Agenda and minutes

            No apologies were reported.

            The minutes of the meeting of 3rd July, 7th July and 22nd August were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that the minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st September, 2025, subject to the omission of those matters in respect of which the Council had delegated its powers to the Committee.

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

            In relation to Item 4.i) Social Supermarket Fund, Councillor Beattie declared an interest associated with a group/organisation which had applied for or received funding and left the meeting whilst the item was under consideration.

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

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

            The Chairperson reminded the Committee that, at its meeting in August, the Committee had agreed to invite relevant stakeholders to the meeting.

            The Chairperson welcomed to the meeting Mr. P. Deeds, Deputy Chief Executive, Foras na Gaeilge; Mr. D. Holder and Ms, D. Keeve, Committee on the Administration of Justice; Ms, C. Nic Liam (Conradh na Gaeilge), Mr. C. Mac Giolla Bhéin (Fís an Phobail), Ms. F. Nic Thom (An Droichead/Fóram na nGael) on behalf of the Irish language stakeholder forum; and Mr. P. Quinn, and Mr. D. Cowieson, Belfast City Council Trade Union representatives.

            Each deputation provided an overview of their consultation response and further feedback to the draft policy for consideration.  

            The Chairperson thanked the representatives for their attendance and they retired from the meeting.

            The City Solicitor/Director of Legal and Civic Services advised the Committee that approval was being sought of the draft Irish Language Policy (as amended), along with agreement on the proposed priorities for the associated two-year implementation plan.

            She provided examples of potential logo designs and highlighted that the Committee was further requested to indicate its preferred option for the bilingual corporate logo design work which was ongoing and would subsequently be subject to consultation with the Joint Negotiating and Consultative Committee (JNCC).

Proposal

                  During discussion, a Member made a proposal in relation to a number of amendments to be incorporated into the policy.  However, following discussion and a number of comments from other Members, he revised his proposal and, accordingly, it was:

Moved by Councillor Ó Néill,

Seconded by Councillor R-M Donnelly,

      That the Committee agrees:

(i)      to note the contents of the report, including the documentation presented to the Committee at its previous meeting;

(ii)

•       to approve the draft Irish Language Policy as set out in Appendix 1 of the report, and agrees that the proposed amendments which had been tabled be considered at a Special Meeting of the Committee on Friday, 26th September;

•       approve the draft high level 2-year implementation plan as set out in Appendix 2 of the report, with the inclusion of Dunville Park;

•       agrees that the Committee receive quarterly updates in relation to the implementation of the policy; 

•       notes that a recurring budget would be considered as part of the rate setting process to deliver the commitments set out within the Policy; and

(iii)     notes that detailed design work on a bilingual logo remained ongoing and would be presented to the Committee, subject to further engagement with Party Group Leaders, JNCC and the Stakeholders Forum.

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

            The City Solicitor advised the Committee that, due to the additional engagement which would have to be undertaken on the proposed amendments to the policy, the report for the special meeting would be issued late.

            The Committee considered an update on the number of employees on temporary contracts, secondments and the number of agency assignees.

            During discussion, one Member requested further information on the duration of vacant posts and plans for recruitment.

            After discussion, the Committee noted the contents of the report and agreed that a report regarding a breakdown of the duration of vacant posts be submitted to a future meeting.

            The Committee was provided with an update on the corporate governance approach to the adoption of AI and the AI challenge Fund currently being developed by the City Innovation Office.

            In response to Members concerns, the Deputy Chief Executive advised that an Ethics Framework in the adoption of AI would be a consideration in the work being undertaken.

After discussion, the Committee noted:

1.     The development of governance processes as part of the controlled implementation of AI use cases in the Council and progress to date on the development of the AI policy;

2.     The forthcoming AI Awareness Course;

3.     The development of the Belfast Region City Deal Local Council AI Adoption Programme; and

4.     The roll out of the “Inclusive Futures” seminar series.

            The Committee considered the information pertaining to a UK bid to host FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035.

            The Committee:

·       Noted the update regarding the UK bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2035, including: the official bid timelines, interim communications activity and co-ordination, potential resource required by the Host City; and

·       Approved the Council continuing with partners as part of the BID application.

            It was reported that the Committee’s approval was being sought on asset related disposal, acquisition, and estates matters.

            In relation to a Member’s suggestion for the allocation of any capital receipts under the Former Grove Baths Site, the Chief Executive noted that this could be considered when further detail was brought back to Committee.

