Agenda and minutes

Apologies were reported on behalf of the Deputy Lord Mayor (Alderman Stalford) and Councillors Hartley, Maskey and Ó Donnghaile.

The minutes of the meeting of 20th August were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 2nd September, subject to the omission of the minute under the heading ‘City Centre Business Information Point’ which was referred back to the Committee for further consideration.

No Declarations of Interest were reported.

            The Committee agreed to receive, at a future meeting, a presentation from representatives of the Forum for an Alternative Belfast in respect of the findings of its annual summer school.

            The Committee reconsidered the undernoted minute of the meeting of 20th August in relation to the above-mentioned matter: 

“1.1    Members will be aware that under the Review of Public Administration, the responsibility for enterprise will transfer to local councils. With this in mind the Economic Development Unit has begun to scope out potential enterprise initiatives to pilot prior to the transfer. Demand from businesses has highlighted a need for greater access to Council’s services and easier access to the programmes and advice that are offered in the city.

1.2      One such pilot initiative is to provide a dedicated information resource in the city centre to deal with business start and development enquiries and to link businesses with council services including Building Control and Environmental Health as well as the suite of programmes provided by the Economic Development Unit. The space would also serve as an area to facilitate workshops, outreach development, showcasing venue and meeting space.

1.3      As part of our engagement with partner organisations on this issue, a number of organisations have confirmed that they would be supportive of this approach.  In addition, one organisation has confirmed that it was also considering this approach and has identified the opportunity to collaborate on a pilot project in this field.  This could provide an opportunity for Council to support a model to test a city-centre business information point.

2         Key Issues

2.1      Feedback from businesses and start ups in the city has identified that it can be difficult to obtain all the information needed to start up, grow and develop a business in the city. While there are numerous sources of information, there is not one central information point. As clients can have enquiries as wide-ranging as business planning, environmental issues, planning issues, recycling queries, building control matters and information on forming companies, it can be challenging for entrepreneurs to access all the information they require.

2.2      The recently commissioned Integrated Economic Strategy has identified a range of key issues facing Belfast post-RPA. Currently businesses in Belfast look to both BCC and Invest NI for advice, guidance and support. Post-RPA the great majority by number of businesses will look to the council alone. Forthcoming research suggests that many businesses are unaware of the breadth of services offered by the council or are unclear as to who they need to contact regarding the wide range of challenges that they face on a day-to-day basis in their business. The Council’s 2013 business survey (report currently at draft stage) also notes that while businesses continue to be interested in programmes like business planning and sales development there is also significant demand for advice on Building Control issues, Health and Safety and Licensing. 

2.3      A centrally placed information point could provide an opportunity for proactive outreach to the business community, facilitate engagement with potential start-up entrepreneurs and give council a visible presence with local communities.

2.4      As part of our discussions with enterprise support partners, ORTUS have identified plans to consider the opening of a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

In accordance with its decision of 20th August, the Committee received a presentation from Ms. F. Magee and Ms. S. Campbell, representing Advice NI, in respect of its Debt Action Plan, together with an outline of the work which it carried out in providing advice and assistance to individuals in debt.

Noted

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 9th April, it had agreed that a report be submitted to a future meeting which would outline the feasibility of the Council undertaking a study visit to Bilbao. It had been agreed also that, if deemed appropriate, the Lord Mayor, the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman (or their nominees), together with two officers, would be authorised to undertake the visit.

Accordingly, the Director outlined the contents of a report in this regard and indicated that the dates which had been proposed for the visit were 18th and 19th November.  He pointed out that officers had been liaising with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to establish a list of key stakeholders in Bilbao which the Council’s deputation could meet during the visit. In addition, he outlined the range of businesses and individuals, including the Mayor of Bilbao, who would host the deputation and he requested that the Committee authorise a sum of £3,000 to cover the costs associated with the visit.  

The Committee noted the information which had been provided and authorised the expenditure as outlined for the purposes of the study visit.

