Agenda and minutes

            No apologies were reported.

            The minutes of the meeting of 23rd and 30th January, and 6th, 9th and 13th February, were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meetings on 9th and 13th February, subject to the amendments under the following headings:

Council amendments of 9th February

•           Pitches Strategy and Strategic Use of Boucher Road Playing Fields (30th Jan)

•           Pitches Strategy and Strategic Use of Boucher Road Playing Fields and Pitches Programme – Proposed Phasing and Implementation Plan (30th Jan and 6th Feb)

•           Pitches Programme – Proposed Phasing and Implementation Plan (6th Feb)

•           Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (23rd Jan)

•           Revenue Estimates 2026/27 (9th Feb)

Council amendments of 13th February

•           Revenue Estimates and District Rate 2026/27 - Pitches Strategy (13th Feb)

•           Revenue Estimates and District Rate 2026/27 - Pitches Strategy-DCMS Funding (13th Feb)

            Councillor R-M. Donnelly declared an interest under item 7. (a) Minutes of Shared City Partnership, in so far as it related to PEACEPLUS in that she worked for an organisation which was funded under the Programme.  As the item did not become the subject of debate, she was not required to leave the meeting.

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

            Councillor de Faoite declared an interest under item 4. (b) 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. (e) Social Supermarket Fund 26/28, 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.

            Councillor Long declared an interest under item 3. (f) Correspondence received from Minister of Justice - Stand alone Hate Crime Bill, in that his wife was the Justice Minister and left the meeting whilst the item was under consideration.

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

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

            The Director of Finance provided an update on the Quarter 3 financial position, including the year-end forecast for 2025/26.

The Committee:

·        Noted the Quarter 3 financial position and year end forecast (Appendix1);

·        Noted the attached Quarter 3 Treasury Management report (Appendix 2); and

·        Noted that further information be provided on the Waterfront Hall forecast;

·        Agreed that a report be submitted to the Committee in March in relation to Discretionary Funding.

            (Ms. L-A O’Donnell, Senior Manager - Culture and Tourism and Mr. S. Leonard, Director of Open Spaces, Resources, Fleet and Transport, attended in connection with this item.)

The Strategic Director of Place and Economy and Senior Manager - Culture and Tourism provided an update on the planning to support the hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast in August 2026.

            During discussion, in relation to waste management plans, one member suggested that a plan was also needed for the continuation of resident’s waste and recycling collection during the event week.

One member also highlighted the need that Belfast Bike stock at relevant stands should be monitored and replenished when necessary.

Proposal

            Moved by Councillor Beattie,

            Seconded by Councillor R. Murphy,

      That the Committee agrees that bi-lingual communications be undertaken for the marketing of St. Patrick’s Day events.

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

            After discussion, the Committee noted the progress to date on the development of the Fleadh Cheoil and agreed delegated authority be sought from the Council to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for decisions in relation to waste management arrangements for the Fleadh.

            Accordingly, the Committee also agreed that bi-lingual communications be undertaken for the marketing of St. Patrick’s Day events.

The Committee:

1.     Noted that Belfast’s $1 million ‘alleyways transformation’ application to Bloomberg Philanthropies had been successful;

2.     Approved The Lord Mayor, Deputy Chief Executive and a City Innovation Broker to attend Bloomberg’s CityLab workshop in April. (All costs would be covered by Bloomberg.);

3.     Approved the procurement of a supplier to work with the six councils of the Belfast Region City Deal to maximise the impact of the forthcoming £4.4 million Contracts for Innovations programme;

4.     Agreed to an additional contract be included under item 6.a) Contracts Update in relation to the procurement of a technical supplier for the ‘Contract for Innovation’ programme of up to £50,000.

The Committee considered an update on the outcome of negotiations with St. Brigids GAC regarding options for their future management of Musgrave Park GAA pitches.

The Committee:

·        Approved a 15 year management agreement with St Brigids GAC for the 2 pitches at Musgrave Park on the terms outlined in the report;

·        Noted that the agreement included permission to build a hurling wall at the clubs expense subject to all statutory approvals being in place; and

·        Noted that the agreement permitted the club to seek pitch side advertising sponsorship income from suitable partners.  

The Director of Property and Projects presented a report on the proposed new Crematorium project at Roselawn.

Proposal 1

Moved by Councillor Bunting,

Seconded by Councillor Doran, 

That the Committee agrees to proceed with the recommendation, as outlined in the report:

•        a new, two-chapel crematorium at the Roselawn site, and to appoint the contractor;

•        the adoption of a hybrid committal service model; and

•        a review and increase of cremation fees, particularly for non-Belfast residents.