The Committee:

i.    Former Grove Baths Site – Proposed Community and Commercial Use

      - approved entering into negotiations regarding the redevelopment of the former Grove Baths for community and commercial use.

ii.   22-38 Gloucester Street – Proposed Vesting of Seymour Row

      - approved a vesting application in respect of Seymour Row to perfect and regularise the title.

iii. Corporation Street – Release of Restrictive Covenant

      - approved entering into negotiations with the Crown to acquire their interest in the Corporation Street Site.

iv. North Foreshore – Update on Proposed Anaerobic Digestion Site

      - approved the withdrawal of the offer of land for a proposed Anaerobic Digestion (AD) facility and the preparation for remarketing of the site.

v.   The Gasworks Estate – Proposed amendment to user clause.

      - approved a variation to the existing user clause in the Lease between the Council and Lloyds Banking Group (formerly Halifax plc).

vi. The Waterfront Hall – Relocation of the knotted gun sculpture.

      - noted the proposed relocation of the Knotted Gun sculpture from Girdwood Community Hub to the Waterfront Hall and that officers consider a potential replacement at the site.

            Seconded by Councillor Nelson and

      Resolved - That the Committee agrees to the one-off funding request of £16,000 for Benview Community Centre, subject to due diligence.

            The Committee

·       noted the verbal update provided in relation to the ongoing audit work and delay in the publication of Financial Statements;

·       agreed to the request of funding of £16,000 for Benview Community Centre, subject to due diligence; and

·       noted that the next Transformation and Efficiency Workshop would take place on 14th November.

            The Committee considered a report which sought approval for the establishment of a Gasworks Engagement Forum to act as a platform for engagement on the future of the Gasworks and the development of a co-designed plan for the future of the site.

            The Committee:

·               approved the establishment of a Gasworks Engagement Forum and the Terms of Reference for the Forum as attached at Appendix 1 to the report; and

·               agreed to the scheduling of meetings of the Forum from October 2025. 

            The Committee was provided with a planning update to support the hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast in August 2026.

            During discussion, Members requested further communication on the event, together with information on the events programme, board members and mapping of venues across the city. It was noted that questions on the event had also been submitted to the Director by Councillor Beattie in advance of the meeting.

            The Committee:

•     Noted the update on the Fleadh Cheoil including in relation to engagement with Comhaltas on governance;

•     Agreed that officers formally engage and submit a bid document as part of the bidding process for the Fleadh in 2027; and

•     Agreed that a report be submitted to the Special meeting on 26th September to provide details on the issues raised by the Committee, including the programme, board members, mapping of venues, and the questions which had been submitted by Councillor Beattie in advance of the meeting.

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

            During discussion, Members requested that two of the motions which had been recommended for closure, should remain open, namely:

·         Pridestrian Animation (35) – so that Officers could investigate different options for the pedestrian crossing(s), and that data from the Department for Infrastructure could be requested in relation to any safety issues of the rainbow pedestrian crossing located at the Foyle embankment, together with an update on the pedestrianisation of Union Street; and 

·         Market Gardens and Urban Farming (49) - so that further information could be provided.

            Accordingly, the Committee:

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

·         Agreed to the closure of Notice of Motion 40;

·         Agreed that Motions Pridestrian Animation (35), and Market Gardens and Urban Farming (49) remained open so that further updates could be provided; and

·         Noted that a review of the Notice of Motion process would be incorporated into phase 1 of the governance review.

The Committee was reminded that,at the meeting of the Standards and Business Committee on 24th June, the following motion has been adopted, which was moved by Councillor McCormick and seconded by Alderman Lawlor:

Nitrates Action Plan

“Belfast City Council notes the recent launch of a public consultation by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) on a new Nutrients Action Plan. The Council expresses deep concern that the consultation has been issued without adequate prior engagement with stakeholders, including local councils, environmental organisations, the farming community, and the public, particularly in light of the significant environmental, economic and social implications of such a plan.

The measures currently proposed could devastate agriculture, reduce livestock numbers, and undermine food security. We call on the Minister to immediately withdraw the current public consultation on the Nutrients Action Programme and to bring forward a policy based on genuine partnership rather than punitive policies which risk the viability of our agricultural industry.”

            A response had since been received from the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs which provided an update on the issues raised (copy available here).

