Agenda and minutes

An apology was reported on behalf of the Chairperson, Councillor I. McLaughlin. 

            The minutes of the meeting of 22nd 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 1st June, subject to the following amendments:

·         Requests for Funding - The Council agreed that the decision under the above heading be amended to provide that the Committee agrees to fund the 47 discretionary funding support requests as outlined in the report and agreed that the funding, totalling £339,242, be allocated from the non-recurrent community capacity building monies included in the Growth Fund for 26/27, with a report to come back to the committee on up to £100,000 being allocated for dual language signage in the extended Gaeltacht area as identified in the Irish Language Policy;

·         Minutes of the Language Strategy Working Group - The Council agreed that the Irish Language Commissioner,Pól Deeds, be invited to attend the next meeting of the Working Group;

·         Outcome of the Judicial Review in relation to Animal Welfare Services and new Animal Welfare Legislation - The Council agreed that  the decision be amended to provide that the Committee’s letter to the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee included that the Council had concerns that introducing additional animal welfare enforcement responsibilities, without providing adequate resources, risks undermining both existing enforcement activity and the successful implementation of new legislation and, moreover, could not be improved through legislation alone.  It required properly resourced enforcement services capable of investigating complaints, tackling illegal breading and protecting vulnerable animals;

·         Belfast Stories - Community Grants - The Council agreed that the decision of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 22nd May, 2026, under the above heading, be rejected and that accordingly the Council agrees to the recommendations as outlined in the report, namely, to:

-       Award the recommended 5 creative project grants (up to £30,000) following completion of the assessment and moderation process;

-       Note the 12 small grants up to £10,000 approved under delegated authority; and

-       In light of the significant demand and high quality of submissions received, as outlined at 3.15, agrees to increase the fund for small grants utilising an additional allocation of £41,560 from the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) reserve to fund 4 additional projects; and

-        

·         Drumglass Park – SuDs Project - The Council agreed that the decision be amended to require that NI Water would detail options for physical and programmatic elements, as discussed at the South Area Working Group, that they were prepared to include for the benefit of the community as part of the project, ahead of public consultation, and to engage with Council officers and organisations in the area, given that the project appeared to be advancing at pace.

            In relation to item 2.b) Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Councillor Murray declared an interest, in that he was employed by S.O.S NI who were a delivery partner of the Fleadh, as the related interests did not become the subject of debate, he was not required to leave the meeting.

            Regarding item 2.c) PEACEPLUS Distillery Street Regeneration Project, Councillor Long declared an interest, in that his wife was the Justice Minister and left the meeting whilst the item was under consideration.

            During discussion of item 3.a) Notice of Motion - Pilot Drug and Pill testing at events – Update, as the Public Prosecution Service was raised, Councillor Long also declared an interest, in that his wife was the Justice Minister and left the meeting whilst the item was under consideration.

            The information contained in the reports associated with the following eight 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 eight 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 Director of Finance presented the Quarter 4 financial position for 2025/26, together with the Treasury Management report for consideration. 

The Committee:

·         Noted the report and agreed the year end position (Appendix 1);

·         agreed to the recommended realignment of £2m from the VR reserve to the APP Losses reserve;

·         Agreed to the recommended realignment of year end balances;

·         Noted the Quarter 4 Treasury Management report (Appendix 3); and

·         Noted that future Finance year-end reports submitted to the Committee would outline regular overspends and comparisons to initial budget allocations.

(Ms. L-A O’Donnell, Senior Manager - Culture and Tourism

attended in connection with this item.)

            The Strategic Director of Place and Economy and the 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 and highlighted that a Briefing Pack would be available for Members soon.

            During discussion, Members raised a number of queries in relation to public transport, website information, events list for Members, the availability of private car parks, interim use of vacant market space, safety messaging, park and ride wayfinding, the potential to expand the shuttle bus for the Fall’s Park area, and a post Fleadh volunteer event. 