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

Proposal 2

            Moved by Councillor Beattie,

            Seconded by Councillor Murphy,

      That the Committee agrees to invite the Local Government Auditor to analyse the decision to take forward the recommendation for a new, two-chapel crematorium at the Roselawn site, in relation to the concerns raised regarding cost implications and alternative site options.

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

Accordingly, the Committee noted the report which had been submitted to the special meeting of the Strategic Cemeteries and Crematorium Development Working Group and agreed the minutes and recommendations of the Working Group to proceed with:

•        a new, two-chapel crematorium at the Roselawn site, and to appoint the contractor;

•        the adoption of a hybrid committal service model; and

•        a review and increase of cremation fees, particularly for non-Belfast residents

            The Committee:

                         i.       Request for Council to act as a Sponsoring Body

-           Approved the Council granting in principle approval to act as a        Sponsoring     Body in the acquisition of a surplus asset available        through the D1 trawl at Riddell Campus, Malvern Street, Belfast     to        Argyle Business Centre.

                       ii.       Update on Plot 15 Gasworks Estate (Klondyke Building) –        proposed       disposal of the Headlease

-           Noted the update on the sale of Plot 15 at the Gasworks Estate        (Klondyke        Building) 

            The Committee also noted that further information would be provided in relation to the Capital Financing Budget.

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

            The Director of Property and Projects provided an overview of the Council’s Physical Programme, together with the requests for stage movement approvals under the Capital Programme.

Proposal 1

Moved by Councillor Smyth,

Seconded by Councillor Murray and 

      Resolved – The Committee agrees, in relation to 5-9 North Street, that a report be submitted to a future committee in relation to medium term studio space options for the creative sector and the Council engage with the Department for Communities and the Arts Council to look at mechanisms to support the sector going forward.

Proposal 2

            Moved by Councillor Whyte,

            Seconded by Councillor de Faoite and

      Resolved – The Committee, in relation to Historic Tiled Street Signs, agrees that the project be moved to Stage 3 – Committed on the Capital Programme and agrees that a process looking at the future repair and maintenance of signs be investigated.

Proposal 3

            Moved by Councillor Bunting,

            Seconded by Councillor Ferguson and

      Resolved – The Committee agrees that, in relation to Community Centres, the Braniel Community Centre and outdoor space be added as a Stage 1 – Emerging project onto the Capital Programme and agrees that a report be submitted to the Committee on the status of all Community Centres across the city, to include information on current service provision and gaps, within two months.

Proposal 4

            Moved by Councillor Beattie,

            Seconded by Councillor R-M. Donnelly,

      Resolved - That the Committee agrees, in relation to Belfast Stories, to proceed with the Enhanced Studio to include an open-call for potential operators, in line with the Council’s Social Value Policy.

            Accordingly, the Committee:

·        Capital Programme Movements –

o   Depot Charging Scheme - Agreed that the project be moved to Stage 3 – Committed with a maximum allocation of up to £76,324 (25% of project costs) being provided by the Council and noted that the Director of Finance had confirmed that this was within the affordability limits of the Council;

o   IT Programme— HR/ Payroll Upgrade - Agreed that the project be moved to Stage 3 – Committed with a maximum allocation of up to £545,355 and noted that the Director of Finance had confirmed that this was within the affordability limits of the Council;

o   Waterfront Hall – Chiller Units - Agreed that the project be 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   Assembly Rooms Cluster H&S Works - Agreed that ‘Assembly Rooms Cluster Health and Safety Works/Essential Repairs’ be moved to Stage 3 – Committed due to the condition of the buildings/cluster, and pending a satisfactory tender return; and that necessary procurement processes  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

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

After discussion, the Committee:

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

·        Agreed to the closure of Notices of Motion 7 and 407; and

·        Agreed that Motion 479 - Levels of criminality and violence in the city centre  remained open, so that a further update could be provided.

            The Committee was reminded that, at the Council meeting held on 3rd November, 2025, it had been agreed that the Council write to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs to “improve the regulation of greyhound racing, noting the developments in other jurisdictions, and to support rehoming efforts and welfare organisations working to protect retired greyhounds.”

            The Committee was advised that a response had been received from the Minister (Appendix 1).

            The Committee noted the correspondence received from the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs as set out in the report and agreed to the closure of the motion.