            The Committee noted the receipt of the correspondence and the information provided by the Minister.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1        To provide an update on the decision of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee in respect of the Council response to the DfC consultation on the proposed ‘Shaping Sustainable Places’ programme and to seek agreement on the elements of Council response relating to Council contribution and resource allocation.

2.0        Recommendation

2.1        The Committee is asked to:

                                                       (i)            Note the response to the DfC Shaping Sustainable Places consultation as agreed by the City Growth & Committee on 10 September 2025, on the basis that this would be subject to the Strategic Policy & Resources Committee’s consideration to the elements of the response relating to Council financial contribution and resource allocation.

                                                     (ii)            Agree the elements of the Council response relating to Council financial contribution and resource allocation.

                                                   (iii)            Note that the response will be submitted to DfC on the 21 September, subject to Council ratification on the 1 October 2025. 

3.0        Main Report

3.1        Members are asked to refer to the report presented to the City Growth and Regeneration Committee on 10th September 2025 which can be found at Appendix A. The City Growth & Regeneration Committee approved a response to the DfC Shaping Sustainable Places consultation and noted that the response would be submitted to the Strategic Policy & Resources Committee given the potential financial and resource implications of the programme.  This sets out that DfC launched a public consultation on the 23 June on their proposed ‘Shaping Sustainable Places’ programme (attached at Appendix C), with consultation responses required by the 21 September 2025.  This programme is proposed to take a similar approach to the DfC led Covid-19 Revitalisation Programme, with DfC, DfI & DEARA working together to provide a long-term regeneration strategy for the region’s villages, towns and city centres. The initiative aims to address issues like dereliction, vacancy, and declining footfall by investing in placemaking, adaptive reuse of buildings, and climate-resilient infrastructure. 

3.2        Each government department (DfC, DAERA and DfI) are proposing to jointly fund a multi-year approach to enable councils across NI to deliver on departmental/council priorities. Pending approval through DoF, the partners intend to provide £5m each per annum of capital funding to a region wide funding pot for 10 years, totalling £150m with each Department contributing £50million over a ten-year period. At this stage it is not clear how the funding would be allocated per Council area, although some concepts for this are tested within the consultation.

3.3        The funding model proposed assumes a further minimum contribution of 10% (approximately £15 million) from Local Councils, which is important to clarify that such contributions cannot be presumed. It has been highlighted within the attached draft response (Appendix B) that Councils operate within defined governance frameworks and statutory processes regarding capital expenditure, and any financial commitment must be subject to formal approval. It is assumed that this will be assessed on a project-by-project basis.

3.4        The draft Council response, attached at Appendix B, as agreed by the City Growth  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5a

            The Head of Inclusive Growth and Anti-Poverty provided the Committee with an update in relation to the approach to Belfast City Council for support for the 30U30 (30 under 30) Northern Ireland Climate Change-Maker’s programme. He advised that the programme was coordinated by the leading charity, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and its partner Podiem. The collaborative, cross sectoral initiative, featuring world-class speakers and experts, would be supported by organisations such as the Garfield Weston Foundation, Pinsent Masons, Coca Cola and Danske Bank with a request for local authority involvement being addressed through this approach to Belfast City Council.

            He explained that, now entering its 4th cohort, the 30 under 30 initiative was a climate focused initiative where young leaders from Northern Ireland had the opportunity to take part in an international learning programme. Following the culmination of an exceptionally successful programme in 2024-25 (supported by Belfast City Council) a new cohort of young leaders would  be competitively selected for 2025-26 and there was a request to Belfast City Council to support the programme of activity they would undertake.

            He highlighted that most of the 30U30 modules were being delivered in Belfast City Centre and the vast majority of the participants would either reside or work within the Belfast City Council footprint. The cohort would be diverse with a broad range of backgrounds, sectors and interest/expertise areas represented. Within the pilot programme, over 55% of the group were female with a mix of those in education, employment and currently economically inactive.

            Within the modular programme, participants would learn from globally renowned thought leaders and exemplars across a range of relevant topics. These topics had been carefully crafted to create a cohort of leaders who would return to their fields of expertise with the tools to become planet positive change-makers in the short/long term. Speakers and facilitators from the previous cohorts included globally renowned individuals such as: Sir Jonathon Porritt CBE; Richard Shotton; Professor Ian Robertson, Alice Thompson, Gerry Hussey; Philip Hesketh, René Carayol MBE.

            The Head of Inclusive Growth and Anti-Poverty provided information on the international element of the programme and the potential benefits to the Council.

