Agenda and minutes

No apologies were reported.

            The minutes of the meeting of 20th September 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 October, subject to the omission of those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee.

            Councillor R. McLaughlin declared an interest in items 2g – Ending Violence against Women and Girls; and 3a – Council response to the NI Executive’s draft Programme for Government in that his partner was a Minister in The Executive Office and he left the meeting whilst these items were under discussion.

            Councillor Groogan declared an interest in item 2e – Update on Hardship Programme 2024/25 in that she was employed by the Forward South Partnership, and she left the meeting during discussion of the matter.

            Councillor McDonough-Brown declared an interest in item 2e – Update on Hardship Programme 2024/25 in that his partner was employed by Save the Children, and he left the meeting during discussion of the matter.

            Councillor Long declared an interest in item 3a – Council response to the NI Executive’s draft Programme for Government in that his wife was the Justice Minister and he left the meeting whilst the item was under discussion.

            Councillor Ferguson declared an interest in item 2f Asset Management, and he left the meeting while the item was being discussed.

            Councillor Black declared an interest in item 6a Physical Programme in that she was employed at the Grosvenor Recreation Centre, and she left the meeting during consideration of the item.

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

      Resolved – That the Committee agrees to exclude the members of the press and public from the meeting during discussion of the following 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 Finance submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report which provided an update on the key issues which influenced the rate setting process for 2025/26 and the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan for 2025/26 till 2028/29.  He advised that there were six key elements to the annual setting of the district rate which, under the requirements of the Local Government Finance act, must be struck by15th February, 2025. He then reviewed each of the areas which were Business as usual Revenue Estimates, the Efficiency Programme, Growth Proposals/Priority Areas, the Capital Finance Budget, the Estimated Penny Product and General Reserves.

            The Committee agreed:

·        to note the challenges since the last update to be taken into consideration as part of the annual and medium-term rate setting;

·        to receive monthly rate update reports to enable the striking of the district rate by February 2025; and

·        that £1million of VAT receipts be ringfenced towards the Hardship Fund.

            The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the report to enable Party Group briefings to be held.

            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 September, 2024, 237 staff had been filling posts on a temporary basis, 138 of whom had substantive Council posts to return to when no longer required. The other 99 were fixed term contract employees who did not have a substantive post to return to. Between 1st July and 30thSeptember, 34 staff had joined the Council on a temporary contract, with 19 having a substantive post and 15 being on fixed term contracts.

            She reported further that 239 agency assignees had been engaged by the Council as at 30th September, 33 of whom were seasonal workers. She outlined the cost of employing agency assignees for the three-month period ending on 30th September.

            From 1st July 2024 to 30th September 2024 there were 105 appointments made. As of 30th September 2024, there were an additional 67 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 Manage held monthly 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:

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

·        approved an Increase in the establishment within Place and Economy by one Grade 8 (P03) post to enable initial support for the Fleadh Cheoil.

            The Committee considered a report which provide an update on the current position in regard to the development and implementation of a 2024-25 Hardship Programme to support those vulnerable people impacted by the cost-of-living crisis across the city.

            The Committee:

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

                     ii.          noted the request from full Council, at its meeting in September, for the Committee to provide further consideration of a Hardship Programme for 2024/25.

                    iii.          agreed that the current budget available be allocated on the basis as set out at section 3.5 of the report;

                    iv.          agreed that the current Funding Agreement in place with National Energy Action (NEA) be extended to 31 March 2025 to enable the delivery of £30,000 support through the Belfast Warm and Well initiative;

                     v.          agreed that the allocation of any future funding that might become available in-year be subject to the allocation model as set out at section 3.9 of the reportand subject to discussion and consensus of the Members’ Cost-of-Living Working Group and the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee; and

                    vi.          noted the new ‘Cost-of-Living Support Guide’ and that a digital and hard copies would be made available to the Members.

