Agenda and minutes

            The Chief Executive submitted the summons convening the meeting.

            Apologies were reported on behalf of Councillors Carson, Cobain, Mulholland, Verner and Whyte.

            Councillor McAteer declared an interest in the item ‘Commercial and Procurement Services Update’ of the Strategic Policy and Resources minutes insofar as she was an employee of the West Belfast Partnership who had been awarded a tender under this item.

            Councillor Hussey declared an interest in relation to the Notice of Motion – NIPSA Strike, as he was a representative of the employers in relation to the pay negotiations.

Moved by the Lord Mayor (Councillor Finucane),

Seconded by Councillor T. Kelly, and

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the special and monthly meetings of the Council of 2ndSeptember be taken as read and signed as correct.

            At the request of Councillor McAllister, the Council congratulated Councillor Mulholland and her husband Kieran, on the recent birth of their son, Cathal.

            At the request of Councillor Newton, the Council welcomed the recent announcement by Harland and Wolff, that InfraStrata had bought the business and would be retaining the 79 jobs which had been at risk. At the request of Councillor Heading, the Lord Mayor agreed to invite the employees who had spent 9 weeks on the picket line to the City Hall.

            At the request of Councillor Flynn, the Council extended its best wishes to the Sail to the COP participants to the UN Climate Conference COP25 in Chile to raise awareness on Climate Control.

            At the request of Councillor Groogan, the Council referred to the deaths of Niall Laverty and Eimear Quinn, and extended its deepest condolences to their families.

            At the request of Alderman Kingston, the Council extended it congratulations to Jonathan Rae on winning his fifth straight World Superbike championship at Magny-Cours Circuit on 29th September.

            At the request of Councillor Smyth, the Council extended its thanks to the youth climate strikers for their protest in relation to the Global Climate Strike on 20th September.

To consider a request from Ms. B. Ruddy, Chair of College Park Residents Association to address the Council in relation to the motion on Anti-social Behaviour - Holylands being proposed by Councillor Groogan.

            The Chief Executive reported that Ms. B. Ruddy, Chair of College Park Residents Association, had sought approval to address the Council in advance of the motion on Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) in the Holylands Councillor Groogan was due to propose later in the meeting.

            The Council agreed to receive the representatives and welcomed Ms. B. Ruddy, Ms. A. Kirby and Ms. A. McMurray to the meeting.

            Ms. Ruddy outlined the anti-social behaviour that residents had been experiencing in the Holylands for several years. She suggested that the main causes were the over development of Houses of Multiple Occupation. She stated that the Lower Ormeau Road and Tates Avenue had also been effected due to bad planning policies, rogue landlords, and drug dealing.

            She suggested that the Council needed a written ASB policy as residents experienced drunk and disorderly behaviour such as cars being keyed, broken car wing mirrors on a regular basis. She stated that this had an impact on their neighbourhoods, family life and the safety of children in the area.

            She highlighted that the Holylands had the highest ASBO rate in Belfast and current policies and graduated warnings were not working. She suggested that the noise line and the community safety working times, currently in operation, were not appropriate.

            She suggested that spreading the wardens evenly and CCTV would make a difference, together with a neighbourhood policy that would help to maintain the neighbourhoods. She thanked the Chief Executive for supporting an interagency meeting to discuss the issues which had been raised. 

            The deputation concluded the presentation by playing an audio example of the noise that residents had experienced during the week, in the early hours of the morning. 

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

            The Council noted the information.

Moved by Alderman Kingston, 

Seconded by Councillor Walsh,

      That the minutes of the proceedings of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 20th September, subject to the omission of the minute under the heading  “Motion: Economic Future Planning” which has been called-in and omitting matters in respect of which the Council has delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

Amendment

Motion: Removal of Paramilitary Flags and Banners

Moved by Councillor Dorrian,

Seconded by Councillor Pankhurst, 

      That the decision of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 20th September, under the heading “Motion: Removal of Paramilitary Flags and Banners”, be rejected and accordingly that a consultation not be undertaken. 

