Agenda and minutes

            Apologies were reported from Councillors Cobain, de Faoite and Long.

            The minutes of the meeting of 21st and 28th June 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 July, subject to the omission of those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee.

            Councillors Beattie, Black, M. Donnelly, Duffy, R. McLaughlin and Nelson declared an interest in item 2f – Discretionary Payments in that they worked for or were associated with organisations which had submitted applications and left the meeting whilst the item was under discussion.

            The information contained in the reports associated with the following thirteen 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 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 also reminded that the content of ‘restricted’ reports and any discussion which took place during closed session must be treated as ‘confidential information’ and that no such information should be disclosed to the public as per Paragraph 4.15 of the Code of Conduct.  

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

            She reported that, as at 30th June, 2024, 211 staff had been filling posts on a temporary basis, 121 of whom had substantive Council posts to return to when no longer required. The other 90 were fixed term contract employees who did not have a substantive post to return to. Between 1st April and 30thJune, 22 staff had joined the Council on a temporary contract, with 9 having a substantive post and 13 being on fixed term contracts.

            She reported further that 215 agency assignees had been engaged by the Council as at 30 June, 33 of whom were seasonal workers. She outlined the cost of employing agency assignees for the three-month period ending on 30th June and pointed out that this did not represent a financial burden, as it was met through departmental underspends.

            From 1st April 2024 to 30th June 2024 there were 136 appointments made. As of 30th June 2024, there were an additional 40 posts in transition (at public advertisement / internal trawl stage; shortlisting and/or interview stage; pre-employment checking stage, etc.

            The Director then stated that the Corporate Contract Manager, who had been in post since February, had established regular compliance and challenge meetings across Departments, with a view to driving down long-term agency usage and that data was being reviewed to assess the potential for creating some permanent flexible roles.

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided.

            The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the report and agreed that the matter be included on the agenda of the Members’ workshop on financial planning which was scheduled to be held in September.

            The Committee noted:

·        the progress on the work programme for the Organisational Reviews and Change portfolio and timescales going forward;

·        the update on the Pay and Grading Review; and

·        the update to business planning for Continuous Improvement for the current financial year.

            The Director of Finance submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report providing information on the financial position for Quarter 1 2024/25.

            He reported that, at the end of Quarter 1, the financial position for the Council had shown an underspend of £1.8m, representing 3.8% of the net expenditure budget.The Quarter 1 Departmental forecast was an underspend of £169k, representing 0.1% of the net expenditure budget.

            The Director then provided updates on the 2024/25 reserves position, additional vat receipts, the rates finalisation 204/25 and the capital projects.

            The Committee noted:

·        the Quarter 1 financial position; and

·        the half year Treasury Management report.

            The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the assessment of the key financial factors which would influence the development of the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan for 2025/26 - 2028/29 and the rate setting process for 2025/26, together with an overview of the priorities and work in progress to establish the 2025/26 - 2028/29 Efficiency Programme.

            The Committee:

·        noted the challenges to be taken into consideration as part of the annual and medium-term rate setting; and

·        agreed that the same district rate increase would be levied on domestic and non-domestic properties.

            The Director of Finance submitted a report which provided details on the outcome of the assessment of Discretionary payment applications received during July and August 2024 and which sought agreement in relation to the award of the grant.

            The Committee:

1)     noted the number of applications received and the total funding requested; and

2)     agreed the payment of grant to those who scored over 50%.

            The Committee noted that an update on the initial Expression of Interest / Soft Market Testing Exercise in respect of the Ground Foor of 2 Royal Avenue was presented to the City Growth and Regeneration Committee on 7 August 2024, and noted the next steps on commencing detailed discussions with interested parties which would be reported back to the City Growth and Regeneration and Strategic Policy and Resources Committees in Autumn 2024 for consideration.

            The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the ongoing development of a Low Emission Vehicle Strategy for Belfast City Council and which sought approval to move forward with an initial first phase to assess the commercial viability of council owned assets for possible Electric Vehicle investment.

The Committee:

(i)          noted the emerging draft Belfast City Council Low Emission Strategy;

(ii)         noted that detailed financial modelling was ongoing to understand the implications of implementing the emerging draft strategy and that a further report would be brought back to the Committee;

(iii)       agreed that officers progress with phase 1 and phase 2 of the strategy, which would support a commercial assessment and market testing of Council land assets to understand potential scope to bring forward for possible locations for low emissions infrastructure investment; and 

(iv)       noted that a further report would be brought back to Committee on phase 1 and phase 2. 

            The Committee considered a report, the purpose of which was to provide Members with a progress update on the Wider University and Lower Ormeau Intervention and the development of a shared multi-agency action plan; to request Members to consider the approach for securing resources to deliver the 4-year action plan, the need of which had been further amplified given recent protests and violence which had severely impacted vulnerable people within the area and increased community tensions and the sense of safety; and to highlight and seek the views of Members in relation to a number of objections that have been received from LANI and the wider landlord community in relation to the emerging action plan, alleygating scheme and LIF environmental improvement project.