            The Committee is asked to:

i)       Access to the Hills Ballygomartin Road South – Acquisition of Land

-        Approved the acquisition of approx. 0.12 acres of land at Ballygomartin Road South to facilitate one of the agreed Access to the Hills projects.

ii)     Ladas Drive – Disposal of Land

-        Approved the disposal of land at Ladas Drive to the Henderson Group.

iii)    Duncrue Estate – Deed of Variation

-        Approved the lease extension of Plot 20 Duncrue Estate to an unexpired term of 125 years from 2024 and approve a variation to the rent review clause to facilitate 5 yearly rent reviews.

iv)    Clonduff Community Centre – Licence Agreement

-        Approved the grant of a licence to Clonduff Football Club for the siting of a container at Clonduff Community Centre.

v)     Carnamore Park – Wayleave Agreement

-        Approved a wayleave agreement to the Education Authority for the installation of a foul water drainpipe at Carnamore Park.

vi)    Dromara Street – Licence Agreement

-        Approved a retrospective licence agreement with Phoenix Natural Gas.

            The Director of Neighbourhood Services submitted a report which provided details on the emerging proposals being brought forward by The Executive Office (TEO) in terms of the role of the Council in supporting the implementation of the recently published Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls and associated two-year delivery plan.

            The Committee noted:

                  i.          the intention of The Executive Office to bring forward proposals to provide funding to councils to support the implementation of the recently published Strategic Framework to end Violence Against Women and Girls;

                ii.          the related council resource requirements in terms of putting in place the necessary grant funding processes;

               iii.          agreed to TEO proposal that the Council adopt a lead role for the allocation of Strand 1 funding to support Belfast wide programme activities in-year and over 25/26 year; and

               iv.          agreed to TEO proposal that the Council adopt a lead role for the allocation of Strand 2 funding to support a regionally wide programme of activities in-year.

            The Committee:

-        noted the correspondence which had been received from Living with Water (LWW) on the outcome of the affordability review of the LWW in Belfast Plan; and

-        noted that officers were arranging a meeting with the LWW Team and that further information would be brought back to Members.

            (Ms. L. Toland, Senior Manager, Economy, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Strategic Director, Place and Economy, submitted a report which provided the Members of the Committee with an update on the support which had been provided to date for businesses by the riots on 3rd August and requesting the Committee to consider the next steps.

            The Committee:

·        noted the update on the businesses affected by the 3rd August riots;

·        agreed that officers should continue to engage with the individuals to help them re-establish or develop their business, including accessing all appropriate support mechanisms;

·        agreed that consideration be given to introducing additional security measures, such as CCTV, for those businesses; and

·        that a report be submitted to a future meeting regarding the possibility of providing bridging funding to support the businesses which had been affected.

            The Members were advised that a request had been received by Mr. B. Mulgrew, on behalf of the Cathedral Quarter Trust, to address the Committee in respect of the wider regeneration of the Cathedral Quarter area.

            The Cathedral Quarter Trust represented a range of businesses, sectors and groups which had expressed concerns regarding dereliction and the current condition of buildings in the area. The correspondence indicated that the Trust had held two recent public meetings, together with a summer school, to examine a range of alternative regeneration plans for the wider Cathedral Quarter, given the delays encountered with the Tribeca development.  The purpose of the presentation would be to outline such plans and to encourage dialogue amongst key stakeholders in the future development of the area.

            Move by Councillor de Faoite,

            Seconded by Councillor Groogan,

      That the Committees to accede to the request from the Cathedral Quarter Trust to make a presentation to the Committee.

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

            Accordingly, the Committee agreed that the presentation be made to the City Regeneration Members’ Working Group, given that that group had been established for that purpose.

            The Committee was asked to consider a request to receive a presentation from Grania Long, Chief Executive of the NIHE, in respect of the Belfast Housing Investment Plan 2023/26.

            The members were advised that the NIHE published Housing Investment Plans (HIPs) for each Council area, which sets out the organisation’s targets and ambitions over a three-year period. In addition, the HIPs inform Councils on the various programmes and initiatives that the Housing Executive and Housing Associations were developing to meet local housing needs.

            The Committee was reminded that the People and Communities Committee received representatives of NIHE on a yearly basis for a presentation in this regard, the last meeting took place on 3rd September.  Ms. Long had indicated in her request that a presentation to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee would provide an opportunity to provide further detail on NIHE’s new build programme for the Belfast area as part of its programme.

            The Committee agreed not to receive the presentation but that it instead be received by the Party Group Leaders’ Consultative Forum. 

            The Committee was informed that correspondence had been received from the Chief Executive of NILGA requesting that the Committee agree to receive a presentation in respect of its Leadership Programme for Elected Member Development.