            On a vote by show of hands, 17 Members voted for the amendment and 37 against and it was declared lost.

Amendment

Leisure Transformation Programme: Assets Update

            At the request of Councillor Ferguson, it was agreed that the decision of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 20th September, under the heading “Leisure Transformation Programme: Assets Update”, be amended to provide that the feasibility study, noted in the recommendations under 2.1, would also incorporate the potential of investment into the Leisure Estate outlined, to keep the facilities open.

Amendment

Leisure Transformation Programme: Assets Update

Moved by Councillor Long,

Seconded by Councillor Dorrian,

      That the decision of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 20th September, under the heading “Leisure Transformation Programme: Assets Update”, be amended to provide that the issue of dual language signage be referred, in the first instance, to the Party Leaders’ Consultative Forum.   

            On a recorded vote, 30 Members voted for the amendment and 25 against and it was declared carried.

Innovation and Inclusive Growth Commission

            At the request of Councillor Kyle, the Council noted that a representative from the community relations, shared city and conflict transformation sector would be considered as an advisor to the Innovation and Inclusive Growth Commission.

Adoption of Minutes

            Subject to the foregoing addition and amendment, the minutes of the proceedings of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 20th September were thereupon approved and adopted.

Moved by Councillor Michael Collins,

Seconded by Councillor Newton,

      That the minutes of the proceedings of the People and Communities Committee of 10th and 16th September be approved and adopted.

IFA Intermediate Football League Restructuring

and Ground Criteria

            At the request of Alderman Rodgers, the Council agreed that it would engage with the Football Teams impacted by the restructuring, and the Chair of the Amateur Football League be invited to attend the future Special Meeting of the People and Communities Committee and that all Members be invited to attend.

Amendment

Request for the hire of Botanic Gardens

for a series of music events

            At the request of Councillor D. Baker, the Council agreed to the following variation to the minute, to note that it was:

Moved by Councillor D. Baker

Seconded by Councillor McLaughlin and

      Resolved – “That the Committee agrees to grant authority to Aiken Promotions’ for the use of the great lawn at Botanic Gardens for a series of music events with attendances under 5,000 persons in the year 2020, to include set up and take down, and that a report would be submitted for the Committee’s consideration in relation to any promoter who was seeking to use the Council’s Parks for similar events in future years."

Adoption of Minutes

            Subject to the foregoing addition and amendment, the minutes of the proceedings of the People and Communities Committee of 10th and 16th September were thereupon approved and adopted.

Moved by Councillor Hargey,

Seconded by Councillor McLaughlin,

      That the minutes of the proceedings of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee of 28th August and 11th September be approved and adopted.

Amendment

Belfast Off Street Parking Order

Moved by Councillor M. Kelly,

Seconded by Councillor Long,

      That the decision of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee of 11th September, under the heading “Belfast Off Street Parking Order”, be amended to provide that the consultation include all of the Council owned Car Parks (15 in total) and the additional income would be considered as part of the rate setting process, with the option that it was put against sustainable transport, including bikes.  

            On a vote by a show of hands, 18 Members voted for the amendment and 31 against and it was declared lost.

City Centre Revitalisation Programme

            At the request of Councillor Hargey, the Council agreed that point vi., under the Terms of Reference, be amended to include ‘women and childcare’ to read:

“to understand the impact which any change or variance to Sunday opening hours might have on the City centre, in terms of small and independent retailers, workers’ rights and the effect on women and childcare, and footfall.”  

Adoption of Minutes

            Subject to the foregoing amendment, the minutes of the proceedings of the City Growth and Regeneration Committee of 28th August and 11th September were thereupon approved and adopted.

Moved by Councillor S. Baker,

Seconded by Councillor McAteer and 

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the Licensing Committee of 18th September, omitting matters in respect of which the Council has delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

Moved by Councillor Brooks,

Seconded by Councillor Garrett and

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the Planning Committee of 17th September, omitting matters in respect of which the Council has delegated its powers to the Committee, be approved and adopted.

