Agenda and minutes

No apologies were reported.

            The minutes of the meeting of 20th February, were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meetings on 2nd March subject to the amendments under the following headings:

·        Physical Programme and Asset Management – (ii) Botanic Gardens (Lower Section) – Licence Agreement with Friends of Belfast Botanic Gardens- be amended to also provide that a report be submitted to a future meeting, providing additional information on whether the UPSURGE project and a GAA pitch can co-exist on the site.

·        Physical Programme Update- Belfast Stories -the Council agreed to move forward with the enhanced studio space and that a report be submitted to a future meeting with potential operating models, including how it would be financed.

·        Contracts Update – Competitive Tenders: Supply and Delivery of Uniforms, Footwear and PPE - The Council agreed to refer the issue back to the Committee for further reconsideration.

·        City Centre Gritting Feasibility Study - The Council agreed to write to the Minister for Infrastructure to seek clarification on her Department’s Winter Preparedness arrangements for Belfast City Centre.

            Councillor R-M. Donnelly declared an interest under item 7. (a) Minutes of Shared City Partnership, in so far as it related to PEACEPLUS in that she worked for an organisation which was funded under the Programme.  As the item did not become the subject of debate, she was not required to leave the meeting.

            In relation to item 2. (b) Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, 6. (a) Contracts Update and 6.(c) Requests for use of the City Hall and the provision of Hospitality, Councillor Murray declared an interest, in that he was employed by S.O.S NI who were a delivery partner of the Fleadh and had applied for use of City Hall. As the related interests did not become the subject of debate, he was not required to leave the meeting.

            Councillor de Faoite declared an interest under item 4. (d) Planning Information, in that he was on the Board of Governors of Forge Integrated Primary School. As the item did not become the subject of debate, he was not required to leave the meeting.

            In relation to item 4. (h) Draft NI Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy, Councillors Long declared an interest, in that his wife was the Justice Minister, Councillor R. McLaughlin declared an interest under the same item, in that his partner was a Junior Minister, and they both left the meeting whilst the item was under consideration.

            Councillor Black declared an interest under items 2. (f) Independently Managed Community Centres, in that she was employed at Grosvenor Recreation Centre and left the meeting whist the item was under consideration.

            Regarding item 5. (c) Update on Area Working Groups, Councillor Doran declared an interest in that he was employed by Westland Community Group who were in receipt of funding and left the meeting whist the item was under consideration.

            Councillor Murphy declared an interest under item 6. (b) Requests for Funding, in that a family member was associated with a request and left the meeting whist the item was under consideration.

            Councillor I. McLaughlin declared an interest under item 2. (f) Independently Managed Community Centres, in that he was on the Committee of one of the centres and left the meeting whist the item was under consideration.

            The information contained in the reports associated with the following seven items is restricted in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

      Resolved – That the Committee agrees to exclude the members of the press and public from the meeting during discussion of the following seven items as, due to the nature of the items, there would be a disclosure of exempt information as described in Section 42(4) and Schedule 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

            The Members were advised that content of ‘restricted’ reports and any discussion which takes place during closed session must be treated as ‘confidential information’ and no such information should be disclosed to the public as per Paragraph 4.15 of the Code of Conduct.  

            The Head of Inclusive Growth and Anti-Poverty and the Director of Property and Projects provided with an update on a proposed way forward to design, develop and resource area-based community planning alongside enabling communities to bring forward proposals to transform local places through demonstrator projects and community wealth building initiatives.

            During discussion, Members raised the following issues: the split between South and East Belfast and suggested that flexibility in the areas which fell between both be considered; the North Belfast Action Plan and the importance of community buy-in; and the need to engage with facilities management regarding asset transfers.

            After discussion, the Committee:

Local Community Ownership Fund

                   i.           agreed the guidance document and assessment pathway (Appendix 1).

                 ii.           agreed that the open call for the fund would commence in mid/end of April 2026.

Area-based community planning

                 iii.          agreed the guidance document and submission proforma (Appendix 2).

                 iv.          agreed the proposed community led approach outlined within the report which included an administrative and convening role of a wider community-based consortia.

                  v.          Noted the potential administrative fee (up to a maximum of 10%) which would currently need to come from the overall core budget.

                 vi.          agreed that an internal cross-departmental ‘area planning operational group’ be established as set out at para. 3.15.

            The Committee also agreed that a meeting be convened with relevant stakeholders in North Belfast to engage and address the issues which had been raised.

