Agenda and minutes

            No apologies were reported.

            The minutes of the meeting of 23rd and 30th May were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that the minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 2nd June, 2025.

            Councillor Ferguson declared an interest under item 4(f) Social Value Levy Fund Update in that he was on the Board of Group associated with a project and left the meeting whilst the item was under consideration.

            Councillor Beattie declared an interest under items 2(d) Update on Hardship Programme 2024/25, 2(f) Community Support Plan and 4(f) Social Value Levy Fund Update in that he was associated with groups/organisations which had applied for or received funding and left the meeting whilst the items were under consideration.

            Councillor RM Donnelly declared an interest under item 8(b) Requests for the use of the City Hall and the provision of hospitality in that she was associated with an organisation which had submitted an application and left the meeting whilst the item was under consideration.

            The information contained in the reports associated with the following nine 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 three 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 submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report providing information on the financial position for Quarter 4 2024/25.

            He reported that, at the end of Quarter 4, the Departmental had an underspend of £2.56, representing 1.4% of the net expenditure budget.

            The Director then provided updates on the Year end Outturn 2024/25, committed and additional reallocation proposals, the specified reserves position, capital financing, capital projects and the rates finalisation 2024/25.

Proposal

            After discussion, it was

            Moved by Councillor de Faoite,

            Seconded by Councillor Smyth and

            Resolved – That the Committee agrees to allocate £100,000 of the remaining balance available for committed and additional funding requests to HERe NI.

Further Proposal

            Moved by Councillor Murphy,

            Seconded by Councillor RM Donnelly,

            That the Committee agrees that the £2m included in the medium-term proposals for a National Music Award bid be removed and reallocated towards the implementation of the Irish Language Policy.

Amendment

            Moved by Councillor Bunting,

            Seconded Councillor Long,

            That the Committee agrees the proposal standing in the name of Councillor Murphy be amended to provide that the that the £2m included in the medium-term proposals for a National Music Award bid be removed and reallocated to the remaining balance available for committed and additional funding requests, with consideration to the reallocation balance being undertaken following the Committee’s workshop to be held in September.

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

            A Member requested and it was agreed that a report providing an update on the Irish Language Policy be submitted to the Committee in August and that the consideration to the reallocation balance being undertaken, following the workshop to be held in September, include funding being allocated to the implementation of the Irish Language Policy.

            It was further agreed that a report be submitted on additional funding for the city centre cleansing to include the wider city areas.

            Accordingly the Committee:

·        noted the report and agreed the year end position;

·        agreed to the recommended realignment of year end balances, subject to:

o   £100,000 being reallocated to HERe NI, which would also be subject to due diligence;

o   The £2m for a National Music Award bid being removed and reallocated to the remaining balance;

o   Agreed that a report providing an update on the Irish Language Policy be submitted to the Committee in August;

o   Consideration to the reallocation balance being undertaken following the workshop to be held in September, including funding being allocated to the implementation of the Irish Language Policy; and

o   A report being submitted on additional funding for the city centre cleansing to include the wider city areas; and

·        noted the attached Quarter 4 Treasury Management report.

            The Committee considered a report which provided a response to a motion which had been submitted by Councillor Groogan requesting the Council to intervene in the Public Inquiry into the Curraghinalt Project (Dalradian Gold Mine) applications being held by the Planning Appeals Commission.

            With the permission of the Chairperson, Councillor Groogan addressed the Committee.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed to adopt a similar approach to Derry and Strabane in outlining the Council’s opposition to the Commission but not actively engaging in the Inquiry but request that Fermanagh and Omagh District Council keep us informed particularly in respect of the concerns on the impact of the drinking water in the Sperrin Mountains which feeds into Lough Neagh which supplies the drinking water for Belfast; and that a letter also be forwarded outlining the Council’s concern regarding the lack of transparency and public access to the Inquiry.

            The Committee considered a report which provided an update in relation to an invitation from the Bloomberg Philanthropies to participate in phase 1 of the Mayoral Challenge competition.

            The Committee:

1. noted Belfast City Council’s success in being accepted into Phase One of the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Mayoral Challenge programme;
2. approved acceptance of a Letter of Agreement to deliver Phase One and agreed to accept the $50,000;
3. approved officer participation in the initial innovation workshop (noting that all travel costs would be met by Bloomberg Philanthropies); and
4. noted that officers were available to meet with interested Members to share further details of the programme.