Moved by Councillor de Faoite,

Seconded by Councillor McKeown and

      Resolved - That the minutes of the proceedings of the Brexit Committee of 12th September be approved and adopted.

Proposed by Alderman Copeland

Seconded by Alderman Rodgers

“That this Council notes recently published research from the charity CARE NI, that found 445 attacks have been recorded on places of worship in Northern Ireland in just the last 3 years:  Notes with concern that 147 of these despicable attacks were recorded in the Belfast City Policing District; unreservedly condemns all attacks on places of worship, no matter of faith or denomination, and upholds the important human right for individuals to be free to worship and live out their faith in this society.

This Council also notes the operation of the Places of worship Security Scheme in England and Wales and expresses regret that a similar scheme is not available in Northern Ireland; and therefore agrees to write to the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Office calling for the swift introduction of a similar scheme locally”.  

(To be debated by the Council)

            In accordance with notice on the agenda, Alderman Copelandproposed:

“That this Council notes recently published research from the charity CARE NI, that found 445 attacks have been recorded on places of worship in Northern Ireland in just the last 3 years:  Notes with concern that 147 of these despicable attacks were recorded in the Belfast City Policing District; unreservedly condemns all attacks on places of worship, no matter of faith or denomination, and upholds the important human right for individuals to be free to worship and live out their faith in this society.

This Council also notes the operation of the Places of worship Security Scheme in England and Wales and expresses regret that a similar scheme is not available in Northern Ireland; and therefore agrees to write to the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Office calling for the swift introduction of a similar scheme locally”.  

The motion was seconded by Alderman Rodgers.

            After discussion, the motion was put to the meeting and passed.

Proposed by Councillor McAllister

Seconded by Councillor Graham

“Belfast City Council, in seeking to encourage and support reconciliation in Northern Ireland, congratulates the Integrated Education Fund and the Northern Ireland Council on Integrated Education, on being nominated for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize.”

(To be debated by the Council)

In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor McAllister

proposed:

“Belfast City Council, in seeking to encourage and support reconciliation in Northern Ireland, congratulates the Integrated Education Fund and the Northern Ireland Council on Integrated Education, on being nominated for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize.”

            The motion was seconded by Councillor Graham.

            After discussion, the motion was put to the meeting and passed and the Council agreed that it would promote the nomination on its Social Media and the Lord Mayor would congratulate the agencies, on behalf of the Council. 

Proposed by Councillor McKeown

Seconded by Councillor Flynn

“Council condemns animal cruelty in all forms; notes the effective framework currently in place for punishing offenders and imposing appropriate sentences which serve as a deterrent to others; recognises the excellent enforcement work of Council Animal Welfare Officers and that of the USPCA in challenging cruel behaviour toward animals as well as supporting rehoming initiatives for those animals that have suffered abuse or neglect; further notes with concern that there is no centrally accessible register of those convicted of animal cruelty offences and resolves to write to the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Justice and the Irish Government to raise these concerns and propose a central all-island register of animal abusers.”

(To be debated by the Council)

In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor McKeown proposed:

“Council condemns animal cruelty in all forms; notes the effective framework currently in place for punishing offenders and imposing appropriate sentences which serve as a deterrent to others; recognises the excellent enforcement work of Council Animal Welfare Officers and that of the USPCA in challenging cruel behaviour toward animals as well as supporting rehoming initiatives for those animals that have suffered abuse or neglect; further notes with concern that there is no centrally accessible register of those convicted of animal cruelty offences and resolves to write to the Permanent Secretary at the Department of Justice and the Irish Government to raise these concerns and propose a central all-island register of animal abusers.”

            The motion was seconded by Councillor Flynn.

            After discussion, the motion was put to the meeting and passed and the Council agreed that the register should cover the UK and Ireland and encompass convicted breeders and animal sellers.

