Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Councillors McVeigh and Webb.

            The minutes of the meetings of 10th and 24th January were taken and read as signed and correct.

            The following declarations of interest were declared:

·        In respect of item 6a, viz., St. Gallen Centenary, Councillor O’Muilleoir indicated that he was a member of the Board of Directors of Forbairt Feirste, which would be involved in an event to mark the aforementioned centenary; and

·       Regarding item 4b, viz., European Match Funding Requests,   Alderman Stoker indicated that he was associated with the Greater Village Regeneration Trust, but pointed out that there existed no pecuniary or material conflict within the report.

Noted.

          It was reported that no requests had been received. 

            The Director reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 26th January, it had agreed to defer, for a period of two weeks, consideration of the Council’s draft Masterplan to enable Party briefings to be delivered to those Parties who so wished to receive them.  The Director pointed out that it had been unfeasible to deliver such briefings and, accordingly, he indicated that it was intended to place the Masterplan on the Committee’s agenda for consideration on 21st February. 

            After discussion, the Committee noted the information which had been provided.

The Committee was informed that the Northern Ireland Executive had launched for consultation its draft economic strategy entitled ‘Priorities for Sustainable Growth’. The strategy had been issued for consultation together with the Executive’s Programme for Government and its Investment Strategy. The Director reported that the principal aims of the strategy were to rebuild and rebalance the Northern Ireland economy.  The Director outlined the principal aspects of the response and indicated that it had emphasised that Belfast’s role as the key economic driver in the region should be central to government policy. He referred also to the Council’s aspiration within the response that a ministerial working group should be established to examine issues associated with regeneration issues. Accordingly, the Committee considered the undernoted response to the consultation:

Council Response

“1.1       Belfast City Council welcomes the opportunity to respond to the consultation on the draft economic strategy for Northern Ireland “Priorities for sustainable growth and prosperity”.  As the region’s capital city, Belfast is the driver of the regional economy.  It is home to over 200,000 jobs, provides employment for 108,000 commuters, is the major location for Foreign Direct Investment and is home to the majority of the region’s creative industries and professional and financial services.  Its success is critical to the success of the wider region.

1.2         Belfast City Council recently launched its “Belfast Investment Programme”.  This includes a capital investment of £150million for the period 2012-2015 aimed at putting in place the economic infrastructure necessary to support the Belfast economy.  This will be accompanied by a range of programmes to encourage business start-up and growth within the city.  It will also focus on employability and skills development.

1.3         The investment programme is closely aligned to the draft strategy and the Council would ask that it is supported by the Northern Ireland Executive and specifically incorporated within the economic strategy.

1.4         Belfast City Council recognises the ambition set out within the action plan associated with the strategy.  It also recognises, however, the challenges in delivering the projects identified.  We support the creation of the proposed coordination unit but would go further to suggest that the Executive should create an interdepartmental delivery group specifically for Belfast, given the importance of the delivery of projects within the city to the economic wellbeing of the wider region.

1.5         Belfast City Council regards the planned relocation of the University of Ulster into the city centre as being one of the biggest economic development opportunities which the city is likely to see in a generation.  Whilst the university is not due to open until 2018, we believe that it is imperative that the project is reflected within the economic strategy and that a cross departmental steering group is established to drive the project and maximise the economic and regenerative potential which it presents.

1.6         Belfast City Council welcomes the acknowledgement that Belfast and Derry have a specific role to play in the economic competitiveness of the region.  It is globally accepted that cities are the economic  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4a

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1  Relevant Background Information

1.1The European Social Fund (ESF) Priority One provides financial support to promote training and other activities to assist long term unemployed people obtain sustainable employment.

1.2       Funding is awarded through an open call for projects.  Successful applicants are allocated funding on condition that they can provide 35% match funding from another public sector source.

1.3       At the July 2011 meeting of the Development Committee, Members agreed to provide match funding for five European Social Fund (ESF) Priority One projects.  Four of these projects were being delivered by community-based organisations – namely Stepping Stones; Upper Springfield Development Trust (USDT); Time Associates and Greater Village Regeneration Trust (GVRT). The fifth was being developed and managed by Belfast City Council, with Lisburn City Council as a project partner.