            The Committee considered a report regarding an update on the implementation of the 2024/25 Hardship Programme which helped to alleviate the impact of poverty and the cost-of-living crises across the city.

            The Committee:

         i.          noted the update on the implementation and impact to date of the 2024/25 Hardship Programme; and

        ii.          noted the current budget position for Hardship programmes for year 2025/26 

            The Committee considered a report which sought permission for the Council to provide a letter of support to a local company which was seeking to register a new tartan design as ‘Belfast Tartan’.

            The Committee granted the permission sought, subject to further discussions with the City Solicitor on the terms

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 21st March, it had agreed the following with regards to the Community Support Plan 2025-2029:

·        that a detailed update on the 2 stage engagement process findings be brought back to the Committee in June for the following work

-        Stage 1 Formal Consultation and Survey

-        Stage 2 Engagement with current funded groups to identify deficits in funding; and

·        that the June report should also include information on the programming, footfall and activity in our community centres, as well as the cost for running each directly managed and independently managed community centre.

            Accordingly, the Director of Neighbourhood Services submitted a report which outlined the findings of the engagement process, and the information gathered from the above work, and which sought a decision on a way forward for the new Community Support Plan (CSP).  The report included a request to proceed with the delivery of a new funding programme that would consist of both a large grant as well as a small grants scheme to cover April 2026 – 31 March 2029.  This would also replace the previous Revenue and Capacity Grants delivered via the previous CSP.

            The Committee:

       I.          Noted the findings from the information on the programming, footfall and activity in our community centres, as well as the cost for running each directly managed and independently managed community centre and that some information was included in the report, with further detail contained in the presentation and supporting documents (appendix 1, appendix 2 and appendix 3).

     II.          Noted the findings from the two-stage engagement process outlined in paragraph 1.1 – and that some of the highlights were included in the report, with further detail contained in the presentation (appendix 1).

    III.          Noted and approved the timelines at paragraph 3.20 for delivering on a new funding programme, with ratification to be confirmed at the July Council meeting.

   IV.          Noted the equality screening document that accompanied the CSP document. (appendix 6).

     V.          Approved the CSP Framework document as outlined in the report (appendix 4).

   VI.          Agreed to the delivery of a new CSP and associated funding programme including the proposed criteria and eligibility criteria that is referenced in this report (and appendix 5).

 VII.          The maximum funding award limit for the large grants programme being set at £60,000, with, at this stage, no upper limit to set for the budget but that a report be submitted to a future meeting following the application process which would outline the possible cost associated with the successful applicants.

VIII.          Agreed to host a workshop in the Autum to discuss the next stage community centres provision.

            The Director of Property and Projects submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report which provided an update on the £105m Leisure Transformation Programme and the proposed next steps in relation to the next phase of leisure.

            The Committee:

·        noted the update on the next phase of the Leisure Programme; and 

·        agreed that Party Group Members’ workshops and Area Working Groups (AWGs) be organised for September to progress with the next phase of the Leisure Programme, with both the East and South AWGs to consider the Ozone complex.

            The Committee considered a report which gave an update on the status of the proposed new Crematorium project at Roselawn and which sought approval to hold a dedicated workshop to inform a Strategic Analysis and Options Appraisal on the proposed project.

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided and granted the approval sought.

            The Director of Economic Development provided the Committee with a report which sought approval to allocate funding to facilitate the transaction of expenditure on pressing operational requirements to facilitate the hosting of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Belfast in August 2026.  The Director explained that the Initial budget allocations were to support early planning work and associated deposit and early booking requirements.

            The Committee noted:

·        the Strategic and Economic Case; and

·        the continued engagement with event organisers and funding partners;

            The Committee also approved the:

·        associated spend against immediate pressures to allow for packages of work to be brought forward to support hosting contracts, Wexford activation, professional services, marcomms development, volunteering and deposits required to support operational delivery and noted that the Budget would be drawn from specified reserves of £1.25m as approved in Revenue Estimate process 2025/26; and

·        increase in the establishment in Place and Economy Section by one Grade 12 (PO9) post to enable support for the Fleadh Cheoil.

            The Committee approved the issuing of a funding agreement to the  Lower Oldpark Community Association for £20,433.41 in line with proposed Summer Community Diversionary Programme.