The Director reminded the Committee that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, at its meeting on 23rd August, had agreed, in principal, that the Council would provide support in the sum of £25,000 to the Circuit of Ireland in 2014, 2015 and 2016. It had agreed also that the matter be referred to the Development Committee to permit it to examine its own budgets to identify whether it could provide the necessary funding.

            The Director outlined the principal aspects of a report in this regard and pointed out that, given that Easter in 2014 would occur in April that year, the Department could make provision within its 2014/2015 financial estimates to support the event and, if deemed appropriate, similar provision could be made within its estimates for the following two financial years.

            The Committee agreed that financial support in the sum of £25,000 be provided for the Circuit of Ireland within the Department’s financial estimates for 2014/2015, and in the following two financial years thereafter. 

            The Committee was reminded that the Cities of the Isles Partnership was a network of six councils viz., Belfast, Cardiff, Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Liverpool, which met to share urban regeneration experiences and develop projects of strategic importance.  It was reported that the 2013 meeting of that group, which would be addressed by The Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, would take place in Dublin on 23rd and 24th October, and that the theme would be entitled: ‘Shared History – Smart Futures’. Discussions at the summit would consider how the member cities could promote, on a mutual basis, economic, cultural and educational programmes, together with the development of a range of projects linked to the digital economy.

            The Committee agreed that it be represented at the 2013 Cities of the Isles Summit by the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman (or their nominees) and that two officers from the Department be authorised to attend also.

            The Committee agreed to note the contents of a report which outlined the key outcomes and achievements of the Global India Business Meeting and India Week, which the City had hosted in June. In addition, it was agreed the Council would consider bidding to host the Global China Business Meeting at a future date, subject to sufficient resources being identified for that purpose.  

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1       Relevant Background Information

1.1      Members will be aware of the current Belfast Integrated Tourism Strategic Framework 2010-2014 which has shaped Belfast City Council’s approach to tourism over this period of time.

1.2      The fundamentals of the strategy have been delivered with some elements due for completion between now and the end of the current financial year. This document was developed and delivered in partnership with key agencies across the City. A full review of this will be brought back for Committee consideration early in January 2014.

1.3      Regular progress reports have been communicated throughout the lifespan of the strategy. One of the platforms responsible for monitoring progress against actions has been the Belfast Tourism Forum which includes representatives from Government Departments, NITB, Tourism Ireland, as well as industry bodies and the destinations across the City. The Tourism Forum has provided an invaluable role in assisting with delivery and oversight for the strategy.

1.4      The strategy will be implemented by March 2014, so there will be a need for a new integrated tourism strategy to be developed in a partnership approach across the City and with relevant agencies.

2         Key Issues

2.1      During the period of the current Belfast Integrated Tourism Strategic Framework the landscape of the City has changed considerably. Large scale developments including Titanic Belfast have transformed the City and the 2012 experience in the City has been widely acknowledged as a resounding success.

2.2      Belfast’s position as a truly International City Destination is undisputed with a number of awards being achieved during the period of the strategy. The next strategy must keep Belfast developing along this path being realistic but also aspiring to make huge strides forward.

2.3      The Belfast Tourism Monitor indicates that the value of direct tourism spend during 2012 was £416million, with 7.59m visitor trips to Belfast.

2.4      While the Belfast figures appear healthy there is a cautionary note in that the overall Northern Ireland context has been fairly static in terms of visitor numbers and economic return from tourism. A recent statement by the Board of NITB has raised concerns as to whether the figures outlined in the DETI strategy for tourism can be realised by 2020. While figures for the ROI are showing resurgence with some commentators suggesting a 6% increase in visitor numbers in the last year this has not been the case for Northern Ireland. The GB market in particular has been in decline since 2005.

2.5      In 2011/12 NITB and Tourism Ireland undertook an extensive piece of work into the source markets for Northern Ireland. This research has provided very detailed market analysis and segmentation that will need to be fully integrated and acknowledged in any new integrated tourism strategy going forward for Belfast. This along with the Belfast Tourism Monitor will shape the discussions around all elements of the new strategy particularly product development, marketing and visitor servicing.