            After discussion, it was

            Moved by Councillor McDonough-Brown,

            Seconded by Councillor Groogan,

      That should the contributions being requested from the other partners in the Inter-Agency Group for the continued funding of the post of Intervention Manager be not forthcoming, then the remining budget in the discretionary fund be used for this purpose.

            On a vote four Members voted for the proposal and 10 Members against and it was declared lost.

            Accordingly, the Committee:

(i)        noted the progress update in relation to the development and delivery of the Wider University and Lower Ormeau (WULO) Intervention;

(ii)      noted the objections raised from LANI and the wider landlord community in relation to the WULO Action Plan;

(iii)     granted approval to publicly launch the WULO Action Plan, with the omission of LANI as being a support partner to the plan;

(iv)     agreed to write to the Inter-Agency Group partners seeking funding contributions towards the proposed extension of the Area Intervention Manager up to 2028 which was aligned to the 4-year action plan; and

(v)      agreed, in principle, the Council’s funding contribution towards the Area Intervention Manager position.

            (On the advice of the City Solicitor, the Members of the Planning Committee, that is, Councillors Ferguson, Garrett, Groogan, Murphy and Whyte left the meeting whilst part (ii) was under discussion.  Councillor R. McLaughlin took the Chair.)

            The Committee:

i)            Knocknagoney Linear Park – Boundary Rectification

-             approved the rectification of lands at Knocknagoney Linear Park.

ii)          The Lighthouse Building, Gasworks Estate – Change of Use from Office to Residential Use

-             deferred consideration of a change of use from office to residential to enable a further report to be submitted on the type of residential property and the land contamination.

iii)         Blythefield Multi Sports Pitch and Pavilion – Lease Variation

-             approved the lease variation to Greater Village Regeneration Trust re the insurance and maintenance liabilities on the Blythefield multi-sports pitch and pavilion.

iv)         Ormeau Embankment – Notification of Footpath Adoption

-             noted the notification of the footpath adoption at Ormeau Embankment by the Department for Infrastructure.

v)          Fullerton Park – Lease Renewal

-             approved the Lease Renewal of a site lease at Fullerton Park to Dunmurry Young Men’s Football Club.

vi)         Olympia – Update on Commercial Development Sites & New Lease Agreement

-             noted the update to the commercial development sites to Lidl NI Limited.

-             approved that a lease is entered into between the Council and NIE on a portion of the Olympia site to facilitate a NIE sub-station to service the development.

vii)       The Keep Cornmarket Concept Store- Licence

-             agreed in-principle to enter into an agreement with DFI to facilitate additional security measures on the pavement outside the proposed new occupiers concept store with a further agreement to be entered into between Council and the occupier regarding the upkeep of the works.

            The Director of Property and Projects submitted a report which provided details of correspondence which had been received from NI Water in respect of its constraints and which outlined the potential impacts of this for the city, along with the Council’s proposed response.  The Committee:

(i)          noted the correspondence received from NI Water regarding budgetary constraints and the potential impact of this for Belfast;

(ii)         noted the next steps as outlined at paragraphs 3.4-3.6 of the report; and

(iii)        agreed to invite the Chief Executive of NI Water to attend a future meeting of the Committee and noted that this would be raised with the Minister of Infrastructure as part of the All-Party meeting at the start of October. 

            The Committee deferred consideration of the new operating model and revenue structure for the Belfast Bikes Scheme to enable Party briefings to take place.

            The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the Peace Programme, namely, Peace Plus and the Peace IV Programme.

            The Committee noted the following:

Peace Programmes

-        the significant investment that has been secured to date for Belfast under the Peace programmes (Peace – Peace Plus) of over £60m which had delivered significant and transformational projects across the city.

Peace Plus Programme

-        Theme 1.1 – Local Action Plan – that the Council’s Local Action Plan for Belfast under Theme 1.1 had been approved and represented an investment of over £15.1m in the city and would cover three themes as laid out in paragraphs 3.5-3.7 of the report.

-        Theme 1.4 – that SEUPB’s Steering Group was due to meet in September to determine the outcome of applications under this Theme which included the Council’s proposals for the reimagining of Waterworks and Alexandra Park.

Peace IV Programme

-        the updates on the Peace IV programme projects and the update on the procurement issue at Black Mountain Shared Space.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       At the SP&R committee on 24th March 2023 the Committee was advised that the Standards and Business Committee, at its meeting on 21st February 2023, had referred the following motion which had been proposed by Councillor Spratt and seconded by Councillor Bunting:

“This Council will amend maternity leave provision for mothers of babies defined as premature so that maternity leave will not commence until the certified due date of the child. All/any leave required from delivery date of a premature baby by parents will be considered compassionate leave and not reduce an employee’s right to standard parental leave.”

1.2       The SP&R Committee adopted the motion, and it was forwarded to The Director of Human Resources to review / action.

            This report informs Committee of the outcome of the consultation with the trade unions and the development of a proposed Neonatal Leave and Pay Policy which will be implemented in September 2024.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        Note the agreed Neonatal Leave and Pay Policy and to agree to the implementation of the policy for all staff with immediate effect.  