            The Committee:

i)       Paisley Park Sports Grounds – proposed transfer from Department for Communities – deferred consideration of the matter until August.

ii)     Conacre / Grazing Agreements - Approved conacre licences for the grazing and grass cutting on agricultural lands at Council lands at Cavehill Country Park, Glencairn, Lagan Meadows, Ballygomartin Road North, Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park, and Roselawn.

            The Committee:

       I.          agreed that a conditional without prejudice offer be made to acquire the property referenced in the report on the basis as outlined and, subject to Council ratification, to acquire the property on terms to be agreed by the City Solicitor and the Director of City Regeneration and Development.  Noted that completion of any acquisition would be subject to title/legal due diligence; and 

     II.          noted the update on the Placemaking Action Plan Pilot for the wider area with further detail to be brought back to the City Growth and Regeneration and Strategic Policy and Resources Committee as appropriate.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0     Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       The purpose of this report is to update Committee on the progress of all Notices of Motion and Issues Raised in Advance for which SP&R Committee is responsible for.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       It is recommended that SP&R Committee:

·        Note the updates to all Notices of Motion and Issues Raised in Advance that SP&R Committee is responsible for and

·        Agree to the closure of Notice of Motion and Issues Raised in Advance 49, 74, 167, 189, 197, 264, 341, 342, 351, 366 and 367 as referenced in Appendix 1 and paragraph 3.4 below.

3.0       Main report

            Background

3.1       At SP&R Committee on 25th October 2019, the following Notice of Motion was agreed:

            ‘That this Council notes that other Councils produce a monthly status report in relation to Notices of Motion; and agrees Belfast City Council adopts a similar practice and produces a monthly Notice of Motion Update which will be brought to each full Council Meeting, detailing the following:

1.     Date received

2.     Notice of motion title

3.     Submitted by which Councillor

4.     Council meeting date

5.     Committee motion is referred to

6.     Outcome of committee where Notice of Motion will be debated

7.     Month it will be reported back to committee

8.     Other action to be taken.’

3.2 Following a review exercise, a new database containing all Notices of Motion and Issues Raised in Advance at Committee was created and quarterly reporting to Committee commenced in March 2021.  Appendix 1 is the latest quarterly update showing all active Notices of Motion and Issues Raised in Advance which SP&R Committee is responsible for.

3.3 Closure of Notices of Motion and Issues Raised in Advance

      At SP&R Committee on 20^th November 2020, it was agreed that Notices of Motion could be closed for one of two reasons:

·        Notices of Motion which contained an action(s) that has been completed; and

·        Notices of Motion have become Council policy.

3.4 SP&R Committee are asked to agree that the following Notice of Motions and Issues Raised in Advance are now closed:

      Category 1 Recommended Closure:

·        Childcare provision (341) – This Notice of Motion called on the Council to explore ways to support childcare provision, including considering whether council supported schemes during school holidays could be expanded. Whilst Council host a number of summer and play schemes, childcare is a specific function regulated by the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. As such Council does not provide registered childcare schemes. However £80,000 was committed to support the enhancement of the provision of summer schemes for children with additional needs during the summer of 2024. It is recommended that this Notice of Motion is now closed.

·        Mental health accessibility audit (342) – This Notice of Motion called on the Council to work with MindWise to conduct an online survey across the council district to gather information around accessibility to mental health  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3a

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

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

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        Note the progress on project development and delivery across the pillars of investment.

·        Note the update in respect of the BRCD Council Panel.

3.0       Main report

            Deal Delivery

3.1       Progress on the delivery of the deal continues with a total of 16 Outline Business Cases (OBCs) and 3 Full Business Cases (FBCs) approved with a combined approximate project value of £650m and 13 Contracts for Funding signed for projects. Studio Ulster and the UK Digital Twin Centres have been moving into full operations, there are 2 projects in construction/fit-out stage, 13 projects at design phase, 5 with planning approvals, and 4 skills assessments completed. All of which represents significant momentum since deal signing for the programme of investment.

3.2       Key highlights on progress across the pillars of investment since the last update in December include:

            Innovation

3.3

·        At Studio Ulster, specialist virtual production equipment worth almost £20m and funded by City Deal has been installed and filming has commenced over recent months. The official launch of the project has been scheduled for June at its site in Giant’s Park in North Belfast.  The project is engaged in a number of employability & skills programmes, both on site at Studio Ulster and further afield – providing training opportunities for young people in the creative sector.