Proposed by Councillor Michael Collins

Seconded by Councillor Ferguson

“Council condemns plans to hike electricity and energy prices across Belfast, with, for example, Power NI planning to raise their prices by 6%, SSE Airtricity by almost 7% and Electric Ireland by 8%. Council notes that some of these companies have increased their prices for the past 3 years. Council believes that this is grossly unfair, particularly given the fact that prices on the wholesale gas market have fallen by 49% over the last 12 months. Council believes that every effort should be made to oppose these hikes and wishes to see an immediate energy cap put in place. Council calls on the Chief Executive to write to the utility regulator to argue for the above”.

(To be debated by the Council)

In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor Michael Collins proposed:

“Council condemns plans to hike electricity and energy prices across Belfast, with, for example, Power NI planning to raise their prices by 6%, SSE Airtricity by almost 7% and Electric Ireland by 8%. Council notes that some of these companies have increased their prices for the past 3 years. Council believes that this is grossly unfair, particularly given the fact that prices on the wholesale gas market have fallen by 49% over the last 12 months. Council believes that every effort should be made to oppose these hikes and wishes to see an immediate energy cap put in place. Council calls on the Chief Executive to write to the utility regulator to argue for the above”.

            The motion was seconded by Councillor Ferguson.

Amendment

            Moved by Alderman Kingston,

            Seconded by Councillor Dorrian,

            That the last two sentences be deleted and the additional paragraph be added to the end of the motion, namely:

“This Council should invite the Utility Regulator, Jenny Pyper, to the relevant Committee and also the NI Consumer Council to present on what was being done to prevent and mitigate against these price rises.”

            On a vote by show of hands, fifteen Members voted for the amendment and twenty-seven against and it was declared lost.

Further Amendment

            The proposer agreed, at the request of Councillor Walsh, to the addition of the following paragraph to the motion:

“This Council agrees that a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Brexit Committee on the impact of Brexit, including a ‘No Deal’ Brexit, on the electricity and wider energy market.”

            After discussion, the following motion, as amended, was put to the meeting:

“Council condemns plans to hike electricity and energy prices across Belfast, with, for example, Power NI planning to raise their prices by 6%, SSE Airtricity by almost 7% and Electric Ireland by 8%. Council notes that some of these companies have increased their prices for the past 3 years. Council believes that this is grossly unfair, particularly given the fact that prices on the wholesale gas market have fallen by 49% over the last 12 months. Council believes that every effort should be made to oppose these hikes and wishes to see an immediate energy cap put in place. Council calls on the Chief Executive to write to the utility regulator to argue for the above.

This Council agrees that a report be submitted to a future meeting of the Brexit Committee on the impact of Brexit, including a ‘No Deal’ Brexit, on the electricity and wider energy market.”

            On a vote by show of hands, thirty-one Members voted for the motion and none against and it was declared carried.

Standing Order 23

            During debate on the previous motion, the Council’s attention was drawn to the fact that, in accordance with Standing Order 23, any meeting of the Council which has lasted continuously for five hours shall stand adjourned unless the Council shall by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

Proposed by Councillor Ferguson

Seconded by Councillor Matt Collins

“Council notes that NIPSA members have planned strike action for Thursday 3 October. Council also notes that public sector workers have faced years of wage freezes and attacks on working conditions. Council believes that in this context strike action is a measured and appropriate response to the paltry pay deal that is currently being offered to public sector workers. 

To this end, Council fully supports NIPSA in their campaign for better pay and better terms and conditions, including strike action. Council sends particular support to those workers on picket lines on Thursday. Finally, Council agrees that the Chief Executive should write to Permanent Secretary of the Department for Finance, Sue Gray, to implore her to immediately revisit the issue of public sector pay and reconsider the offer extended.” 