Proposal

Moved by Councillor R. McLaughlin,

Seconded by Councillor Murphy and

      Resolved - That the Committee agrees to increase the contribution from £8,750 to £10,000 plus VAT to the overall programme costs.

            Accordingly, the Committee noted the contents of the report and approved the contribution of £10,000 plus VAT to the overall programme costs.

            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 Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0       Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1        The purpose of this report is to update the Committee on the Council’s rolling apprenticeship programme.

2.0        Recommendation

2.1        The Committee is asked to note the contents of this report. 

3.0        Main Report

3.1        The Committee is aware that funding for an annual apprenticeship programme was secured via the annual estimating process and ratified at the March 2025 meeting of the Council. A recurring budget of £256,000 per annum was approved. This includes the 3 existing apprentices in Resources and Fleet and Digital Services.

3.2        from 2025/26 onwards.  For new apprenticeships in the rolling programme, it has been confirmed that the majority of training costs at level 2, 3 and 5 can be funded via the Labour Market Partnership funding, allowing the majority of the full recurring budget to be used for apprentice salaries. In addition, Place and Economy’s contractual arrangements can provide appropriate training providers without the need for additional procurement.

            2025/2026 apprenticeship programme

3.3        At its meeting of 9 April 2025, CMT agreed that for 2025/26, given the tight timelines to recruit apprentices within the current financial year, that 5 Business Administration Level 3 apprentices would be recruited for year one of the rolling apprenticeship programme. Accordingly, Departments were asked to submit applications for a Business Administration apprentice from the corporate apprenticeship fund by 30 April 2025. In May 2025, CMT approved the employment of 5 Business Administration Apprentices in the following departments.

Ø  Health & Safety Unit

Ø  Communications, Marketing & External Affairs Department

Ø  CNS (2)

Ø  COS

3.5        The session provided an opportunity for participants to learn about the benefits of working for the Council and to understand the recruitment process which included guidance on completing an application form. Departmental representatives attended to provide an overview of the apprentice role within their respective department. People 1st  the training provider also attended to provide in depth information on the NVQ qualification, what to expect and the assessment methods used to pass modules.

3.6        Attendees had an opportunity to speak with any speaker during and after the formal presentation.  Forty-eight people attended the information session.

3.7        In total 124 applications were received and following virtual and in person skills testing, 58 people were invited to interview. Forty-nine people were interviewed, and 5 people have now been appointed to start their apprenticeship on 1 October 2025.

3.8        A full induction plan and programme of support is being developed to ensure that the new apprentices are properly inducted into their new roles. It is anticipated that by providing the necessary information at the outset, combined with ongoing peer support, that it will make the most of their apprenticeship experience with the Council. Apprentices will be supported to attain accredited qualifications as well as developing their skills and experience to prepare for their future careers and furthermore, have the potential to make the transition to full employment within the council should appropriate opportunities become available.

            2026/27 apprenticeship  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5d

            It was reported that the Commission had revised the Code of Procedures on Recruitment and Selection (the Code) to ensure compliance with current legislation and to demonstrate best practice.

            The Director of Human Resources advised that the Commission had launched an 11-week consultation exercise with Councils, the NIHE and other key stakeholders to gather feedback on the proposed revisions. The consultation was open for responses from 10th July to 26th September, 2025.

            She pointed out that, broadly, the structure of the Code remained the same. The significant changes were as follows:

·         the removal of references to Procedures for the Recruitment and Selection of the Group Chief Building Control Officer;

·         the removal of references to Procedures for the Recruitment and Selection of the Group Chief Environmental Health Officer; and

·         the removal of duplication.

            She highlighted that the Corporate HR department managed the recruitment and selection process, therefore, in formulating the Council’s response to the consultation document, the views were that of the department (a copy of the draft consultation is available here.)

            The Committee agreed the Council’s response to the Local Government Staff Commission Review of the Code of Procedures on Recruitment and Selection. The response would be submitted, subject to ratification at the October Council meeting

            The Strategic Director of Place and Economy submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1        The report sets out proposals from the Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for the Economy for collaborative funding of the Nightmover Service.

2.0        Recommendation

2.1        Members are asked to agree to provide funding of up to £92.3k, subject to confirmation of funding support from the Executive and further engagement with BIDS in relation to how they can support the proposal

3.0        Main Report

3.1        Background

            In 2022 Council passed a motion relating to Nighttime transport calling on Translink to expand the provision of night-time services. This was subsequently integrated into the Belfast Agenda Action Plans.

