited by the Food Standards Agency and it is a requirement that it is presented to the Council for approval.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is requested to approve;

·        The Food Service Delivery Plan 2019-2020.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Key Issues

            The Food Standards  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7d

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       Members are advised of a ‘Notice of Motion’ from the Council meeting of the 4th March 2019 in regards to the ‘Planting of one million trees initiative’ and the agreement that this be referred to the People & Communities Committee for consideration.  In addition Members are also advised of a request from Emma Little Pengelly MP, tabled at the February meeting of the People & Communities Committee to plant 5 small trees on Council land as part of the Queens Commonwealth Tree Canopy Project in March 2019. The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the matter to enable a report to be submitted to a future meeting which would detail any policy for such requests.  The purpose of this report is to consider the detail in relation to these requests.

1.2       Recommendations

                                          I.     The Planting of One Million Trees over a 15 year period

            The Committee is asked to agree in principle that it becomes the lead partnership facilitator for this Project, with a goal to planting one million trees in the city over the next 15 years.  The principle commitment is subject to further officer level discussions with Belfast Metropolitan Residents Group (BMRG) to clarify the level of officer resource required to support any facilitation role between the BMRG and the fore mentioned interested organisations.  There is no Council financial contribution.

                                         II.     Council’s Tree Policy & Request from Emma Little Pengelly, MP.

            The Committee is asked to approve the proposed policy position for future tree planting requests within our Parks and Open Spaces which mark significant occasions and events:

            ‘Permission for future tree planting requests may be granted by the People and Communities Committee on a request by request basis.   Any tree planting proposals/request received by the Council should fit in and be aligned with the Council’s ‘Tree Management Plan’ for that individual  Park/Open Space as advised by Council Officers within City and Neighbourhood Services’

            Based on the noted policy statement above, committee is asked to accede to the request submitted by Emma Little Pengelly MP, to plant 5 small trees to mark Her Majesty the Queens’ Commonwealth Tree Canopy Project.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Key Issues

                                        (i)     The Planting of One Million Trees over a 15 year period

            At the Council meeting on 4th March 2019 it was agreed under a ‘Notice of Motion’ that a request for the planting of one million trees over a 15 year period be referred to the People and Communities Committee and a report be submitted to a future Council meeting which would investigate ways in which the Council could help facilitate the planting of one million trees in Belfast over the next 15 years.

3.2       Officers from the City and Neighbourhood Services Department met with Peter Carr and Peter Diehl, two representatives from the BMRG on 11th April 2019.  The group gave an overview of their proposal which is ultimately to see the planting of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7e

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       At Committee on 4th December 2018, Members endorsed a number of actions to be undertaken in relation to the Council’s approach to dealing with the control and removal of graffiti throughout the city. This followed a Notice of Motion, proposed by Councillor Boyle and seconded by Councillor Dudgeon as follows:

            ‘This Council recognises the damage caused by and unsightliness of the growing amount of graffiti within our City centre and our neighbourhoods, on our shutters, our walls, our doors, our utility boxes etc.

            As the Council has the power under Article 18 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 to remove or obliterate any graffiti which, in the opinion of Council, is detrimental to the amenity of any land in the district, pro-active policies and procedures for addressing the problem need to now be put in place, perhaps on the lines of those adopted in 2016 by Ards and North Down Borough Council. Accordingly, the Council agrees to allocate the necessary funding and resources, or the reprioritisation of existing resources, to tackle the environmental scourge of graffiti in the City.’

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

1.2       It was agreed at the December Committee meeting that a progress report would be brought back to Committee to update on actions undertaken to date.

1.3       The purpose of this report is to apprise Committee of actions and ongoing work in relation to the control and removal of graffiti across the city.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to

·        Note the update provided in this report.