3.0       Main report

3.1       Commencement of Maternity Leave

3.1       As maternity leave and pay provisions are a statutory right and the entitlement to maternity leave and pay is enshrined within legislation, including when maternity leave must begin, i.e. no later than the day of the birth (regardless if the child is born prematurely), Council are unable to amend the commencement date of a new mother’s (or the equivalent for an adopter/ surrogate) maternity leave to that of the expected due date as opposed to the date of the birth.  However, there is no restriction upon the Council providing another form of leave which can be added on to the end of maternity leave to enhance the time a mother has to spend with her new-born child.

On 24th May 2023 a new Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Bill became law and will come to effect in 2025 in England, Scotland and Wales.  This is not applicable in Northern Ireland.

In addition, Neonatal Leave is included within the current consultation on the Department for the Economy’s “Good Jobs” Employment Rights Bill.

            Despite this, there is no restriction upon the Council developing its own policy to allow for the provision of this additional leave and therefore consultation was commenced with the trade unions through the Council’s Industrial Relations Framework to seek to develop a policy which would offer this provision to staff.

3.2       Neonatal Leave and Pay Policy

Following consultation between management and trade unions a Neonatal Leave and Pay Policy was agreed by JNCC on 20th June 2024. 

The policy provides additional leave for staff, whereby they have a newborn child who has spent time in a neonatal care unit following birth.  This will ensure such parents have the opportunity to spend the same amount of time at home with their  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3a

            The Committee was reminded that, at the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee meeting held on 19th April, 2024, it was agreed to write to the Minister for Communities requesting that the Anti-Poverty Strategy be brought forward as quickly as possible.

            The Committee was advised that a response has been received from Mr. Carl Savage, Deputy Director Central Policy Division, Department for Communities.

            In his response he advises “Minister Lyons is committed to delivering long-term, sustainable solutions to poverty in all its forms for our communities right across Northern Ireland and ensuring the best possible future for those suffering socio-economic disadvantage.

            The Minister will be engaging with his Executive colleagues over the coming weeks and months to identify and implement effective and sustainable actions that will address the issues faced by all living in poverty within Northern Ireland.

            The intention is for a draft Anti-Poverty Strategy to be brought to the Executive as soon as possible, taking account of the current delivery environment and Executive and Ministerial priorities.

            Final decisions on the content and implementation of the Anti-Poverty Strategy will be subject to Executive agreement.”

            The Committee was advised that officers would continue to work with colleagues from DfC to seek to maximise the draw-down of available funding to support those affected by the cost-of-living crisis through the Hardship Programme. The Council would also continue to raise awareness and create referral pathways to existing support services which might be available through the annual publication of the cost-of-living guide.

            The Committee noted the response.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting held on 19th April, 2024, it was agreed to write to Mr John O’Dowd, Minister for Infrastructure, to communicate the Council’s support for Trademarket moving to Bankmore Square as an important catalyst for local business activity and as a unique offering to tourists, and ask that the Department ask Linen Quarter BID to surrender their lease and award Trademarket the lease of Bankmore Square, with all the due diligence required, from July 2024 in order to protect jobs and reduce any disruption to their business and the dozens of small independent businesses which rely on Trademarket.

            The Committee was advised that a response had been received from Ms Mary Toner, Lands Branch, Department for Infrastructure.

            In her response she advises that” the area of land in question is not surplus to the Department’s requirements. You are aware that the Department has already entered arrangements with another party (Linen Quarter BID) in respect of this land. The Department will not be seeking to terminate its licence agreement with Linen Quarter BID as there has been no breach of their obligations.”

Noted.

            The Committee was reminded that, at the Standards and Business Committee meeting held on 28th March, 2024, it was agreed to write to Translink advising them of a Notice of Motion in connection with bilingual signage at Weavers Cross.

            The Committee was informed that a response had previously been received from Mr. Chris Conway, Group Chief Executive of Translink, dated 7th May, which noted that Translink was planning a series of meetings with a range of interested parties, where they would listen carefully to all viewpoints and consider a response once this process had been completed.

            The Committee was advised that a further response had subsequently been received, dated 18th July, again from Mr. Chris Conway, Group Chief Executive Translink, advising that, during recent weeks, representatives had met with a wide variety of groups, including Conradh na Gaeilge, Foras na Gaeilge, Ulster-Scots Agency/Board o Ulster Scots, Sinn Féin, DUP, and Belfast South Community Resources to discuss the issue.  He detailed that Translink’s position had been consistent throughout all meetings, a desire to listen to the issues raised and look for solutions.

            In conclusion the correspondence advises that further dialogue on this issue within and between communities and political representatives will be required to reach a solution.

            The Committee noted the response.

            The City Solicitor advise the Members that Correspondence had been received from the Department of Health advising that work was underway on the development and implementation of the Integrated Care System for Northern Ireland (ICS NI).

            The letter indicated it had been agreed that council representation on Area Integrated Partnership Boards would be undertaken by local councillors. Therefore, the Department was now seeking to secure one local government representative from each relevant council within each shadow AIPB area, which would include one from Belfast City Council

            This fell under the appointments to outside bodies under the St. Lague Order of Choices.