3.4

·        Following the official sod cutting ceremony in February 2025 for iREACH Health, the construction phase for the world-class clinical research centre continues. The demolition phase nears completion on the Lisburn Road site, adjacent to the City Hospital.  The centre is scheduled to open in Spring 2027, it will accommodate up to 360 staff and bring together all the essential parts of the clinical trial ecosystem in one space. 

3.5

·        In relation to Momentum One Zero, QUB have now completed the tender evaluation for the Main Construction Contractor for the site in the Titanic Quarter.  QUB are moving through the approvals phase for the Full Business Case ahead of a target construction commencement in September 2025. The project is part of a consortium which has recently been successful in attracting c.€10m for a One Health project bringing together experts in innovation in human, animal and environmental health.

3.6

·        Construction work continues at the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) at Global Point Park, due for completion in early 2026.  The Economy Minister recently announced an investment of £1.8m which will see Angoka in partnership with AMIC and Invest NI develop a new COSMIC solution for the advanced manufacturing sector. The initiative will help to provide a solution to protect manufacturing systems from cyber attacks creating a market leading technology.

3.7

·        The Contract for Funding was signed for the Centre for Digital Healthcare Technology in December and the project is progressing well.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4a

            The Programme Director, Belfast Stories, presented for the Committee’s consideration the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       Purpose of the report

-       To update Members on the Belfast Stories programme as part of the Belfast Region City Deal including findings of the public consultation as part of RIBA stage 2 Concept Design development.

-       To outline activity to support the next phase of development with regards to story gathering, engagement and communications.

-       To update on the development of a draft ethical framework and the process for developing the story gathering programme including curatorial guidelines.

-       To update on key findings from consumer testing.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

-       Note the contents of this report and update on progress against the delivery of the Belfast Stories programme.

-       Note the findings of the consultation exercise and the equality impact assessment and the rural needs screening as summarised in the report and detailed in Appendix 1 and 2.

-       Note the consumer testing findings.

-       Agree the actions set out in the work plan detailed in Appendix 3 

-       Note the draft ethical framework detailed at Appendix 4 and agree to receive a detailed report in September 2025.

3.0       Main Report

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

3.2       In August 2024, Members of Committee received an update on plans for a public consultation to take place in late 2024 / early 2025.

            Belfast Stories Programme

3.3       All programme activities have been underpinned by a programme of ongoing engagement that recognises that the success of Belfast Stories hinges on the active participation and input of those who know the city best—its residents, local communities, cultural groups, business owners and visitors. Engaging with these diverse stakeholders through a structured consultation process is crucial to ensuring that the project reflects the collective vision and meets the needs and aspirations of all who will use and enjoy Belfast Stories.

3.4       A first public consultation on Belfast Stories was delivered from August to November 2022 running for 14 weeks. The consultation focused on:

-       Raising awareness of Belfast Stories so that people are excited and want to continue to be engaged in its development

-       Making sure that Belfast Stories can be a positive experience for everyone, including consultation on the EQIA, RNIA and Story Collection Framework

-       Asking people how they would like to continue to be involved in the ongoing engagement.

3.5       The reach of this consultation included 2,755 visits to the online consultation hub, 149 responses to online survey and polls, 65 consultation workshops and 1,148 direct participants.

3.6       Whilst the feedback received during this consultation was overwhelmingly supportive of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4b

            The Committee approved the officer submission (as set out in Appendix 2 to the report), as the Council’s formal response to the Consultation on the Death, Still-Birth and Baby Loss Bill; and agreed that the Council would bear any future costs of Still Birth Registration.

            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 agreed that the City Regeneration Members’ Working Group be solely utilised as an appropriate forum to engage with Members on the PSP housing led regeneration programme in advance of matters being brought back to the City Growth and Regeneration Committee and the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for approval.  The Committee also noted the updated draft Terms of Reference and that these would be brought to the Working Group for its consideration.

            The Strategic Director, City and Neighbourhood Services submitted the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.0       The purpose of the report is to update the committee following engagement sessions that took place with elected members in December 2024. It had been agreed at the May 2024 meeting of the People and Communities committee that elected members from the respective DEA’s would be engaged first to agree a suitable methodology for delivering projects funded by the social value levy and to also put forward project ideas that communities impacted by concerts and events have lobbied for.

1.2       From the member engagement sessions, a number of different methodologies for delivery at the three sites have emerged. This paper sets these out for members to consider.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       Members are asked to:

·        Note the contents of this report.