2.6      The strategy should look at a number of elements including some of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6b

            The Committee agreed to grant authority for officers to invite tenders for construction-related design services and measured-term agreements for work associated with the future Renewing the Routes Programme and to award contracts on the basis of cost and quality, in accordance with the Council’s procurement guidelines.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1       Relevant Background Information

1.1      Members will be aware that research was commissioned to identify the factors that influence people’s decisions to live in the Belfast City Council area. The purpose of the research was to ‘assess the attitudes of current and former residents, commuters and visitors on the attractiveness of the City’. It is widely recognised that a city’s population is an important determinant of its economic and social success, as outlined in the impact of anchor institutions research, Belfast City Masterplan, BMAP etc.  The intention was that the results would provide the Council with an insight into the reasons for population decline and enable it to develop plans/policies to boost the City’s viability and attractiveness as a place to live. 

1.2      The initial findings from the market research were presented to Committee in June 2013.  Members will be aware that this research encompassed a literature review looking at push and pull factors that have impacted on peoples choices about where they have chosen to live and an attitudinal study to investigate the current profile of current and past residents of Belfast City Council, those who live in the areas surrounding Greater Belfast, and commuters, who work in Belfast but live elsewhere. 

2         Key Issues

2.1      The research indicated that population change in Belfast has resulted primarily from natural demographic change - an increasing ageing population with death rates exceeding birth rates and therefore a natural decline in population.  The total population of Belfast City Council has remained fairly static since 1991, when 279,237 people lived in the area. Between 2001 and 2011, the city’s population rose by 1.3% to 280,962.This contrasts with the population change for Northern Ireland as a whole which increased by 15.8% and compared to other cities in the UK represents a small growth in population (e.g. Manchester’s population increased by 19%; Liverpool’s increased by almost 5%).

2.2      Belfast also experienced a lower level of increase in the number of households than Northern Ireland and has a smaller household size (2.3) than Northern Ireland (2.5).  Across all areas there has been a fall in household size since 2001.

2.3      Within Belfast, wards in west Belfast have experienced the highest levels of population decline in the last ten years. That is, the Upper Springfield and Andersonstown wards had an 11.1% and 14.7% reduction in population respectively. Contrastingly, wards in south Belfast were most likely to have experienced the greatest incidence of population increase - Rosetta, Shaftesbury, Windsor and Ballynafeigh increased by 28.3%, 24.7%, 14.8% and 12.8% respectively.

2.4      The following table, from the report outlines the push and pull factors likely to influence the choice of residency area.

           The main social factors such as ‘close to family and friends’ and ‘growing up in an area’ were the dominant influencing factors; while the most prominent economic factors were ‘good public transport’ and ‘being close to work’.

2.5      Encouragingly, the research showed that the majority of residents surveyed do not envisage  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6d

At the request of the Department, the Committee agreed to defer, to its meeting on 22nd October, consideration of the above-mentioned report to enable further information to be provided.

The Committee received an update on the work of the European Union Working Group and agreed that it be authorised to nominate a member of that Group to represent it at the Cities Supporting Youth Employment Seminar, which would take place in Glasgow from 21st till 23rd October.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1      Relevant Background Information

1.1     Discussions have been held over a period round the idea of displaying museum collections in non-traditional, publicly accessible locations.  At present it has not been possible to progress this project.  A report was taken to Committee in November 2012 on the project and current report provides an update and suggested ways forward.

1.2     Between 1981 and 2008, 98 archaeological excavations were carried out in Belfast, and a substantial number have occurred between 2008 and 2013.  While many of the excavations were passive monitoring of construction works, others have recovered interesting material, with a particular concentration in Cathedral Quarter.  Most of the artefacts remain either with the excavators or in Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) stores, with a very small proportion on display in NIEA offices at Hill Street. 

