Agenda and minutes

No apologies were reported.

            The minutes of the meeting of 16th December were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council, at its meeting on 9th January, subject to the omission of those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee.

Councillor Groogan declared an interest in respect of agenda item 2a - Revenue Estimates and District Rate 2023/24, in that she was employed by an organisation which was an applicant for a Capacity Grant. She declared an interest also in relation to item 7a - Minutes of the Meeting of the Shared City Partnership, as that organisation had been referred to in the PEACE IV update on Building Positive Relations Theme.

Councillor Beattie declared an interest in relation to agenda item 2a - Revenue Estimates and District Rate 2023/24, in that he was employed by an organisation which might avail of Capacity and Revenue Grants. He declared an interest also in respect of agenda item 8b - Requests for Use of the City Hall and the Provision of Hospitality, as that organisation was included in the list of applications to be approved for 2023. 

Councillor Verner declared an interest in respect of agenda item 2a - Revenue Estimates and District Rate 2023/24, on the basis that that she was employed by an organisation which received a Revenue Grant.

The City Solicitor informed those Members who had declared an interest in relation to item 2a - Revenue Estimates and District Rate 2023/24, that, as the Committee was not being asked at this stage to allocate funding for Capacity and Revenue Grants to specific organisations, they would not be required to leave the meeting whilst the report was being considered.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 18th November, it had agreed that a representative of Land and Property Services be invited to attend its meeting in January to provide a presentation on the outcome of its NI REVAL 2023 non-domestic revaluation exercise.

            Accordingly, Mr. G. Humphrey was welcomed to the meeting.

            Mr. Humphrey informed the Committee that the revaluation exercise had involved a review of the rateable value of more than 74,500 non-domestic properties across Northern Ireland, including cinemas, factories, hospitals, hotels, licenced premises, offices, playing fields, power stations, schools, shops and warehouses. The previous revaluation had been undertaken in 2020.

            He pointed out that:

·        regular revaluations were essential to maintain fairness and equality between ratepayers;

·        a revaluation did not increase or decrease the total Northern Ireland rates revenue;

·        revaluations sought to redistribute the rate burden by rebalancing business rates;

·        revaluations ensured that business rates stayed up-to date and reflected local economic change; and

·        revaluations reflected relative changes between properties which occurred over time.

            He explained that new rateable values had been based upon an estimate of open market rents on the statutory valuation date of 1st October, 2021 and that those would be used to calculate business rates liabilities from 1st April, 2023. A draft schedule of values had been published on 11th January, 2023, which enabled a ratepayer to view their draft valuation and contact Land and Property Services, should they feel that their figure was inaccurate.

            In terms of initial outcomes, seven councils had seen a decline in Net Annual Value from 2020, three had witnessed an increase and one, namely Belfast City Council, had remained unchanged. The revaluation for Belfast had been based on 16,982 valuation list entries and he provided a brief breakdown of the results for various non-domestic category types.

            Mr. Humphrey concluded by confirming that 75% of non-domestic properties were entitled to some form of rates relief, amounting to £243 million, and provided details of the various categories of properties/businesses which were eligible.

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided.  

            The information contained in the reports associated with the following four 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 four items as, due to the nature of the items, there would be a disclosure of exempt information as described in Section 42(4) and Section 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

            The Director of Finance submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report on the development of the revenue estimates for 2023/24 and the next steps in the rate setting process. The report provided information on the current financial position, Departmental and additional growth proposals, medium-term financial planning and the financial strategy for the next two years. It also set out a number of recommendations for the Committee’s consideration, including the striking of the rate and the proposed cash limits for the Council’s Standing Committees. 

Proposal

Moved by Councillor Long,

Seconded by Councillor Groogan and

      Resolved – That the Committee agrees that the kerbside glass expansion project be taken forward as a priority for the 2024/25 rate setting process and that officers begin the preparatory work to enable it to be introduced from 1st April, 2024.