            In accordance with the decision of the SP&R Committee 21/6/19 which “agreed a process to deal with any additional requests from outside bodies for Council representation during the Council term, in that the Party or Parties who would have had the next available choice(s) under the Saint Lague table would be asked to nominate a representative(s)”.

            Accordingly, the positions will be offered in the instance to the next Party on the list, namely, the DUP.

            The Committee acceded the request to appoint to the Integrated Care System NI Area Integrated Partnership Board and noted that the nomination would be made in accordance with Committee’s decision of 26th June, 2023 in relation to additional appointments to outside bodies.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1            To consider amendments to Standing Orders to allow all meetings of the Council and its Committees to be held in a hybrid format, that is in-person and remotely.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is asked to agree the amendments to Standing Orders and to approve the Supplement to Standing Orders – Remote Meetings Protocol and Procedure Rules.

3.0       Main Report

            Background

3.1       Members will be aware that The Local Government (Remote Meetings) Regulations (Northern Ireland) “The Regulations” 2024 came into effect from 25th June 2024.

3.2       The Regulations makes provision for remote attendance at council and committee meetings by members of a council and requires the council to make standing orders regarding the decision to hold the meeting remotely, the conduct of a meeting and access by the public.

3.3       By way of background, Members will be aware that the Council has always been supportive of the introduction of legislation to allow Councillors to attend meetings on a remote basis. The Council had previously responded to a Call for Evidence from the Department for Communities back in early 2022 indicating that it supported proposals to have legislation put in place which would allow remote/hybrid meetings to be held on a permanent basis, legislation which had previously been available temporarily under the Coronavirus Act 2020.

3.4       As recently as 19th April, 2024, the Committee had agreed to write to the Minister for Communities requesting that the Local Government (Remote Meetings) Regulations (NI) 2024 be brought forward as quickly as possible.

Amendments to Standing Orders

3.5       The Regulations state at paragraph:

(5) A council must make standing orders governing remote attendance at meetings of that council, which shall—

(a)      specify the basis or process for considering whether (including who is to assess or decide whether) council meetings should or are to be held remotely;

(b)      govern the arrangements for and conduct of such meetings whenever such meetings are to be held remotely; and

(c)      regulate –

(i)     the public’s access to such meetings, and

(ii)   the availability to the public of documents pertaining to such meetings,

whenever such meetings are to be held remotely.

3.6       Regarding 5(a), given the Council’s previous views on the holding of remote meetings, it is suggested that Standing Orders should be amended to provide that the default position is that all meetings of the Council and its Committees shall be held remotely, that is, in a hybrid format so that Members may attend in person or remotely.

3.7       For 5 (b) the arrangements and conduct of meetings shall be governed by the Supplement to Standing Orders – Remote Meetings Protocol and Procedure Rules (set out in appendix 1).

3.8       In relation to 5(c), the public can access all Council and Committee meetings in-person.  In addition, these meeting are streamed live and can be accessed through the Council’s website.  All papers will be uploaded through the software as per normal procedures and this is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4b

            The Committee agreed that the post Director of Economic Development be recruited on a permanent basis and that the selection panel for the post comprise the Chairperson of the SP&R Committee: the Deputy Chairperson of the SP&R Committee (or their nominees); and one additional elected member from the DUP; along with the Chief Executive (or his nominee) and the Strategic Director of Place and Economy.    

            (Ms. W. Langham, Programme Director, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Programme Director submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1            Purpose of the report

-        Update Members on the Belfast Stories programme as part of the Belfast Region City Deal including design work undertaken to date as part of RIBA Design stages 1 & 2.

-        Outline activity to support the next phase of development up to the end of RIBA Design stage 2 and the submission of the Outline Business Case.

-        To note a 12-week public consultation on emerging designs including an Equality Impact Assessment and Rural Needs Assessment.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

-             Note a 12-week public consultation on emerging concept designs for Belfast Stories, to run from 26th September until 19th December 2024.

-             Agree that a Members’ workshop take place during the public consultation.

-             Note that a report in December 2024 will be submitted to approve the submission of the Outline Business Case (OBC) to the Department for Economy (DfE) to secure a contract for funding as part of the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD).

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Members will be aware that Belfast Stories is the Council’s flagship project under the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) and is due to open 2030. Positioned as a tourism anchor, Belfast Stories is set to deliver significant economic and social impact for Belfast and beyond helping to regenerate the city centre and connect the tourism offer to the neighbourhoods.

3.2       A dedicated Programme Management Office within the Council has been operational since 2020 and the team provides regular updates to Committees and to the Belfast Stories Members Working Group. 

3.3       In March 2024, an update was provided to SPR Committee outlining work undertaken to date and the appointment of design teams including the architectural team which is a partnership between Oslo-based Snøhetta and Belfast based TODD Architects. Gleeds was also appointed to oversee project management and design assurance.

