Agenda and minutes

            The minutes of the meeting of 13th December 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 January.

            (Mr. R. Cregan, Director of Finance and Resources, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee considered a report, which had been prepared by the Director of Finance and Resources, in respect of the estimates of revenue expenditure for the financial year 2012/2013.  A copy of that section of the report, in so far as it applied specifically to the Development Committee, is set out hereunder:

“Development Committee

A spending limit of £19,581,534 is recommended for the department in 2012/13 which represents a decrease of £134k or 0.68% on last year. The main items of expenditure are outlined in Appendix 1.

The main budgetary intentions of the Department of the next year are set out below:

The cash reduction in running departmental net expenditure has been achieved through the generation of £259k of savings as part of for the efficiency programme. This has enabled the department to absorb additional superannuation costs of £59k and the net loss of external income of £79k and still deliver a reduction in overall net expenditure of £134k. The department will also undertake an increased number of events during 2012/13 which will be funded from the reserve set aside in 2011/12.

Community Services

The amount provided for in the 2012/13 Community Services budget estimate has decreased by £45k and is based on a continuation of activity at a similar level to the previous years, with some re-focusing required in line with the newly developed service strategy and related structure. It is also based on a consistent level of anticipated income from DSD through the regional Community Support Programme. 

City Events and Venues

The City Events and Venues Unit has increased its net budget by £54k. The unit will continue to deliver the annual programme of events including the European Pipe Band Championships.  Other projects will also be delivered during 2012/13 including the World Irish Dancing Championships (£200k) which operates from the 30 March 2012 to 8 April 2012. In addition, the Titanic Belfast 2012 Festival programme and activities connected to the Olympic events are budgeted at £2.2m.  The Council’s contribution to these projects will be £1.1m, including £600k funded from reserves set aside in 2011/12.  The balance funding will be provided by NITB. 

During the year 2012/13 both the Waterfront and Ulster Halls will continue to provide world class entertainment and conference facilities that will help promote the cultural and economic regeneration of Belfast and so contribute to the economic benefit of not only the City but the region as a whole.

Economic Initiatives

The net expenditure for Economic Initiatives has reduced by £53k as a result of additional income from St Georges Market and the Continental Market respectively. Whilst the Economic Development estimate is in line with the previous year the programme of work will be substantially refocused to reflect the actions falling out of the Investment Programme 2012 - 2015.

Directorate

The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

            Arising from discussion on the estimates of expenditure for 2012/2013, a Member requested that a report be submitted to a future meeting outlining the costs which might be incurred in the City bidding to host the FleadhCheoilna hÉireann in 2015, together with an outline of the potential costs involved in the hosting of an additional City-wide cultural event in future years.

            The Director reported that a request had been received from the Land of Giants organisation to provide a presentation regarding its plans for its festival which would form part of the City’s Cultural Olympiad celebrations. 

            A Member expressed concern that the Council had agreed to reallocate the budget for the 2012 Lord Mayor’s Carnival as part of the Land of Giants Festival.  The point was made that the Lord Mayor’s Carnival had over a long period diminished in importance and it would be prudent for the Council to re-examine the future role of the Carnival with a view to making it more reflective of all cultures of the City and central to the Council’s calendar of events.  

            After discussion, during which it was agreed that the Land of Giants organisation would be invited to make a presentation to the Committee at its meeting on 7th February, it was noted that a report would be submitted to a future meeting which would outline a range of options for the future holding of the Lord Mayor’s Carnival.

            Arising from discussion in the foregoing matter, a Member reminded the Committee that 2012 marked the 1400th anniversary of the founding of the St. Gallen Monastery in Switzerland by the Bangor monk St. Gall.  He requested that a report be submitted to a future meeting outlining a range of options for the marking by the City of the anniversary in 2012.

            The Director undertook to submit a report in this regard to a future meeting of the Committee.