(To be debated by the Council)

            (Councillor Hussey declared an interest in the item and left the room for the duration of the discussion)

In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor Ferguson proposed:

“Council notes that NIPSA members have planned strike action for Thursday, 3rd October. Council also notes that public sector workers have faced years of wage freezes and attacks on working conditions. Council believes that in this context strike action is a measured and appropriate response to the paltry pay deal that is currently being offered to public sector workers. 

To this end, Council fully supports NIPSA in their campaign for better pay and better terms and conditions, including strike action. Council sends particular support to those workers on picket lines on Thursday. Finally, Council agrees that the Chief Executive should write to Permanent Secretary of the Department for Finance, Sue Gray, to implore her to immediately revisit the issue of public sector pay and reconsider the offer extended.” 

The motion was seconded by Councillor Matt Collins.

            After discussion, the motion was put to the meeting.

            On a vote by show of hands, thirty-two Members voted for the motion and none against and it was declared carried.

Proposed by Alderman Kingston

Seconded by Councillor Bunting

“This Council deeply regrets the recent amendment of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill at Westminster to include the imposition of major changes to abortion law in Northern Ireland. The immediate implications of this Bill are that abortion on request will be legalised to the point of viability and potentially beyond, up to 28 weeks depending on legal interpretation.

Council notes that no consultation took place with the people of Northern Ireland on the amendments at Westminster related to the Abortion clause. The process which led to this section being passed into law was deeply flawed and has significant detrimental consequences for devolution and for local people.

We consider this course of action goes far beyond the public conversation which has been happening in Northern Ireland over recent years about amending the law to allow abortion in cases of life-limiting conditions deemed fatal before, during or shortly after birth. This Council recognises that a restored Northern Ireland Assembly would consider these cases within its own legislative remit and that is where these matters should be determined.

Council agrees to write to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Julian Smith MP, to express our strong opposition to this over-riding of devolved legislation on this fundamental matter of conscience”.

(To be debated by the Council)

In accordance with notice on the agenda, Alderman Kingston proposed:

“This Council deeply regrets the recent amendment of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill at Westminster to include the imposition of major changes to abortion law in Northern Ireland. The immediate implications of this Bill are that abortion on request will be legalised to the point of viability and potentially beyond, up to 28 weeks depending on legal interpretation.

Council notes that no consultation took place with the people of Northern Ireland on the amendments at Westminster related to the Abortion clause. The process which led to this section being passed into law was deeply flawed and has significant detrimental consequences for devolution and for local people.

We consider this course of action goes far beyond the public conversation which has been happening in Northern Ireland over recent years about amending the law to allow abortion in cases of life-limiting conditions deemed fatal before, during or shortly after birth. This Council recognises that a restored Northern Ireland Assembly would consider these cases within its own legislative remit and that is where these matters should be determined.

Council agrees to write to the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Julian Smith MP, to express our strong opposition to this over-riding of devolved legislation on this fundamental matter of conscience”.

The motion was seconded by CouncillorBunting.

Amendment

            Moved by Councillor Canavan,

            Seconded by Councillor Black,

            That the words after “This Council” be deleted and the additional paragraph be added to the motion, namely:

“Calls for the Assembly to be re-established immediately, on the basis of rights and equality, and provide modern health care for women, including terminations where a woman’s life, health or mental health is at risk and in cases of fatal foetal abnormality and sexual crime.”

            On a recorded vote, seventeen Members voted for the amendment, thirty-three against, with two no votes, and it was declared lost.

Further Amendment

            Moved by Councillor Groogan,

            Seconded by Councillor Ferguson,

            That the words after “This Council” be deleted and the additional paragraph be added to the motion, namely:

“warmly welcomes the recent amendment of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation) Bill at Westminster which includes major changes to the abortion law and equal marriage in Northern Ireland. Council notes that a number of consultations have taken place with the people of Northern Ireland related to Abortion and Equal marriage, including the Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey and the Amnesty  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

Proposed by Councillor Dorrian

Seconded by Councillor McMullan

“This council continues to stand with those who suffered as a result of the Srebrenica genocide. We will continue to support those who suffered during this shameful time and mark the occasion with a suitable event, which informs the wider community and promotes the message of reconciliation.”