            In response to a Member’s question on the impact pedestrianisation of the City Centre would have on air quality, the Director advised that he would discuss the potential of monitoring air quality with the Environmental Health Unit.

            During further discussion, the City Solicitor outlined the legal advice in relation to the Major Events Order application.

Proposal

            Moved by Councillor R. McLaughlin,

            Seconded by Councillor Brennan and

      Resolved - That the Committee agrees that up to £250,000 be allocated for dressing locations along arterial routes for the Fleadh from specified reserves, and a report be submitted to the Committee on the detail of what was deliverable

            Accordingly, the Committee:

1.    Noted the contents of the report;

2.    Agreed to seek Council agreement to delegate authority to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for urgent decisions in relation to the delivery of Fleadh which were not delegated to officers;

3.    Approved expenditure for the provision of a temporary campsite at Falls Park, as outlined under 3.3 of the report;

4.    Approved the extension and associated expenditure to Visit Belfast services or via direct contracting, as outlined under 3.5 and 3.10 of the report;

5.    Noted the updates on:

o    Residents’ parking and mitigating displacement

o    Park and Ride provision

o    Business engagement and toolkit

o    Major Events Order application

o    Event Management Plan

o    Opening ceremony arrangements

o    City dressing proposals;

6.    Encourage Member attendance at the opening ceremony and associated civic events;

7.    Agreed that up to £250,000 be allocated for dressing locations along arterial routes for the Fleadh from specified reserves, and a report be prepared on the detail of what was deliverable; and

8.    Noted that further updates would be provided on the issues which had been raised. 

The Committee considered a report which outlined the proposed approach to SEUPB to submit a minor modification to the existing Distillery Street project.

Proposal

            Moved by Councillor Black,

            Seconded by Councillor O’Neill and

      Resolved - That the Committee agrees that the Project progressed, subject to further consultation with residents on the proposed minor modification to the existing Distillery Street project and agreed to write to the Department of Justice in the interim period to recommend further engagement with residents, once the project works commence.

            Accordingly the Committee:

·         Noted the update and agreed that the Project progressed, subject to further consultation with residents on the proposed minor modification to the existing Distillery Street project.

·         Agreed to write to the Department of Justice in the interim period to recommend further engagement with residents, once the project works had commenced.

            The Director of Resources, Fleet and OSS provided an update on the Social Value Levy Fund collected from large-scale commercial events held within Council parks and open spaces and to outline the outcome of member and stakeholder engagement undertaken regarding the future use of the fund.

            He summarised the engagement undertaken to date and highlighted the emerging themes, priorities and potential projects identified by stakeholders across the three event locations: Ormeau Park, Botanic Gardens and Boucher Road Playing Fields.

            During discussion Members outlined the following additional projects for consideration: St. Brigids Walking Trail, crowd and audio barriers at Stockman’s Lane, landscaping at Balmoral crossroads, together with potential alternative options for use of the Fund.

            After discussion, the Committee:

a)    Noted the contents of the report and the extensive engagement undertaken with elected Members, local residents, community organisations, businesses and stakeholder groups;

b)    Noted the emerging priorities identified through the engagement process;

c)    Noted that officers would continue to develop and cost potential projects in consultation with stakeholders;

d)    Agreed that the fund was used to install Accessible Picnic areas in Musgrave Park and replace the existing planters in the Musgrave Park community garden with Eco planters (Total cost £18k);

e)    In terms of the other options identified through stakeholder engagement, noted that, once fully costed, officers would bring a further report back for members to consider and approve; and

f)     Agreed that an update report be submitted to the Committee in quarter three to include costings and details on the potential projects which had been identified by the Committee: St. Brigids Walking Trail, crowd and audio barriers at Stockman’s Lane, landscaping at Balmoral crossroads, together with potential alternative options for use of the Fund.

(Ms. W. Langham, Programme Director, Belfast Stories

attended in connection with this item.)