            The Committee was advised that the Standards and Business Committee, at its meeting on 27th January, referred the following motion to the Committee for consideration, which had been proposed by Councillor Smyth and seconded by Councillor Groogan:

“This Council notes that the Department for Infrastructure currently grits only 20% of the road network across Northern Ireland as part of its winter service programme.

This limited coverage excludes pavements and cycle lanes, critical routes for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in Belfast City Centre where footfall is highest.

This Council recognises the health, safety, and accessibility issues caused by untreated pavements and active travel routes during winter months. Impacting workers, residents, those with mobility issues, and visitors as well as discouraging walking and cycling at a time when sustainable transport remains a key council priority.

Therefore, this Council calls on the Department for Infrastructure and Belfast City Council to jointly undertake a feasibility study into the development of a winter gritting programme within the Belfast City Centre area, with a focus on pedestrian routes and cycle lanes.

This feasibility study should:

 Assess the operational and financial requirements of such a programme and explore potential sources of capital grant funding from the Department for Infrastructure for the purchase of appropriate gritting and maintenance machinery. As well as identifying how Belfast City Council could support delivery through associated staffing and coordination costs.”

            During discussion, the Committee raised concerns in relation to funding options from the Department for Infrastructure, the need for also gritting of footpaths on arterial routes and highest points of elevation, and the legal implications of any potential winter gritting programme .

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

The Committee noted that the notice of motion had been received and agreed that a subsequent report would be brought back to the Committee outlining a detailed consideration of the motion and the potential cost implications, to include information on funding options from the Department for Infrastructure, the gritting of footpaths on arterial routes and highest points of elevation, together with the legal implications.

            The Committee was advised that the Standards and Business Committee, at its meeting on 27th January, referred the following motion to the Committee for consideration, which had been proposed by Alderman McCullough and seconded by Councillor Bunting:

“Belfast City Council recognises the essential role played by faith-based organisations in serving the most vulnerable members of our city, particularly those battling life-controlling issues such as drug and alcohol addiction.

This Council acknowledges the work of Teen Challenge Belfast, a registered charity which provides critical intervention services to individuals struggling with addiction. These include on-street outreach, counselling, crisis intervention, and referrals to an 11-month residential rehabilitation programme – reportedly delivering an estimated 85 per cent success rate.

This Council further notes that, despite delivering life-saving services without discrimination, organisations such as Teen Challenge face structural barriers to funding due to their faith-based governance models – barriers which inhibit access to public funding streams otherwise available to comparable service providers.

Accordingly, this Council commits to reviewing its current funding arrangements and eligibility criteria, with a view to removing unnecessary obstacles that exclude faith-based organisations from applying for and receiving support – provided their services are offered to all, without discrimination, and meet the pressing social needs of our communities.

This Council further calls on officers to bring forward proposals to ensure that funding frameworks are inclusive of organisations with a faith ethos, in recognition of the diverse contributions required to tackle addiction, homelessness, and social vulnerability across Belfast.”

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

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

The Committee was advised that the Standards and Business Committee, at its meeting on 27th January, referred the following motion to the Committee for consideration, which had been proposed by Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Paul Doherty, and seconded by Councillor Whyte:

“This Council notes that Belfast will host Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, one of the most significant cultural events ever held in the city, celebrating Irish traditional music and delivering major cultural and economic benefits.

The Council further notes the legacy approach taken by other host cities, including Wexford, which installed a permanent Fleadh Harp monument following the festival.

This Council believes Belfast should create a visible and enduring legacy to mark the success of hosting Fleadh 2026 and to celebrate the city’s historic and contemporary contribution to Irish traditional music.

Accordingly, this Council agrees to install a permanent Fleadh Legacy Monument, outside the Assembly Rooms, recognising its status as the home of Belfast’s Harp Festival, in time for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026.

The Council further agrees that the monument should be delivered using Council resources and supported where possible through potential sponsorship and external funding, with engagement from artists and relevant cultural partners.”

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

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

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 21st November, the

Committee had agreed that, to deal with some of the obstructive, threatening and abusive behaviour in the city centre, it write to the Minister for Justice to outline the need for a standalone Hate Crime Bill and highlight the requirement for an additional class of offenses, noting that the change model in sentencing did not go far enough.

It was reported that a response had been received at Appendix 1.

                                    Noted.