            The correspondence explained that the Leadership Programme had been designed to provide Elected Members with a ‘co-ordinated toolkit of learning’ in accordance with the NILGA Political Skills Framework. It aimed also to develop the practical skills which were necessary to enable Members to improve their civic leadership skills in a local political environment.  The latest programme would commence in January 2025.

            The Committee agreed not to receive the presentation and noted that it had previously been made to the Party Group Leaders’ Consultative Forum.  

            The Committee noted that this item had been withdrawn from the agenda.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       To purpose of this report is to provide the Committee with a proposed draft Belfast City Council response (Appendix 1) to the NI Executive - Our Plan: Doing What Matters Most - Draft Programme for Government 2024-2027, which is provided at (Appendix 2) for your consideration.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The committee is requested to note and agree:

i.       the draft Belfast City Council response to the Northern Ireland Executive’s draft Programme for Government and agree to submit this response subject to any amendments of additional comments that the committee wish to provide.

ii.      to share this corporate response with the Northern Ireland Local Government Association, to inform their response which is being submitted on behalf of the wider local government sector.

iii.    to note that alongside providing this response to the Programme for Government unit in the Executive Office, officers are continuing to develop approaches to maximise the strategic positioning of the city within the context of the emerging Programme for Government and other strategies.

iv.    that a letter is sent to the TEO to accompany the response from Council to the PfG.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       On 5 September 2024, the Executive agreed a draft Programme for Government 2024-2027 ‘Our Plan: Doing What Matters Most’. Subsequently the Executive launched an 8-week public consultation on this draft Programme for Government, with the deadline for submissions 4 November 2024.

3.2       The content of the draft Programme for Government 2024 –  2027 is set out below for the committee’s information. The programme’s priorities and commitments are divided into three core sections:

·        Doing What Matters Most - Focuses on the Executive’s immediate priorities aimed at taking care of you, supporting our businesses, and improving the lives of our workers, families and communities.

·        Building New Foundations - Commits to upgrading infrastructure and improving services to better connect our communities, meeting your needs today and supporting your ambitions for tomorrow with the high-quality public services you deserve.

·        Shaping a Better Tomorrow - Focuses on three main missions: People, Planet, and Prosperity, all rooted in a commitment to Peace. These missions are dedicated to improving life for you, your families, and our communities.

3.3      

1.      Doing What Matters Most Today

            This part of the draft Programme for Government sets out the NI Executive’s immediate priorities, which include:

·        Immediate priorities for this year and throughout our mandate will be achieved by providing better support for our children and young people, enabling affordable childcare, growing our economy, increasing housing supply and tackling homelessness, taking care of everyone by improving Health and Social Care services, protecting our environment and cleaning up our water, and making our communities safer, including a particular focus on women and girls.

·        Continue to grow a globally competitive, sustainable, and inclusive economy which benefits everyone.

·        Focus on high-potential sectors, where there are established strengths, and the potential to be globally competitive. In areas such as outstanding sectors like cyber security, net  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5a

            The Director of Neighbourhood Services submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       To report to committee on the recently launched Community Recovery Fund (CRF), which the Deputy Prime Minister is making available to support communities impacted by the public disorder that took place between July and August 2024,  including Belfast.  In England this will be issued under section 31 of the Local Government Finance Act 2003, and in Northern Ireland funds will be released to the Department of Finance, to support those communities most affected.

2.0       Recommendation

            The Committee is asked to agree that Officers Develop and Submit an Action Plan on 28th October under the following 4 Themes: -

·        Theme 1 Good Relations Inclusion and Integration

·        Theme 2 Wider University and Lower Ormeau

·        Theme 3 Area Based Initiatives and Programmes

·        Theme 4 Resource Recoupment

            Main Report

3.1       The CRF is allocative and offers a flat rate of £600,000 to each eligible local authority, to be spent before the end of the Financial Year 2024-25.

            Expenditure is eligible under this scheme if it is in response to the violent disorder that took place between July and August 2024 and is on, or in connection with:

a.      Immediate action to safeguard life or property.

b.     To prevent suffering or severe inconvenience.

c.      To reduce the risk of further disorder in the future.

d.     To rebuild social trust and promote cohesion between communities.