            At the request of Councillor Spratt, the Committee agreed that a report be submitted to a future meeting outlining how the glass collection service trial reduced the use/volume of glass recycling in recycling centres and how any extra capacity could be used to provide an additional soft plastic recycling service, with the estimated cost to be included.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor Long,

Seconded by Councillor McDonough-Brown (Chairperson),

      That the Committee agrees not to allocate funding of £500k to the Summer Diversionary Festival Programme in 2023/24 and to develop a new scheme for 2024/25 which would seek to build capacity at a local level.  

            On a recorded vote, five Members voted for the proposal and fifteen against and it was declared lost.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor McLaughlin,

Seconded by Councillor McDonough-Brown (Chairperson),

      That the Committee agrees to adopt the recommendations contained within the report.

            On a vote, eighteen Members voted for the proposal and one against, with one ‘no vote’ and it was declared carried.

            Accordingly, the Committee:

                               i.          approved an indicative domestic rate increase of 7.99% for 2023/24;

                             ii.          approved the proposed Financing Strategy to fund the 2023/24 budgetary gap in 2023/24 and 2024/25, as set out within the report;

                            iii.          noted the implications of this approach for the 2024/25 rate setting process;

                            iv.          approved the growth proposals included in the 2023/24 uncontrollable cost increase of £27.2m, as set out within the report;

                             v.          agreed to recommend the following cash limits for 2023/24:

a.     a cash limit of £50,355,486 for the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for 2023/24, including £3,270,000 for Belfast Investment Fund and £3,000,000 for City Deal;

b.     a cash limit of £98,901,629 for the People and Communities Committee for 2023/24;

c.      a cash limit of £20,445,354 for the City Growth and Regeneration Committee for 2023/24;

d.     a cash limit of £1,624,167 for the Planning Committee for 2023/24; and

e.     a Capital Financing Budget of £22,274,022 for 2023/24 and

                      vi.      agreed that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

This minute has been restricted on the basis of Commercial Sensitivity. The restriction will be removed in due course.

            The Director of Human Resources submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report providing an update on the number of employees on temporary contracts and agency assignees and outlining the steps being taken to reduce the reliance on those two groups.

            She reported that, on 31st December, 218 staff had been filling posts on a temporary basis, 140 of whom had substantive Council posts to return to. The other 78 were Fixed Term Contract employees who had no substantive post. Since 1st October, 7 temporary staff had been given permanent status, in line with the fixed term contract guidelines, however, over the same time period, an additional 17 temporary project posts had been created, on the basis of business/operational need.

            The total number of agency assignees engaged by the Council on 31st December had been 275, which was 58 less than in the previous quarter.  A dedicated Corporate Contract Manager had now been appointed to manage, challenge and control agency usage across all Departments and would take up post on 6th February.

            She then provided an update on the ongoing recruitment exercises for the permanent posts of General Operatives and Business Support Clerks and confirmed that, to date, there had been 54 and 30 appointments respectively. 

            The Director went on to provide details of the advice which had been received from counsel, the Local Government Staff Commission and the Equality Commission NI on the motion which had been adopted by the Committee on 22nd October, 2021, on the potential for anyone on a temporary contract who had been employed for twelve continuous months, regardless of job title, to have that contract made permanent, if they so wished.

            After discussion, the Committee noted the contents of the report and agreed:

i.              that officers investigate the possibility of the Council employing ‘at risk’ those people who had been working for a significant length of time on temporary projects which were being funded by other agencies; and

ii.           noted that the Director of Human Resources would seek to identify additional support which could be offered to temporary staff, including those with disabilities, applying for permanent Council posts.   

            The Committee noted the contents of a report providing an update on the Council’s application for Living Wage accreditation and the next steps in the process.

The Committee was reminded that the Standards and Business Committee, at its meeting on 5th January, had considered the following motion which had been received for submission to the Council on 9th January:

“This Council notes the significant contribution which the Comber Greenway makes to East Belfast, in terms of active travel, urban biodiversity, and wildlife.

The Council further notes the strategic importance of having well maintained and connected routes in the City, including gritting during the winter periods, providing residents and commuters with safe alternatives to getting around the City.