            The Programme Director, Belfast Stories, provided an update on: the addendum to the Outline Business Case (OBC) to develop a larger event space in Belfast Stories; the key findings following the Market Engagement Exercise (MEE) on the larger event space; and the Belfast Stories Programme.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor de Faoite,

Seconded by Councillor Smyth, 

      That the Committee agrees to defer consideration of the report to allow further work to be undertaken in relation to the operator model and demand for the enhanced studio events space. 

Amendment

Moved by Councillor Murphy,

Seconded by Councillor R. McLaughlin, 

      That the Committee agrees not to proceed with the proposed user of the larger space in the Belfast Stories Scheme.

On a vote, eleven Members voted for the amendment and eight against and it was declared carried. The amendment was put to the Committee as the substantive motion and agreed.

The Committee:

·         Noted the contents of the report; and

·         Agreed not to proceed with the proposed user of the larger space in the Belfast Stories Scheme.  

            The Committee reviewed the Minutes of the Installations City Hall/City Hall Grounds Group, together with the illustration of the final design of the Health and Social Care stained glass window.

            After discussion, the Committee:

·         approved and adopted the minutes of the Installations City Hall/City Hall Grounds Group of 13th May, 2026;

·         agreed to the final design of the Health and Social Care stained glass window, as outlined in the appendix; and

·         noted that an update on the Fire Service stained glass window would be provided in due course.

The Strategic Director of Place and Economy advised that a request had been received from Clipper Around the World Yacht Race regarding a proposal for Belfast to host a stopover in a future edition of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and outlined officer considerations regarding the request for Council financial support.

Proposal

            Moved by Councillor Murray,

            Seconded by Councillor Long,

      That the Committee agrees not to proceed with the potential involvement as host partner for the Race or the allocation of up to £100k.

            On a vote, four Members voted for the amendment and thirteen against and it was declared lost.

            The recommendations as outlined in the report were put to the Committee and agreed.   

Accordingly, the Committee:

·         agreed to the potential involvement as host partner for the Race and the allocation of up to £100k, subject to independent assessment of the business case and commitment of funding from the relevant government department agency and Belfast Harbour at the required levels;

·         noted that the approach to the festival programming and wrap around support would also be subject to further consideration following such confirmations and assessment of the business case; and

·         noted that a week-long event was estimated to cost in the region of £600K.

            The Director of Finance provided an update on the request which had previously been received from An Droichead for a stabilisation grant to support essential childcare, community, cultural and Irish language services while it implemented a financial recovery and restructuring programme.

            The Committee:

1.    noted the findings of the review of An Droichead’s 2024/25 audited accounts, together with the April 2026 and May 2026 management accounts and May 2026 recovery plan;

2.    noted that the contents of the report in relation to the recovery plan;

3.    agreed to provide one-off financial assistance of £100,000 from specified reserves on a restricted, time-limited and conditional basis, with phased drawdown and enhanced monitoring arrangements; and

4.    agreed that officers should complete further due diligence, convene a meeting with other funders, and report back on any detailed funding proposal, including proposed terms, conditions, milestones and monitoring requirements, prior to any payment being released.

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to provide Members with an update on the work so far relating to the Notice of Motion relating to Pilot Drug and Pill Testing Facilities at Major Events and Festivals.

            The motion was proposed by Councillor Murray and seconded by Councillor Smyth at the Standards and Business Committee meeting held on the 24th March 2026 and subsequently referred to the People and Communities Committee for consideration. The motion was presented to the People and Communities Committee on 14 April 2026 and requested an internal report on the role of Belfast City Council in supporting and facilitating harm reduction services, including legal and regulatory considerations.