3.2       The Fund has deliberately sought to provide local areas with flexibility to design a package that responds to their circumstances. The following are examples of expenditure which may be covered by the grant, though this list is not exhaustive.

3.3       Community and voluntary activity:

·        Projects which build connections between communities. For example, by bringing people together from different groups, including those of different faiths, around a shared goal/objective, such as through volunteering, befriending or mentoring schemes.

·        Events, workshops, or campaign activities to educate on what constitutes a hate crime and supporting victims of hate crime.

·        Projects in schools and universities which help address tensions/unrests, linked to hatred and intolerance, for example guidance for teachers on how to de-escalate tensions and respond neutrally to concerns.

·        Initiatives which help counter or strengthen resilience to mis/disinformation and prevent false and harmful narratives spreading. For example, social media focused ‘critical thinking’ lessons in school.

·        Temporarily increasing safety patrols.

·        Measures to prevent anti-social behavior, crime and reduce reoffending including youth diversionary activities.

·        Destination marketing and funding for the development and promotion of campaigns which encourage people to visit the local area.

·        Campaigns to encourage local pride and to bring people back into the high streets.

·        Campaigns to promote community cohesion and educate on hate crime.

3.4       Immediate clean-up and repair:

·        Repairs to highways, public buildings, street lighting, bus shelters and other street furniture, including fences and railings or removal where repair is insufficient.

·        The costs of works to clear debris which are or may be the cause of danger to the public  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5b

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report

            To update members about an approach to Belfast City Council for funding (£8,750 plus VAT) to support the 30U30 (30 under 30) Northern Ireland Climate Change-Maker’s programme. The programme is coordinated by the leading charity, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and their partner Podiem. This programme is an exemplary example of cross sectoral partnership with support from DAERA, Belfast City Council, Invest NI, Queens University Belfast with broad ranging corporate support including Pinsent Masons, Coca Cola, Danske Bank, Northstone and ARUP. This is a request for continued local authority involvement and support for the programme from Belfast City Council.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       It is recommended that the Committee:

·        Agree the contribution of £8,750 plus VAT to the overall programme costs.

2.2       Whilst Belfast City Council’s support represents a modest proportion of the overall budget (circa £100,000 in total) it will be crucial in making the initiative (the themes of which complement and supplement the Council’s climate programme) a reality.

2.3       The Council’s support will resource the launch along with 6 modules/events featuring world-class speakers/experts taking place from December 2024-May 2025. 

2.4       In supporting this initiative Council will:

-       Empower the next generation of climate change makers, equipping young leaders with the tools to enact meaningful climate action and developing a talent pool for Belfast and the wider region;

-       Foster innovation and leadership: In supporting this programme, Belfast City Council will go beyond its own carbon footprint; proactively inspiring and equipping those who have the ambition to transform industries. This programme will help build an ecosystem that promotes the collaboration between government, companies and individuals that is needed to address the magnitude of the crises facing us and it is an opportunity to align with Belfast City Council’s Resilience Strategy. 

3.0       Main report

            Background

3.1       The programme supports a network of young people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, industries & specialisms with the common goal of becoming planet positive Climate Change Makers. This growing network of aspiring young leaders is equipped to drive meaningful change within their spheres of influence across Northern Ireland, influencing governments, institutions, networks, employers, colleagues and peers to drive carbon reduction and spearhead the transition to a more sustainable, just future. Similar to the pilot year in 2023, the second 30U30 programme which concluded in June 2024, was again oversubscribed with a wider range of sectors involved including environmental conservation, government & policy, construction, energy, academia, transport, agriculture & food production, technology & research and culture & communications.

3.2       Under this cycle of this initiative, 30 young people are competitively selected annually to embark on an impact leadership and capacity building programme that builds literacy across a range of themes to underpin future behaviours, decision-making and help foster collaboration and innovation in leadership. Common knowledge gaps including Finance/Economy/Business, Policy/Politics, Communications/Media & The Art of Persuasion, Purpose and Social Impact, Sustainability Literacy, Leadership/Resilience and Health, Wellbeing & Performance are addressed underpinned by the strategic themes of Inspiring & Informing Action; Cultivating Change-Makers; Sharing Stories  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5c

The City Solicitor/Director of Legal and Civic Services submitted the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to provide Members with the updated annual Modern Slavery Transparency in Supply Chains Statement to meet the obligations of the Modern Slavery Act, 2015 and an update on the related corporate action plan.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       It is recommended that Members:

·        Note the updated annual Modern Slavery Transparency in Supply Chains Statement (the ‘Transparency Statement’).