The Council will -

i.      engage with relevant stakeholders to consider a plan for gritting the Comber Greenway, making it accessible at all times of the year; and

ii.    engage with the Department for Infrastructure regarding an asset transfer of the Comber Greenway between the Beersbridge Road and Tullycarnet boundary, with a view to bringing the urban path under full Council ownership.”

            The motion had been proposed by Councillor Flynn and seconded by Councillor Groogan.

Councillor Flynn sought and was granted approval by the Committee to replace point ii. of his motion with the following wording:

·        The Council will engage with the Department for Infrastructure regarding an asset transfer, including relevant resource, of the Comber Greenway between the Beersbridge Road and Tullycarnet boundary, with the aim of bringing the urban path under full Council ownership. Additionally, it will engage with the EastSide Partnership, with a view to partnering for the benefit of the Comber Greenway, similar to the successful model in place between the two organisations for the Connswater Community Greenway.

After discussion, the Committee noted the motion, as amended, and agreed, in the first instance, that a report be submitted to a future meeting on how it might be facilitated, resourced and managed. The Committee agreed also that a letter be forwarded to Northern Ireland Electricity requesting it to install and switch on lighting on the Comber Greenway as soon as possible for the benefit of residents and users.   

            The Committee was reminded that the Standards and Business Committee, at its meeting on 5th January, had considered the following motion which had been received for submission to the Council on 9th January:

This Council:

                             i          notes that the “School Street” schemes in the Republic of Ireland and GB, which close the roads outside schools during drop-off and pick-up times, have the multiple benefits of improving road safety for pupils, encouraging active travel to school by walking, cycling and public transport, and improving the air quality around schools;

                            ii          commends Fingal County Council, which has successfully pioneered the scheme at many schools in North County Dublin;

                           iii          recognises that we do not have the statutory powers to introduce such a scheme in Belfast, either in pilot or permanent form;

                          iv          calls upon the Department for Infrastructure to bring forward urgently a School Streets pilot project in Belfast, identifying a number of pilot schools across the City;

                            v          agrees that the Area Working Groups will agree a number of schools in each area to recommend to the Department for Infrastructure as part of a pilot scheme; and

                          vi          shall explore further ways to work with all relevant partners to develop School Streets and support measures to cut vehicle emissions and pollution in the vicinity of schools, including enforceable No-Idling Zones, air quality measuring and tree planting as part of the one million trees initiative.

            The motion had been proposed by Councillor de Faoite and seconded by Councillor McKeown.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor Ferguson,

Seconded by Councillor Lyons,

            That the Committee agrees to adopt the motion in full.

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

Proposal

Moved by Councillor McLaughlin,

Seconded by Councillor McDonough-Brown (Chairperson) and

      Resolved - That the Committee agrees, in the first instance, that the Council write to the Department for Infrastructure requesting it to bring forward a School Streets pilot project in Belfast, with the response to be presented to the Committee for consideration and a decision to be taken on the way forward.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       Three motions were agreed by the Council in 2021 relating to leave arrangements for parental bereavement leave and pay, miscarriage leave and fertility treatment leave.

1.2       This report informs the Committee of the outcome of the consultation with the Trade Unions and the additional leave provisions which will be implemented on 1st February 2023, pending completion of the equality screening.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is asked to note the outcome of the consultation with the Trade Unions on enhanced leave arrangements.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       The Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, on 19th August 2022, agreed that the Council would consult with the Trade Unions on the proposed enhanced leave arrangements as follows:

            Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay

3.2       To award 10 consecutive days bereavement leave, not solely in the case of a child under 18, but for the death of a close relative;

            To award 10 consecutive days full pay, not statutory pay, as a day one right with no qualifying service required: and

            To award 1 days paid leave to attend the funeral of an extended family member.

            Paid Leave for Miscarriage

3.3       To treat miscarriage as a bereavement and offer 10 days’ bereavement leave on full pay to employees who suffer a miscarriage as a day one right.

            Fertility Treatment Leave

3.4       To award 10 days full paid leave following any unsuccessful IVF treatment to employees who have undergone IVF treatment, as a day one right, in addition to the paid time off for medical appointments that already exists.