3.0       Main Report

            Key Issues

3.1       At the Committee meeting held on 4th December 2018, the following actions to tackle the issue of graffiti were agreed:

3.2       Re-engagement with external partners, statutory agencies and utility companies to raise the profile of problematic graffiti within their organisations, highlight their responsibilities in relation to graffiti removal on their properties and sites, and to agree actions for them to address the issue of graffiti, including site monitoring and graffiti reduction and removal programmes.

3.3       The Enforcement Manager has continued to engage with the key utility companies and statutory bodies.  These organisations have been advised by Council, of the current concerns in relation to graffiti activity on their property and in response, they have outlined their current approaches to its removal.  Some of the organisations carry out a programme of maintenance whilst others only remove contentious graffiti or graffiti which has been the subject of complaint.  In one case, a utility company (Virgin Media) has agreed to undertake a proactive maintenance programme on their equipment.  Contacts for these companies and organisations have been established and they have been advised that they may receive more frequent requests from Council, highlighting the need to remove graffiti from their property.

3.4       Following engagement with statutory agencies and utility companies, officers within the enforcement team will undertake  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7f

            The Strategic Director advised the Committee that a review of grass cutting arrangements relating to sites not owned by the Council had commenced.  He explained that the review was exploring opportunities to enhance the existing provisions, including pilot projects, an improvement plan and, in conjunction with Corporate Communications, funding options such as sponsorship schemes.

            He highlighted to the Members that, given the ongoing financial pressures faced by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) and Transport NI, grass cutting had been reduced, with further cutting only undertaken in respect of road safety.

            The Committee was advised that discussions had taken place with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport NI and that engagement would continue to inform enhancements to future arrangements.

            The Strategic Director explained to the Committee that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, at its meeting in March, had agreed the draft Belfast Open Spaces Strategy and that it was anticipated that it would shortly be released for public consultation.  He highlighted to the Members that the Strategy would support future neighbourhood based plans and the ongoing grass cutting review by helping to inform future approaches to address the need for maintenance of non-Council open spaces.

            He explained that, since 2016, the Council had supplemented grass cutting arrangements for DfI and Transport NI, by providing five cuts per annum at the following sites, on the basis that each organisation contributed resources within existing budgets:

·        Michael Ferguson roundabout;

·        Kingsway Embankment, Dunmurry;

·        Knock Dual Carriageway; and

·        Cregagh Road with Knock dual carriageway.

            He advised the Committee that it was being proposed that a further site, McKinstry Road, be added to that list.

            The Committee was advised that the annual cost of grass cutting, up to a maximum of five times per year, of the McKinstry Road site would be £5,000.  The Strategic Director confirmed to the Members that this amount was not included within the estimates for 2019/2020 and that resource would have to be found via in-year Department adjustments.

            A Member stated that, while he was supportive of the addition of the site, officers should consider reducing the number of cuts from five in order to include further non-Council owned sites.  He suggested that officers, in its future discussions, should consider the inclusion of a site outside Milltown Cemetery and a site at the Monagh by-pass.

            After discussion, the Committee:

1.      noted the continued actions which were being undertaken as part of the ongoing review of grass cutting arrangements at sites that were not owned by the Council;

2.      agreed that a further report in relation to the review of grass cutting arrangements would be submitted to a future meeting; and

3.      agreed to the inclusion of a site at McKinstry Road within the grass cutting arrangements that the Council currently operated with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport NI.

            The Strategic Director advised the Committee that the City of Glasgow International Rose Trials would take place on 22nd and 23rd August, 2019.  He explained that the Council had been invited by Glasgow City Council to participate in the trial judging, with representatives having attended the event regularly over the years.  He added that representatives from Glasgow City Council had reciprocated each year by supporting Belfast City Council’s rose trial event at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park.

            The Strategic Director advised the Members that attendance costs, including accommodation and flights, were approximately £350 per person and that it was proposed that the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson and the Director of Neighbourhood Services, or their nominees, would attend. 

