Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies reported. 

            The minutes of the meeting of 23rd May were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 3rd June.

In respect of item 2(e) viz., ‘Notice of Motion re: Special Education Needs – Legal Protection for Young People in NI’, Councillor Nic Bhranair declared an interest in that she was employed by The Executive Office. However, since the item did not become the subject of discussion, the Member was not required to leave the meeting.

            The Committee considered the following five motions which had been received in advance of the Council’s meeting on 4th November:

            The Committee agreed that the motion, which had been proposed by Councillor Long and seconded by the High Sherriff, Councillor S. Douglas, be referred, in the first instance, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

            The Committee agreed that the motion, which had been proposed by Councillor Bower and seconded by Councillor T. Brooks, be referred, in the first instance, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

            Moved by Councillor Kelly,

            Seconded by Alderman McCullough and

      Resolved – that the Committee agrees that the motion, which had been proposed by Councillor Doran and seconded by Councillor I. McLaughlin, be adopted.

            The motion is set out hereunder:

"This Council notes the significant role that the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) has played in supporting local communities across Belfast. The UKSPF has been instrumental in addressing regional disparities and fostering economic growth, social cohesion and employability. 

This Council further notes with concern that the current funding period for the UKSPF is set to conclude in April 2025, with no clear indication of its future beyond this date. The uncertainty surrounding the continuation of this vital funding threatens to disrupt the progress made in addressing the long-standing disparities faced by our communities. 

Given the importance of the UKSPF to the continued development and prosperity of our city and its residents, this Council commits to writing to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) & the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to: 

·       Provide immediate clarity on the future of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund post April 2025. 

·       Ensure that any future funding arrangements are at least equal to, if not greater than, the current levels of support provided by the UKSPF. 

·       Engage in meaningful consultation with community partners to ensure that the needs and priorities of our communities are adequately reflected in any future funding frameworks. 

This Council also commits to working collaboratively with other local authorities, regional bodies, and stakeholders to advocate for the continuation and enhancement of the UKSPF, ensuring that Belfast continues to thrive and grow."

            The Committee agreed that the motion, which had been proposed by Councillor Whyte and seconded by Councillor Doherty, be referred, in the first instance, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

            The Committee agreed that the motion, which had been proposed by Councillor Doherty and seconded by Councillor Whyte, be referred to the Council meeting, with no restrictions on the number of speakers.