            Through the consultation process with the Trade Unions, the following more favourable provisions were agreed at JNCC on 15th December 2022:

            Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay

3.5       Award 10 consecutive days’ bereavement leave, not solely in the case of a child under 18, including the case of still birth for the partner, or the death of a close relative (1) or for those who have sole responsibility for the funeral arrangements. 

            Award 10 consecutive days’ full pay, not statutory pay, as a day one right with no qualifying service required.

            Award 1 days’ paid leave to attend the funeral of an extended family member (2)

(1)   The definition of a close relative is a ‘spouse, civil partner, mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, stepdaughter, stepson, stepmother, stepfather, stepbrother or stepsister’.  There may be exceptional circumstances where the 10 days could be awarded outside of the above ‘close relative’ definition’ e.g., for the death of a grandparent when the employee was brought up by their grandparents.

(2)   The definition of an extended family member is grandparent, grandchild, mother/father-in-law, daughter/son-in-law.’

            Paid Leave for Miscarriage:

3.6       Treat miscarriage as a bereavement and offer 10 days’ bereavement leave on full pay to employees who suffer a miscarriage as a day one right.

            Offer 3 days’ bereavement leave to an employee who is the partner/surrogate parents for someone who had a miscarriage.

            Fertility Treatment Leave:

3.7  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       This report is to provide the Committee with an update on the progress of the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD).

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to note:

                                            i     the engagement that took place with senior government officials at the City and Growth Deals Senior Stocktake session;

                                          ii     the progress being made on the Contracts for Funding which are required for each of the capital projects delivered through the Deal and the update on project development and delivery across the pillars of investment; and

                                        iii     the update in respect of the BRCD Council Panel.

3.0       Main Report

            City and Growth Deals Senior Stocktake

3.1       A City and Growth Deals Senior Stocktake meeting was held in October 2022, hosted by the Department of Finance (DoF). The stocktake was chaired by the Permanent Secretary of DoF and participants included the Head of the Civil Service, Permanent Secretaries and senior officials of a number of government departments and senior representatives of the City and Growth Deal partners. This workshop was held in order to discuss progress to date across all Northern Ireland City and Growth Deals and key issues and challenges being experienced, such as the impact of construction inflation and concerns about the complexity of arrangements and pace of delivery.  A detailed discussion on the Stocktake took place at the November meeting of the Executive Board and members of the Board broadly welcomed the stocktake and in particular highlighted the need to build on the positive engagement, with a number of areas of change identified including:

·        The adoption of a ‘Clearing House’ approach to resolve key issues and challenges at leadership level at an earlier stage;

·        The need to reset the model of working with a stronger focus required on outcomes and opportunities across all the deals;

·        Agreement of a set of principles to underpin a more collaborative model of working to help ensure a focus on delivery and avoid the introduction of additional complexity;

·        The need to establish shared commitment to and accountability for timeframes as well as quality/cost;

·        The need for increased clarity in relation to the distinct roles and responsibilities of government departments and government agencies to avoid duplication and support timely decision making; and

·        The potential to use departmental resource in different ways to support deals respond to cross-deal challenges

3.2       The Programme Director for the BRCD is engaging directly with senior officials in the key government departments to seek to agree a plan of action in line with the areas of change/action identified by the Executive Board.

            Contracts for Funding

3.3       As previously noted by the Committee, before funding can flow to projects for which Outline Business Cases (OBCs) have been approved, Contracts for Funding need to be agreed between departments and the Accountable Body and Funding Agreements agreed between the Accountable Body and Project Sponsors.

