Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend the meeting were reported from Councillors de Faoite, Mulholland and McLaughlin.

Variation of Minute

That the minutes of the meeting of 10th September are taken as read and signed as correct, subject to the variation to the minute under the heading ‘Request for the hire of Botanic Gardens for a series of music events’ to note that it was:

Moved by Councillor D. Baker

Seconded by Councillor McLaughlin and

      Resolved - That the Committee agrees to grant authority to Aiken Promotions’ for the use of the great lawn at Botanic Gardens for a series of music events with attendances under 5,000 persons in the year 2020, to include set up and take down, and that a report would be submitted for the Committee’s consideration in relation to any promoter who was seeking to use the Council’s Parks for similar events in future years."

            The minutes of the meetings of 10th and 16th September were taken as read and signed as correct, subject to the variation to the minute of 10th September under the heading “Request for the hire of Botanic Gardens for a series of music events” to note that it was:

“Moved by Councillor D. Baker

Seconded by Councillor McLaughlin and

      Resolved - That the Committee agrees to grant authority to Aiken Promotions’ for the use of the great lawn at Botanic Gardens for a series of music events with attendances under 5,000 persons in the year 2020, to include set up and take down, and that a report would be submitted for the Committee’s consideration in relation to any promoter who was seeking to use the Council’s Parks for similar events in future years."

            No declarations of interest were recorded.

            The Committee was reminded that, at the meeting of the Council on 1st October, the following motion, which had been proposed by Councillor Brooks and seconded by Councillor M. Kelly, had been referred to the Committee for its consideration:

“This Council will undertake a review of the effectiveness of its alley-gating programme to date, and look to build delivery partnerships with other agencies, should internal funding not be available to gate those areas still on waiting list.”

            A number of Members stated that the issues of alley-gates was a frequently raised issue amongst residents across the City.

            In response to a Member’s question, the Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services reminded the Committee that the Area Working Groups were due to start meeting in January 2020.  He confirmed that the current waiting list of streets which were to be considered for alley-gates would be submitted to the relevant Area Working Group for its re-consideration and input at a future date.

            After discussion, the Committee:

1.      agreed that a report would be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee on the Alley-Gating Programme; and

2.      noted that the Area Working Groups would be meeting in January 2020, and that the locations which were on the waiting list for alley-gates would be provided to each AWG for its re-consideration and further input.

            (Councillors Groogan and McKeown attended in connection with this item)

            The Committee was reminded that, at the meeting of the Council on 1st October, a motion, which had been proposed by Councillor Groogan and seconded by Councillor McKeown, had been referred to the Committee for its consideration.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       To bring to the Committee’s attention a Notice of Motion regarding addressing Anti-Social Behaviour in the Holylands and the surrounding areas, which was discussed at the Council meeting on 1st October.

1.2       The following motion regarding Anti-Social Behaviour in the Holylands and surrounding area, which was proposed by Councillor Groogan, and seconded by Councillor McKeown,:    

‘This Council condemns the persistent and serious anti-social behaviour that

residents of the Holylands and the surrounding area endure throughout the year due to the high numbers of HMOs that exist there.

This council will review its policy for dealing with all aspects of anti-social behaviour in the Holylands area, particularly around on-street drinking, noise

and littering and bring forward an action plan for tackling the ongoing problems experienced in this area.

This council also notes the worryingly high levels of crime in a small, densely populated area of this city and commits to working with statutory partners to bring back CCTV units to the area as one of the means to tackle this issue.’

1.3       In accordance with Standing Order 13(f), the Motion was referred without discussion to the People and Communities Committee

1.1   Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is requested to consider the Motion and take such action thereon as may be determined.

3.0       Main Report

            Key Issues

            Freshers’ 2019 Update

3.1       Our night time noise service was operational as usual, 7 days a week from 2000 – 0400. All complaints from the Holylands were prioritised during the fresher’s period.

3.2       Safer Neighbourhood Officers and Alcohol Enforcement Officers were committed to the Holyland / Wider University Area Sunday – Thursday between 15th and 26th September. Hours of operation were 1600 – 2200 on Sunday and 1400 – 2200 Monday – Thursday. They were proactively patrolling the area to reduce / prevent anti-social behaviour and keeping people safe.