            After discussion, the Committee agreed to the attendance of the Director of Neighbourhood Services, or his nominee, at the Glasgow Rose Trials on 22nd and 23rd August, 2019.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       Members are advised that a number of requests have been received seeking use of our Parks and Open Spaces to host specific events, namely.  

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are recommended to approve the use of our parks, as detailed below, for the hosting of specific named events;

            Members are asked to note that the agreement to host these events will be subject to the completion of the appropriate event management plan, satisfying all statutory licensing responsibilities, relevant consultation and agreement of satisfactory terms by the Strategic Director City & Neighbourhood Services

3.0       Main report

            Key Issues

3.1       Culture Night, Cathedral Gardens and Jubilee Gardens, 20th – 21st September 2019. Cathedral Quarter Trust plan to host Culture Night Belfast at Cathedral Gardens and at Jubilee Gardens on Friday 20 to Saturday 21 September 2019.

·        The event will result in the closure of Cathedral Gardens and Jubilee Gardens for 3 days.

·        Set-up will be from 3pm on Thursday 19 September and dismantle will be completed by 11pm on Saturday 21 September.

            Culture Night Belfast is a free, family-friendly event based in the city centre, with the Cathedral Quarter as its primary hub. The event serves as a high-profile platform for artists and cultural organisations to showcase their work, and offer audiences the opportunity to explore new art forms and activities.

            The organisers intend to bring a stage, marquees, food vendors, arts and crafts, live music and face painters at Cathedral Gardens and will provide live music and street entertainment at Jubilee Gardens. Organisers estimate that 10,000 people will attend the event. Organisers will provide toilets, first aid cover and stewards at Cathedral Gardens and first aid cover at Jubilee Gardens.

            Set up will commence at 3pm on Thursday 19 September, with the main event taking place on Friday 20 September from 1pm to 9pm, and Saturday 21 September from 10am to 5pm. The event will be dismantled and the site will be clear by 11pm on Saturday 21 September.

            Previously, this event was delivered over one day however this year the request has been extended to provide for a longer and enhanced programme.  The proposed event in 2019 will result in the closure of Cathedral Gardens and Jubilee Gardens  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7i

            The Committee considered a report which provided Members with an update on the ongoing work of the Council’s Youth Forum, as well as the Children and Young People Unit’s “Ur City 2” fund.

            The Committee was apprised of the Youth Forum’s development of a youth participation Charter for the Council, where authority was being sought for a scoping exercise to be carried out.

            The Members were advised of a number of the Youth Forum’s campaigns, which, amongst others, included a poverty campaign entitled “Poverty: it’s not a choice”, and a mental health research project called the “Elephant in the Room”.

            A number of Members paid tribute to the hard work of the staff and the members of the Belfast Youth Forum, particularly in relation to the Elephant in the Room campaign. 

            After discussion, the Committee:

1.      noted the main developments and updates in the report;

2.      agreed to establish a joint engagement arrangement between the Belfast Youth Forum and the People & Communities Committee, through the facilitation of up to 3 Special People and Communities meetings per annum (previously referenced within Schedule of Meetings, Item 1d); and

3.      agreed to carry out a scoping exercise on the creation of a Youth Participation Charter (YPC) for BCC.

            The Committee was advised that, in March 2016, the Council had made available £700,000 from the Capital Programme to install alleygates across the City.  The Members were advised that Phase 4 had been divided into 3 sub-phases, with Phase 4(a) having been completed in March 2018 and Phase 4(b) in October 2018.  The Strategic Director explained that he was now seeking approval for Phase 4(c) to proceed.

            He advised the Committee that a pre-consultation exercise with affected residents and Statutory bodies had been carried out and that the Notice of Intention had been advertised on Friday, 5th April.  He confirmed that no formal objections to the Traffic Regulation Orders had been received.

            He outlined that Legal Services had recommended that alleygates at the proposed locations could proceed, as the Council could be satisfied that the requirements of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environments Act (2011) had been met in establishing that the areas were affected by crime and anti-social behaviour.