3.4       It was also noted by Members that the Committee would be advised of progress  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

            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 the Committee with an update on work undertaken on behalf of the SOLACE to examine and identify funding opportunities available to Northern Ireland and associated ‘Investment Mapping Tool’ developed for use by councils.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is requested to:

                                         i        endorse the covering report and Investment Mapping Tool produced by Ekosgen;

                                       ii        agree that Council officers use this report and the Investment Mapping Tool as a ‘live’ tool which should be updated as may be required, to guide and inform a corporate approach to funding opportunities;

                                      iii        agree that officers design a process to continuously review and update the investment mapping tool, investment/funding opportunities and approved/committed projects internally and link this as appropriate to projects across the wider local government sector. Mindful that there will be resource implications by introducing and maintaining this process;

                                      iv        agree that officers design an internal process to continuously review and update the investment mapping tool populating it with funding opportunities and approved/committed projects internally and also across local government; and

                                       v        note that the final report may be shared on behalf of the Council and also the wider local government sector via SOLACE NI, with relevant partner organisations in Central Government, Community Planning Partnerships and City and Growth Deal Boards.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Members may be aware that Ekosgen had been commissioned by SOLACE NI last summer to undertake a scoping exercise of the existing funding landscape and to identify potential sources of investment/funding opportunities available to councils in Northern Ireland.

3.2       The aims of this project were to:

                                            i     provide councils and SOLACE NI with a clear understanding of the existing funding landscape and to inform the strategic alignment within and between councils and partners of investment funds in Northern Ireland;

                                          ii     inform council officers of the timeframes that exist within these funds including engagement sessions, fund opening submission dates, fund award and fund closing dates; and

                                        iii     where possible, outline the range of different projects that are currently within the pipeline in Northern Ireland delivered through these investment funding vehicles.

3.3       The study focused on identifying and alignment of the various thematic areas eligible for the available/emerging funds and the associated priorities, timings and bid submission dates. Within the context of the growing fiscal pressures facing local government. SOLACE identified the importance for councils to understand what funding opportunities may exist and how such funding opportunities align with existing sectoral and strategic priorities.

3.4       SOLACE also recognised the importance of this work in providing an opportunity for each council to explore how as a local government sector and individual councils we can scope out existing (and potential future) partnerships to maximise the drawdown and benefit of these funding opportunities.

3.5       The report presents the findings of an investment mapping exercise conducted by Ekosgen. The purpose of this report is threefold:

                                            i     to provide an overview of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to highlight to the Committee the findings and recommendations of the APSE 2030 Commission, and to note that NILGA is engaging with APSE to seek, and jointly organise, a NI launch of the Commission’s Report.

            This report can be accessed at: https://www.apse.org.uk/index.cfm/apse/research/local-government-commission-2030/commission-report-findings/

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is requested to:

                                            i     note the contents of the report produced by APSE following the publication of its ‘Local by Default report’ which followed the work of the APSE 2030 commission; and

                                          ii     agree that officers continue to engage with colleagues in NILGA and APSE in terms of the outworking’s of this report to ensure our corporate interests and priorities are promoted alongside any associated lobbying of this report.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       The Committee will recall that a report was presented to the Committee in February 2020 which endorsed key areas of interest for the Council on which officers could engage with the APSE Commission. These included:

·        enhanced devolution to local government including regeneration, planning, skills investment and planning, and local transport planning;

·        enhanced local investment powers, to ensure that councils have the fiscal levers to tackle issues at community and city level; and

·        the introduction of legislation/measures that strengthen the relationship between central and local government, including a duty to collaborate to provide for responsive and integrated public services delivery at regional, city and community level.

            APSE 2030 Local Government Commission Summary

3.2       The APSE Local Government Commission (ALGC) 2030 was set up to explore what the next decade could hold for a revitalised local government. The final report recently published by ALGC, issued a drastic warning to UK Governments to ‘reset the system’ to avoid local councils failing the communities they serve.

3.3       The ALGC 2030 received hundreds of pieces of evidence, including oral witness testimonies from local councils and NILGA, during the course of its 18 months of work, and found that UK local government is facing its biggest economic, political, and social challenges since the Second World War.

3.4       Alongside multiple public policy crises in finance, adult care, housing and climate change, the Commissioners found that the system of local government itself has been hindered significantly by a lack of powers, resources, and the centralisation of decision making, which mistrusts and obstructs local councils, and ignores their democratic legitimacy.