3.3       South Belfast Anti-social behaviour officer carried out joint visits with the universities and followed up on problem premises and public complaints.

3.4       Our cleansing and cleansing enforcement teams operated as normal with any issues / areas for attention being passed on by community safety. Our night time cleansing service also assisted with reducing excessive litter within the area.

3.5       Our entertainments licensing team proactively engaged with bars and clubs regarding their plans for the period and reminding them of their responsibilities.  Premises of concern where flagged up with the team and joint visits did take place with the PSNI.

3.6       Figures for the Freshers’ Period are being finalised and a meeting has been called by the PSNI to sign off on these for this year.

            Background to existing role and actions from the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2b

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To provide an update on Waste Collection issues, including:

·        progress on actions included in the high level Waste Collection Improvement Plan, including the domestic and commercial efficiency reviews;

·        issues around missed bins city wide and proposed actions to address problem areas;

·        information in relation to the ‘wheelie box’ pilot launch;

·        organic waste collections and the impact on operations.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to;

·        Note the progress in relation to the performance improvements within the Waste Collection Improvement Plan to date, and recognise the ongoing work along with associated timescales.

·        Endorse the procurement of a review of our Fleet needs, to help inform a fit for purpose sustainable Fleet Strategy which is aligned to the corporate ambitions of the Council.  Relevant out workings of this review will be shared with the Working Group on Climate Crisis.

·        Note the planned actions around addressing the issues of missed collections across the city, the upcoming kerbside wheelie box pilot scheme and the impact of increased tonnages of organic waste in 2019.

3.0       Main Report

            Key Issues

3.1       Waste Collection Improvement Plan

            As outlined in the report of 4th December 2018 the Logistics Manager and his team have continued to focus on the waste improvement action plan. In terms of domestic collections, all domestic operational crews have gone through a challenge process, whereby individual productivity on a daily basis has been discussed and improvement plans agreed where necessary. This will now become a normal function of efficiency management whereby performance will be challenged on a regular basis.

3.2       In terms of commercial collections the data collection exercise has been carried out and plans are currently being formed as to how this can be best taken forward.

            In recent years, however, there has been a fall in revenue for the Council from commercial waste collections, arising from more competition, loss of business to regional contracts and an increase in the provision of free or reduced rate services to churches, charities and educational establishments. There are concerns that this could at some stage undermine the economic feasibility of this service and work is underway to see whether there is value in developing an alternative model.

3.3       To underpin these initiatives and to drive through continuous improvement, there is still a requirement to keep under review the levels of resources for the Waste Collection service and this will be considered under the City Service Fleet and Resource Transition Programme and estimating processes etc.

3.4       Missed Bin Collections

            Turning to the issue of missed bins, this item has received increased scrutiny over the past two years as the new Resources & Fleet City Service, has been established and throughout the summer of 2019 in particular.  One of the priorities in Waste Collection is to ensure that the number of missed bins are kept to a minimum. It is worth reminding members that on average we collect approximately 154,000 bins a week,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3a

            (Councillor O’Hara attended in connection with this item).

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     At the People and Communities Committee meeting of 6th August 2019, a Member advanced a Notice of Motion concerning ambient air quality for the city. Actions arising from the Notice of Motion included that the council would agree to engage formally with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) on areas of concern and to produce reports on:

·        Enhancing monitoring and reporting of air pollution, including recommended limits in line with the more stringent World Health Organisation Standards; and

·        Introducing a Clean Air Zone in Belfast, in line with UK Government Guidance. 