(Ms. L-A O’Donnell, Senior Manager - Culture and Tourism attended in connection with this item.)

            The Director of Economic Development and Senior Manager - Culture and Tourism provided an update on the planning to support the hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast in August 2026.

            During discussion, one Member highlighted the importance of Day One and the management of parking and road closures and requested that the issues be raised at the Ministerial meeting. The officers advised that engagement continued with key stakeholders and highlighted that a public communication and signage plan would be put in place.

            Regarding Falls Park now being a designated Camp Site for the Fleadh, one Member suggested that the information should be added to the website.

            In relation to communication and advertising, Members suggested that previous Fleadh footage to show the scale of the event might improve the public’s understanding of the event. One Member also suggested that the Members be given Q&A information sheet for dealing with queries.

            In response to a Member’s question in relation to Policing and the Event Management Plan, the Chief Executive undertook to provide further detail on this.

            After discussion, the Committee noted the progress to date on the development of the Fleadh Cheoil and that the issues raised would be taken forward by the relevant officers.

The Committee approved the write-off of ground rent arrears, in accordance with Section M12 of the Council’s Financial Regulations.

            The Programme Director presented an update on the Belfast Stories Programme and outlined the next steps, including the addendum to the Outline Business Case (OBC) to develop an Enhanced Studio space in Belfast Stories.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor Murphy,

Seconded by Councillor R. McLaughlin

      That the Committee agrees to rescind its decision of 20th February, under the heading Physical Programme Update, specifically as it related to Belfast Stories, which had been amended at the Council meeting of 2nd March, and agrees not to proceed with the development of the Enhanced Studio space for the Belfast Stories scheme.

            On a vote, eight Members voted for the proposal and twelve against and it was declared lost.

            The recommendations as outlined in the report were put to the Committee and twelve Members voted for the proposal and eight against and it was declared carried.

Accordingly, the Committee:

1.     Noted the key programme milestones in RIBA stage 3, including the submission of the planning application at the end of April 2026;

2.     Noted the further information provided on the Enhanced Studio and the next steps in relation to the approval of the addendum to the Outline Business Case, including implications of design changes and the call for expressions of interest;

3.     Agreed to a Members site visit and design update in April 2026 in advance of the planning application submission; and

4.     Agreed that party briefings be undertaken on RIBA stage 3, development of the operator model and inclusive growth in May 2026.

The Director of Neighbourhood Services provided an update on a range of areas with regards to the Council’s seven Independently Managed Community Centres (IMCC’s).

Proposal 1

Moved by Councillor R. McLaughlin,

Seconded by Councillor Murphy and

      Resolved - That the Committee agrees that a condition survey would be undertaken across all Independently Managed Community Centres.

            Proposal 2

Moved by Councillor R. McLaughlin,

Seconded by Councillor Murphy and

      Resolved - That the Committee accedes to the request from 4 of the IMCCs to receive double their awards and receive an uplift of £74,000 each (totalling £296,000) for this financial year (2025/26), subject to in-year underspend/specified reserves, and that officers engage with the other centres to assess their requirements.

            After discussion, the Committee:

1.     Agreed to the annual revenue awards to 6 IMCCs including the annual Consumer Price of 3.8% based on September 2025 figures.

2.     Agreed to defer the decision in relation to the Ballymacarret Community Centre so that a report could be submitted to the next Committee meeting in relation to the issues raised and delegated authority to the Chief Executive to manage the interim arrangements of the Centre, to ensure current users would be supported.   

3.     Agreed to the request from 4 of the IMCCs to receive double their awards and receive an uplift of £74,000 each (totalling £296,000) for this financial year (2025/26), subject to in-year underspend/specified reserves, and that officers engage with the other centres to assess their requirements.

4.     Agreed to the request from the 4 larger IMCCs that they receive their first payment in April. 

5.     Agreed that a report would be brought back to the committee which would provide members with options on proceeding with standard Legal Agreements outlining Terms and Conditions for all IMCCs at a future meeting.

6.     Agreed that a condition survey would be undertaken across all Independently Managed Community Centres.

The Committee:

·        Paisley Park Sports (PPS)Grounds – Transfer from Department for Communities (DfC) to the Council - approved the proposed one off DfC contribution of £69K in order to progress with the proposed transfer of Paisley Park from DfC to the Council, with the proposed transfer subject to agreeing a new lease with PPS, under which PPS would be responsible for all repairs, maintenance, rates, and utilities costs associated with the use of the land and buildings at Paisley Park.