            He explained that he was seeking formal approval to make the Traffic Regulation Orders enabling gates to be installed in the following areas:

·        To the rear of Nos. 1-73 Grace Avenue and to the rear of Nos. 1-35 Greenville Court.

·        To the rear of Nos. 1-9 Abetta Parade and to the side of Nos. 5 and 7 Abetta Parade.

·        To the rear of Nos. 70-76 Ravensdale Street and to side of Nos. 70 and 72 Ravensdale Street.

·        To the rear of Nos. 48-76 Castlereagh Road and to the side of No. 2 Clara Street.

·        To the rear of Nos. 62-72 Jonesboro Park.

·        To the rear of Nos 1-83 Rosebery Road, Nos. 4-88 Rosyln Street and to the side of Nos. 22 and 24 Rosyln Street and to the side of No. 2 Rosyln Street and No. 119a My Lady’s Road.

·        To the rear of Nos. 103-119 My Lady’s Road, Nos. 1-31 London Road, Nos.1-13 Canada Street and to the side of No. 1 London Road.

·        To the rear of Nos. 2-36 Donard Street, 164-176 Ravenhill Road and to the side of No.2 Donard Street.

·        To the rear of Nos. 38-80 Donard Street, The rear of Nos. 47-93 Richardson Street and to the side of No. 4a Canada Street.

·        To the rear of Nos. 11-29 Donard Street and the rear of Nos. 20-38 London Street

·        To the rear of Nos. 41-89 Donard Street, Nos. 40-80 London Street, Nos. 33-47 London Road and to the side of No. 89 Donard Street and No. 80 London Street.

·        To the rear of Nos. 33-63 London Street, Nos. 6-36 Ravenhill Street, 49-93 London Road and to the sides of No. 63 London Street, No. 36 Ravenhill Street and No. 6 Ravenhill Street.

·        To the rear of Nos. 2a-64 Florida Drive.

·        To the rear of Nos. 1-7 Ardilea Drive, Nos. 7-13 Ardilea Street and to the side of No. 7 Ardilea Street.

·        To the rear of Nos. 1-25 Jamaica Street, Nos. 10-19 Havana Court and to the side of Nos. 15 and 17 Jamaica  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7k

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       Members are advised that DfE has recently commenced consultation into an application by EHA Exploration Ltd. for Petroleum Licence PLA1/16.  DfE is simultaneously consulting on a second licence application (PLA2/16) by Tamboran Resources (UK) Limited, relating to the Lough Allen Basin and encompassing 608 km² of Fermanagh and Omagh local government district lands to the west of Upper and Lower Lough Erne.  The PLA1/16 licence application encompasses an area of approximately 1,134 km², including wards within Antrim And Newtownabbey, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Lisburn and Castlereagh, Mid Ulster and Belfast borough and city councils.  A map illustrating the extent of the licence area, together with a list of the Belfast City Council wards included is attached as Appendix 1 to this report.  DfE has advised that an oil or gas field often lies directly below only a small area on the ground surface, and they are relatively rare and difficult to find, so having a large licence area allows the Licensee to understand the local geology more fully and increases their chances of making a discovery.

1.2       In commencing the consultation exercise, DfE has advised that in assessing previous Petroleum Licence applications, the Department would have consulted on the basis of an ‘intention to award’, having already obtained Ministerial approval.  In November 2018 however, and in the continuing absence of an Assembly or Minister, the Secretary of State published new guidance to government Departments entitled ‘Guidance on decision-making for Northern Ireland Departments during the period for Northern Ireland Executive formation’.  In line with this guidance, DfE has completed a Public Interest Test and concluded that it should continue all necessary preparatory work to ensure that a decision on the Petroleum Licence application can be taken as soon as possible after a Minister is appointed.

1.3       The objective of DfE’s current consultation is therefore to ensure that the Department has taken account of the range of opinions in preparation for making a recommendation to a future Minister as to whether or not a Petroleum Licence should be granted to the applicant.  DfE has stated that it wishes to ensure that the Department has an informed view of any issues that may have the capacity to impact on the granting of the Licence or on its terms and conditions.