1.3     The artefacts tend to have modest commercial value but provide real insights into the way people lived in Belfast from the seventeenth century forward.  Initial discussions have suggested that there would be little opposition to making them available for display. 

1.4     It appears that there would be scope during a pilot stage possibly to mount up to four displays in Cathedral Quarter, one in Culturlann, another in the Spectrum Centre and one in the new Welcome Centre. 

2       Key Issues

2.1     As part of museum accreditation and general professional standards, there are understandably rigorous loan conditions to safeguard the museum collections, including provisions regarding security, insurance, environmental conditions and access.  This makes it difficult for non-traditional venues to meet loan conditions and also certain organisational structures need be in place.   

2.2     In the short term, however, there are strong arguments for progressing the making of the physical evidence for Belfast’s history more accessible in public spaces, which include education, tourism and social inclusion.  The new Welcome Centre has been designed with a display case already which could be used for changing displays of small objects. 

2.3     Currently, most of the material recovered from excavations is in inaccessible storage.  The book ‘Hidden History Below Our Feet: The Archaeological Story of Belfast’ in which Council was a partner, demonstrated both the richness and relevance of the archaeological heritage 

2.4     Each display could consist of a simple, though robust case with integral lighting to hold one or more small objects, with appropriate labelling.  There would also be an associated interpretative display panel to give the wider context.  Displays would be in publically accessible places, which could either be commercial or publicly-owned premises, but either case visible from the street. 

2.5     Beyond the pilot phase, if the approach is demonstrated to be viable, there may be opportunity for sponsorship and partnership support.  The project might be suitable for a small-scale Heritage Lottery Fund application. 

3       Equality and Good Relations Implications

3.1     The material to be displayed will be selected to ensure that it represents our shared history and efforts will be made to maintain as far as possible a gender balance.  Displays will  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7a

            The Committee agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 46, to recommend to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that it authorises the extension of an existing lease and licence arrangement with the Scout Association for the use of premises at Courtney Hall, situated on the Cregagh Road, as alternative accommodation for the Loop River Play Centre for a further 24 month period from 1st November, 2013, at a cost of £190 per week.

The Committee was advised that correspondence had been received from Volunteer Now requesting that the Council agree to write to the Minister for Social Development suggesting that he reconsider a reduction of funding which had been announced in May for volunteering infrastructure within the Volunteering Strategy. 

            The Democratic Services Officer advised the Members that, whilst the Minister had announced a reduction in the level of funding to volunteering infrastructure, he had merely streamlined the level of funding within the Volunteering Strategy to enhance the amount available for small grants and volunteering innovation programmes. This realignment of funding, he reported, had been endorsed by the Assembly.

            The Committee noted the receipt of the correspondence and agreed that no further action be taken. 

The Committee agreed to note the contents of a report which provided an update on the work of the Children and Young People’s Service. In addition, it granted delegated authority to the Director to approve awards under the ‘Ur City 2’ grant aid scheme.

The Committee agreed to defer, to its meeting on 22nd October, consideration of the above-mentioned report to enable further consultations to be undertaken

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1       Relevant Background Information

1.1      Following the Council Notice of Motion on ‘social deprivation’ in February and party briefings to test the idea of establishing a city-wide poverty forum/taskforce and the development of a citywide strategy, Committee agreed that poverty should form a key theme within the Council’s community planning process and the need to align to the regional Delivering Social Change agenda.

1.2      The Committee will be aware that Council’s framework to tackle poverty and social inequalities was completed prior to the implementation of related regional and citywide developments.  The multi-faceted and complex nature of poverty and deprivation means that any future Council approach needs to align with policy and programme developments such as

-       Welfare Reform Bill

-       Delivering Social Change and Together Building a United Community

-       Social Investment Fund

-       Local Government Reform, particularly the transfer of functions (regeneration) and the introduction of Community Planning

-       Belfast Strategic Partnership’s Framework for Action to Address Life Inequalities

-       Investment Programme priorities to invest n the city, create jobs and improve skills

1.3      The outcomes from the party briefings were considered by Committee in June 2013.  All parties agreed on the importance of tackling poverty and that Council has a key role in influencing central government, providing a critical connection to issues at a local level.  It was noted that to address poverty required a focus on increasing educational levels and aspirations, skills and employability along with increasing employment opportunities to create wealth to contribute to improve quality of life and to secure sustained improvement in the local economy.  The community planning process offers an established governance mechanism and the opportunity to engage with a range of stakeholders.