            As Members will be aware a Christmas Pilot Nighttime Service was operated in 2024, but in addition to support from Council there has been widespread support for business organisations, including in particular from the BIDS and Belfast’s Night Czar, for the extension of this service across the year.

            Translink have provided the following information in relation to the 2024 nighttime pilot.

·         NI Railways: Over the December 2024 weekends the later last departures on Friday and Saturday nights carried over 12,000 passengers.

·         Metro: In December Translink piloted 11 key routes as part of Late Night services on Friday and Saturday nights. Whilst providing good geographic penetration of the city some services were significantly more popular than others. Over the 8 nights of operation Metro carried around 1700 passengers on the special services and saw a swell in numbers using the last standard timetabled departures around 11.00pm.

·         Ulsterbus : Translink operated a number of late-night services as part of the existing timetable. The services proved very popular averaging 30 passengers per departure. These additional services mirrored the popularity of existing late timetabled services to Derry-Londonderry and Newry with total Ulsterbus late services serving over 3300 passengers over the 4 weekends.

            Research from Consumer Council for Northern Ireland found

            ‘Travelling at night is important to people, and the top three reasons for doing so are socialising, shopping and work. Travel at night therefore promotes social inclusion, particularly for vulnerable persons, and is vital to driving the night time economy.?? 

            However, the number of licensed taxi drivers has fallen by a quarter since 2013 and only a small number of Translink services run late at night. Regional media has reported on consumers fearing for their personal safety due to the lack of transport options 1 and businesses saying they are losing trade because people are leaving early due to worries about getting home. 2? 

            A strong theme that emerged from both consumers and stakeholders is that limited late night public transport services and the current shortage of taxi drivers is reducing people’s night time travel options. This is in turn causing people to choose to travel less at night.

            In their letter to Ministerial Colleagues and the Council, Ministers identified that providing ‘this extended late-night weekend public transport service will provide a range of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5f

            The Committee considered a report which outlined the Council’s intention to send two officers to the Horizon 2020 UPSURGE Project Group Meeting taking place on 1st – 2nd October in Breda, Netherlands which the Council was required to attend as a project partner.

            The Committee:

·         Noted that, Debbie Caldwell and Mura Quigley, Climate Team, would be attending the Project Group meeting 1st – 2nd October in Breda, Netherlands; and

·         Noted that all costs associated with the attendance at the event were covered within the EU Horizon 2020 UPSURGE grant funding.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report

1.1        To bring forward for Members consideration, a recent request received seeking sponsorship support for the delivery of the Common Purpose’s NI Legacy Programme which will take place in late January / early February 2026 (dates TBC).

2.0        Recommendations

2.1        The Committee is asked to:

·         Consider and agree the request received to sponsor the delivery of the Common Purpose NI Legacy Programme (2026) to a total value of £10,000.

3.0        Key Issues

            Background and Context

3.1        As Members will be aware, Common Purpose is a non-for-profit leadership development organisation which supports people and communities from all backgrounds, beliefs and experiences. In recent years (October 2021, January 2024 and January 2025) Council has worked with Common Purpose and provided funding to support the delivery of their NI Legacy Programme in Belfast, alongside a range of other organisations including Translink, Queens University and Power NI.

3.2        The most recent NI Legacy Programme delivered in January 2025 attracted 76 participants aged 18-25 from across Belfast and areas. The diverse group were made up of participants some of whom were in employment, some were NEET; some were studying, a few were volunteering; many were activists, whilst others finding their own causes. However, they found commonality in that they were living through the same generation and had a vested interest in Belfast and how it should look in the future.

3.3        The two-day programme provided multiple opportunities to engage, develop leadership skills and get new perspectives to help shape the future of Belfast. This included:

·         Immersion visits to a range of businesses and organisations across the city including East Belfast Enterprise, Danske Bank, MSC Group, NOW Group, Tourism NI, Turnaround Project and Translink.

·         ‘Café Conversations’ with a range of strategic leaders including Maebh Reynolds (CEO and Founder, GoPlugable), Sara McCracken (Founder, The PR Club), Kayley Curtis (Production Coordinator, Makematic), Conor Forker (Youth Worker in Charge, Clonmore Youth Club), Diane Davis (Director, Minority Recognition Awards NI), Maeve Brennan (Programme Officer, Belfast Healthy Cities) to gain fresh perspectives and understanding.