            The Committee was provided with an update on the progress on a number of City Innovation programme initiatives including the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayoral Challenge competition.

The Committee:

1.     Approved Belfast City Council’s acceptance of the letter of offer from Bloomberg Philanthropies to deliver the Belfast Mayors challenge;

2.     Noted that the Bloomberg team would be visiting Belfast on 30th and 31st March, 2026 to meet with the Lord Mayor and Chief Executive on progress;

3.     Noted that invitations had been issued to Party Leaders, or their representatives, to meet with Mr Andrew Haldane on 30th March to discuss inclusive growth; and

4.     Approved the Council’s £50,000 contribution to Innovation City Belfast for the financial year 2026 to 2027 (as part of a collective contribution of £300,000 by ICB partners).

(The Committee agreed to discuss the item under restricted session)

The Committee noted that 8 requests for funding had been received, and the following next steps: 

1)     Glentoran Under 16-Girls travel to USA Cup - £x – Agreed to defer consideration of the request so that further information could be provided;

2)     Clarawood Tenants Hall Renovation - £122,720 –As the request related to the Local Investment Fund, the Committee agreed to defer consideration of the request so that it could be considered at a special meeting of the East Area Working Group;

3)     Whiterock Children’s Centre – additional £50k – Agreed to the request under the Discretionary Fund;

4)     Glór na Móna - £200k for Croí na Carraige – As the request related to the Neighbourhood Regeneration Fund, the Committee agreed that a report be submitted to the April meeting to outline the options for increasing this fund across the city.  The Committee also agreed that Party Group Leaders also receive an update on the Fund at its next meeting;

5)     Mid Falls Alleyway Regeneration – £70k - As the request related to the Bloomberg alleyway transformation fund, the Committee agreed that a report be submitted to the April meeting on how this request could be considered as part of the Bloomberg Scheme. The Committee also agreed that Party Group Leaders also receive an update on the Fund at its next meeting;

6)     Request from MLA re an individual in relation to representing Team Ireland in international Ice Hockey tournament – Agreed that the request was not eligible as deemed a request from an individual;

7)     Ligoniel Rec Football Club cost of travel - £2k– Agreed to the request as there was no current funding stream;

8)     An Droichead short-term stabilising support £100k - £150k – Agreed that officers engage with the group to assess their requirements and report back to the Committee;

9)     Noted that further funding requests had been submitted since the report had been submitted which would come back to the Committee for consideration;

10)  In relation to Cultural Multi Annual Grants and the decision made by the City Growth and Regeneration Committee in March, agreed that an uplift to the transition fund for a maximum of £98,000 for year one support, and that a report be submitted to a future committee to review the scheme and the impact on the organisations that had not received funding.

The Committee agreed that official announcements at Council meetings be limited to the following:

1.     Births, deaths, marriages, civil partnerships and retirements of Belfast citizens or Belfast City Council employees;

2.     Achievements by local groups/organisations and/or individuals;

3.     Requests for the Lord Mayor to write to and/or host a group/organisation;

4.     Be no longer than 1 minute on duration;

5.     Cannot commit the Council to any position or action which should be properly brought before the relevant Committee in the first instance by way of a notice of motion or is otherwise governed by a Council Policy or existing process;

6.     The Lord Mayor may depart from this Standing Order where, due to the urgency of the matter, allow it to be discussed at the Council meeting rather than it being referred to a committee;

7.     Acknowledgement of particular dates/days in the Calendar to recognise events; and

8.      Should not be used for Political Statements for debate.

The Committee also noted that Standing Order 11 (b) would be amended to reflect the Committee’s decision.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 19th December, it had agreed to invite the IABA to a future meeting to discuss the implementation and recommendations made in a NI Equality Commission report; Approved the Quarter 3 and Quarter 4 payment to the IABA; and Requested that future funding be considered for the delivery and continuation of the Council’s Boxing Strategy post March 2026.

The Operational Director, City and Neighbourhood Services advised that the IABA had been invited present to the Committee in April.

            He reminded the Committee that the Council with Partners had developed a Belfast Boxing Strategy 2012 – 2022. At its meeting in January 2018, the Committee had agreed to provide £200,000 to the Irish Athletic Boxing Association Ulster Branch (IABA) for delivery of an agreed annual action plan supporting the Belfast Boxing Strategy. Council had continued to offer financial support through People and Communities committee on an annual basis.