1.2       Since consideration of the motion, officers have engaged with the relevant statutory partners including representatives from the Department of Health (DoH), the Public Health Agency (PHA), the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and event stakeholders involved in planning for the 2026 festival and events season.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

i.      Note the contents of this report and the feedback received from statutory partners regarding the legal, regulatory and operational considerations associated with drug and pill testing facilities at events and festivals;

ii.    Note the ongoing work being undertaken by the Department of Health, Public Health Agency and PSNI in relation to harm reduction, public health messaging and event planning; and

iii.   Agree that officers continue to engage with relevant statutory agencies and monitor developments elsewhere within the UK and Ireland. Should there be any future policy developments, pilot programmes or legislative changes which may impact on Belfast City Council's role in this area a report will be brought back into committee.

3.0       Main Report

            Background

3.0       Members will recall that the Notice of Motion requested Council support for the introduction of pilot drug and pill testing facilities at major events and festivals and sought consideration of the role Belfast City Council could play in supporting such harm reduction initiatives.  Officers have subsequently sought advice from relevant statutory partners to better understand the legal framework, operational requirements and policy considerations associated with such testing services.

            Legal and Regulatory Considerations

3.2       The Department of Health has advised that drug and pill  testing services involve significant legal and regulatory considerations under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.  Any organisation undertaking testing of controlled substances would require the appropriate licences and approvals to possess, transport, analyse and dispose of controlled drugs.

3.3       In Great Britain, such licences are issued by the Home Office. In Northern Ireland, responsibility would fall to the Department of Health's Medicines Regulatory Group.

3.4       The Department has advised that no formal application for such a licence has been received to date in Northern Ireland.  Should a provider seek to establish an on-site testing facility, a range of issues would require consideration, including:

·         Site security arrangements;

·         Testing methodologies and governance arrangements;

·         Safety and welfare considerations for staff and service users;

·         Storage,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3a

            The Committee was advised that, at the meeting of the Standards and Business Committee held on 26th May 2026, the following motion, which was proposed by Councillor Ruth Brooks and seconded by Councillor Nicola Verner, was referred to the Committee for consideration:

Strengthening Disability Inclusion and Accessibility across Council

“This Council agrees that: 

1.    Disability inclusion and accessibility should move towards a dedicated, streamlined corporate function, led by a senior officer and team with clear responsibility for coordinating and delivering this work across the organisation. A report will be brought forward setting out the structure, staffing, resources and reporting lines, and a timescale required, to establish that dedicated function and how it will streamline delivery across the organisation. 

2.    The Disability Strategy will be brought to committee within three months, with a revised Action Plan to follow, with clear and ambitious actions, responsible officers, cross-departmental responsibilities, timescales and how progress will be monitored and reported. 

3.    The Accessibility Roadmap 2035 is brought forward as soon as possible, setting out the lead officer or officers for delivery, required resources, key milestones, engagement with relevant Executive departments and how people with disabilities and relevant organisations will be involved from the beginning. 

4.    More focused reports are brought to each relevant committee, allowing members to be given timely information on progress to improve accessibility and inclusion across the city, and the delivery against the Action Plan and Accessibility Roadmap 2035.” 

            The Committee noted that, in accordance with Standing Orders, Notices of Motion which commit the Council to expenditure or fall within the remit of a particular Committee must be referred to the appropriate committee for consideration and report.

            The Committee noted that the notice of motion had been received and agreed that a subsequent report would be brought back to the Committee outlining a detailed consideration of the motion and the potential cost implications.

            The Committee considered an update on the progress of all Notices of Motion and Issues Raised in Advance for which it was responsible for.

            The Committee:

·         Noted the updates to all Notices of Motion and Issues Raised in Advance that the Committee was responsible for;

·         Agreed to the closure of Notices of Motion 50, 176, 337, 393, 402, 420, 446;

·         Agreed that Motion 501 - Procedures of the Irish Street Sign Consultation, would remain open; and

·         Noted that there would be a review of the Notice of Motion process as part of phase one of the governance review and a report would be submitted for consideration in August.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 5th May 2026, Belfast City Council passed the following motion which had been proposed by Councillor Michael Collins and seconded by Councillor Anthony Flynn:

“This Council:

·         expresses deep concern at the announcement of up to 450 redundancies at the University of Ulster (UU);

·         stands in solidarity with workers at UU in campuses in Belfast and across the north against these job losses;

·         calls on and will write to senior University of Ulster management urging them to rescind these proposals to protect jobs and educational provision;

·         will also write to the Economy Minister requesting an urgent intervention by the Stormont Executive to protect jobs and educational provision in UU; and

·         supports the UCU, UNITE and other trade unions representing workers at UU and supports action to resist the loss of 450 jobs and the resultant impact on educational provision.”