·         Keynote Speeches and engagement sessions with Paul Murnaghan (Chair, BT (NI) Board) and Micky Murray, (The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Belfast)

·         Group planning and presentations to a panel of leaders including Jacqui Kennedy (Chief People Officer and Corporate Services Officer, Translink) and Caroline Young (Vice-President (Students and Corporate Services), Queen’s University Belfast) which enabled young people to reflect on their key priorities for change.

3.4        In addition to the above, the young people also engaged with Council’s Strategic Performance Team as part of the consultation process for our Performance Improvement Plan 2025/26. This enabled Council to capture views and feedback from young people which can often be overlooked.

3.5        with the majority of participants reflecting positive change as summarised below:

·         83% have greater confidence in their role as a leader

·         92% feel more willing and able to impact Northern Ireland

·         85% feel that they will be more open to diverse perspectives

·         87% have identified  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5h

            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        The purpose of this report is to seek members approval on the operation of the 26/27 scheme and provide an update on the operation of projects supported through the 24/25 Social Supermarket Fund (SSF). 

2.0        Recommendation

2.1        The Committee is asked to:

·         Consider the recommended approach and assessment criteria for open call funding for the Social Supermarket Fund in 26/27 and grant approval to operate an open call for grant applications to the SSF in 26/27 as outlined in the report. Members are also asked to note the update on delivery of the Social Supermarket Fund in 24/25.

3.0        Main Report

            Background

3.1        In response to recommendations in the Welfare Reform Mitigations report, the Department for Communities (DfC) has operated a Social Supermarket Pilot programme since October 2017. Funding was made available through the Community Support Programme (CSP) in 20/21 to expand the concept to all council areas. This fund is 100% funded by DfC and is based on a MOU with the department and council.

3.2        The aim of a social supermarket is to offer a sustainable response to food insecurity by seeking to help address the root causes of poverty rather than simply provide food. This is achieved by providing, in addition to food support, a referral network for wraparound support.  Food supply should ideally come from donations, surplus, or purchased at a discount, however, funding can also be used towards the purchase of food vouchers.

3.3        In the years 21-24, Council worked with identified partners to develop models for delivery. For 24/25 and 25/26 schemes council granted approval for officers to seek applications through an open call process.

3.4        Following consideration at April and May meetings of SP&R, members agreed to roll over awards to organisations funded in 24/25 into 25/26 and asked officers to complete the following;

·         to review the criteria beforehand and ensure that there was weighting added for organisations within areas of multiple deprivation;

·         to add into the criteria that those organisations applying must be able to demonstrate that they have experience of managing a scheme of this nature providing support to those struggling financially as a result of the cost-of-living crisis;

·         as best we can, will seek to ensure there is not proliferation of services close together; and that the scoring criteria be presented to party group leaders in advance of the applications opening or a special meeting of Strategic Policy and Resources Committee if needed.

3.5        Officers have amended the criteria for assessment based on this direction from members. Members may wish to consider the following points when reviewing the proposed scoring approach;

3.6        Each social supermarket project operates in a slightly different way. There are three main models of operation which are listed below;

·         Large, well-established community organisations operating a social supermarket as well as wraparound services within their own facility as well as signposting people to other services.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5i

            The Director of Property and Projects submitted for the Committee’s consideration the following 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.

2.0        Recommendations

2.1        The Committee is requested to –

·         Capital Programme Movements -

o   Cremated Remains Burial Plots – 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 a contract to be awarded on the basis of the most economically advantageous tenders received and full commitment to deliver.

o    Belfast Zoo Improvement Works Phase 2 – Agree that the project is moved to Stage 3 – Committed with a maximum allocation of up to £950,000 to address serious H&S and welfare issues to be taken from the £1.4m agreed by Committee for capital works at the Zoo as part of the rates setting process in January 2025. 

o    Open Spaces and Streetscene (OSS) Machinery Replacement Programme – Agree that the project is moved to Stage 2 – Uncommitted to allow options to be fully worked up, with further detail to be brought back to Committee in due course.

o    Greening and Growing Project – Agree that the project is moved to Stage 2 – Uncommitted to allow options to be fully worked up, with further detail to be brought back to Committee in due course.

o    Workshop Plant Replacement Programme - Agree that the project is added to the Capital Programme at Stage 1 – Emerging to allow a business case to be developed.

o    Fernhill House and Courtyard - Agree that the project is added to the Capital Programme at Stage 1 – Emerging to allow a business case to be developed. 

o    Lenadoon Greenway - Agree that the project is added to the Capital Programme at Stage 1 – Emerging to allow a business case to be developed. 