            With the permission of the Chairman, a Member reported that he had been requested to extend an invitation to the Committee to undertake a study visit to the headquarters of the Beat Initiative project in Belfast. He suggested that such a visit would enable Members to view at first hand the positive work which was carried out by the organisation in delivering its extensive carnival programme, as well as provide an opportunity to be briefed on the extent of outreach work undertaken by that organisation with various communities throughout the City.

The Committee agreed to undertake a study visit to the headquarters of the Beat Initiative on a date to be agreed in conjunction with the Chairman.

            Arising from discussion in the foregoing matter, a Member referred to a range of ‘best practice’ visits which had been undertaken by the Members of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee to Irish medium initiatives during October and November, 2011. He requested that a report be submitted to a future meeting updating the Committee in respect of a Memorandum of Understanding on the development of the City’s Gaeltacht Quarter.

            The Committee agreed to this course of action and the Director undertook to submit a report to a future meeting of the Committee.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 13th December, it had agreed to receive a deputation from the Northern Ireland Hotels’ Federation to discuss a range of issues relating to the development of a major convention centre in the City.  It was reported that Ms. J. Gault, Mr. J. McGinn and Mr. M. Walker, representing the Federation, were in attendance and they were admitted to the meeting and welcomed by the Chairman.

Ms. Gault provided an overview of the work of the Federation and information on the current levels of hotel occupancy throughout the City, which, she pointed out, had been affected adversely by the economic decline. Whilst the levels of leisure tourism had remained robust despite the recession, Ms. Gault pointed out that business tourism, which encompassed the period from Sunday to Thursday, had witnessed a marked decline. She added that the reduction in the levels of business tourism was a cause of major concern for hoteliers across the City and stated that the establishment of a major convention centre, which could cater for between 500 and 2,000 delegates, would help alleviate the downturn in trade.

Ms. Gault suggested, given the absence of suitable facilities, that Belfast was unable to compete with cities such as Cardiff, Dublin and Glasgow for the lucrative convention market. She pointed out that the establishment of such a facility would provide a measurable boost to the local economy and provide additional employment.  She referred to the Council’s plans to extend the Waterfront Hall to incorporate a convention centre and indicated that the Federation would strongly support such an initiative as an interim solution. However, on a longer basis, she stated that a custom-built major convention centre would provide Belfast with the ability to compete with other cities on an equal basis.   Mr. McGinn and Mr. Walker then provided a range of figures in relation to the costs and potential benefits which the establishment of a convention centre would bring to the City over a short and long-term period.

During discussion, a number of Members expressed support for the concept of the establishment of major convention facilities in the City.  Further Members stated that it would be prudent for the Council to make a significant investment to extend the facilities available at the Waterfront Hall in order to enhance the overall tourist package offered by the City. The point was made, given the potential benefits a dedicated convention centre would bring to the hotel and tourist industries, that there existed an onus on the private sector to allocate significant resources towards such a development.  

The Director then outlined the levels of funding which would be required for the development of a convention centre at the Waterfront Hall; the projected income which could be generated by such a development and an outline of the funding, from both the public and private sectors, which could be accessed to assist the Council in such a project.

After discussion, the Committee agreed to note the information  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.Relevant Background Information

1.1In November 2011 a “Future Renewing the Routes Programme 2011-2016” paper was presented to Committee.  Members asked at the time for the paper to be deferred to allow for further engagement at Party level. There were two main strands inherit within the report; (1) the future renewing the routes programme and (2) the potential for a parallel neighbourhood programme. 

1.2Future renewing the routes programme

      Given the availability of a finite resource the paper presented an initial analysis of the arterial routes to members through a red, amber, green status report and following on from this the potential short to medium and long-term target areas.

1.3This was based on a previous Committee agreed methodology that surveyed each individual arterial route looking specifically at land status; occupancy rates; building condition; shop front conditions; social and economic deprivation.

1.4Further considerations (detailed later in this report) and discussion with elected members at party level were required before any final decisions on target areas were presented to Committee for consideration.