            It was reported that, subsequently, Democratic Services wrote to the Department from the Economy and the Ulster University on the issues which had been raised, and responses had been received at Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 of the report.

            The Committee considered the responses, together with the request from the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Bartholomew, to attend a future meeting of the Committee to discuss how the University and Members could work together to safeguard the provision at all the Ulster University campuses, as outlined in Appendix 2.

            The Committee:

·         noted the correspondence as set out in the report: and

·         agreed that representatives of Ulster University be invited to attend a future meeting of the Committee to discuss how the University and Members could work together on the issue.

            The Committee noted the response which had been received from the Minister for Infrastructure in relation to the concerns which had been raised regarding the Infrastructure Pillar update of the Belfast Region City Deal.

The Committee agreed the draft contents of the Corporate Delivery Plan as the work planning and prioritisation document for the Council in the financial year 2026/ 27.

(Ms. B. Murphy, Innovation Broker, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

`“1.0     Purpose of Report

1.1       To update Members on a number of City Innovation programme initiatives including Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors’ Challenge Belfast Alleyways Transformation programme.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

1.    Approve Belfast City Council to commence work, on behalf of Belfast Region City Deal partners, on the design and delivery of the Belfast ACTs programme and its associated grants competition. This will include commissioning expert support.

2.    To approve the submission of an application to the European Capital of Innovation Award 2027 promoting the Belfast innovation ecosystem and its commitment to inclusive growth.

3.    Note the work packages and planned phases of the Alleyways transformation programme.

3.0       Main report

            Belfast Region ACTs programme

3.1       Belfast City Council, on behalf of Belfast Region City Deal partners, has submitted a business case proposal to the Department for the Economy to deliver the £9 million Belfast Region Advanced Wireless Connectivity Technologies (ACTs) programme.

3.2       This work builds on the success of the recent Belfast 5G Innovation Regions programme which, with £5.1 million of funding for the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, supported five major ‘anchor’ projects including an energy and building management project within the Cecil Ward Building to support long term efficiencies. It also provided grant funding for 15 smaller projects with local companies that allowed them to utilise 5G connectivity to create efficiencies and transformation within their business.

3.3       Belfast Region ACTs proposes to maintain this momentum to run three waves of competitions that will provide grants of between £500,000 and £1.5 million to projects that have significant business, industrial or public service needs that could be solved through the innovative adoption of advanced wireless technologies. At the same time, the programme also seeks to stimulate significant investment by the UK’s Mobile Network Operators in business-ready public 5G networks across the Belfast region – which would generate opportunities for the region’s businesses in general. Feedback from the wireless industry and local industry has been extremely encouraging.

3.4       Subject to DfE business case approval and legal advice, both of which are expected imminently, Members are asked approve Belfast City Council commence work, on behalf of Belfast Region City Deal partners, on the design and delivery of the Belfast ACTs programme and its associated grants competition. This will include commissioning expert support to design and manage what is a complex technical programme, details of which are included in this month’s contract report.

3.5       European Capital of Innovation Award 2027 application

            Supported by the European Innovation Council under Horizon Europe, the European Capital of Innovation Awards (also known as iCapital) honours city regions with strong collaborative innovation ecosystems. The competition is open to cities in EU Member States and countries associated to Horizon Europe. The iCapital city for 2026 is Grenoble, France. This year’s competition opened on 5 May with submissions due (from city governments only) by 4 August 2026.