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

“1.0     Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to consider draft bye laws for the city centre in relation to amenity issues and the display of graphic imagery.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       It is recommended that Members:

·        consider the contents of this report;

·        authorise officers to formally consult the Department for Communities in relation to both draft bye laws;

·        Note that a further update report will be presented to Committee after that formal engagement concludes before final approval of the bye laws is sought.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Background

            Members will recall that on 21 November 2025 Committee agreed:

·        to write to the Justice Minister to, among other things, outline the need for a standalone Hate Crime Bill.

·        to write to the Chief Constable to seek clarity in the use of the PSNI powers under Articles 9, 18 and 19  of The Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987

            Committee noted that a report would be submitted to a future committee in relation to the display of promotional material (including graphic imagery) in the city centre.

            Members will also recall that on 19th December 2025 Committee agreed:

·        to authorise officers to engage with the Department for Communities in relation to revised draft bye laws which related only to arrangements for special events, such as the Fleadh; and

·        that a report be submitted to the Committee in February in relation to the options on the remainder of the revised draft bye laws, including the enforcement of existing bye laws.

            This report will provide updates in respect of the above.

3.2       Correspondence from the Justice Minister and PSNI

            Correspondence has been received from the Justice Minister, which states that proposed new legislative provisions in this Assembly mandate will modernise hate crime law in Northern Ireland and provide a more robust system to sanction offenders. These provisions will be delivered through a Sentencing Bill that the Minister plans to introduce to the Assembly in early 2026, and a Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill - planned for introduction in spring 2026.

            No correspondence has yet been received from the PSNI.

3.3       Bye laws for Special Events

            Officers met with representatives from the Department for Communities informally in relation to bye laws for special events in the city, such as the Fleadh. Those discussions remain ongoing but at this time, whilst it would be preferable to have the powers in relation to special events, it is considered unlikely to be necessary to have these powers in place prior to the Fleadh. This will be kept under review should the Council be successful in its bid for the Fleadh in 2027.

3.4       Graphic Imagery

            Members will be aware that the set of draft bye laws published for consultation between 27th November 2023 and 4th March 2024 contained provisions relating to promotional literature and information.

            As noted in the report that went to Committee on 21st November 2025, feedback from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

            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 a report in relation to the procurement of a standalone booking system for outdoor pitches, as the first step in reviewing potential wider online booking requirements that would also be needed in other areas of the council, including:

·        Community Centres

·        Recycling Centres

·        City Hall events

·        Hot desks

·        Other Assets and resources 

            During discussion, the Committee raised issues in relation to accessibility,

cancellations and reallocations, block booking requirements and protection for Teams, matches versus training displacement, the possibility of an open source approach and highlighted the importance of site staff being involved.

After discussion, the Committee agreed that officers investigate the issues raised by the Committee and a further report be submitted to the Committee in March in relation to the progression of an online booking system for outdoor pitches and wider Council areas.

            It was reported that the #Not Just for Boys was an initiative led by Women’s Tec to support young women and girls to enter and sustain employment in sectors where they were underrepresented. It was highlighted that statistics showed that women and girls typically choose traditionally viewed career paths such as beauty or childcare.

            The report stated that the #Not Just for Boys initiative was aimed at getting young females in schools to consider careers in the construction industry, in I.T. mechanics and manufacturing. The CEO of Women’s Tec attended the Women’s Steering Group on 3rd February and had requested that the Council considered becoming a #Not Just for Boys champion.

            The Committee was advised that this initiative was fully aligned to the Council’s Gender Action Plan, in particular, its aim to promote gender equality in employment within the Council and in the economy, across all sectors. The #Not Just for Boys Champions initiative was a strategic partnership between Women’s Tec and employers to create training opportunities and pathways for females in non-traditional sectors.

            It was reported that an annual fee of £500 was required, however, the emphasis was on collaboration and support. Signing up to this initiative would require the Council to work with Women’s Tec to assist in a number of ways, for example:

·        Hosting taster sessions in areas such as joinery or painting and decorating;

·        Hosting site visits;

·        Speaking at careers events;

·        Facilitating work experience placements; and

·        Donating unused equipment or materials.

Benefits for the Council would include:

·        Use of #Not Just for Boys Champion digital logo on website and social media;

·        Promotion of Council apprenticeships and other suitable job opportunities where females were currently underrepresented in the Council;

·        Promotion of the Council’s champion status on the Women’s Tec website and social media pages.

The Committee noted the contents of the report and agreed to the Council becoming a #Not Just for Boys champion.