3.5       APSE Chief Executive, Mr. Paul O’Brien, noted that ‘Evidence to the Commission, almost without exception, exposed frustration at a system which has, over a number of decades, relied upon the fanciful concept of all-seeing all-knowing central administrations, and yet local government, with the right powers and resources, can be a force for good, bringing about positive change at a community level and be best placed to understand and deliver on local economic, environmental, and social wellbeing for local areas. That is why we are calling for a fundamental reset to the system, including a new financial and constitutional  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

            The Committee noted the contents of a report providing information on a new Council Workstyles Policy here, which would be implemented on a pilot basis for 18 months from 1st April, 2023.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       To inform the Committee of an approach to the Council for support for the 30U30 (30 under 30) Northern Ireland Climate Change-Maker’s programme. The programme is coordinated by two lead partner organisations, namely Podiem and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, and is currently supported by DAERA, Pinsent Masons, Pacem and Danske Bank, with a request for local authority involvement being addressed through this approach to the Council.

1.2       The 30 under 30 programme is a climate focused programme, where young leaders from Northern Ireland have the opportunity to take part in an international learning programme, led by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and Podiem. The current cohort of young leaders has already been recruited and there is a request to the Council to support the programme of activity they will undertake. All of the 30U30 modules are being delivered in Belfast City Centre and the majority of the participants either reside or work within the Council’s footprint. The cohort is strengthened by its diversity with a broad range of backgrounds and interest/expertise areas represented. Over 55% of the group are female and there is a mix of those in education, employment and currently economically inactive.  

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is recommended to approve a contribution of £8,750 plus VAT to the overall programme costs of approximately £100,000 in total. This will resource three modules, taking place in February and March 2023, including the finale event on Thursday 30th March.

2.2       Should the Council support the initiative, the Climate Unit will explore opportunities to align with our existing climate programme and the work being undertaken with young leaders through Belfast Climate Commission and within other projects such as Belfast One Million Trees and the UPSURGE project.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       30U30 (30 Under 30) is a programme designed develop 30 ‘exceptional potential leaders’ in NI under the age of 30 with a focus on addressing climate change. These leaders have been competitively selected from a diverse range of industries, sectors and educational backgrounds. As mentioned above the majority of participants are from the Belfast area with over 55% of the group being female. There is a mix of those in education, employment and currently economically inactive.    

3.2       Within the modular programme participants will learn from globally renowned thought leaders and performers across a range of relevant topics. These topics have been carefully crafted to create a cohort of leaders who will return to their fields of expertise with the tools to become planet positive change-makers in the short/long term. Speakers and facilitators include individuals such as:

·        Alice Thompson - an international speaker and social business leader who co-founded Social Bite in Edinburgh and helped to establish ‘The Worlds Big Sleepout’ which took place in 52 cities around the world.

·        Gerry Hussey - Ireland’s leading health, wellbeing and performance coach, who has worked with many leading sports people and teams, and author of ‘Awaken Your Power Within’.

·        Philip  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

            The Committee considered the following report and accompanying response in respect of the Department for the Economy’s consultation on the Plan for the Implementation of the Energy One Stop Shop:

“1.0     Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1            To update the Committee on the Energy One Stop Shop Implementation Plan – consultation on policy options. The closing date of the consultation has been extended from 20th January to 31st January, 2023 at 5 p. m.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       It is recommended that the Committee review the following summary of the DFE Energy One Stop Shop Implementation Plan – consultation on policy options and the attached officer response, which will be submitted prior to 31st January, on the basis that it is subject to Council ratification:

·        While broadly welcoming the Energy One Stop Shop principles, objectives, services and phased approach we have requested alignment with both regional and local targets and initiatives including the Belfast net zero targets of 66% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2025, 80% reduction by 2030, and 100% reduction by 2050, the development of the Belfast Local Area Energy Plan and the development of the Belfast EV Strategy. We have also encouraged a tailored communication and engagement approach to the most vulnerable in society, and that research be undertaken to understand the needs of the most vulnerable, our communities and partners, such as the Council, in supporting the energy transition and ensuring a just transition.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       One of the key actions in the NI Energy Strategy is that the Department for Economy (DFE) establish an Energy One Stop Shop to provide impartial information, advice and support aimed at helping to overcome the barriers that consumers face in moving to sustainable technologies and may provide a number of benefits and advantages. In the consultation document DFE have set out a series of principles, strategic objectives and services which could be provided by the One Stop Shop.