3.0        Main report

            Key Issues

            Physical Programme

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. The Property & Projects Department is happy to arrange a site visit to any projects that have been completed or are underway.

            Capital Programme - Proposed Movements

3.2        As outlined above Members have agreed that all capital projects must go through a three-stage process  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6a

            The Committee:

i)          Clement Wilson Park – Lease Renewal

·         Approved the lease renewal for a new 10-year lease at Lock 3, Lagan Navigation from the Department for Infrastructure.

ii)      Bullring, Lower Shankill – Update on Leasehold Interests

·            Noted the update on the leasehold interests transferring from the Department for Communities, Northern Ireland Housing Executive and the Department of Infrastructure at The Bullring, Lower Shankill; and

·            Approved a new licence agreement with the Department for Infrastructure at the Bullring, Lower Shankill.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the South Area Working Group of 18th August, the North Area Working Group of 26th August, the West Area Working Group of 28th August and the East Area Working Group of 4th September, 2025.

            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 tenders in relation to Provision of temporary agency workers (neutral vendor model) and Provision of temporary agency workers using call-off framework (where neutral vendor cannot provide a suitable candidate in a timely manner). The Committee agreed that the aforementioned two tenders be deferred so that further information could be provided at its meeting in October; 

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

·            Approved the modification of the contract as per Standing Order 37a detailed in Appendix 1 (Table 3) subject to the omission of the tender Hire of Skips - CNS Q24.15. The Committee agreed that the aforementioned tender be deferred so that further information could be provided at its Special meeting on Friday, 26th September;

·            Approved an amendment to the current funding agreement with Visit Belfast as detailed in section 6.0; and

·            Agreed that a report be submitted in relation to the governance and scrutiny of Contracts, to include detail on the effectiveness and social value of contracts.

Table 1: Competitive Tenders

Table 2: Single Tender Actions

The Committee approved the minutes and recommendations from the Shared City Partnership Meeting held on the 8th September, including:

Presentation from The Executive Office - Asylum Dispersal Programme

·         The Shared City Partnership noted the presentation and recommended to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that it noted the presentation.

Presentation from the Community Relations Council

·         The Shared City Partnership noted the presentation and recommended to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that it noted the presentation.

Good Relations Verbal Update

·         The Shared City Partnership agreed and noted the update and recommends to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that they also agreed and noted the verbal update.

Asylum Dispersal Programme – Update

·         The Shared City Partnership noted the contents of the report and recommended to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that it also noted the contents of the report.

Peace Plus Local Community Action Plan (LCAP) Mobilisation Update

·         The Shared City Partnership agreed the administration extension to 30th September 2028; and noted the contents of the report; and recommended that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee approved the recommendation and noted the contents of the report.

Peace Plus Thriving and Peaceful Communities Thematic Update

·         The Shared City Partnership recommended that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee noted the contents of the report.

Peace Plus Celebrating Culture and Diversity Thematic Update

·         The Shared City Partnership recommended that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee noted the contents of the report.

Peace Plus Processes Update

·         The Shared City Partnership agreed the updated Terms of Reference for the Performance and Finance Steering Group; and noted the contents of the report and recommended that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee agreed the above recommendations.

Update from Partnership Members

·         Due to time there were no updates from members.

Any Other Business

·         The Good Relations Manager informed Shared City Partnership, that during the meeting he had received an email from TEO regarding up to a further £27,000 subject to an application being submitted by 22nd September 2025.  It was agreed that The Chair and Vice Chair would agree the submission due to the highlighted Time Constraints and a report be brought to SCP in October.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the Party Group Leaders Consultative Forum of 11th September, 2025.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the Cost of Living Working Group of 4th September, 2025.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the Castle, Cavehill, Zoo and North Foreshore Steering Group of 8th September, 2025.

            The Committee notes the key issues arising at the meeting and approved and adopted the minutes of the Audit and Risk Panel of 9th September, 2025 at appendix A of the report.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the Disability Working Group of 10th September, 2025.

            The Committee approved the recommendations as set out below:

The Committee approved the request to use City Hall grounds on Friday, 2nd September, 2026 by Ulster Farmer’s Union for a promotional activity to highlight Love Lamb Week 2026.