3.4       In April 2024 Ralph Applebaum Associates (RAA) was appointed to head up the Experience Design Team to deliver the Interpretive Masterplan and Concept Design through to the end of the current project stage. The teams have been working together towards the delivery of RIBA stage 2 concept designs by the end of March 2025.

Programme activities and key milestones 2024

3.5       The focus in 2024 is the development of the design brief and concept designs for the experience and build and the development of the Outline Business Case (OBC) for submission to the Department for the Economy (DfE) for BRCD funding, which is expected to be submitted January 2025, subject to Council approval.

3.6       Key milestones in 2024 are as follows:

-        Development of the Project Brief RIBA 1 by Q1 2024 - complete

-        Concept Design (experience and build) RIBA 2 - Q2 & Q3 2024 - ongoing

-        Establish the Belfast Stories Network by Q1 2024 - complete

-        Stories Pilot by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5b

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1            This report is to provide an update to Committee on the progress of the Belfast Region City Deal (BRCD) and seek approval for the BRCD Annual Report 2023/24.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        Approve the BRCD Annual Report for 2023/24

·        Note the update in relation the Implementation and Financial Plan

·        Note the update in respect of programme communication and the BRCD Council Panel

3.0       Main report

            Annual Report 2023/24

3.1       As previously reported to Members, the agreed reporting arrangements for all City and Growth Deals requires the production of an Annual Report and the requirement to meet with the Northern Ireland Delivery Board in order to discuss deal progress as part of an ‘Annual Conversation’. 

3.2       The annual report has been produced for 2023/24 and outlines the significant progress made now that the deal is fully into delivery.  The report provides an update on the progress of all the BRCD projects across its pillars of investment, and key highlights as of 31 March 2024 include:

·        A total of fifteen projects with Outline Business Cases (OBC) now approved.

·        The first Full Business Case (FBC) was approved for the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) project in March 2024 marking a significant milestone for deal delivery.  This was followed shortly thereafter with approval for the FBC for Studio Ulster.

·        Nine Contracts for Funding (CfF) and Funding Agreements (FA) have been signed with an approximate value of £500m. These signed contracts for funding which include, Studio Ulster, Carrickfergus Regeneration, Bangor Waterfront, Newry City Centre Regeneration, AMIC, Momentum One Zero, iReach Health, Augment the City and Digital Twin, will enable project delivery.

·        As the Accountable Body for the Deal, BCC has paid out £5.2m of claims to individual projects up to March 2024, with the most advanced projects now recruiting and upskilling staff, constructing new premises, co-designing projects with industry, procuring next generation technology and equipment and moving fully into operation.

·        This year has seen key recommendations brought forward through the advanced manufacturing skills assessment for the projects associated with Advanced Manufacturing. Skills assessments for the Creative Industries (Virtual Production) and Digital sectors are also now in progress.

·        The Infrastructure projects, which have so far received £350k from BRCD funding are also progressing well towards the delivery phase.

·        Launched in December 2022, the Belfast Region City Deal website www.belfastregioncitydeal.co.uk  continues to be regularly updated with programme and project information, as well as the latest news and events. 27 key news and events announcements were uploaded to the BRCD website during the year.

3.3       The Annual Report, which was approved by the BRCD Executive Board on 12th June 2024, is attached at Appendix 1 for Members’ consideration.   The individual BRCD partners will also be seeking approval for the Annual Report through their own governance structures. The report will be formally published after all approvals have been secured (and is therefore restricted until then).

3.4  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5c

            The Committee considered a report which sought approval for the draft Corporate Plan 2024-25 and which provided an update on the process which was underway to develop the new four-year Corporate Plan.

            The Committee:

                  i.          agreed the draft Corporate Delivery Plan (2024-25) as attached at Appendix 1 to the report;

                ii.          noted the refreshed focus on measuring impact of the annual delivery plan through setting, monitoring and reporting against KPIs; and

               iii.          approved the proposed next steps in relation to development of the new Corporate Plan, including the proposed Members’ workshop in late September / October.

            (Mr. K. Heaney, Head of Inclusive Growth and Ant-Poverty, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Members were reminded that an update had been provided to the Committee in June 2024 on the need for and positive impact of the £1million+ hardship scheme implemented in the 2023/2024 year which was fully funded by the Department for Communities.  The Members were also reminded that the Council had fully funded and delivered a £1million Fuel Hardship Programme in 2022/23.

            At the meeting in June, Members had been informed that, whilst some underspend from previous years was available to support a hardship programme in 2024/2025, the amount available was £100,773, which was significantly lower than previous years.

            As agreed by the Committee, the Council had issued correspondence to the Department for Communities seeking confirmation as to whether any in-year funding allocation for hardship would be made available to the Council and highlighting the need for a longer-term commitment to such funding by the Department and NI Executive.

            A response had been received from the Permanent Secretary of DFC, Mr Colum Boyle.  The correspondence stated that, given the very constrained financial/budgetary position and competing priorities, the Department was currently unable to provide any hardship funding for 2024/25.  It also confirmed that it would not be possible at this time to consider a recurrent hardship funding model.