3.2       Energy One Stop Shop Principles

            The suggested principles underpinning the work of the Energy One Stop Shop are that it will:

·        Be consumer centric – the One Stop Shop will focus on delivering positive outcomes for consumers;

·        Provide tailored services – the One Stop Shop will meet the needs of individual consumer groups to ensure domestic and non-domestic consumers have access to the adequate types and levels of information, advice and support that they need;

·        Have adequate sectoral and technical expertise – the One Stop Shop will provide up to date, accurate and factual information and advice on existing and upcoming products, technologies and services;

·        Deliver a trusted service – building consumer trust will be a key priority for the One Stop Shop;

·        Provide impartial information and advice – the One Stop Shop will only provide factual, accurate and independent information; and

·        Deliver service in partnership with other bodies and organisations – the One Stop Shop will create partnerships with other organisations to ensure a presence across Northern Ireland and to maximise the benefits to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

            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 the Committee with an update on the final stage of the Our Place in Space project, as part of the UNBOXED festival of creativity.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

                                            i     note the contents of this report and the successful delivery of the Our Place in Space project; and

                                          ii     approve the variations to the original commissioning agreement as set out at in paragraph 3.13.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Festival 2022 is an initiative funded by the UK Government, in partnership with relevant departments in the devolved governments. The focus of Festival 2022 is a celebration of creativity and innovation in STEAM, with a global outlook. The project recognises the role of the arts and creative sectors in:

-       Bringing people together and fostering civic pride

-       Helping to attract inward investment

3.2       The Programme has brought together creative teams of scientists, artists, engineers and technologists to create ten large-scale extraordinary, public engagement projects.

3.3       Of these ten commissions, six have been driven by collaborations from across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and contracted by Festival UK 2022 Ltd; the special purpose vehicle established to curate, manage and promote the Festival. However, the remaining four commissions were delivered by Strategic Delivery Bodies and led by creatives from each of the four areas.

3.4       Following a meeting of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee in October 2020 it was agreed that the Council would act as the Strategic Delivery Body for Northern Ireland, alongside equivalent organisations in England, Scotland and Wales.

3.5       In this role the Council agreed to:

-       Receive a proportion of the Festival funding via Department for Communities, awarded by the UK Government through Barnett consequentials;

-       Commission and contract a creative team of local practitioners to work internationally to produce a single large-scale project;

-       Support that creative team with producing the commission to the brief of open, original and optimistic;

-       Coordinate communications activity;

-       Work with the other Strategic Delivery Bodies and Festival UK 2022 Ltd to coordinate the Festival’s overall programme, creating balance across the ten commissions; and

-       Actively participate to ensure all commissions showcase creativity and innovation and have a clear global dimension.

3.6       The Council delivered on the above activities, including administering funding from the Department for Communities and acting as co-commissioner of the Our Place in Space project that was selected following a competitive commissioning process.

3.8       Centred around an epic scale model of the solar system designed by the artist Oliver Jeffers with scientist Professor Stephen Smartt and a creative team led by Nerve Centre, Our Place in Space is a 10km sculpture trail of the solar system, interactive AR app and learning and events programme.

3.8       In 2022, the 10km Our Place in Space sculpture trail landed on the banks of the River Foyle in Derry~Londonderry (22 April - 22 May) before moving  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

Cliftonville Playing Fields

            The Committee approved the assignment of the Council’s leasehold interest in a portion of land which has been encroached on to the rear of 14 Glenard Brook, with the Council to receive a premium of £110.

            North Foreshore

            The Committee noted that a deed of variation had been agreed between the Council and Invest NI to release approximately 7.2 acres of land from European Regional Development Fund/Invest NI funding conditions to allow for a lease of the land to Belfast Harbour Commissioner for the Phase 2A Film Studios extension.