3.6  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4b

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       To provide SP&R with an update on the legislative framework around disability and our strategic approach to accessibility. The eventual aim of the development of a strategic approach is to make the city more accessible to all D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse people and to everyone who lives, works or visits Belfast, irrespective of their service access requirements. This will be a long-term strategy to place accessibility at the heart of how we design and deliver all our services.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       Members are asked to:

·         Note the update in this report; and

·         Note that an updated version of the Disability Action Plan will be presented to SP&R Committee in August 2026 for the purposes of public consultation.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Over one in four people in Belfast live with a disability. Disability impacts not only the individual but also members of their families, sometimes in a caring role. Now is the right time to develop a more strategic approach to accessibility. The impact of disability is different if you are young or old, having caring responsibilities or don’t speak English as your first language. The need for a focus on accessibility isn’t new, in the last decade it has come in from the margins as inequalities are better understood, with disabled people often highlighting the unequal opportunities that are afforded to them. Data provided from official sources such as the 2021 Census, with standardised definitions of disability as ‘health impairment’ are now set alongside social media, where global influencers, promote their disability as part of their identity, bringing voices to the label. Types of disability are often categorised into physical, sensory, hidden and intellectual, with legal definitions focusing on the impact.  

            Over the past decade there has been a shift in understanding from the medical model of disability to the social model, which in turn has increased public awareness of the barriers faced by D/deaf, disabled and neurodiverse people in participating in everyday life. There is a clear need for an ambitious strategy which will shift the emphasis from the medical model, where disability is viewed as a problem stemming from the individual, in sharp contrast the social model highlights the environmental barriers which exclude and discriminate. Any shift in public attitudes is challenging, and the strategic approach will need to be delivered over an adequate timeframe.

3.2       Why do we need an accessibility strategy when we have a Disability Action Plan?

            Our Disability Action Plan, which is a legal requirement with an internal focus, and is overseen by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland.

            Around 2018 Belfast City Council had addressed the limitations placed upon disability by the legal boundaries of the Disability Action Plan and shared our ambitions to develop a more strategic, external approach.

            ECNI explained that due to legislation the Disability Action Plan and any strategy should be separated. Frustrations with the complexity of the legal framework contributed,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4d

The Committee was reminded that the Department for Economy was consulting on the nature of the Good Employment and the factors that were considered to form a good job, based on the Carnegie Job Quality Measures, in order to help increase the number of good jobs in the economy.

It was reported that the consultation survey had a closing date of 31st July 2026.

The Committee:

·         Noted the initial consultation on the characteristics and options for a Good Employment Charter and closing date of 31st July, 2026.

·         Agreed the proposed response be submitted to the Department for Economy.

            The Committee:

            Capital Programme Stage Movements –

·         Wilmont House H&S Works - Noted that a satisfactory tender return had been received and that the Director of Finance had confirmed that the project was within the affordability limits of the Council and agreed that a maximum of up to £400,000 be allocated.

·         Fernhill House H&S Works - 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 £350,000 be allocated.

·         Open Spaces and Streetscene (OSS) Machinery Replacement Programme 2026/27 – Agreed that the project was moved to Stage 3 – Committed with a maximum allocation of up to £375,000.

·         IT Programme - Fleet Management System - Agreed that the project be moved to Stage 3 – Committed as part of the overall IT Programme and held at Tier 0 – Scheme at Risk pending further development and a satisfactory tender return; and that necessary procurement processes (including the invitation of tenders and/or the use of appropriate ‘framework’ arrangements) be initiated with a contract to be awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous tenders received and full commitment to deliver.

·         IT Programme - Pitch Booking System - Agreed that the project be moved to Stage 3 – Committed as part of the overall IT Programme and held at Tier 0 – Scheme at Risk pending further development and a satisfactory tender return; and that necessary procurement processes (including the invitation of tenders and/or the use of appropriate ‘framework’ arrangements) be initiated with a contract to be awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous tenders received and full commitment to deliver.