1.2       This report serves to provide an interim response to the Committee in respect of enhancing the council’s current monitoring and reporting of air pollution and regarding the introduction of a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) for Belfast. This interim report has been provided as an update on monitoring and CAZs and in advance of any direct engagement with DAERA or DfI.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        Consider the contents of the report and to agree that recommendations regarding the adoption of WHO air quality standards and Clean Air Zone / Low Emission Zone legislation should be formally provided to DAERA and DfI as part of the council’s consultation response to the forthcoming DAERA Air Quality Strategy for Northern Ireland.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Current national statutory obligations in respect of ambient air quality management are broadly established through the requirements of Directive 2008/50/EC on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe as well as the 4th Daughter Directive. The 2008 Directive includes detailed requirements for ambient air quality monitoring, monitoring locations and reference monitoring methodologies for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, benzene, particulate matter (both PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 fractions), lead and ozone. Limit values for these pollutants have been established with regard to World Health Organisation standards, guidelines and programmes.

3.2       The numerous European ambient air quality management requirements have been transcribed into Northern Ireland legislation via Part III of the Environment (Northern Ireland) Order 2002, the Air Quality Standards Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 and supporting statutory policy and guidance. Part III of the Environment (NI) Order 2002 places a duty upon councils to periodically review and assess ambient air quality within their districts in order to determine the likelihood of achieving national air quality objectives by relevant compliance dates. These national objectives are broadly analogous to the various EC limit values detailed within the 2008 Directive. The council conducted its first review and assessment of ambient air quality for the city in 2003 and as a consequence, declared four Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) in 2004 for exceedences of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter objectives. These AQMAs were all declared around arterial road transport routes into and out of the city and source apportionment subsequently revealed that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3b

            The Committee considered a detailed report on the feedback which had been received at the Committee Planning Workshop on 10th September.

            The Committee noted the contents of the report and agreed that a draft Committee Plan would be submitted to a future meeting for its consideration.

            The Committee agreed to grant applications for the naming of two new streets within the City, namely, Northview Lane, off Northview, BT15, and of Finaghy Park Gardens, off Finaghy Park Central, BT10.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The committee will recall an update paper presented at the meeting on 4th June 2019. 

1.2       After discussion, the Committee:

·        Noted the continued actions which were being undertaken as part of the ongoing review of grass cutting arrangements at sites not owned by the Council;

·        Agreed that a further report in relation to the review of grass cutting arrangements would be submitted to a future meeting, and

·        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.

1.3       This report provides an update for Members and outlines recent work undertaken by officers regarding the potential for sponsorship of roundabouts and verges, in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport NI.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        note the update information regarding grass cutting at sites not owned by Belfast City Council, and

·        if Members are content with the initial proposals regarding sponsorship, to endorse officers taking this work forward, with view to a report being brought to the Committee with full details.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Key Issues

            Members will recall from the June 2019 report that since 2016/2017, the Council has supplemented grass cutting arrangements for the Department for Infrastructure and Transport NI, by providing five cuts per annum at the following sites:

·        Michael Ferguson roundabout;

·        Kingsway Embankment, Dunmurry;

·        Knock dual Carriageway, and

·        Cregagh Road with Knock dual carriageway.

3.2       Members will further be aware that the maintenance of these sites requires financial resources via the departmental budgets. 

3.3       In order to identify opportunities for the Council to help defray these costs, officers have undertaken preliminary research into opportunities to generate income via a sponsorship scheme. 

3.4       As well as an opportunity to generate additional external funds to supplement existing maintenance budgets, sponsorship schemes can improve the appearance of roundabouts, improve the image of Belfast as a vibrant location for businesses and community groups, and promote the range of businesses already located locally. 

3.5       Such schemes are widely used by other Councils, and a number of models for identifying suitable sites, including roundabouts and verges, and initiating such sponsorship schemes, including procurement options, are available.  Officers have also met colleagues in the DfI Roads Service, whose Eastern Division work in partnership with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council to implement a sponsorship scheme in their council area. 

3.6       It is intended that with further benchmarking, and discussion with DfI Roads Service, a suitable scheme will be identified that could be applied in Belfast.  Such a sponsorship scheme will need to be considered in the context of the wider, ongoing corporate initiative to develop a commercial framework and strategy, and officers will ensure that as the potential scheme develops, it will be reviewed by the Council’s Commercial Working Group and Commercial Panel.  Furthermore, officers will continue to engage with DfI in order to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5b

            The Committee was reminded that the Council had been funding two-week trials of a cloth nappy scheme for over four years, allowing parents the opportunity to trial the use of cloth nappies and to access a refund scheme should they wish to continue once the trial had finished. 