            He stated that the IABA provided a detailed breakdown of programmes to be delivered under six main areas; Salary – Development Officer and Coaches, Pathways, Events, Coach Education, Club Support and Governance.

            The below table highlighted the current timeline for the development, consultation and implementation of the new Physical Activity and Sports Development Strategy:

            The Operational Director, City and Neighbourhood Services stated that the above timelines highlighted that the Council would not have a new PASD strategy in place for the financial year for 2026/27.

            He advised that the Committee was asked to consider extending the boxing strategy for one year whilst the new strategy and implementation plan was developed and a total of £200,000 was available within the next financial year to support a new Belfast Boxing Strategy Action Plan.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed to extend the Belfast Boxing Strategy and funding for delivery of the related work programme from 1st April 2026 until 31st March 2027 and noted that the AIAB would present to the Committee, at its meeting in April.

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1        To provide Members with an update on the European City of Sport 2026 designation for the city including:

                                            I.        our related monitoring and progress reporting obligations to the awarding body ACES

                                           II.        the request for non-recurrent additional resources to allow us to enhance programme delivery from April – December 2026, as well as ensuring adequate resource for communications activity.

2.0      Recommendations

2.1      The Committee is asked to:

·        Note the successful bid to ACES, note the planned programme of activity under the bid which is based on existing council and partner activity, note the programme monitoring and progress reporting obligations and consider the limitations for delivery in the absence of an approved budget to support additionality for collaborative impact.

3.0      Main report

3.1      ACES Europe have confirmed that Belfast was successful in (Jan-Dec).  ACES is a non-profit association based in Brussels and award this accolade each year, recognising securing the designation of European City of Sport for 2026 the best cities, towns and regions across Europe to take part in sport.  The successful bid will give the city an opportunity to showcase the excellent sports and leisure facilities/services provided by Belfast City Council along with the rich sporting heritage of the city.

3.2      Following a successful community launch weekend in late January 2026 (see appendix 1), our focus has now moved from application to delivery and officers are continuing to work with relevant internal services and strategic partners to expand the outline programme of activities and branding opportunities into a robust detailed programme. 

            City of Sport Planned Programme Delivery for 2026/7

3.3      Our programme reflects ACES’ manifesto pledges – enjoyment in exercise, willingness to achieve, sense of community, learning to play and improvement in health – and focuses on five key themes:

·        investment made into sport in Belfast over the last 10 years

·        support provided to elite athletes

·        contribution of our leisure centre staff, local clubs, coaches and volunteers

·        ensuring everyone feels welcome and included, and

·        how sport is delivering better health outcomes for our residents.

3.4      2026 will see lots of great sports events delivered across the city, as well as more work to:

·        promote use of our leisure centres

·        showcase the variety of sports available in our city

·        celebrate the contribution of sports clubs and athletes, and

·        highlight how everyone can get involved.

3.5      Activities will include:

·        the Phoenix Energy Belfast City Marathon and other sports events

·        our annual Belfast Primary Schools’ Cross Country Championships

·        our try-it events in our community and leisure centres, and

·        activities celebrating the contribution of athletes, coaches and volunteers.

3.6      In December 2026 we will conclude the year with an end of year event and in Jan 2027 we will present the end of year report to ACES.

3.7      The current programme is limited to activity already planned within existing council and GLL revenue budgets.  It also includes the activities and events planned by the range of delivery  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4b

The Committee noted the update on the Major planning applications and applications that had been determined by the Planning Committee.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of Main Issues

1.1       This report sets out proposals for a small operational change and inflationary uplift to Pre-Application Discussion (PAD) fees in the short term alongside a proposal for a longer term review of PAD fees in the coming financial year.

1.2       The report was noted by the Planning Committee at its meeting on 17th February 2026.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is asked to agree the following:

                                                (i)   the proposed increased PAD fees set out at Appendix 1.

                                              (ii)   the small operational change set out at paragraph 3.13.

                                            (iii)   a fundamental review of PAD fees over the next financial year.

3.0       Main Report

            Background

3.1       The Council’s Pre-Application Discussion (PAD) service is a discretionary service, which provides opportunity for customers to discuss their planning proposals with the Planning Service before they make a planning application.