1.4       The ESF projects are funded through Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) and are of a three years’ duration. Match funding must be secured on an annual basis.

1.5       Three of the community based projects have approached Belfast City Council for match funding for the year 2012-2013 (East Belfast Mission, Upper Springfield Development Trust and Time Associates). To continue the HARTE programme (managed by Belfast City Council) a commitment for match funding for 2012-2013 is also required.

1.6       Although the Development Committee approved a commitment of £20,000 towards a project being managed by Greater Village Regeneration Trust, they had already been successful in securing match funding from another source (Belfast Regeneration Office - BRO).  The Belfast City Council funding therefore was not required as it would have meant that BRO would have reduced their commitment to GVRT and the net effect would have been no greater for the project.  BRO have once again committed the full amount of match funding required for the programme in the 2012-2013 period and therefore GVRT have confirmed that they are not seeking Belfast City Council match-funding for this project.

2    Key Issues

2.1       Appendix 1 (attached) provides a summary of performance to date and forecasts for year end from the four applicant projects, including financial amounts requested relating to the period 2012-2013.

2.2       The performance data for the three community based projects relates to April-December as the projects were able to commence at the start of the financial year as they already had some match funding in place from other sources.

2.3       The HARTE programme 2008-2011 has been nominated as finalist in the best European Funded Project category by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA).  The contract for the current HARTE programme was awarded late September 2011, following a public procurement process, and the first training programmes began in mid-November 2011.

2.4HARTE

            To date, 41 participants have completed the programme gaining a total of 221 Level 2 qualifications in industry recognised fields such as customer care, health and safety, food hygiene and team leadership. Five participants have obtained employment and eighteen are awaiting further interviews or are going through the selection process being conducted by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4b

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1  Relevant Background Information

1.1Members will be aware that there is a significant volume of investment being made by the Council and its partner organisations to maximise the economic potential of 2012 and the additional opportunities that will be presented in 2013 through the World Police and Fire Games and other events.

1.2Through the Belfast Tourism Forum (BTF), representatives have identified for the industry to engage in a programme of quality and service improvement activities in order to enhance the quality and to develop new product and packages of activity.

1.3In June 2011, an application for financial support was submitted to Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) through the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for a programme of activities under the heading of Destination Belfast.  A decision on the funding application is to be made in early February 2012 and, if successful, it is proposed that the programme will be formally launched on 28 February 2012.

2    Key Issues

2.1The aim of the Destination Belfast programme is to drive the competitiveness of our local hospitality and service sector through capacity and skills development, in order to maximise the unprecedented opportunities – principally the investment into capital infrastructure and major events – being brought to the local and international markets from 2012 onwards.

2.2Destination Belfast is aimed at the hospitality and sector including accommodation providers, attractions, restaurants, cafes, pubs, tour companies and transport providers across Belfast.

2.3      The programme incorporates three strands including:

            The ‘Champions’ programme:  this will be open to key contacts in the tourism industry across the city (participation to be advertised publicly).  The aim of the initiative is to create a number of “ambassadors” for the Belfast Tourism Framework and to provide them with key information on upcoming events as well as industry insights to inspire and engage them to improve the quality of their own product and to cascade the information locally or to other sectoral partners.  Through this programme, we will encourage the development of new products and will provide mentoring and financial support to help test the concept and bring these forward.

            Customer Service programme: we will put in place a comprehensive customer care programme, based on the “World Host” model, as adopted by Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).  We will supplement the standard training with a toolkit that allows the user to present a bespoke Belfast experience.  We will also organise a number of customer service masterclasses with leading industry experts.

            Market and sales development programme: this programme will help participants look at their current sales plan and marketing strategy and identify how these can be adapted to generate increased business and revenue.  This programme will be accompanied by a number of “meet the buyer” days where businesses will be able to meet with tour operators and other providers to develop new packages and understand how they can collaborate more effectively.

2.4      The programme will be promoted through the Belfast  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4c

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1  Relevant Background Information

1.1  Members will be aware that the European Unit within the Development Department hosts a small 2.5 staffed INTERREG Unit. This resource exists to support the Greater Belfast (known as COMET Councils of Belfast, Castlereagh, Carrickfergus, Lisburn, Newtownabbey, and North Down) area to draw down EU funding from the INTERREG IVA Programme. This is administered by the SEUPB, and since 2005, the greater Belfast region has become eligible for the first time to access this Cross Border funding which is available at 100%.