            The Members were advised that the scheme had proven very popular, which had resulted in Belfast families having to wait between eight to ten weeks to access the trial.  The Director of City Services explained that, following a free trial, each kit was returned and reissued to another family and, therefore, having an additional kit in circulation would therefore alleviate the waiting times.  She reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 6th August, it had agreed that officers would investigate the feasibility of the Council purchasing an additional cloth nappy kit for use by Belfast ratepayers in order to reduce the waiting time.

            The Committee was advised that, further to discussion with Legal Services, it was recommended that a supplementary agreement be put in place with the service provider stating that if the Council provided direct support in the form of an additional Nappy Trial Kit, with an estimated value of £400 per kit, that it would be exclusively for the benefit of Belfast families.

            The Committee approved the establishment of a supplementary agreement with the existing service provider, which would allow the Council to supply an additional cloth nappy kit to the company solely for the benefit of Belfast residents.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 4th June, it had granted approval for the City of Belfast Grand Black Chapter to hold a parade through the Botanic Gardens on 28th August, 2021.  The Strategic Director advised the Committee that the parade was to mark the centenary of the formation of Northern Ireland and that it would pass a number of buildings with significance to the Centenary.

            The Members were advised that, since that decision, officers had received a request from the City of Belfast Grand Black Chapter to hold a family fun day event in lower Botanic Gardens, adjacent to Stranmillis Embankment on the 28th August 2021, between 12noon and 7.00pm, following the parade from the City Hall to the Botanic Gardens.

            The Committee was advised that the event would include market stalls, food vendors, religious service, stewarding, fun rides, live music and that there would be no sale of alcohol during the event.  The Strategic Director explained that it would be a requirement of the License Agreement that the organisers would liaise with Queens University P.E. Centre and local communities to minimise any impact that the event might incur in the surrounding area.

            It was reported that there may be a requirement to have additional staff on site to facilitate the event and, if that was the case, the costs would be charged to the event organiser.

            The Committee agreed approval for the City of Belfast Grand Black Chapter to hold an event in Lower Botanic Gardens on 28th August 2021, subject to, and on condition that, the requestor:

·        having resolved all operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction;

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

·        that 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.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to seek approval from Members to host events in our parks, namely:

·        Request for Both Lives Matter to hold a ‘Both Lives Matter Demonstration’ at

·        Falls Park on Sunday 13 October 2019.

·        Request for MACS NI to hold a Sleep Out event at Victoria Park on Thursday 14 November 2019.

·        Request for Street Soccer NI to hold a Sleep Out event at CS Lewis Square on Friday 24 January 2019.

            Both Sleep Out events will take place outside normal park opening hours and will require the closure of part of the facility.

2.0       Recommendations

            The Committee is asked to:

·        Grant authority for these events to take place at these locations by these organisations;

·        Grant authority for any subsequent, annual charity Sleep Out events at these locations by these organisations; and

·        Authorise the Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services to approve the ‘Both Lives Matter Demonstration’ under the Council scheme of delegation, due to the late application with the event taking place before the Committee decision can be ratified at the November meeting of Council;

·        For each event. grant authority to the Strategic Director of City and Neighbourhood Services subject to satisfactory terms being agreed and on condition that the Event Organiser:

·        completes the appropriate Event Management Plans;

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

·        meets all statutory requirements including Public Liability Insurance cover, Health and Safety, and licensing responsibilities; and

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

3.0       Main report

3.1       Key Issues

·        Request for Both Lives Matter to hold a ‘Both Lives Matter Demonstration’ at Falls Park.

o   A request has been received week commencing 23rd September 2019 from Both Lives Matter to hold a ‘Both Lives Matter Demonstration’ at Falls Park on Sunday 13 October 2019 from 3 - 6pm

o   Both Lives Matter has four primary aims: to reframe the abortion debate in Northern Ireland and beyond; to advocate for better care in pregnancy crisis; to create a life-affirming culture that values each woman and her unborn child; and to safeguard the current law which protects both women and unborn children.

o   The purpose of the event is to have a cross-community, inter-generational, peaceful protest march against the proposed imposition of liberalised abortion laws on Northern Ireland.  There will be no charge to participants. 