(Ms. M. Higgins, Lead Officer – Community Support and Neighbourhood Integration, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To advise members on the outcome of the assessment of applications received through the Social Supermarket Fund 26/28 and seek members agreement in relation to the allocation of financial resources.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

                                            I.           Note the assessment outcome and agree a preferred allocation model based on the information contained in this report.  

                                           II.           Note that there is no current budget available to support applications to the Social Supermarket Fund 26/28 as this is funded almost 100% from the Department for Communities and confirmation of budget for 26/27 has yet to be received.

                                         III.           Consider if they wish to release any funds to successful applicants in advance of receiving the DfC LoO so that activity can begin from 01 April 2026.

                                        IV.           Grant delegated authority to the Director of Neighbourhood Services to issue Letters of Offer on the basis of the agreed allocation model as budget becomes available through the Community Support Programme or other sources.

                                          V.           Agree that if approval to release some funds is given, officers progress with the funding allocation process including; sending out letters of intent, agreeing programmes of work with applicants based on the recommended funding allocation, processing funding agreements andensuring all monitoring requirements are implemented.

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. Following positive evaluation of the Programme, funding has been made available through the CSP since 20/21 to all council areas.

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. 

3.3       The key principles that models should take account of are:

·        Providing support ‘beyond food’, such as, access to wraparound support services which transition people out of food poverty and respect the dignity of clients.

·        Maximising existing structures, services, and partnerships to provide wraparound  support.

3.4       Members will recall that at the June 25 meeting council agreed to roll over awards to organisations funded in 24/25 into 25/26 and asked officers to review the criteria used to assess applications. A new set of criteria was agreed at October council and full details of these are provided in Appendix ii. 

3.5       This matter is normally considered by P&C committee but given the likelihood that no DfC funding will be received until after the beginning of the financial year, officers are presenting it to SP&R so that members can consider funding options and whether they wish to release funds in the absence of a DfC LoO.

            Key Issues

3.6       The Strategic Policy and Resources  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

            The Committee agreed to the proposed date, 27th March 2026, and focus of the next Transformation and Efficiency workshop and noted that officers investigate making the Workshops hybrid, so that some Members could attend online.

The Committee:

i)       Morton Community Centre – Licence Renewal with Streetwise Community Circus

-      Approved the Council entering into a new licence agreement with Streetwise Community Circus for premises at Morton Community Centre.

ii)     Botanic Gardens (Lower Section) – Licence Agreement with Friends of Belfast Botanic Gardens

-        Approved the grant of a licence agreement between the Council and Friends of Belfast Botanic Gardens to cover their use of a portion of Botanic Gardens (Lower Section) up to and including 30th September 2026 then month to month thereafter up to a maximum of 6 further months with a one month notice period.

The Committee:

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

·        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); and

·        Noted the Meet the Buyer Event being held in City Hall on Wednesday, 25th March 2026 (Section 7.0);

·        Following the discussion under the item 2(b) Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in relation to waste management services for the Fleadh, the Committee agreed that it approved the public advertisement of the tender for Waste Management Services to support the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, value TBA,  as per Standing Order 37a, subject to engagement with the Trade Unions.

Table 1: Competitive Tenders

The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the report to allow further information on funding streams to be provided.

            The Committee approved the minutes and recommendations from the Shared City Partnership Meeting held on 9th February, including:

Presentation from City of Sanctuary

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

Community Recovery Fund Update

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

PEACEPLUS – Local Community Action Plan Secretariat Update

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

Peace Plus Thriving and Peaceful Communities Thematic Update

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

Peace Plus Celebrating Culture and Diversity Thematic Update

·        The Shared City Partnership noted the contents of the report and agreed:

o   CCD1 Interfaith and Belief:to amend the learning resources and engagement with participants to include Key Stage 3 / Year 10 pupils,

o   CCD2 Community Connections:the 3 Welcome Hub locations as Morton, Horn Drive and Cregagh Community Centres, and

o   And recommends that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee agree the above recommendations and note the contents of the report.

Community Regeneration & Transformation Thematic Update

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

Any Other Business

·        The Deputy Chairperson and the Good Relations Manager welcomed Ms. Lynch to her first meeting of the Shared City Partnership.

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the Party Group Leaders Consultative Forums of 5th and 12th February, 2026.

The Committee approved the recommendations as set out below and also approved an additional event request from the Belfast Chaplaincy Service for a recruitment event to take place in April, 2026 for 30 people:

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the Social Policy Working Group of 16th February, 2026.