3.2       As the Committee is aware, the planning application process can be complex. PADs provide opportunity for issues to be identified early, thereby helping to improve the quality of application on submission, in turn leading to better outcomes on the ground as well as more efficient and timely decision-making. PADs also provide applicants with a degree of certainty as to whether their proposals are likely to be acceptable, with the caveat that the process does not bind the Council to a final outcome, with the planning application subject to consultation with the public and technical consultees, and the potential for the decision to be made by the Committee following the democratic process.

3.3       Customers can use PADs to establish:

·        whether their proposal requires planning permission.

·        the main issues and planning policies relevant to consideration of their proposal.

·        the Planning Service’s initial assessment of the proposal and how the proposal can be improved to increase the chances of planning permission being granted.

·        the information that they will need to submit with their planning application (in accordance with the Council’s published Planning Application Valid Checklist).

·        the application process and likely timescales for a decision.

            Best Practice

3.4       PADs are universally accepted as best practice in the industry, particularly for more complex proposals, and form an important part of the ‘front-loading’ of the planning application process to support timely decision making and secure better outcomes on the ground. PADs are advocated by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) through the Strategic Planning Policy Statement for NI (SPPS) and Development Management Practice Note 10: Pre-Application Community Consultation (and Pre-Application Discussions).

3.5       PADs also form an important part of the Council’s published ‘10 Operating Principles’ that support an efficient and effective Development Management service, and the Planning Service’s aim of helping customers get a timely planning decision that benefits the city. 

3.6       Operating Principle 7 states:

            ‘We provide a Pre-Application Discussion (PAD) service so that issues can be identified at the beginning of the process, before the application is made. This leads to better quality planning applications which should be determined in a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4e

The Director of City and Organisational Strategy presented the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to provide Members with an update on the review process that the Belfast Business Promise has been undergoing and to set out a proposed way forward to transition the service to a more sustainable and scalable offer, ensuring that it adds value and supports corporate priorities. 

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are asked to.

i.       consider the contents of the report and the appendices attached

ii.     consider the proposed reduction of the BBP pledges from 8 to 5 (refer Appendix 3)

iii.    consider the recommended approach to transitioning the Belfast Business Promise (Option 2: Good Practice Plus) (refer to Appendix 2)

iv.    consider and agree the proposed next steps as outlined at 3.17 and 3.18

v.     Note that further detail will be brought to the next Social Policy Working Group.

3.0       Main report

            Background

3.1       The inclusive growth city charter is a key commitment in the Council’s Inclusive Growth strategy. Co-created with businesses, it was designed to provide an assessment framework to enable employers to look at their current practices and identify where they could make changes which would have a beneficial impact on inclusive growth in the city.  Driven by the Council’s Social Policy Working Group (SPWG), the charter has been operationalised as the Belfast Business Promise (BBP) since April 2023 and delivered by a cross-council team, led by the Strategy, Programmes and Partnership and Economic Development teams, with support from Corporate HR, CPS and Climate teams. A snapshot of the progress made is attached as Appendix 1.

3.2       As Members will be aware the BBP had been brought forward on an initial pilot basis with a commitment to undertake an interim review of its progress and impact to ensure it remained fit-for-purpose and impactful. This review sought to consider the future model options for the BBP, building upon what works well, seeking to complement and enhance existing support programmes and position the programme to positively impact on the inclusive growth ambitions of the city while also taking account of the changing legislative and economic context within which organisations are operating.

3.3       In summary the key findings of the interim review included:

·        BBP members valued the support and energy of the team in spurring them on to meet the pledge areas.

·        Areas for further development included maximising the networking opportunities and ability to learn from and share good practice, along with the potential to build on existing programmes of support for businesses offered by the council and other partners.

·        BBP members felt that the support provided enabled them to  move forward at a more rapid pace in terms of improving business and employment practices.

·        Highlighted the possible challenges of scaling the offer if the current administratively heavy processes were maintained.

·        Consideration to be given to adopting a more focused approach which would deliver greatest impact across the inclusive growth ambitions and key sectors.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4f

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       This report has been prepared to provide a progress update on activity within the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD).

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        Note the latest progress in respect of the BRCD.

·        Approve continued participation in the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund at a cost of £11,500 which is within current BRCD budgets.

3.0       Background

3.1       The Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) is a £1billion programme of investment that was signed in December 2021 and represents a new way of working between central and local government and regional partners to support the delivery of:

            “Inclusive economic growth that delivers more and better jobs, a positive impact on the most deprived communities and a balanced spread of benefits across the region.”

3.2       This report sets out progress to date across all pillars of investment and an update on a possible extension to the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund.