·        Request for MACS NI to hold a Sleep Out event at Victoria Park in the Connswater Community Greenway Marquee.

o   A request has been received from MACS NI, an organisation that provides a range of support services for children and young people in Northern Ireland who haven’t had a fair deal in relation to housing, homelessness, mental health and participation, to hold a Sleep Out event at Victoria Park on Thursday 14 November 2019 in the Connswater Community Greenway marquee.  Set up of the event will take place at 2pm and it will be dismantled  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5e

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 4th June, it had agreed the proposed policy for future tree planting requests within Parks and Open Spaces which marked significant occasions and events.  At that meeting, the Committee agreed to defer consideration of a request submitted by Emma Little Pengelly MP, to plant five small trees to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s Commonwealth Tree Canopy Project, to allow discussion on the proposal to take place at the Party Leaders’ Consultative Forum.

            The Members were advised that the Party Leaders’ Consultative Forum, at its meeting on 26th September, had agreed that the request should be resubmitted to the People and Communities Committee for consideration.

              The Committee acceded to the request submitted by Emma Little Pengelly MP, to plant five small trees to mark Her Majesty the Queen’s Commonwealth Tree Canopy Project.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“‘1.0    Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to make Members aware of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) consultation in relation to the Management measures for widely spread Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in Northern Ireland and to seek Members’ approval of the Council’s draft response.  The consultation response closes on 23rd October 2019.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are asked to;

·        consider the draft response as set out in Appendix 1 and approve its submission to DAERA, subject to any comments or amendment provided, with the proviso that the response is subject to full Council approval at its meeting on 4th November 2019.

3.0       Main report

            Key Issues

3.1       On the 11th September 2019, DAERA launched a six week consultation in relation to the Management measures for widely spread Invasive Alien Species (IAS) in Northern Ireland’.  The purpose of this consultation is to obtain views on the management measures being considered by DAERA for species of Union concern which are widely spread in Northern Ireland. The consultation document is available at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/consultations.

3.2       Regulation (EU) No. 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species came into force on 1 January 2015. It imposes strict restrictions on a list of species known as ‘species of Union concern’. These are species whose potential adverse impacts across the European Union are such that concerted action across Europe is required. The restrictions mean that (subject to certain defences, or exemptions through permits or licences) species of Union concern cannot be imported into the EU, kept, bred, transported, placed on the market, used or exchanged, allowed to reproduce, grown or cultivated, or released into the environment. There are currently 66 species on the Union list: 30 animals and 36 plants. 

3.3       Ten species of Union concern that have been identified as being widely spread in Northern Ireland. For these widely spread species, the Regulation requires effective management measures to be put in place, so that their impact on biodiversity, the related ecosystem services and, where applicable, human health or the economy are minimised. Management measures consist of lethal or non-lethal physical, chemical or biological actions aimed at the eradication, population control or containment of a population of widely spread species.

3.4       The 10 species identified are

            Plants

            Nuttall’s waterweed (Elodea nuttallii),

            Chilean rhubarb (Gunnera tinctoria),

            Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum),

            Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera),

            Curly waterweed (Lagarosiphon major),

            American skunk cabbage (Lysichiton americanus),

            Parrot’s feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum).

            Animals

            Grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis),

            all subspecies of (Trachemys scripta) otherwise known as ‘slider terrapins’ &

            New Zealand Flatworm (Arturdendvus triangulates)

3.5       Belfast City Council in principle, supports the management measures focussed on reducing the impact that the 10 widely spread species of Union concern have on native biodiversity and ecosystem services as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5g

            The Committee noted the nomination of Councillor Heading to the Association of Board Health Authorities Executive Board for a further two year term of office, and authorised the expenditure associated with his attendance at Board meetings. 