            Balmoral Estate

            The Committee approved the extension of the current term of the ground lease at Plot 72, Balmoral Estate to a term of 125 years from 1st May 2022, amended the rent review pattern from 25 yearly to 5 yearly and noted that the Council would receive a single premium payment of £5,000.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the East Belfast Area Working Group of 12th January, including the recommendation relating to the expansion of the Belfast Bikes Scheme that Connswater Community Greenway be selected for the Castlereagh Road area and that, for the Upper Newtownards Road area, a visit be arranged to view the proposed sites and the suggested options of Sandown Road and Bloomfield Collegiate.

            The Committee:

·        approved the public advertisement of tenders as per Standing Order 37a, as detailed in Table 1 below;

·        approved the award of Single Tender Actions, in line with Standing Order 55 exceptions, as detailed in Table 2 below; and

·        noted the award of retrospective Single Tender Actions, in line with Standing Order 55 exceptions, as detailed in Table 3 below.

Table 1: Competitive Tenders

Table 2: Single Tender Actions

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Shared City Partnership of 9th January, including the recommendations:

PEACE IV

CYP 1 - Tech Connects – Insights Element (Belfast Metropolitan College)

·        to extend the project to 31st March 2023, subject to provisions for the Council’s closure period.

            CYP 3 - On the Right Track Sports Element

·        to explore project closure, subject to agreement with Council management and the Special EU Programmes Body; and

·        to agree that the £5 per completed participant underclaimed by the Active Communities Network be reviewed and eligible payment progressed.

CYP 5 - NIHE Local Area Network Partner Delivery

·        to note the preliminary level of achievement; and

·        to delegate authority to the CYP and BPR Thematic Chairs and Programme Manager to progress discussions with the Special EU Programmes Body, with a further report to presented to the Partnership in February, 2023.

SSS Theme

·        to approve the reallocation of funding for the resource allocation.

BPR 1 - NIHE

·        to note the preliminary level of achievement;

·        to delegate authority to the BPR Thematic Chair and Programme Manager to progress discussions with the Special EU Programmes Body, with a further report to be presented to the Partnership in February, 2023; and

·          to extend the BPR1 project to 28th February, 2023 to maximise the achievement of targets, subject to agreement with the Special EU Programmes Body.

BPR 3 – NICVA

·        to note the on-the-spot verification which had taken place on 7th December, 2022.

BPR 5 - LINCS

·        to note that the project had completed with a small, localised event on 9th December, 2022.

BPR 5 - ROMA

·        to note that the final event was held at Ormeau Bowling centre on Monday 19th December 2022.

GOOD RELATIONS

Good Relations Audit:

·        to submit both the Good Relations Audit and accompanying Good Relations Action Plan to The Executive Office for delivery during 2023/24.

Good Relations Action Plan

·        to note the update for Quarter 3 2022/23.

PEACEPLUS

·        to approve the process for finalising the Stage 1 report, including the Partnership’s participation in an in-person workshop on 19th January.

The Committee noted the contents of a report providing a summary of equality screenings and rural needs impact assessments for the period from July to September, 2022.  

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Party Group Leaders’ Consultative Forum of 12th January.

            The Committee adopted the recommendations in respect of those applications received up to 6th January, as set out below:

(Councillor McLaughlin to raise)

            At the request of Councillor McLaughlin, the Committee agreed, in light of the failure by the Council to secure Round 2 Levelling Up Funding for 2 Royal Avenue and to submit any applications under Round 1, that a report be submitted to its next monthly meeting outlining the lessons learned and providing feedback on the unsuccessful application.

(Councillor McLaughlin to raise)

            At the request of Councillor McLaughlin, the Committee agreed that a report be submitted to its next monthly meeting outlining the reasons for the delay in processing the significant backlog of applications for the erection of dual-language street signs which had been received since the implementation of the revised Policy.

            The Chief Executive apologised to the Members and to the public for the issues which had arisen over the Christmas period around missed bin collections and provided an assurance that work was underway to ensure that, in future, the service met the needs and expectations of all users.