·        Note that this in an interim position and that all works identified will be required to be taken through the Council’s capital process.

            Main Report

3.0       Three meetings took place in December 2024 with councillors from Balmoral, Botanic, Lisnasharragh and Titanic DEA’s. The agenda covered methodology for delivery and potential projects.

3.1       Social levy monies are to be spent on projects within the park where the events take place or the immediate area surrounding the park. Members are also reminded that the monies can be allocated to both capital and revenue projects.

3.2       It was also noted at the meetings that the amounts of money are unlikely to be as sizeable again in the future and that this opportunity should be maximised.

3.3       Members are reminded that Council officers have been working over a number of years to establish stakeholder forums at the key concert venues to assist and enable Event Promoters, Key Agencies and Council to improve the delivery of the events and to co-design mitigations that benefit those most impacted by the events. Members noted that these stakeholder forums have proved extremely valuable.

            Ormeau Park

3.4       All Councillors from Botanic, Lisnasharragh and Titanic were invited to attend the engagement session in December 2024 . The members present were confident that they could put forward projects based on prior engagement with their constituents and the general feeling was that once costings are available that projects can be narrowed down by elected representatives and progressed via the Council’s Capital process. It was agreed that when projects are finalised that this will be communicated effectively with key stakeholders. Projects nominated for costing included:

·        A dog off lead enclosure – Approx costings £45k-65k.  Please note that costs may vary depending on the size and scale of the project)

·        Upgrade the outdoor basketball and tennis courts – The upgrade to the Basketball courts is to be delivered via the capital programme.

·        Upgrades to the bowling pavilion – still to be costed

·        Refurbish the bandstand – Still to be costed

·        Commission a feasibility study for the Nettlefield MUGA – approximately £10K

            Boucher Playing Fields

3.5       Councillors from Balmoral and Botanic DEAs were invited. The members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4f

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       The report sets out the results of recent engagement on a proposed Sunday Trading and animation pilot in the city centre and proposes an amended approach to undertaking the pilot for Summer 2025.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       Members are asked to note the contents of the report and the results of the recent engagement and either:

1.     Agree to a Sunday trading and animation pilot in Summer 2025 by designating the city centre (as defined in draft BMAP) as a Holiday Resort under paragraph (9) of the Shops (Sunday Trading &c) (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 and agree that a review of the pilot will inform a decision in early 2026 whether to continue the Holiday Resort designation, extend the Holiday resort designation or revoke the designation, or

2.      Agree not to run a pilot in Summer 2025 but to undertake further consultation and engagement specifically on Holiday Resort designation to inform a decision in early 2026 on whether to designate the City Centre or other areas of the city as a Holiday Resort on an ongoing basis and agree that the proposed animation set out in the report can be run in Summer 2025.

3.0       Main Report

            Background

3.1       At its meeting in April 2025, Members agreed that officers should look to engage with the BIDS and Belfast Chamber to ascertain whether there is an appetite for the pilot Sunday trading and animation project and the timescales for implementation.

3.2       Since April, there have been a number of discussions with key stakeholders in relation to the pilot including management at Victoria Square, Castle Court and the Kennedy Centre, Belfast One, Cathedral Quarter and Linen Quarter BIDs, Belfast Chamber, Retail NI, NI Hotel Federation, Visit Belfast, Translink, USDAW and the Department for Communities.

3.3       Shopping Centre management teams were generally supportive of any proposal to extend hours of opening on Sundays, suggesting that retailer buy-in to the proposal shouldn’t be an issue. Views were expressed that flexibility was key for retailers and their workers and that most would probably want to open from 11am onwards rather than anything earlier. Concerns were expressed around the timing of a pilot over summer and the ability to get a proposal in place within weeks of the decision and be able to communicate and promote that consistently.

3.4       The BIDS were also all generally supportive of the proposal for longer opening on Sundays with strong indication that it would be preferable to move towards Holiday Resort status to give more certainty for retailers over the proposals. There would be significant input from the BIDS in relation to the animation proposed in the City over the summer and it was felt that the longer opening hours would support this. Concern was also expressed by the BIDs in relation to the ability to put a proposal in place quickly and promote it.