            Main report

            Investment to Date

1.3            By the end of Q3, the BRCD PMO had paid out £75.4m for projects across all pillars of the programme with a year-to-date spend of £33.7m.

3.4       Innovation Pillar – 5 projects progressing. 

-       The £64m iREACH Health project - a world-class integrated clinical research innovation centre led by Queen’s University - is progressing well.  The completion of construction phase at 2 buildings on either side of the Lisburn Road close to the City Hospital is expected to complete in December 2026 and March 2027.

-       Meanwhile, AMIC’s Factory of the Future - a place for companies to discover the latest manufacturing advancements and technologies - is also nearing a significant milestone, with the facility at Global Point Newtownabbey now completing and with staff beginning to move to the facility.

-       Progress continues at Ulster University’s CDHT- a £42m quality Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology with associated ‘living labs’ in the areas of cardiology, diabetes, respiratory and stroke. Imminent sub?funding and collaboration agreements with BHSCT, will now also enable the Living Labs element of this project to move ahead. Demolition works are ongoing; the Council has also now granted Planning permission and procurement for the main contractor is in progress.

-       Momentum One Zero - a global innovation centre at Queen’s University - is expanding its facilities to build on its existing Global Research Institutes (Deep Tech, Agri and Health) and house 550+ experts from across many organisations to solve business and societal problems through research and innovation in advanced digital technologies and data.  Construction commenced in September and completion is expected by November 2027 - a Memorandum of Understanding with the AI Competency Centre has now also been agreed.

-       Meanwhile Studio Ulster is well into its operational phase and, with the first productions filmed using the facilities already having been shown on BBC during the festive period, including Titanic Sinks Tonight.

3.5       Digital Pillar - three new OBCs approved, two projects progressing, one project  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4g

The Director City and Organisational Strategy presented the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to inform members about the public consultation on the Draft NI Executive Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) Strategy.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is requested to:

                                            I.           Note that the Department of Education is seeking views on the draft NI Executive Early Learning and Childcare Strategy (ELC).

                                           II.           Approve the draft consultation response (Appendix 1) to be submitted by Belfast City Council to the public consultation. Given the deadline for submission of responses is 24 March 2026, SP&R Committee is asked to give delegated authority to officers to submit the agreed response noting that it is subject to full Council ratification on 01 April 2026.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Background

            The draft ELC Strategy is the Executive’s draft plan for more affordable, accessible, high-quality early learning and childcare. The strategy is a comprehensive and ambitious framework designed to transform early years provision.  It reflects a joined-up approach across departments and communities, recognising the critical role of early years in shaping lifelong outcomes. The draft strategy builds on work already undertaken to enhance early learning and childcare provision across the region and seeks to consolidate and expand on these achievements. The strategy is structured around three core themes which together seek to provide a holistic approach to improving early learning and childcare provision.

            The PfG 2024-2027 ‘Our Plan: Doing What Matters Most’ includes a commitment to ‘provide more affordable, accessible, high-quality early learning and childcare opportunities to support children’s development and ease financial pressures for working families. This must complement existing support available through Universal Credit and Tax-Free Childcare (TFC). We also need to ensure that our childcare sector is stable and sustainable.’

            The draft strategy is the Executive’s plan for delivering on this commitment. Achieving the objectives set out in the strategy will require input from a range of departments. It will also contribute to a range of policy priorities through increased labour force participation and economic growth, poverty reduction, gender equality and social mobility.

3.2       Notice of Motion

            A Notice of Motion was raised by Cllr Mal O’Hara in 2018 stating ‘This council agrees to explore options and take practical steps, including through the Belfast Agenda and City Deal, with a view to creating a childcare strategy for the city that will encourage greater maternal employment, redress gender inequalities in the workplace, increase GVA in the city and, most importantly, improve educational and social outcomes for our children.’

3.3       Belfast Agenda

            The core objectives of the draft ELC Strategy are aligned to the ‘call to action’ outlined in the Belfast Agenda, seeking partners to provide collective leadership to the delivery of a Childcare Strategy which would aim to deliver extended, affordable and high-quality provision of early education and care initiatives for families with children aged three to four (Belfast Agenda, p.10).

3.4       Core Themes and Outcomes

            The strategy is structured around three themes  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4h

            The Committee considered the report which provided an update on the 2026/27 Capital Programme and associated capital financing, as well as requests for stage movement approvals under the Capital Programme.