1.4       DfE has advised that persons wishing to provide representations in respect of Petroleum Licence Application PLA1/16 must do so on, or before 5th July 2019. DfE has further advised that once the consultation has closed, the Department will consider the Petroleum Licence application, along with consultation comments received.  A recommendation on the award of the Licence and any required conditions will eventually be passed to a future Minister for consideration.

1.5       DfE has confirmed however, that any final decision to grant a Petroleum Licence in NI will have to await Ministerial and / or Executive approval.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7l

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       For Members information, previous People and Communities Committee requested regular updates on ongoing work to encourage positive animation of Council parks/open spaces as a way of deterring anti-social behaviour and vandalism.

1.2       This emerged as a result of ongoing concerns raised with Elected Members about the impact of anti-social behaviour and vandalism in parks/open spaces and the impact of this on the positive use and animation of these spaces in communities.

1.3       Ongoing review of reported anti-social behaviour and feedback from Elected Members identified a small number of parks and open spaces where it was agreed a co-ordinated focus with other statutory organisations and communities would add value.  These were Falls Park/City Cemetery, Orangefield Park/Avoniel Park, Marrowbone Park, Dunville Park and Ballysillan Park.

1.4       Additionally, at Full Council in March 2019, Members requested an update to a future People and Communities Committee on the ongoing work to positively animate these parks/open spaces and how Council managed ongoing vandalism.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are asked to;

·        note the contents of this report and support the ongoing work to positively animate parks/open spaces

3.0       Main report

            Key Issues

3.1       Positive Animation of Parks/Open Spaces

            Ongoing review of local, regional and national best practice indicates that one of the most effective ways of addressing anti-social behaviour and vandalism is to positively animate parks/open spaces by creating a sense of ownership and empowerment amongst users.  This includes young people, who often gather in parks/open spaces as a way to positively socialise.  It is however, recognised that young people are often gathering in parks/open spaces at times when they are closed and particularly after dark which can create additional vulnerabilities for those young people.

3.2       General Animation

            Council Parks Outreach and Open Spaces and Active Living Teams work closely with local schools, youth and community groups throughout the year running positive events and activities in our parks/open spaces.  This work helps create a positive relationship between participants and the parks/open spaces and increased respect and civic pride.  Examples include:

·        Outdoor Education Sessions

·        Biodiversity Sessions

·        Park Life Schools Programme

·        Park Life Saturday Club

·        Family Fun Days

·        Growing Workshops

·        Historical and Cultural Guided Walks

·        Community Clean Ups

3.3       Since 1 February 2019 over 100 events and activities have taken place in Council parks/open spaces to positively animate those spaces.

3.4       Council also works with a range of external organisations who support Councils’ objective of positively animating our parks/open spaces.  These include community and cultural events, Park Runs and music events.

3.5       Targeted Animation

            In addition to general animation taking place across a range of parks/open spaces in the city, a targeted programme of animation is delivered in those priority parks/open spaces as identified at 1.3.  Characteristics of these programmes of animation are:

·        Takes place at times when anti-social behaviour is more likely to take place e.g. weekends, school holidays, evenings

·        Takes place in those priority parks/open spaces

·        Is integrated with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7m

            The Committee was advised that a request had been received from the Dundonald Apprentice Boys of Derry seeking permission to use Dundonald Cemetery to conduct a wreath laying ceremony on 27th June from 7.00 p.m. – 8.00 p.m. 

            The Committee agreed to accede to the request and furthermore approved the use of the Cemetery for that purpose on a yearly basis going forward, if required, subject to the Event Organisers resolving all operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction.

In response to a request from the Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor McReynolds, the Committee agreed that officers would engage with the Friends of Cherryvale Park in relation to ongoing works at Cherryvale Playing Fields.