1.5Potential neighbourhood programme

      The previous report provided members with an initial map that identified some potential neighbourhood areas. The map was not exhaustive but provided for members initial information and comment.

1.6It would be the intention that members consider a future neighbourhood programme which would run parallel to that of the renewing the routes programme discussed above. It is important that this potential programme is in line with the Council’s overall place shaping agenda; development of a city resourcing plan and discussion on local or neighbourhood funds.  With this in mind it would be the intention to include this work as part of this wider agenda and report back to Committee once these issues have been programmed corporately.

1.7This purpose of this report is twofold; firstly, to seek member’s agreement on the broad parameters of a potential renewing the routes programme and secondly, to update members on a specific request from the Department of Social Development (DSD) to work with them on a joint initiative in Woodstock Link.

 2.  Key Issues

2.1Renewing the Routes broad parameters programme

      Following initial discussions with members there were a number of key considerations that were identified as important influences for ongoing work:

1.          Members were broadly supportive of a four year programme to allow for a more planned approach across the city on a north, south, east and west geographical split each target area receiving an allocation of £150,000 per annum;

2.          A programme based on target two areas per annum.

3.          That consideration be given (where possible) to prioritising areas that have not received assistance in the past;

4.          Flexibility in the programme to be responsive to the potential for small scale environment improvements arising from individual or trader/community associations within their respective area, with a separate allocation subject to Committee approval;

5.          To guide the identification of areas for member consideration officers should consider a number of strategic issues  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1  Relevant Background Information

1.1Businesses – and small businesses in particular – have indicated that they are struggling to access finance or that the terms of their original credit agreements with their lending institutions have been significantly altered, meaning that access to credit is increasingly difficult.  

1.2This has had an impact on economic growth, with successive growth forecasts being downgraded and the Chancellor proposing a revised package of support to stimulate growth, as part of his Autumn statement.  A central pillar of this package is a range of “credit easing” schemes including a loan fund of up to £20billion.

1.3Elected Members have identified the shortage of investment finance as a key inhibitor to growth and have asked officers to investigate the potential for a micro finance initiative to stimulate business start up and growth.

2    Key Issues

2.1Traditionally, the Council’s business support programmes consist of a range of direct support interventions (workshops; 1-2-1 mentoring; mystery shopping exercises etc.).  These are sometimes supplemented by a small grant element (up to £500) to be used towards an agreed development action, as identified by their mentor.  Given feedback from companies, we are also exploring the potential for product development support – i.e. accessing R&D or specific innovation support to allow a company to test out a new product, moving it through from concept stage.  This is likely to involve slightly larger amounts of money (up to £4,000) but, again, will be issued on agreement of specific actions to be undertaken. 

2.2Currently, the Council does not provide loan finance for companies.  There is a range of financing options available to companies, ranging from bank lending to venture capital.  All of these are predicated on a strong business case being presented and this, itself, is subject to significantly more scrutiny than may have been the case in the past.  We are currently undertaking a “Business of Finance” programme – involving 12 local businesses and social enterprises.  This programme aims to help participating businesses:

­   Understand more clearly the financial position of their business through an assessment of their current financial health.

­   Master financial tools to improve the financial performance of the business in the short to medium term.

­   Learn how to develop and implement an improved ongoing approach to financial management within the business.

­   Master financial analysis to support business decision making.

­   Understand the requirements of external funders and being better positioned to access external funding.

2.3In recognition of the difficulties experienced by those wishing to start up a business, Invest NI has re-introduced the grant element to the mainstream start up programme – the Enterprise Development Programme (EDP).  This is available only for specific target groups, namely those living in Neighbourhood Renewal Areas (£1,000 grant available) and those not in employment, education or training (NEETs) (£1,500 grant available).  For both groups, the grant amount is only paid out once the company is established.