·        Approve the addition of the Transparency Statement to the UK Government’s online registry.

·        Note the progress made on the action plan.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Background

            The Modern Slavery Act 2015 (the ‘Act’) aims to address slavery and trafficking by enhancing support and protection for victims, giving law enforcement the tools needed to target today’s slave drivers and ensuring perpetrators can be severely punished. It also includes a provision in Section 54 to encourage organisations to ensure their supply chains are slavery-free, known as the Transparency in Supply Chains arrangements (‘TISC’).

3.2       Key Issues

            The Council has voluntarily published an annual Transparency Statement on its website since 2015. This sets out what the Council has done to ensure there is no modern slavery in its supply chains or any part of its business.

            This year, the annual Transparency Statement has been reviewed by Commercial and Procurement Services, the Council’s Safeguarding Officer, the Council’s Registrar for Births, Deaths, Marriages and Civil Partnerships and the Equality and Diversity Officer and has been refreshed to reflect current guidance on its content. An updated version for 2023-24 is set out in Appendix 1 which following Council ratification will be published on the Council’s website.

3.3       Recent changes to the Transparency Statement requirements

            The TISC provisions currently apply to commercial organisations, however, in recent years both the UK Government and the Northern Ireland Department of Justice have reviewed and consulted on these provisions and their potential application to the public sector: 

·        In July 2018, the Home Secretary undertook an independent review of the Act and made recommendations, one of which was to strengthen Section 54 by extending the requirement to publish Modern Slavery Statements to government and the public sector.

·        In July 2019 the UK Government launched a consultation on measures to strengthen the TISC arrangements and published its proposals on how it planned to take this work forward. Many of the proposed changes will require legislative change which has not happened to date. The proposed changes would see a strengthening of the TISC arrangements for commercial businesses, and would, for the first time, extend them so they apply to the public sector.

·        In January 2022, the Northern Ireland Department of Justice (‘DOJ’) published its report, summary of responses and next steps in response to its consultation on TISC. It found that overall, there is widespread support for the strengthening of TISC arrangements.  

3.4       Approach to Modern Slavery in Northern Ireland

            In October 2022, the DOJ launched a public consultation on a new three-year  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5d

            The Committee noted the contents of a report which provided an update on major planning applications and applications which had been determined by the Planning Committee.

            The Director of Planning and Building Control submitted the undernoted report in relation to public consultation on a Validation Checklist:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of Main Issues

1.1       On 1st October 2024, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) made legislation which enables a council to publish a Validation Checklist. The purpose of a Validation Checklist is to extend the minimum level of information for an application to be legally valid so as to improve the quality of applications on submission. This should contribute to the Planning Service being able to process applications in a more efficient and effective manner, and in turn help to  improve performance against statutory KPIs.

1.2       The legislation comes into operation from 1st April 2025, which gives councils time to prepare and consult on their proposed Validation Checklist ahead of the operation date. 

1.3       The Strategic Policy and Resources Committee is asked to agree the preparation and consultation on the Council’s Validation Checklist.  

1.4       This matter was also considered by the Planning Committee at its meeting on 15th October 2024. The Planning Committee noted the proposal and agreed that a Planning Committee Workshop should be arranged on the Validation Checklist.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        Agree to the preparation and consultation on the draft Validation Checklist.

3.0       Main Report

            Background

3.1       At its meeting on 19 December 2022 (item 25), the Planning Committee considered public consultation undertaken by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) on ‘Improving the Quality of Planning Applications’. DfI’s proposal was to enable councils to publish a ‘Validation Checklist’ that stipulates the minimum level of information needed with applications on submission above the basic requirements set out in legislation.

3.2       The report to the 19 December 2022 Committee set out the background to the consultation, why Validation Checklists are considered to be of fundamental importance to improving the quality of planning applications on submission and how this would have a significant impact on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the NI planning system, and in turn performance against statutory Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

3.3       The Planning Committee resolved to ‘fully support the introduction of Planning Application Validation Checklists and granted delegated authority to the Director of Planning and Building Control to finalise the wording of the consultation response.’ The Council provided its formal response to the consultation on 21 December 2022.