1.2Since 2005, COMET has existed as an INTERREG Cross Border Partnership alongside the North East, North West, ICBAN and East Border Partnerships. COMET is governed by a Board of 12 elected members, 2 per Council and in the case of Belfast, is attended by the Chair and Deputy Chair of Development.

1.2  In 2007, COMET, along with the other 4 INTERREG Partnerships submitted Multi Annual Plans containing cross border projects deemed relevant to the economic development of that region. These were subsequently deemed null and void in 2009, as SEUPB changed the administrative process and instead planned to issue thematic calls for project applications.

1.3  In March 2011, COMET via BCC’s INTERREG/ EU Unit supported, developed and submitted 5 projects under the Enterprise Call. A summary of all 5 projects is attached as Appendix 1 of this report.

1.4  The 5 projects have been through the robust SEUPB and Government Department’s economic appraisal process and decisions were made as follows:

-  CEED Creative Industries project remains in the system with SEUPB and a decision is expected before June 2012.

-  Square One project led by Queens University was rejected and Queens decided not to formally appeal.

-  Product Sourcing led by Lisburn City Council was rejected and although the Council decided not to appeal, they will re-develop and re-submit the project under the new call which is currently open.

-  Gateways To Growth led by the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce was approved to a value of £433,570.  Work is now underway to put in place a legal agreement between BCC and the NI Chamber of Commerce, and to ensure the project commences as early as possible within the desired governance and procurement requirements.

-  Business Boot Camp led by Advantage NI (a non profit making training company) was approved to a less than expected value of £831,205

1.6      With regard to future calls, SEUPB opened a final call on 3 January 2012, closing 17February 2012 for Stage 1 Applications. The call seeks cross border projects around Public Sector collaboration and shared services around ICT, energy, health, enterprise, tourism, roads and transport. Projects must lead to greater public sector efficiencies across the border and/or with Western Scotland and also lead to direct economic impact in the eligible area. The European Unit is currently undertaking extensive work to encourage and support applications for the call from BCC, the other COMET Councils and external  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4d

The Committee was reminded that the Department’s European Unit had, over a three-year period, worked in conjunction with the Department of Employment and Learning and Proteus (Northern Ireland) Limited in the delivery of a programme as part of the European Learning Network on Inclusion and Empowerment. It was reported that the programme had assisted in the creation of ‘empowering’ work environments which enabled unemployed persons to gain the necessary skills to return to the workplace. In addition, the programme had received commendations on its success and the Council had been requested to develop an award for best practice employers who sought to create all-inclusive workplaces.

            Accordingly, the Committee was requested to authorise expenditure in the sum of £3,500 for the hosting of an end of programme event in the City Hall in the autumn of 2012. It was anticipated that the event would be attended by 150 persons and would provide an opportunity to showcase the Council’s involvement in workplace empowerment to a wider European audience. It was noted that sufficient resources to host the event existed within the European Unit’s budget for 2012/2013.

            After discussion, the Committee authorised the expenditure as outlined and agreed that an invitation to speak at the event be extended to the incoming Lord Mayor and that the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman and all Members of the Development Committee be invited to attend.

(Mr. G. Copeland, City Events Manager, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee was informed that the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association had invited the Council to bid to host the European Pipe Band Championships in July 2013, 2014 and 2015. The City Events Manager reported that the costs to the Council, per annum, would be in the region of £155,000 over a period of three years and that, if successful, the Championships would be held either in the Ormeau Park or the Civil Service’s Sports Grounds at Stormont.

            He outlined the estimated numbers which would attend the events and provided an overview of the economic benefits which the City would accrue. He then gave an indication of the other sources of funding which would be accessed to offset the Council’s contribution towards the Championships and recommended that the Committee grant authority to bid to host the events and, if successful, stage the Championships on the terms outlined.