2.4Invest  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report and associated Council response in relation to the above-mentioned consultation:

“1  Relevant Background Information

1.1The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment recently announced an inquiry into developing the Northern Ireland Economy through innovation, Research and Development with a submission date of 16th December, 2011.

1.2The inquiry has been established in order to identify the barriers faced by organisations in availing support for innovation, research and development.

1.3Members will be aware that Belfast City Council plays a key role in the development and support of the local business community and as such would welcome the opportunity to participate in the inquiry and its response.

2    Key Issues

2.1The recent Treasury consultation on rebalancing the Northern Ireland economy noted Northern Ireland’s traditionally low level of Business Expenditure on Research and Development (BERD).  Over the last 5 years this has averaged just 0.69% of Gross Value Added (GVA) compared to the UK average 1.23%.

2.2Additionally, it is estimated that the majority of BERD (57%) is undertaken by only 10 businesses.

2.3The Committee is interested in collecting the views on what barriers exist to engagement in innovation and R&D and what opportunities exist to increase the level of involvement?

      This inquiry aims to:

-     Examine the current policies, programmes and opportunities

-        Available to support innovation, research and development at international, EU, UK, cross-border, Northern Ireland and Local Government levels;

-     Examine the current policies, procedures and practices being deployed to assist organisations to avail of these opportunities;

-     Compare the assistance provided in Northern Ireland with that provided at regional level in England, in the other devolved administrations, in the Republic of Ireland and in other EU member states;

-     Assess the appropriateness of current policies, procedures and practices in assisting organisations to avail of opportunities for innovation, research & development;

-     Identify actions to be taken by the UK Government, Northern Ireland Executive, DETI, other NI departments, InterTradeIreland, universities, businesses and business support organisations and local councils; and

-     Report to the Assembly with full findings, conclusions and recommendations on how policies, procedures and practices can be improved in order to maximise opportunities to support innovation, research and development for the benefit of the Northern Ireland economy.

-     Report to the Assembly with full findings, conclusions and recommendations for improvements in: policies and delivery mechanisms; and collaboration among all key stakeholders, to further develop and enhance the potential of the creative industries in Northern Ireland.

2.4The Council has provided a number of mechanisms to encourage local small businesses to engage in R&D, Knowledge Transfer and Innovation and to embed a sustainable approach to engagement with the research base within the local micro-business sector through support under the sustainable competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland.

3    Equality and Good Relations Considerations

3.1There are no specific Equality and Good Relations Considerations attached to this report.

4    Recommendations

4.1Members are asked to:

-     Note the Committee  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

            The Committee was reminded that the Council distributed a range of funding to culture and arts organisations.  Due to the need for those organisations to plan their programmes, the Council endeavoured to award funding as early in the financial year as possible.  Therefore, a call for funding under the Development and Outreach Programme would be opened in early February and would close in March.  The initiative aimed to build capacity and boost cultural activity in communities with weak cultural infrastructure.  Applications should be made on behalf of consortia of arts, heritage and community organisations and beneficiaries should be from within the top 50% of the most deprived areas in Belfast, according to the Multiple Deprivation Rankings for Northern Ireland, or have a disability.  It was anticipated that approximately thirteen Partnerships would receive support and the maximum level of funding available per project would be £20,000.  A total amount of £165,000 had been included in the budget for the Initiative.

The Committee agreed to the opening of the Development and Outreach Initiative in February, 2012.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1  Relevant Background Information

1.1Belfast City Council accepted the commission from the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) to administer the Community Festivals Fund in the Belfast area.  At the Development Committee in August 2008, Members agreed to delegate the authority to award grants under this fund to the Director of Development.  In October 2008 Members agreed that the Fund be delivered on a quarterly basis.  Delegated authority was granted to the Director for this Fund.  Grants range from a minimum of £2,500 to a maximum amount of £10,000.  The fund is 50 per cent funded through DCAL and 50 per cent through Council revenue.  