3.4       DfI subsequently confirmed to councils its intention to legislate for Validation Checklists, as referenced in the report to the 23 August 2024 Strategic Policy and Resources Committee (item 5h) on Planning Performance. 

            Current information requirements

3.5       The bar for submission of a planning application in NI is currently especially low and this is the root cause of many of the system’s problems from a Development Management perspective.

3.6       Article 3 of the Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015  sets out the minimum level of information needed with an application for it to be ‘valid’ and processed. The information that is required only includes:

·        Written  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5f

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To bring forward for Members consideration a recent request received seeking financial support for the NICVA Future Thinking Summit 2024 (22 October 2024).

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to consider a request received to provide financial support for the NICVA Future Thinking Summit 2024, which took place on 22 October 2024. 

3.0       Main report

            Background

3.1       As Members will be aware, Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) is a membership and representative umbrella body for the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland.  With over a thousand members - ranging from household name charities to grass roots community groups - NICVA lobbies and campaigns to advance the interests of the people and communities that their members support. NICVA offers a wide range of practical services, products and support to their members to help them find innovative solutions for social challenges.

3.2       NICVA’s strategic goals are as follows:

1.      Support -  Helping the VCS to innovate, develop and improve to meet the needs of the communities it serves;

2.      ?Influence - Helping the VCS to influence policy;

3.      Develop - Helping the VCS consolidate and develop the use of data, digital and technology; and

4.      Invest - Ensuring continuous improvement to provide the best service to our members.

3.3       Officers have received a request for Council to provide financial support for the NICVA Future Thinking Summit 2024, which was held on 22 October 2024 in W5 and W5 Life, Belfast.  Unfortunately, due to the timing of this request, it was not possible to bring the request to SP and R Committee ahead of the NICVA Summit taking place.

3.4       The Future Thinking Summit was modelled after the successful Scottish Gathering and the renowned annual Wheel Conference.  The summit was designed to bring together leaders, influencers, and changemakers to address key issues, share best practices, and drive meaningful social change.

3.5       The Key Outcomes from the Summit were as follows:

·        Value : demonstrate the breadth and depth of the voluntary and community sector and the significant impact it makes.

·        Inspire: Gain insights from innovators and industry leaders who are shaping the future of the voluntary sector, as well as influencing policymakers with insights and evidence from the sector.

·        Connect: Network with peers, build new relationships, strengthen existing ones within the community, and foster partnerships that will drive real and meaningful social change.

·        Strengthen: Equip the VCSE with the knowledge and tools needed to advocate effectively and build a stronger, more connected sector.

3.6       The Summit was developed with and for the Voluntary and Community sector, covering themes including digital transformation, green economy, mental health, poverty, place- based collaboration. The summit used a variety of formats including:

·        Keynote Sessions: Inspiring talks from leading influencers and policymakers.

·        Parallel Sessions: Member-led discussions showcasing best practices and innovative approaches.

·        Networking Opportunities: Facilitated sessions for building meaningful connections.

·        Resource Hub: Access to vital information and learning materials.

3.7  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5g

            The Committee considered a report which sought approval for the Council’s involvement with the Safer Socialising Initiative and to the Council signing the Women’s Night Safety Charter.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed:

·        to defer consideration of Belfast City Council’s involvement with the Safer Socialising initiative and to the Council signing the Women’s Night Safety Charter to enable further information to be provided and to allow representatives of Hospitality NI to present to the Committee;

·        that the Deputy Chief Executive and Strategic Director of Corporate Services champion and actively promote women’s night safety;

·        that a report be submitted to a future meeting on how the Council could provide spike testing kits at Council-run events and other events held on Council-owned land; and

·        that a further report providing an update on motions previously submitted on the safety of women in the city centre be also submitted to a future meeting.

            The Director of Property and Projects submitted for the Committee’s consideration an update report on the Physical Programme, a copy of which is set out below:

“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:

·        Note that St Comgall’s won the National RICS Award for Best Refurbishment / Revitalisation Project 2024.