2         Key Issues

2.1      A recent report by the Child Poverty Action Group (2013) reported that the cost to the economy of dealing with child poverty in Northern Ireland has reached £1bn, with around 97,979 children in Northern Ireland defined as living in poverty.   In Belfast around 21,186 children are considered to be living in poverty with an estimated annual cost of 230 million.  As is the case across the UK, there is also a growing trend of in-work poverty in NI, particularly with the increase in part time employment and various contractual arrangements.

2.2      A review of how other cities have tackled poverty has been carried out, including Liverpool City Region Child Poverty and Life Chances Commission, Greater Manchester Poverty Commission, Glasgow’s Poverty Leadership Panel.  These bodies vary in structure and focus but share a common aim, to establish a partnered approach to reducing poverty locally. The recommendations and priorities focus on early family interventions to improve education and life chances, increasing parental employment opportunities, maximising incomes and affordable warmth.  It also indicated the importance of engaging with those experiencing poverty to understand the issues and identify potential interventions through co-design.

2.3      Council is already taking forward a range of actions to tackle poverty as outlined in the Framework document.  There are a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7f

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1      Relevant Background Information

1.1     This paper is being tabled at the request of Councillor Keenan asking the Committee to consider interim funding for the First Steps Early Years’ Group.  The request has the support of a number of elected Members from West Belfast.

1.2     The First Step Early Years’ Group is based in Lenadoon and for the past 16 years has delivered Early Years provision to pre-school children. In addition, it manages a parent and toddler group for local families and provides family support to parents.

1.3     The Group received funding from the BELB for the provision of Pre-School Education Advisory Group (PEAG) places.  This funding is made available to support final year pre-school children.

1.4     The Group originally operated out of Horn Drive Community Centre, however, for the last 3 years demand has meant that it was able to expand its services to the Glen Community Centre as well.

1.5     Each location must have a demand for at least 8 places and is allowed to cater for up to 18 children.  If the full allocation of 18 places is not met by PEAG recipients, the remainder of the places can be filled by children in their penultimate pre-school year.

1.6     This year there has been a reduction in the number of applications from final pre-school year children who are the target group for the PEAG funding.  As a result, the BELB have decided that the requirement for this age group can be fully met by the Horn Drive Community Centre which has resulted in no allocation of funding for Glen Community Centre.  As a result of this there will be no provision for children in the younger age bracket.

1.7     The request, therefore, is for emergency interim funding to continue to deliver a service at Glen Community Centre on 2 mornings per week from 9.00 am - 1.00 pm for 12 families with children aged 2 and 3 years old with special or additional needs.

1.8     The interim funding requested is £8,000.00 over 20 weeks and covers salary costs historically sourced from PEAG’s funded places.

1.9     The Group has a block booking for free usage of both Horn Drive and Glen Community centres from September to June (approximately 55 hours per week.)

1.10   The funding request is to provide interim cover funding pending identification and securing alternative funding sources.

2       Key Issues

2.1     In the consideration of the request Members may wish to consider the following:

·         The statutory provision for Early Years and Education Services rests with both Belfast Health and Social Services Trust (BHSCT) and the Belfast Education and Library Board (BELB). The Council does not fund services like this in any other location in the City;

·         The Council’s policy position, agreed as part of the last Play Review, is to focus its resources on primary school age and upwards and outreach programmes to support existing groups. Surestart is one provider of services for the age range noted in the proposal;  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7g

The Committee considered the Department’s quarterly finance report for the first quarter of the financial year 2013/2014.