1.2Belfast City Council and DCAL both recognise that community festivals can contribute to social cohesion, the celebration of cultural identity and the strengthening of community relations.  The fund was set up not just to fund festival events, but to help build capacity within the community and ensure that festivals are more sustainable.  Festivals supported under this fund must ensure that the community has ownership of it and plays a strong part in the development and delivery of the festival.

1.3The Community Festivals Fund has demonstrated strong value for money for the Council.  In 2010/11 we funded 33 festivals, to a total of £142,700.  £289,861 was requested, so demand as usual far outstripped supply.  The average grant was £4,461.  This support helped to fund audience numbers of 266,689 and participant numbers of 9,449.  From a Belfast City Council investment of £79,000, this is a cost per head of 0.28p.  This investment also helped to sustain 46 full time jobs, 33 part time jobs, 225 freelance posts, and 462 volunteer posts.  In terms of distribution across the city, 51.5% of the Festivals took place in the North of the city; 18.25% in the West; 18.25% in the South; 9% in the East, and 3% across Northern Ireland.

1.4In the current year the Community Festivals Fund has supported a wide range of Festivals across the city. Information about these can be found in Appendix 2. There has been a total distribution of funds of £147,200. £509,003 was requested across the 4 tranches, which was almost three and a half times the funds available, demonstrating once again that demand for this Fund is extremely high. Thirty eight festivals were funded and the average grant was £3873.68, a reduction from the average grant in the previous year. This is a reflection of the reduction in grant from DCAL – a drop of 7% from 2010/11. Further statistical information about the grants distributed in this current year will be presented to a future Committee; many of the grants within this financial year are currently still live or have not yet submitted final report information.

2    Key Issues

2.1DCAL have indicated that the monies available for 2012/13 are likely to be around the same as this current year which is £73,600.  DCAL’s contribution to the Community Festivals Fund 2012/13  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

The Community Development Manager informed the Committee that the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust had requested that Glenbrook Surestart be permitted exclusive use the minor hall and store at Ligoniel Community Centre from Monday till Friday between 9.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m., for a period of three years commencing in February 2012. She pointed out that Glenbrook Surestart was a Government-funded initiative which worked with parents and children to promote the physical, intellectual, social and emotional development of pre-school children.  She informed the Members that a formal Licence Agreement would be required and that income to the Council would be in the region of £40 per week.  Accordingly, she recommended that the Committee accede to the request from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, subject to the completion of the Licence Agreement to be prepared by the Assistant Chief Executive/Town Solicitor.

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

            The Director reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 15th February, 2011 it had agreed, with effect from 1st October, 2011 to extend, for a maximum of one year, the contract with Mount Charles Catering for the provision of catering, bars and restaurant services at the Waterfront Hall. He pointed out that, given the proposals for the establishment of a convention centre at the site, it was anticipated that significant redevelopment work would be undertaken at the Waterfront Hall commencing in 2013. Accordingly, the Director indicated that a full economic appraisal of the contract’s specifications would be required to identify the extent and scope of the future catering contract at the location.  He pointed out that it would not be feasible to put the contract out for tender prior to the completion of the economic appraisal and he requested the Committee’s authority to extend, until 30th September, 2013 the contract with Mount Charles Catering. He added that advice from the Council’s Legal Services and Procurement Units had indicated that there existed no legal impediment to the extension of the contract as outlined.

            The Committee granted the authority sought.

            The Director sought also the Committee’s authority to extend, for a period of one year, the contract with Totalis for the provision of cleaning services at the Waterfront Hall. He explained that the current contract was due to expire on 31st July and, given the potential re-development of the building to incorporate a convention centre, an extension to the contract would enable a full economic appraisal to be carried out on the extent and scope  of any future cleaning contract for the Hall.  He added that advice from the Council’s Legal Services and Procurement Units had indicated that there existed no legal impediment to the extension of the contract as outlined.

            The Committee granted the authority sought.