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1        To provide an update to Members on the progress made by SoLACE in conjunction with a Waste Forum made up of TAG (NI) officers, supported by NILGA, in assessing councils needs in terms of collaborating on waste and related Services.  This a work in progress, but it is important that Members are aware of this emergent collective approach being undertaken by the 11 councils.

2.0         Recommendations

2.1         The Committee is asked to note;

·        the update and agree to the resource recommendations.

3.0         Main report

              Background

3.1         Prior to the RPA (Review of Public Administration) in 2015, the councils were organised into three voluntary Waste Management Groups;

1.     arc21 (11 x councils)

2.     NWRWMG (North West Region Waste Management Group) (7 x councils)

3.     SWaMP2008 (Southern Waste Management Partnership) (8 x councils)

3.2         Each group operated through a Joint Committee, albeit on a slightly different basis whereby arc21 and SWaMP2008 were incorporated corporate bodies, whilst the NWRWMG was unincorporated.  SWaMP2008 was dissolved in 2015.  Arc21 can award contracts as a separate entity and hold assets, while SWaMP2008 did not enter into direct contract award.  Similarly, the NWRWMG facilitated joint procurement across its councils (with Derry City Council as lead council), third-party contract awards were made through the individual councils. 

3.3         The principle objective of the three Groups was to work collectively for their partner councils and others to develop three Waste Management Plans and deliver the various recycling and landfill diversion targets set out in European and domestic legislation.

3.4         Since RPA the picture has fragmented.  Currently, there are two Waste Management Groups:

Ø  arc21 representing Belfast City, Ards & North Down, Mid & East Antrim, Antrim & Newtownabbey, Newry Mourne & Down and Lisburn & Castlereagh City

Ø  NWRWMG representing Derry City & Strabane and Causeway & Glens

3.5         The three remaining councils (Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Fermanagh & Omagh and Mid Ulster), sometimes referred to ‘NI Other’, are not part of any Waste Management Group although they have worked together and produced a Joint Waste Management Plan.

3.6         These arrangements, however, are not seen as sustainable in the longer term.  As a consequence, SoLACE NI (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives) requested that through the Technical Advisors Group (NI) (Local Government Technical Advisors Group), the councils review the current set-up with a view to making proposals for future arrangements.  TAG subsequently established a Waste Forum.  The timing is apt as reviews of DAERA’s ‘Delivering Resource Efficiency - Northern Ireland Waste Management Strategy’ and councils’ Waste Management Plans are scheduled for the near future.  Organisational changes within the Waste Management Groups also reinforce the need for a strategic review of current arrangements.

3.7         Given the increasing demands on councils to improve recycling quantity and quality to deliver government targets, develop the Circular Economy, while reducing dependency on landfill, achieving these goals would be enhanced through greater collaboration between councils.

3.8         Members should be aware that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5i

            The Committee agreed the minutes and the recommendations arising from the Strategic Cemeteries and Crematorium Working Group meetings held on 21st August and 2nd October.

            In response to the Member’s request, the Committee agreed that a report would be submitted to a future meeting on the use and condition of the pavilions within the Council’s parks across the City, to include reference to their current status, such as whether they were currently being used by any groups and whether any repairs were needed.

            (Councillor Graham attended in connection with this item)

            The Member outlined to the Committee that Finaghy Football Club wanted to place a Portacabin on Council-owned land at the entrance to Wedderburn Park.  He explained that the Club had advised that they would cover all costs associated with the Portacabin, including the connection to, and any ongoing costs associated with, electricity and water.  The Members were advised that the Portacabin would only be open and operational for a certain number of hours on match days and that they were open to the idea of local community groups also using it.

            A number of Members stated that there had been previous difficulties with the mis-use of similar cabins on Council land and that there were a number of issues which had to be taken into consideration in relation to such a request.

After discussion, the Committee agreed that a report be submitted to a future meeting to include any issues which would need to be considered by the Council in the consideration of such a request, including planning, leasing and licensing considerations, health and safety issues, and any potential impact that a Portacabin could have on other users of the facility.

            In response to the Member’s request, the Committee agreed that a report would be submitted to a future meeting on the opening hours of Council Parks, to include any relevant motions which had previously been passed.