3.5       Belfast Chamber were also supportive of the proposal for longer opening on Sundays and indicated that it  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4g

            The Director of Property and Projects submitted 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 and an update on the Fleet Programme 2025/26 - replacement of the Lord Mayor’s car,and signage at Forth Meadow Community Greenway and Olympia Leisure Centre.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is requested to –

·        Capital Programme Movements -

o   IT Programme – Service Desk Management System Solution - Agree that the project is added to the Capital Programme and 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   Black Mountain Pathway/ Greenway - 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   Historic Cemeteries – Health & Safety Works at Clifton Street Cemetery - Agree that this project is moved to Stage 3 – Committed and that a satisfactory tender return has been received for the works that the Director of Finance has confirmed that this project is within the affordability limits of the Council and agree that a maximum of up to £231,000 be allocated

o   Beacon Programme - Agree that the project is moved to Stage 3 – Committed with a maximum allocation of up to £103,250.

o   Strangford Avenue Playing Fields Enabling Works - 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   Open Streetscene (OSS) Machinery 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   Asset Management System – Integrated Work Management System – Agree that the project is added to the Capital Programme at Stage 1 – Emerging to allow a business case to be developed.

o   Note the update on the Fleet Programme 2025/26 - replacement of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5a

            The Committee:

i)       Parkgate Avenue Car Park – Licence Extension- Approved the extension of an existing Licence agreement with the Directors of Argento Contemporary Jewellery Ltd for a right of way over Council owned lands at Parkgate Avenue Car Park.

ii)     Smithfield Market – Update on Unit Lettings – Noted the recent lettings and rent reviews at Smithfield Market approved under delegated authority to the Director of Property & Projects.

iii)   Botanic Gardens (Lower Section) – Licence Agreement with Friends of the Field - Approved the grant of a further Licence Agreement between the Council & Friends of the Field to cover their continued use of portion of Botanic Gardens (Lower Section) as an agroecology community garden in conjunction with the Horizon 2020 UPSURGE project.

iv)   Benview Community Centre – New Licence – deferred – see below. 

v)     Commission House – New Lease – Approved the lease of Commission House for office use to The Parent Rooms

vi)   Overflow Parking Area adjacent Cregagh Youth & Community Centre – New Licence - Approved of a new licence to Irish Rugby Football Union (Ulster Branch) for their occasional use of the overflow parking area adjacent to Cregagh Youth & Community Centre.

            The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the new Licence at Benview Community Centre pending an updated report to clarify the current usage of Belfast City Councils Play Teams within Benview Community Centre, but that the current licence be extended until the issue was resolved.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of North Area Working Group of 27 May, West Area Working Group of 29 May and the East Area Working Group of 5 June 2025.

            The Committee:

§  noted the summary of the work of the Panel during 2024/25 as set out at Section 3 of the report;

§  approved the draft Annual Governance Statement for 2024/25 at Appendix A, and particularly the disclosure of the significant governance issues contained in the statement;

§  approved the updated Raising Concerns policy; and

§  approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Audit and Risk Panel on 3 June 2025 at Appendix B.

            The Committee:

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

·      approved the award of Single Tender Actions (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);

·      noted the award of retrospective STAs in line with Standing Order 55 exceptions as detailed in Appendix 1 (Table 4); and

·      agreed that a report be submitted providing details on the tender for Advertising space at Belfast City Airport:

Appendix 1

Table 1: Competitive Tenders

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes and recommendations from the Shared City Partnership Meeting held on 9th June 2025 including:

Presentation on The Climate Action Plan

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

·         

Asylum Dispersal Programme Update

·        The Shared City Partnership noted the update regarding the funds and agreed the proposal for use of the underspend, Shared City partnership recommends to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that it agrees the approach outlined in the report.

Community Recovery Fund – Update

·        Shared City Partnership noted the contents of the report and approved the proposed allocation of the Community Recovery Fund – Open Call Projects, as outlined in the accompanying report, including the proposed approach for distributing funds from the Good Relations Action Plan and the TEO Asylum Dispersal Fund to support a further six eligible applications that align with the objectives of these funding streams, and recommend to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that it note the contents of the report and approves allocation of the said funds as outlined in the detail of the report.

PEACE IV – Secretariat 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 Belfast City Council  Local Community Action Plan – Update

·        The Shared City Partnership noted the contents of the report and agreed that Route 1F for the CRT4 – ‘Access to the Hills’ path development will start at Fernhill House, subject to SEUPB approval and delivery within the existing budget and recommend that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee note the contents of the report and agree the above recommendation.