·        Capital Programme:

o   IT Programme – Grants Management System – Note that a satisfactory tender return has been received and that the Director of Finance has confirmed that this project is within the affordability limits of the Council and agree that a maximum of £60,000 be allocated.

o   IT Programme – Palo Alto Firewalls – 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.

o   IT Programme – Complex Lives CMS - 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.

o   Innovation Factory Access Control - Agree that the Innovation Factory Access Control project is added to the Capital Programme at Stage 1 – Emerging to allow a business case to be developed.

·        Pitch provision - to authorise officers to discuss opportunities with partners across the city to facilitate opportunities for additional/enhanced pitch provision with further detail to be brough back to Committee as required in respect of potential opportunities. 

·        Capital Letters of Offer – to note the update in relation to capital letters of offer in Q2 2024/25.

·        Contracts awarded – to note the update in relation to contracts awarded in Q2 2024/25.

3.0       Main report

            Key Issues

3.1       Awards and recognition

            Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Awards - Two of the Council’s physical projects were successful at the regional RICS Awards this year. Members may have noted that earlier this month St. Comgall’s also went on to win at the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6a

            The Committee:

·        approved the public advertisement of tenders as per Standing Order 37a detailed in Appendix 1 (Table 1), subject to the omission of the Security Guarding Services tender to enable consideration to be given to the introduction/delivery of an in-house model, with a report thereon to be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee;

·        approved the award of STAs in line with Standing Order 55 exceptions as detailed in Appendix 1 (Table 2); and

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

Table 1: Competitive Tenders

Table 2: Single Tender Actions

            The Committee noted an update in relation to the receipt of legal opinions on the call-in which would be submitted to the meeting of the Council on 4th November for consideration.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes and recommendations from the Shared City Partnership Meeting held on 7th October 2024 including:

Presentation from MEARS

·        To note the contents of the presentation detailed in the minutes.

Presentation from Migrant Help

·        To note the contents of the presentation detailed in the minutes.

Good Relations – Quarter 2 Update

            The Shared City Partnership recommends to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that it:

·        Notes the contents of the report, including the reprofiling of £7,500 within BCC9 to refresh the Good Relations Strategy and undertake an Audit to inform and develop a 3-year Good Relations Action Plan, through a co-design process. This project will continue as part of the 2025/26 Action Plan; and

·        Agrees that the Chair of the Partnership issue the recently launched report, ‘Segregation and the Environment, Breaking Down Barriers’, to all NI Executive Ministers.

PEACEPLUS Local Community Action Plan – Update

·        The Partnership recommends to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that it notes the contents of the report.

AOB

·        The Partnership recommend to Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that it notes the verbal update from Ms. A Roberts EBCDA who gave an overview of the work which had been undertaken in collaboration with a number of community and voluntary groups in the creation of a ‘welcome pack’ which was being distributed to new residents in the greater east Belfast area.

·        The Partnership agreed the request of Fr. M. Magill, that Members would undertake a walking tour on the Forth Meadow Greenway in west Belfast at a future date.

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To agree the Gender Action Plan (GAP) and LGBTQIA+ Action Plan for 2024 – 27 including resources to deliver year 1 activity.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        agree the Gender Action Plan (GAP) and LGBTQIA+ Action Plan for 2024 – 27 and associated year 1 costs.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Key Issues

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

·        Growing an inclusive economy

·        Living here

·        Cross cutting

·        Organisational priorities

3.2       As part of the Equality and Diversity Action Plan the Council has committed to developing and delivering a Gender Action Plan, LGBTQIA + Action Plan and a Race Equality Action Plan.  The Women’s Steering Group has developed and agreed a three-year GAP for delivery between April 2024 to March 2027. Year 1 has been costed and is being presented to Committee for approval.   HR has developed a three-year LGBT+ Action Plan for 2024-27, in collaboration with the LGBTQIA + staff network and this is also being presented, with costs for year 1, for approval. 

            Gender Action Plan (GAP)

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

3.4       The proposed GAP 2024-27 (see Appendix One) has been developed following a facilitated workshop to agree the overall vision and aim of the Gender Action Plan, take stock of progress to date and the current situation with regard to gender equality issues, generate ideas and proposals for the future and agree actions for the 2024-2027 action plan. The feedback from the workshop and consultation process with the Women’s Steering group and the Women’s Network Group has been incorporated into the draft 3 year plan. Members will be aware of the recently launched Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls and it is planned that a representation from TEO will attend CMT in the coming weeks to discuss in more detail how the Council can work with TEO to help deliver the Strategic Framework

            Request for additional funding for the annual International Women’s Day rally in the city.