            The Committee had previously agreed significant grant funding to support the social supermarket network across the city which provides direct support to those in need. Members were also advised that officers were working with key support agencies across the city to host a exhibition event in City Hall in late October / early November which would acknowledge and showcase the important work being done across the city to help people in poverty. The event would enable key service providers and support organisations to network with each other, to explore possibilities to collaborate and importantly to understand the referral pathways to key areas of support which exist for vulnerable people. Elected Members would receive an invite to the event when details are confirmed.

            The Committee:

(i)          noted the contents of this report, including the recent response received from the Department for Communities;

(ii)         noted the current budget position (£100,773) in relation to the development and delivery of a hardship programme in 2024/25; and

(iii)        noted the planned exhibition and awareness event to be held in Belfast City Hall for those agencies and partners which provided support and advice; with invites to be issued to Elected Members.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report

1.1       To update Members on the work underway in support of Belfast’s membership of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities and the repositioning of this work in the context of community planning.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are asked to:

i)            note the ongoing work being taken forward in support of the city’s designation as a UNESCO Learning City including the cross sectoral partnership in place.

ii)          note the £25k funding secured through the Public Health Agency in support of the Belfast Learning Cities initiative.

iii)        note the proposed theme of ‘Connect’ for the 2024-2025 Belfast Festival of Learning.

iv)        consider and agree, subject to SP&R approval, the proposed £40k funding to be allocated from existing budgets within City and Organisational Strategy to support the Belfast Learning Cities programme.

v)          consider and agree, subject to SP&R approval, the proposed £20k allocation to set aside to support opportunities for celebrating success or enabling access to learning opportunities across the city with up to £4,000 available N/S/E/W/Shankill.

vi)        consider and agree the proposed open call for small grant funding (up to a maximum of £500) to support community groups to design and delivery events as part of the Belfast Learning Cities Festival.

3.0       Key Issues

            Background

3.1       Members will be aware that Belfast joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities in 2018 in recognition of the City’s commitment to promoting and encouraging lifelong learning for people of all ages.  Within The Belfast Agenda, we have a vision that our city should be a great place for everyone to live and providing lifelong learning opportunities is a core part of this. Learning has the potential to transform lives for the better- it can build better relationships and help enhance quality of life for everyone in the city.

3.2       Whilst Belfast continues to play its role as a member of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities as well as a member of an All-Island Network of Learning Cities, it is felt there is a real opportunity to build on Belfast’s Learning City status and to bring city stakeholders together to reenergise our focus and maximise the opportunities presented.  Under the auspices of community planning, a cross-sectoral ‘Learning Cities Leadership Group’ currently exists and comprises representatives from QUB, UU, BMET, BHSCT, PHA, Education Authority, Libraries NI, community partners and Council.  Other key partners, including the Open University and Belfast Healthy Cities, are engaged and plan to join the Leadership Group.

3.3            Emerging programme of work 2024-2025

i.       Belfast Learning Festival 2025

A key focus of the annual programme of work has been a ‘Festival of Learning’ which is a week-long programme of free interactive and engaging events for local residents and partners. A thematic approach was adopted for the recent festival (held on 22-27 April 2024) which brought focus to the climate challenges facing the city and our communities through the delivery of120+ events across the city and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5f

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

“1.0     Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1            The report provides an update on the work being taken forward to scale up the Belfast Business Promise including proposals to support organisations become JAM card friendly and adopt practices which supports those who may have a hidden disability or communication barrier.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

(i)          note the work being progressed in relation to the refinement of the Belfast Business Promise and the increase in the number of organisations becoming supporters; and

(ii)        consider and agree the proposed establishment of a seed-fund/bursary (up to a value of £27,480) to support up to 80 organisations over a 2-year period to achieve JAM card friendly status, enabling them to become more inclusive.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       The Committee will be aware of the pioneering work which has been taken forward to develop, pilot and scale-up the Belfast Business Promise (BBP).  As a key commitment in the Council’s Inclusive Growth Strategy and Belfast Agenda, the BBP is an accreditation for employers working to improve Belfast. It encourages, supports and recognises excellence and its flexibility makes sure all employers can take part, regardless of size or sector.  The scheme has created a growing community of organisations committed to improving how they do business together.

3.2       The BBP is a demonstration of effective partnership working across sectors and across Council in designing, implementing, and securing commitment to the model.  In May 2024, the Committee noted the positive response and commitment from businesses of all sizes and sectors during the first year of operation.  There are currently 49 organisations committed as BBP Supporters (refer to Appendix 1 attached)

3.3       The BBP is a commitment from organisations to inclusive business practices and work towards achieving eight pledges including three core pledges which all businesses are committed to  (refer to Appendix 2 attached).  An underpinning accreditation process has been developed in conjunction with key Council Departments, partner organisations such as the Labour Relations Agency and external advisers, including those with expertise and experience in auditing quality standards (IiP, EFQM and ISO standards). This enables organisations to benchmark their performance and practice against the eight pledges and gain support from the Belfast Business Promise community and network to continually improve.