·         Staff Cycle Racks Installation – Agreed that the project be moved to Stage 3 – Committed and held at Tier 0 – Scheme at Risk pending further development and a satisfactory tender return; and that necessary procurement processes (including the invitation of tenders and/or the use of appropriate ‘framework’ arrangements) be initiated with a contract to be awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous tenders received and full commitment to deliver.

·         Historic Cemeteries - Friar’s Bush - Agreed that ‘Friar’s Bush Graveyard’ was extracted from the overall scheme and taken forward as a stand-alone project at Stage 2 – Uncommitted on the Capital Programme to allow the business case and application to NHLF to be developed.

·         Depot Charging Scheme 2026/27 - Agreed that the project be added to the Capital Programme at Stage 1 – Emerging to allow a business case and funding application to be developed.

·         Belfast Castle - Agreed that the programme of works be added to the Capital Programme at Stage 1 – Emerging to allow a business case to be developed on a phased basis.

Project Update

·         Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann –Supporting infrastructure works - Agreed that required works at sites in support of the delivery of the Fleadh are progressed with a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5a

            The Committee:

                 i.       Overflow Parking Area adjacent Cregagh Youth & Community Centre – New Licence - approved a new licence to Irish Rugby Football Union (Ulster Branch) for their occasional use of the overflow parking area adjacent to Cregagh Youth & Community Centre;

                ii.       Duncrue Complex – Replacement Electricity Substation Lease - approved a replacement electricity substation lease at Duncrue Complex; and

               iii.       Black Mountain Pathway, Ballygomartin Road – Proposed transfer of land from Woodland Trust – approved, in principle, the proposed transfer of a small area of land from Woodland Trust to the Council.

The Committee approved the minutes of the meeting of the: South Belfast Area Working Group of 18th May; the West Belfast Area Working Group of 28th May; the North Belfast Area Working Group of 3rd June and East Belfast Area Working Group of 4th June.

The Committee:

·            Noted the summary of the work of the Panel during 2025/26 as set out at Section 3 of the report;

·            Approved the draft Annual Governance Statement for 2025/26 at Appendix A, and particularly the disclosure of the significant governance issues contained in the statement; and

·            Noted the minutes of the meeting of the Audit and Risk Panel on 9th June 2026 at Appendix B.

            The Committee:

·         Approved the public advertisement of tenders as per Standing Order 37a detailed in Appendix 1 (Table 1);

·         Approved the modification of the contract as per Standing Order 37a detailed in Appendix 1 (Table 2); and

·         Noted the update to the council’s Procurement Policy to align to the requirements of the Procurement Act 2023.

   Table 1: Competitive Tenders     

            The Committee was provided with an update on the reports which had been presented to the Social Policy Working Group on 2nd June, which included:  

1.    Social Value Delivery Report which sets out the delivery of social value outcomes via BCC tender competitions awarded in accordance with the Council’s Social Value Procurement Policy; and

2.   Draft Sustainable Procurement Policy and Strategy Document for Members consideration before proceeding with a public consultation exercise.

            The Committee noted the contents of the report and associated appendices.

The Committee approved the minutes and recommendations from the Shared City Partnership Meeting held on 3rd and 12th June, including:

Presentations

·         Presentations were received from Artseka Shared Roots Programme and NICVA‘s Community Empower Programme, both contracted through Belfast’s PeacePlus Local Action Plan Programmes. The Shared City Partnership noted the presentations and recommends to the Strategic Policy and Resources committee to note the presentations.

Members Updates

·         Updates were received from the East Belfast Community and PSNI representatives and are noted in the minutes for members information.

Minority Ethnic Integration and Inclusion Programme

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

Good Relations and Fleadh Programme

• The Shared City Partnership noted the report and recommends that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee notes the contents of the report and agrees the alignment of resources within the report.

