Minutes:
The City Solicitor submitted a report for consideration by the Committee in regard to a draft Terms of Reference which would affect a realignment of the Brexit Committee within a post Brexit environment to a Climate and City Resilience Committee, with responsibility for the oversight of climate and resilience strategies for the city.
After detailed discussion, upon which a range of views were expressed on the most appropriate name for the Committee, the Committee agreed that the City Solicitor, having taken the Committee’s views on board, refer the matter to the Party Group Leaders’ Forum for further consideration.
The Committee was presented further with the following draft Terms of Reference:
i. Political oversight of the Resilience Strategy for Belfast including Liaising with the Belfast Resilience and Sustainability Board;
ii. Influencing and contributing to regional considerations of the implications of Climate Change on both the work of the Council and on the City;
iii. Understanding the economic risks to the city associated with Climate Change, including how it might impact the ability of Belfast to contribute to attract and retain investment and grow the rate base;
iv. Monitoring the particular implications of Climate Change for vulnerable and disadvantaged communities across the city and to actively plan with them under the principles of a Just Transition;
v. To consider public campaigns/public education programmes which the Council may wish to deliver to change behaviour among residents and businesses;
vi. To take account of the Council’s statutory responsibilities on sustainable development and relevant Programme for Government commitments; and to hear evidence from other parties;
vii. To consider good practice from other cities and local authorities from the UK, Ireland and internationally;
viii. The continuous monitoring of progress and announcements around Brexit;
ix. Influencing and contributing to regional considerations of the implications of Brexit on both the work of the Council and on the district;
x. To foster and maintain positive relations and cultural links with the EU post Brexit
xi. Identifying any actions the Council may take to mitigate any adverse impacts arising and capitalising on any opportunities as a result of Brexit;
xii. Establishing links and collaborating with relevant authorities and organisations on a North/South and East/West basis and connections with Europe;
xiii. To work collaboratively with the Shared Island Unit to avail of funding opportunities and deal with strategic issues and challenges to the benefit of our citizens.
The Committee agreed the Terms of Reference as presented, however, as a Member had raised concerns in respect of item 13, the Committee agreed that the remit of the Committee in respect of that item be taken back for further consideration.
The Committee agreed further that, in addition to endorsing the amended Brexit Terms of Reference, its remit be extended to:
1. Review each Council Department’s carbon footprint and set realistic climate targets, for each department, to enable the Council to become net zero;
2. Provide oversight of the Council’s environmental initiatives;
3. Build in inclusive growth elements from other Committees and wider economic issues and incorporate the work of the Working Group on the Climate Crisis;
4. Secure increased funding and staff resources to take account of the additional responsibilities undertaken by the Committee; and
5. Include a workshop being held for Members to consider, in greater detail, the work of the Committee moving forward, including the development of a workplan.