            During discussion, the Committee raised a number of additional improvements to be investigated.

            After discussion, the Committee:

            Capital Programme Movements -

o   Parks and Open Space Improvement Programme – Agreed that the Programme for improvements to Parks and Open Spaces for 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 be moved to Stage 3 – Committed with a maximum allocation of up to £1.5million (£750k – Year 1 and £750k- Year 2) and noted that a rolling allocation of £750k had been agreed going forwards and agreed that the scope of the Ballyhackamore Parklet improvements covered the existing green areas and that the pathway in Gilnahirk Park be added, subject to budget availability.

o   Bridges Improvement Programme - Agreed that the project be moved to Stage 3 – Committed with a maximum allocation of up to £240,000 for Year 1 and agreed the annual rolling programme of bridge improvements of £240,000 per year thereafter.

o   IT Programme — Digitising Audio-Visual (AV) Technology - Noted that a satisfactory tender return had been received and that the Director of Finance had confirmed that this project was within the affordability limits of the Council and agreed that a maximum of up to £225,000 be allocated.

o   City Hall – Security Improvements - Agreed that the project be moved to Stage 2 – Uncommitted to allow options to be fully worked up, with further detail to be brought back to Committee in due course.

o   Artificial Lighting in Parks Sites - Agreed that the project be added to the Capital Programme at Stage 1 – Emerging to allow a business case to be developed.

o   Procurement process for Parks and Open Spaces Improvement Programme, Bridges Programme, Pitches Programme and Leisure Programme - agreed that any necessary procurement processes (including the invitation of tenders and/or the use of appropriate ‘framework’ arrangements) be initiated for these Programmes as required with contracts to be awarded on the basis of most economically advantageous tenders received and full commitment to deliver.

o   Belfast Zoo/Old Zoo – agreed that Member site visits be undertaken to a range of other Zoo locations to inform the ongoing work in respect of the Zoo.

Capital Programme and Capital Financing 2026/27

o   noted the update on Capital Financing as outlined in 3.10 of he report and the update on the Capital Programme for 2026/27 at 3.11 and in Appendix 1.

o   agreed to hold Party Group Briefings to update Members on the status of projects along with the emerging implications for future capital investment decisions and in particular the potential impact on the future district rate in line with the development of the Medium-Term Financial Plan and linked to the ongoing Transformation and Efficiency agenda.

            The Committee also noted that, following requests by several Members, further updates would be provided on:

·        Girdwood Indoor Sports Facility including financing and health  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5a

The Committee:

i)     Derriaghy Glen Linear Park - Disposal

-      Approved the submission of an application to the Department for Communities (DfC) to seek approval for a disposal at less than best value for the land currently owned by the Council at Derriaghy Glen Linear Park.

-      Agreed to the disposal of the lands subject to receiving DfC consent to a less than best value disposal at nil consideration.

ii)   Westlands – Acquisition of Land

-      Approved the purchase of land adjacent to Westlands from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service to facilitate the development of a new community facility and MUGA.

iii)Alexandra Park – Licence and Easement

-      Approved a licence for works and easement with JAMDAC Developments Ltd for the installation of a storm drain and associated headwall within Alexandra Park.

iv)35-39 Royal Avenue – New Short-Term Lease

-   Approved the granting of a 9-month lease to ResStock3D for 35-39 Royal Avenue at an initial rent of £1,600 per month with the first month rent free.

            The Committee approved the minutes of the meeting of South Belfast Area Working Group of 23rd February, the North Belfast Area Working Group of 25th February and the West Area Working Group of 26th February.

            The Committee agreed to refer the decision of the East Area Working Group of 5th March in relation to the reallocation of the Local Investment Fund proposals to a special meeting and approved the remainder of the minute.

            The Committee considered a report which sought approval for tenders, contract modifications to contract term and Single Tender Actions (STA) over £30,000.

            The Committee:

·        Approved the public advertisement of tenders as per Standing Order 37a detailed in

·        Appendix 1 (Table 1);

·        Approved the award of STAs in line with Standing Order 55 exceptions as detailed in 

·        Appendix 1 (Table 2); and

·        Approved the modification of the contract as per Standing Order 37a detailed in Appendix 1 (Table 3).

Table 1: Competitive Tenders

            The Director of Finance advised the Committee that the Local Government Finance Act (NI) 2011 required the Council to adopt the CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities. In doing so, the Council was required to agree a minimum revenue provision policy annually and to set and monitor a series of Prudential Indicators, the key objectives of which were to ensure that, within a clear framework, the capital investment plans of the council are affordable, prudent and sustainable.