Noted.

The Director provided an overview of the performance figures for both the Waterfront and Ulster Halls for the period 1st April till 30th June, 2013.  He outlined the programme of events which had been staged at both venues during that period and provided figures in respect of the income derived through conference and box office sales.The Director indicated that the performance figures for both venues had, given the economic climate, been satisfactory and he provided an update on the current status of the capital project which would oversee the provision of enhanced conference facilities at the Waterfront Hall. 

The Committee noted the information which had been provided.

The Committee noted the contents of a report which outlined the operational costs for the Waterfront Hall in 2012/2013 and noted further that staff overtime costs for the venue during that period represented 2.66% of overall expenditure.

The Director reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 9th April, it had authorised him to undertake a tendering exercise for the provision of catering, bars and restaurant services at the Waterfront Hall for a two-year period commencing in September, 2013, and ending in September, 2015. He reminded the Committee that, as an interim measure, it had been agreed to extend the contract with Mount Charles Catering to provide the service at the Hall until 30th September, 2013. However, given that the completion date for the extension to the Waterfront Hall was not now expected until the mid-2016, coupled with a delay which had been encountered in the completion of the tender specification, he sought the Committee’s authority to issue the tender for the service for a two-year period commencing on 1st January, 2014, and to extend the contract with Mount Charles Catering until 31st December, 2013.

            The Committee agreed to this course of action. 

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1      Relevant Background Information

1.1     As we prepare for the opening of the new extension planned for Belfast Waterfront in 2016, it is important that there is a proactive marketing and sales programme in order to ensure business success for the new facility.

1.2     During 2013-2016 the sales team intends to work in partnership with Visit Belfast, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) and Tourism Ireland to maximise existing sales platforms and identify new market opportunities for Belfast and the Waterfront.  At this stage it is envisaged that our annual programme for 2013/2014 will include attendance at a number of key UK, European and International tradeshows and targeted meet the buyer events.

2       Key Issues

2.1     In the past the Waterfront’s conference sales team has attended on average three tradeshows/destination showcases per year, this activity has for the most part been concentrated in the United Kingdom.  As a result of the planned extension, we are able to offer conference and meetings planners an enhanced proposition and can confidently target the European and International marketplace now that our physical capacity is increasing.

2.2     Execution of the activity outlined in the sales schedule aims to:

-                Raise awareness and interest in the new extension planned for Belfast Waterfront in 2016

-                Identify and target new large-scale national and international conference opportunities for the venue

-                Position the city and the Waterfront as a leading conference destination

-                Reinforce the Waterfront’s position as a top-tier European conference centre

-                Support central and local government strategies to enhance business tourism development, job creation and socio-economic growth

2.3     In terms of peer group analysis it is worth noting that the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) recently increased its sales resource and doubled the number of European tradeshows it will attend this year in order to win more business from European corporate and associations.  Many of our UK competitors are already established in the international market place and attend the main Meetings, Incentive, Conference and Exhibitions (MICE) industry tradeshows such as IMEX America, IMEX Frankfurt, EIBTM in Barcelona and International Confex in London.

2.4     International conference business lead times on average range from 2-6 years.  In order to attract conferences to the new extension it is imperative that we plan ahead and engage with international conference planners now if we are to secure bookings for 2016 and beyond.  Working with Visit Belfast and NITB, we’ve identified a number of key sales platforms for the incoming year, these include:

-                1 x NI industry event launch (September/October – timing subject to project funding announcement)

-                2 x Belfast Ambassador Events –October  and December presentation (timing subject to project funding announcement)

-                3 x extension launch events in London (November depending on funding announcement), Washington (October 2013), Brussels (February 2014)

-                6 x sales missions – GB x4 (one per quarter), Europe x 1, Kenes International HQ x 1

-                3 x tradeshows - IMEX America in October 2013 and in 2014, International  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7l