Community Recovery Fund Update

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

·         Asylum Dispersal Open Call

Shared City Partnership noted that up to 12 projects will be funded through the Open Call each between £10 and £20K under delegated authority, letters of offer are being drafted, a further update will be provided at the next meeting and recommend that Strategy Policy and Resources also note this.

·         The Chair of Shared City Partnership thanked the Rev Graeme Kennedy for his time and commitment to Shared City Partnership.

Minutes of a Special Meeting of Shared City Partnership on 12th June 2026

·         Shared City Partnership noted a number of actions following the recent disorder in Belfast City and recommend that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee note the minutes and the key actions.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To agree the budget and appropriate resources for the implementation of the Gender Action Plan (GAP) and LGBTQIA+ Action Plan year 3 activities.  

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to agree the proposed diversity action plans and associated year 3 costs.

3.0       Main report

            Our Equality and Diversity Action Plan outlines how we will promote equality and diversity in our ambitions to create a city in which people love to live, learn, invest, work and visit. It also contributes to our compliance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.  Actions are categorised under the following corporate plan priorities:

·         Growing an inclusive economy

·         Living here

·         Cross cutting

·         Organisational priorities

3.2       As part of the Equality and Diversity Action Plan   the Council has committed to developing and delivering a Gender Action Plan, LGBT+ Action Plan and a Race Equality Action Plan.  The three year Gender Action Plan and LGBTQIA+ Action Plan were approved at SP&R Committee in October 2024. Actions for Year 3 (2025/26) for both plans have been costed and are being presented to Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for approval. 

            Gender Action Plan (GAP)

3.3       Gender inequalities are deeply embedded in our social, economic and cultural systems.  There is overwhelming evidence that women disproportionately experience disadvantage and discrimination, a reflection of historical unaddressed inequality, but also that inequalities have been exacerbated by austerity, welfare reform and by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Statistics affirm the persistence of gendered inequalities, which continue to inhibit women’s life opportunities in Northern Ireland. Men will benefit from gender equality as they too face gender-specific issues such as lower life expectancy, bad health, lower education levels and are impacted negatively by rigid gender norms.

3.4       The GAP 24-27 was agreed following consultation with Women’s Steering Group and the Women’s Network Group.  Achievements in 2025/26 include:

·         Delivery of the annual International Women’s Day event for staff in the City Hall

·         Delivery of Mock Committees for all relevant officers

·         Onus Domestic Violence Charter (employer award) retained Platinum level

·         Onus Safe City Accreditation – retained

·         Retention of the NI Gender Diversity Chartermark – Silver level (work continues towards Gold level)

·         Funded and developed a programme of events for Women’s Network Group – Choosing Confidence Workshop

·         Funding provided for external IWD event

·         Targeting of Employment and Upskilling Academies to women in low paid (female

·         dominate) sectors including the provision of childcare

·         Building an entrepreneurial mindset workshop

·         Masterclass in Leading Meetings

·         Confidence Training workshop

·         Belfast Stories consultation workshop

·         Staff networks coffee morning

·         Good Relations event

·         Domestic Abuse Awareness joint event with Proud

·         European Week for Waste

·         Reduction creative workshop

·         Women in Leadership bitesize events

·         Allyship and Bystander Interventions workshop, specifically for male colleagues and elected members, running as part of the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

·         In-person workshop on Sexual Harassment and Bystander in the Workplace

3.5       Year 3 actions are set out in Appendix  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7b

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the Party Group Leaders Consultative Forum of 11th June, 2026.

The Committee approved the recommendation as set out below:

            The Committee was advised that a request had been received from MayWe Events to deliver activity in the City Hall grounds as part of Culture Night 2026 on Friday, 18th September. It was reported that, due to the larger scale of activity involved it was deemed necessary to seek Committee approval for this event.

            The Committee:

1.        Authorised the use of City Hall grounds on 18th September, 2026; and

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

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the Social Policy Working Group of 2nd June, 2026.

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the Language Working Group of 8th June, 2026.