3.4       In delivering the BBP and engaging with businesses and employers, a key area identified for possible improvement related to enhancing the accessibility to services for those with disabilities (including hidden disabilities). In response, and working alongside BBP partners, including the Equality Commission and the NOW Group, the following standard for organisations has been attached to core pledge 2 (Working in partnership with our communities):

“Ensure services are accessible and inclusive for those with disabilities (including hidden disabilities) through, for example, JAM Card membership (or equivalent)”

Just A Minute (JAM)

3.5       Members may be aware of the Just A Minute (JAM) Card, an award-winning initiative which originated within Belfast.  The JAM Card is a discrete  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5g

            The Committee noted the contents of a report which provided an update on Planning Performance.  The report set out how current performance challenges were being addressed through the Planning Service’s updated Improvement Plan.

            The Committee noted the report.

            The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services submitted the undernoted report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report

1.1            To update Members on City Innovation initiatives and to seek approval on a number of key projects developing over the next few months.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

1.     Note the launch of the £277,000 Belfast 5G competition call aimed at businesses across the Belfast Region.

2.     Note plans to test and launch the Immersive experience within the City Hall Exhibition in late September – and the invitation to Members to attend a preview on 20th September.

3.     Note the launch of the Augment the City Phase Two funding call in September with approx. £50,000 available to up to five companies.

4.     Note ongoing discussions to support an ‘meanwhile use’ inclusive innovation hub at Weaver's Cross.

5.     To approve the development of a collaborative area-based inclusive innovation project with Queen’s University’s Communities and Place team.

6.     To note the request to work with Connected Places Catapult on forthcoming Horizon Europe inclusive innovation calls.

3.0       Main report

3.1       The Smart Belfast urban innovation programme encourages innovative collaboration between government, industry, SMEs, academia and communities. The aim is to harness digital innovation to address public policy challenges, while at the same time encouraging greater investment in innovation to stimulate economic growth. The following initiatives seek to contribute to both these aims:

3.2       (1) Belfast 5G Innovation Regions competition

As part of the Belfast 5G Innovation Regions programme, funded by the Dept for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), Belfast City Council has launched a £277,000 competition aimed at businesses across the Belfast City Deal region.

3.3       The competition is designed to encourage the early commercial adoption of advanced wireless connectivity. The Council published full guidance on 20 August and the competition has already received 50 expressions of interest. Funded projects will run from October until March 2025 (when the main Belfast IR programme is due to end).

            (2) Belfast City Hall Immersive experience

3.4       Work is almost complete on the augmented reality immersive experience within the existing City Hall exhibition (located in three rooms on the east side of City Hall). This is a significant collaborative R&D project with BT Northern Ireland.

3.5       Work is also underway on arrangements to manage the experience which is expected to go live in late September and run for six months. Officers are planning a Members preview on the afternoon of 20 September following the next SPR meeting. (An invite will be issued to Members once details are confirmed.

            (3) Augment the City Challenge competition

3.6       This City Deal funded competition is providing £575,000 across three phases to up ten organisations to work directly with the team from Belfast Stories to explore the role of immersive technologies in supporting individuals to contribute their stories to future Belfast Stories collection. The aim is to inform the future procurement and design of digital solutions for managing the story-collection aspects of Belfast Stories.

3.7       Ten organisations received £10,000 each in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5i

            The Director of Property and Projects submitted for the Committee’s consideration the undernoted report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The Council’s Physical Programme currently includes over 200 capital projects with investment of £150m+ via a range of internal and external funding streams, together with projects which the Council delivers on behalf of external agencies. The Council’s Capital Programme forms part of the Physical Programme and is a rolling programme of investment which either improves existing Council facilities or provides new facilities. This report presents requests for stage movement approvals under the Capital Programme, along with updates on capital letters of offer and contracts awarded.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·             Capital Programme - Waste Plan - Expansion of kerbside glass collection – Agree that the project is moved to Stage 3 – Committed with a maximum budget of up to £802,000 and that necessary procurement processes (including the invitation of tenders and/or the use of appropriate ‘framework’ arrangements) be initiated with contract to be awarded on the basis of most economically advantageous tenders received and full commitment to deliver.

·             Capital Programme – IT Programme – Folder Inserter Equipment – Agree that the project is moved to Stage 3 – Committed and held at Tier 0 – Scheme at Risk pending further development of the project 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 contract to be awarded on the basis of most economically advantageous tenders received and full commitment to deliver.

·             Shared Island Funding - that €46,620 in Shared Island funding has been secured as part of a joint funding application with Cork City Council to install solar photovoltaics (PV) on the roof of Donegal Pass Community Centre subject to acceptance of the grant offer.

·             Capital Letters of Offer – to note the update in relation to capital letters of offer in Q1 2024/25.

·             Contracts awarded – to note the update in relation to contracts awarded in Q1 2024/25.

3.0       Main report

            Key Issues

            Capital Programme - Proposed Movements

3.1       Members will be aware that the Council runs a substantial Physical Programme. This includes the rolling Capital Programme  – a multimillion regeneration programme of investment across the city which improves existing Council assets or provides new council facilities. Members are advised that the Property & Projects Department is happy to arrange a site visit to any projects that have been completed or are underway.