            The Director of Human Resources submitted the following report in relation to maternity pay provisions:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

            At the SP&R committee on 23 August 2024, the Committee requested that a paper be brought back setting out the Council’s maternity pay provisions and benchmarking undertaken against other organisations in the public and private sectors.

1.2       This report informs Committee of the Council’s maternity pay provisions and comparisons with a selection of organisations as outlined at Appendix 1.

2.0       Recommendations

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

            Main report

3.1       Statutory Maternity Leave and Pay

            Maternity leave and pay provisions are a statutory entitlement for any pregnant employee.  All employees are entitled to 52 weeks maternity leave.  This consists of 26 weeks ordinary maternity leave and 26 weeks additional maternity leave.  Entitlement to maternity leave is not dependent upon length of service of an employee.

            Employees are entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) provided they have at least 26 weeks service with their employer prior to the 15th week before the Expected Week of Childbirth (EWC) and they are earning, on average, an amount which at least equals the lower earnings limit which applies on the Saturday at the end of your qualifying week.  The lower earnings limit is currently £125 a week.

            Provided an employee meets the criteria above Statutory Maternity Pay is paid for the first 39 weeks of maternity leave only and comprises of the following payments:

·        for the first six weeks at 90 per cent of average gross weekly earnings with no upper limit.

·        for the remaining 33 weeks at the lowest of either the standard rate of £187.18* or 90 per cent of your average gross weekly earnings.

            (Average weekly earnings are an employee’s average earnings for the eight weeks prior to the qualifying period.  The qualifying period is the 15th week before the baby is due).

               *this is the lower limit SMP and is set by government on an annual basis

3.2       BCC Occupational Maternity Pay

            While statutory maternity pay is the minimum an employee is entitled to, many organisations provide additional Occupational Maternity Pay. In the Council the rates of occupational maternity pay are:

·        For the first six weeks of maternity leave the employee will be entitled to 9/10ths of a week's pay offset against payment made by way of SMP.

·        For the subsequent 12 weeks the employee will be entitled to half a week's pay plus SMP.  If this figure exceeds an employee’s normal pay, they will be paid full pay.

·        For the subsequent 21 weeks the employee will be paid SMP only.

·        Any maternity leave extending beyond the 39 weeks and up to 52 weeks will be unpaid.

            It should be noted that the Council affords the employee an opportunity to have these payments spread across the period of maternity leave.

            Therefore, the Council enhances the statutory maternity pay by providing the higher amount for the first six weeks  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7b

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To agree the budget and appropriate resources for the implementation of the Gender Action Plan (GAP) and LGBTQIA+ Action Plan year 2 activities.  

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee is asked to:

·        Agree the proposed diversity action plans and associated year 2 costs.

3.0       Main report

            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, LGBT+ Action Plan and a Race Equality Action Plan.  The three year Gender Action Plan and LGBTQIA+ Action Plan were approved at SP&R Committee in October 2024. Actions for Year 2 (2025/26) for both plans have been costed and are being presented to Strategic Policy and Resources Committee 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 GAP 24-27 was agreed following consultation with the Women’s Steering Group and the Women’s Network Group.  Achievements in 2024/25 include:

·        Delivery of the annual International Women’s Day event for staff in City Hall with a focus on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls

·        Ongoing financial support to raise awareness of the Raise Your Voice to help address misogyny, sexual harassment and violence

·        Funding and delivery of a programme of development for the Women’s Network Group covering leadership and development, resilience, leading meetings

·        Managing in a Political Environment Training - for all relevant officers

·        Retention of the NI Gender Diversity Chartermark - Silver level (work continues towards Gold level)

·        Onus Domestic Violence Charter (employer award) – retained Platinum level

·        Onus Safe City Accreditation - retained

·        Funding provided for external International Women’s Day event in city centre

·        Women’s Spaces event to promote work of WSG and the Gender Action Plan

·        Targeting of Employment and Upskilling Academies to women in low paid (female dominate) sectors including the provision of childcare

3.5       Year 2 actions are set out in Appendix One. In addition to the financial resources required, the plan also identifies the role that individual business units and departments have in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7c

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the Party Group Leaders Consultative Forum of 12th June 2025.

The Committee approved the recommendations as set out in Appendix 1 to the report and to a late request which had been received from the Active Communities Network for the use of the City Hall in September:

The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the Social Policy Working Group of 17th June 2025.