3.5       At its meeting in January 2014, Strategic Policy and Resourcing Committee agreed recurring annual  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8c

            The Committee considered a report in relation to signage at the Forth Meadow Community Greenway.

Proposal

            Moved by Councillor Bunting,

            Seconded by Alderman McCoubrey,

      That, due to the late receipt of the report, it be deferred until the next monthly meeting of the Council.

Amendment

            Moved by Councillor Beattie,

            Seconded by Councillor Black,

      That consideration of the report be deferred for a period of one week.

            On a vote, fourteen Members voted for the amendment and five against and it was declared carried.

            The amendment was put as the substantive motion and passed.

            Accordingly, the Committee agreed to defer consideration of the report, in relation to the erection of signage on the Forth Meadow Community Greenway, to a special meeting to be held on Friday, 1st November at 9.30 a.m.         

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Party Group Leaders’ Consultative Forum of 17th October.

            The Committee approved the recommendations as set out below:

            The Committee approved a request by the Ledley Hall Boys and Girls Club for the use of the Council Chamber for a mock debate as part of the ‘Democracy Works?’ Programme.

            The Committee was advised that the Council had received a request from Suffolk Events Circle to host a winter wonderland at Suffolk community garden on the 29thand 30th of November and 1st of December 2024. The event would be aimed at children between the ages of 0-16 and would allow them to experience a magical Christmas experience along with a visit from Santa and his elves. There would also be a live reindeer in attendance to make it feel authentic.

            The group also planned on having a range of lights and displays to animate the garden to make it a memorable experience. The group had informed the Council that there would be a fee of £5 per child.  However, this would be discounted for families with multiple children. The income that was generated from the event would be invested back into the community for future events. The event had taken place last Christmas and had passed off without any incidents. The money raised from that event allowed the organisers to host an easter event.

            The Committee granted authority to the applicant for the proposed event on the dates noted; subject to the completion of the appropriate event management plan and satisfactory terms being agreed by the Director of City and Neighbourhood Services and on the condition that the Event Organisers:

                 I.        resolves all operational issues to the Council’s satisfaction;

                II.        meets all statutory requirements including Public Liability Insurance cover, Health and Safety, and licensing responsibilities; and

              III.        shall consult with adjoining public bodies and local communities as necessary.

            The Committee noted that the above decisions were taken as a pre-policy position in advance of the Council agreeing a more structured framework and policy for ‘Events’, which was currently being taken forward in conjunction with the Council’s Commercial team.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Disability Working Group of 14th October.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Language Strategy Working Group of 18th October.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the All-Party Working Group on the City Centre of 27th September.

            The Committee was advised that correspondence has been received from the Aisling Awards for Belfast City Council representatives to attend its Awards Ceremony on 22nd November 2024. 

            Operating for 27 Years, the Aisling Awards celebrated the best of Belfast in the private, voluntary and community sectors.  Previous honorary guests had ranged from Special Olympians to the Rev. Jesse Jackson and the family of Daithí Mac Gabhann.

            The 2024 event would be held at the Europa Hotel on 22nd November.

            The Committee was informed that various sponsorship opportunities for the event have been received by the Council.  Those to be considered included:

·        Table for 10 at the Banquet £1500 + VAT

·        A pair of tickets for the banquet £300 + VAT

·        A single ticket for the banquet £175 + VAT

            The Committee agreed to sponsor a table for 10 at a cost of £1500 + VAT at the Aisling Awards.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the City Regeneration Members Working Group of 3rd October.

            In accordance with notice on the agenda Councillor McKeown raised the issue of locating a fundraising box at the City Hall Christmas Tree.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed to the use of a fundraising box, on an annual basis, at the City Hall Christmas tree and that the monies raised this year be donated to the Medical Aid for Palestine (MAP) Charity; and that match funding of the monies raised be donated by the Council to the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

            The Committee noted that Councillor Bunting had indicated that this issue had already been dealt with.