3.2       Members have agreed that all capital projects must go through a three-stage process where decisions on which capital projects progress are taken by the Committee. This provides assurance as to the level of financial control and will allow Members to properly consider the opportunity costs of approving one capital project over another capital project. Members are asked to note the following activity on the Capital Programme:

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1            The purpose of this report is to seek approval from the Committee on asset related disposal, acquisition, and estates matters.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       Community Asset Management Framework - Pilot Community Benefit Sites

The Committee is asked to:

-        note the update on the various pilot projects across the city under the Community Asset Management Framework pilot.

-        Note that a workshop will be undertaken with Members on the learning from the pilot to inform the Framework

3.0       Main Report

            Community Asset Management Framework - Pilot Community Benefit Sites

            Key Issues

3.1       Members will be aware that the Council has a long history of supporting community groups and third sector organisations to deliver services, doing so by permitting community management of council assets. It is believed that communities benefit not only from overall outcomes achieved but also through their direct involvement in the management and programming of community facilities.

3.2       Recognising this on 9th November 2021, the People and Communities Committee approved a number of pilot projects across the city using the draft community asset management framework and toolkit to identify future management models and maximise community benefits and ensure community management of council facilities can deliver on the outcomes of the Belfast Agenda.  The pilot projects were designed to cover a range of different asset types currently being managed within the community (leases, FMAs, partner agreements) and included assets already managed within the community and new or vacant assets. The range of functionality included community programming, sports development and youth and community support. This work has been carried out in conjunction with Development Trust Northern Ireland (DTNI) with the aim that it would help finalise a framework through which future similar requests.  An update on each pilot site is provided below.

3.3       Ulidia Playing Fields to Rosario Football Club - On the 21st October 2022, approval was granted by SP&R to progress with a lease to Rosario Football Club at Ulidia Playing Fields. This approval was informed by a business case led by DTNI which recommended that a 25-year lease at less than best value was the best option to ensure future development of the asset and delivery of sporting outcomes, provided the Club maintain the entire site except for the boundary fencing. This approval further included £20,000 per annum in financial support which shall be reviewed at year 5. There have been ongoing negotiations on the lease since this time with Rosario FC who had requested the inclusion of a number of provisions which were outside of the Committee approval of October 2022 (including freedom to set prices and exclusive use of the Playing Fields meaning there would be no public access) and which therefore could not be agreed to by the Council. Members are asked to note that the lease is now in an agreed form with Rosario FC in line with the prior Committee approval. The proposed next step is to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6b

            The Committee:

·             approved the public advertisement of tenders as per Standing Order 37a detailed in Appendix 1 (Table 1), with the exception of the Pest Control Services to enable a report on the reasons why it was not considered viable to provide these services in-house to be submitted to a future meeting.

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

Table 1: Competitive Tenders

            The Committee noted the Social Value Procurement Policy ‘SVPP’ Delivery Report.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes and recommendations from the Shared City Partnership Meeting held on 5th August 2024, including:

SCP Membership

·        Ms Laura Euler has replaced Ms Caroline McMenamin as the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust representative, and that Council has corresponded with the Bishop of Down and Connor Diocese seeking the faith representative for the SCP. 

Request for presentation by Cross-Departmental Working Group

·        SCP will receive a presentation at its meeting on 9 September regarding the work of the Cross-Departmental Working Group (CDWG) which has been established by The Executive Office in response to the recent escalation in racist hate incidents and crime in our communities. 

Good Relations Q1 Report and LoO Update

·        Note the Quarter 1 update on the delivery of the Council’s Good Relations Action Plan including the allocation of £158,851 in grants through the Good Relations Small Grant Scheme, listed in Appendix 2

·        Note receipt of the Letter of Offer from TEO for a reduced allocation of £369,809.69.

PEACEPLUS – Theme 1.1 - Local Action Plan Update

·        The Partnership agreed to recommend to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that they note the contents of the report

AOB – Recent Disturbances

·        A special SCP workshop to be convened to consider actions to address racism.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Party Group Leaders’ Consultative Forum of 15th August.

The Committee approved the recommendations as set out below:

            The Committee approved a request which had been submitted by PWC for the use of the City Hall Grounds on 27th September for a staff sleepout to raise awareness of homelessness.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Social Policy Working Group of 13th August.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Language Strategy Working Group of 8th August.

            In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor McAteer requested the Committee to agree to the following proposal:

“That this is Council recognises the vital role of Good Relations programmes in supporting reconciliation in a society recovering from conflict, bringing communities together, creating shared spaces, challenging sectarian, racism and other forms of prejudice, and promoting respect for all cultural identities; strongly condemns the recent violence and targeting of businesses; encourages greater support and investment for sporting and cultural events as a mechanism for uniting local communities; registers its disappointment that an enhanced and fully-funded regional Good Relations Strategy has not been prioritised since the restoration of the NI Assembly; and calls for a review of the progress of Good Relations programmes in Belfast City Council to be completed within 6 months.”

            The Committee acceded to the request.