            The Committee granted the authority sought and noted that, if successful, a further report would be submitted outlining the total estimated costs to the Council.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 10th January, a Member had requested that a report be submitted to a future meeting outlining the Council’s options for marking, in October, 2012, the 1400th anniversary of the founding by St. Gall of the eponymous St. Gallen Monastery in Switzerland. Accordingly, the Committee considered a report which indicated that the 2012/2013 City Events Unit budget had been allocated towards the holding of a range of pre-agreed events. Consequently, there existed no specific resources for the St. Gallen celebrations, but it was pointed out that the organisers of associated events could access funding through the Council’s City of Festivals and Community Festivals funds.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed to the following:

·         that officers from the Department would advise the organisers of the St. Gallen celebrations of the various Council funding streams which could be accessed to assist in the holding of events to mark the centenary; and

·         that a letter to be forwarded to the Mayor of St. Gallen suggesting that consideration be given to strengthening business and educational linkages between Belfast and St Gallen.

            The Committee was informed that the Department for the Environment had issued for consultation a document which sought the views of a wide range of bodies and agencies on a proposed introduction of minimum fare tariffs which would apply to all types of taxis in Northern Ireland. The Department had proposed also that all taxis in Northern Ireland would be obliged to operate a standardised taximeter which would be calibrated to the standard set tariff.

            The Director advised the Members that under the new proposals all taxis would charge a minimum fare of £3.00 from Monday to Thursday, with that cost rising to £3.40 after 8.00 p.m. However, it was proposed that minimum fares after 8.00 p.m. on Fridays would rise to £4.20, and that this charge would apply also on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Such proposals would represent a 40% increase on present minimum fares. It was pointed out that the aim of the changes was to protect customers from overcharging and the Committee was apprised also of additional charges which would be levied for the carrying of additional passengers and the scope for passengers to negotiate prices for longer journeys. Accordingly, the Committee considered the undernoted response to the consultation:

Council Response

“General comments

·         The Council recognise that the introduction of a new maximum fare tariff for all taxis in Northern Ireland, along with the requirement to have a taximeter calibrated to this fare is intended to promote fair competition and enhance consumer protection however, the Council is concerned that the maximum set tariff proposed will make travel by taxis unaffordable for individuals and families on low income.  In particular the Council would not support the premium flag drop tariff for what is termed ‘unsociable hours’ for providing a taxi service between 8pm – 6am during the week, at weekends and on bank holidays when there are reduced or no public transport services.

·         The recent Travel Survey for Northern Ireland 2008-2010 indicated that 43% of households in Belfast have no car ownership and therefore are dependent on other forms of transport to access jobs and services. The Council would be concerned that for economically or socially disadvantaged communities, the costs of travel by taxi could be a major barrier to participating in everyday activities in particular activities in the evenings, weekends and Bank Holidays.

·         The Council considers that the flag drop tariff which is the fare showing on the meter at the beginning of the journey is not affordable in particular the premium drop flag tariff of £4.20 for providing a taxi service for unsociable hours at weekends and Bank holidays. The proposed premium could have an adverse impact on the evening economy at a time when businesses are struggling to attract users. Consideration should also be given to implications for community safety where individuals may opt to walk home at night time rather than pay the premium fare proposed.

Q1. Is there under supply of taxis at these times? Do you consider that provision of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4h

In accordance with notice on the Agenda, Councillor Reynolds reminded the Committee that the City had experienced a sustained decline in its population since the mid-1960s. It was pointed out that there were a range of factors which had contributed to this fall but that the numbers choosing to live within the greater Belfast Metropolitan Area had continued to grow during that period. More pointedly, it was noted that the Electoral Wards in the City which had seen the most acute decline in population were also considered to have the highest levels of need as measured by the indices of multiple depravation.

            Councillor Reynolds pointed out that the decline in the City’s population had diminished the Council’s rate base which, in turn, impacted on its competitiveness in economic terms. In order to address the decline, he suggested that it would be necessary to identify the underlying trends and to assess why people chose not to live within the Council boundary. He, therefore, proposed that the Committee authorise the undertaking of an attitudinal survey which would identify the factors that have led the marked decline in the City’s population. This research would assess the attitudes of current and former residents, commuters and visitors on the attractiveness of the City. The results would provide the Council with an insight into population decline and enable it to develop plans to boost the City’s viability as a place to live.

            After discussion, during which the Committee agreed that the formulation of an associated action plan to address the City’s falling population would be commissioned as part of the project, it was agreed that a sum of £25,000 be allocated towards the research.