He highlighted that a Treasury Management Strategy was presented to the Committee on an annual basis and that was supported by quarterly and year end treasury management reports.

He pointed out that, the Capital Strategy, incorporating the prudential indicators, was included as Appendix A of the report, while the Treasury Management Strategy and treasury management indicators had been included at Appendix B.

            He explained that, the comparison of “Gross Debt” to “Capital Financing Requirement (CFR) was the main indicator of prudence when considering the proposed capital investment plans of the Council. Estimated gross debt should not exceed the CFR for the current year plus two years.

            He advised that the Council’s estimated gross debt position, illustrated in Table 6, Appendix A of the report, was comfortably within the CFR in the medium term. The Director of Finance therefore considers the estimated levels of gross debt as being prudent.

            It was reported that Table 10 (Appendix A) showed the estimated financing costs for capital expenditure as a percentage of the estimated net revenue stream for the Council, based on the medium term. These illustrated that, in the medium term, capital financing costs would represent an average of 5.19% of the Council’s net running costs. On this basis the Director of Finance was satisfied that the level of capital expenditure is affordable.

            The Director of Finance stated that the Finance Act required the Council to set an affordable borrowing limit, relating to gross debt. The Prudential Code defines the affordable limit as the “Authorised Borrowing Limit” and gross borrowing must not exceed this limit. Table 8 (Appendix A) sets out the recommended “Authorised Borrowing Limit” for the Council as being £128m for 2026/27.

            The Committee:

·        Noted the contents of the report and the prudential and treasury management indicators included within the appendices to the report;

·        agreed the Authorised Borrowing Limit for the Council of £128m for 2026/27;

·        Agreed the Treasury Management Strategy for 2026/27, which had been included as Appendix B to the report; and

·        Requested that a report on the financing options for Girdwood,  be submitted to the next meeting of the Committee.

The Committee approved the minutes and recommendations from the Shared City Partnership Meeting held on the 9th March, including:

Members Update

·        Shared City Partnership recommends that members note the update provided in the minutes.

Girdwood 10 Year Review

·       The Shared City Partnership recommends that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee also note the contents of the report and agree the approach outlined in the contents of the report.

PEACEPLUS – Local Community Action Plan Secretariat Update

·        The Shared City Partnership recommends that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee note the contents of the report

Peace Plus Thriving and Peaceful Communities Thematic Update

·        The Shared City Partnership recommends that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee note the contents of the report

Peace Plus Celebrating Culture and Diversity Thematic Update

·        The Shared City Partnership recommends that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee note the contents of the report

Community Regeneration & Transformation Thematic Update

·        The Shared City Partnership recommends that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee note the contents of the report

Any Other Business

·        The partnership agreed to move SCP meetings to a Wednesday from May 26, and they would ask the Strategy Policy and Resources Committee to note this change.

            The Committee noted the minutes of the Party Group Leaders Consultative Forum on the 12th March, 2026 and also agreed to an additional illuminate request for a date in April in recognition of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Awareness Month.

The Committee noted the key issues arising at the meeting and approved the minutes of the Audit and Risk Panel of 10th March, 2026.

The Committee approved the recommendations as set out below:

The Committee also noted that information on Linen and other Charges for events at the City Hall would be provided.

The Committee approved the Minutes of Language Strategy Working Group of the 30th January, 2026

The Committee considered a report which sought permission for the use of City Hall ground for the following events:

·        Use of East and West lawns – USA 250 Concert – 4th July, 2026 by Ulster-Scots Agency

·        Use of Cenotaph and Garden of Remembrance – 13th July, 2026 by County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast

·        Use of East and West lawns – Orangefest – 13th July, 2026 by County Grand Orange Lodge of Belfast

The Committee:

1.     Authorised the use of the specific areas of City Hall grounds on dates as set out in the report; and

2.     Authorised the events to take place on the basis of submission of an event management plan and risk assessment to ensure delivery of a safe public events.

            Councillor Long summarised his concerns regarding occupants, not on the electoral role, being unable to participate in street surveys in relation to Irish Street

Sign Consultations,

            The Committee agreed that a report be submitted to a future meeting regarding a review of alternatives as to how surveys for Dual Language Street Signs could be as inclusive and robust as possible.