(To be referred, without discussion, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee)

In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor Dorrian proposed:

“This council continues to stand with those who suffered as a result of the Srebrenica genocide. We will continue to support those who suffered during this shameful time and mark the occasion with a suitable event, which informs the wider community and promotes the message of reconciliation.”

The motion was seconded by Councillor McMullan.

            In accordance with Standing Order 13(f), the motion was referred, without discussion, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

Proposed by Councillor Brooks

Seconded by Councillor M. Kelly

“This Council will undertake a review of the effectiveness of its alley-gating programme to date, and look to build delivery partnerships with other agencies, should internal funding not be available to gate those areas still on waiting list”.

(To be referred, without discussion, to the People and Communities Committee)

In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor Brooks proposed:

“This Council will undertake a review of the effectiveness of its alley-gating programme to date, and look to build delivery partnerships with other agencies, should internal funding not be available to gate those areas still on waiting list”.

The motion was seconded by Councillor M. Kelly.

In accordance with Standing Order 13(f), the motion was referred, without discussion, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

Proposed by Councillor Groogan

Seconded by Councillor McKeown

"This Council condemns the persistent and serious anti-social behaviour that residents of the Holylands and the surrounding area endure throughout the year due to the high numbers of HMOs that exist there.

This council will review its policy for dealing with all aspects of anti-social behaviour in the Holylands area, particularly around on-street drinking, noise and littering and bring forward an action plan for tackling the ongoing problems experienced in this area.

This council also notes the worryingly high levels of crime in a small, densely populated area of this city and commits to working with statutory partners to bring back CCTV units to the area as one of the means to tackle this issue."

(To be referred, without discussion, to the People and Communities Committee)

In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor Groogan proposed:

"This Council condemns the persistent and serious anti-social behaviour that residents of the Holylands and the surrounding area endure throughout the year due to the high numbers of HMOs that exist there.

This council will review its policy for dealing with all aspects of anti-social behaviour in the Holylands area, particularly around on-street drinking, noise and littering and bring forward an action plan for tackling the ongoing problems experienced in this area.

This council also notes the worryingly high levels of crime in a small, densely populated area of this city and commits to working with statutory partners to bring back CCTV units to the area as one of the means to tackle this issue."

The motion was seconded by Councillor McKeown.

            In accordance with Standing Order 13(f), the motion was referred, without discussion, to the People and Communities Committee.

Proposed by Councillor Nicholl

Seconded by The Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor McReynolds

“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.”

 (To be referred, without discussion, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee)

In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor Nicholl proposed:

“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.”

The motion was seconded by The Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor McReynolds.

            In accordance with Standing Order 13(f), the motion was referred, without discussion, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

Proposed by Councillor de Faoite

Seconded by Councillor McKeown

“This Council:

Recognises that many of the decisions taken by Council can and will have environmental implications, whether intentional or not;

Believes that information about the environmental impact of decisions made by Council can help to inform elected members and officers about more sustainable and resilient practices and approaches;

Agrees to include details of the environmental implications of proposals or decisions in all reports which are brought to Council or any of the Standing Committees or Working Groups”.

(To be referred, without discussion, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee)

In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor de Faoite proposed:

“This Council:

Recognises that many of the decisions taken by Council can and will have environmental implications, whether intentional or not;

Believes that information about the environmental impact of decisions made by Council can help to inform elected members and officers about more sustainable and resilient practices and approaches;

Agrees to include details of the environmental implications of proposals or decisions in all reports which are brought to Council or any of the Standing Committees or Working Groups”.

The motion was seconded by CouncillorMcKeown.

            In accordance with Standing Order 13(f), the motion was referred, without discussion, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

Proposed by Councillor O’Hara

Seconded by Councillor Matt Collins

Proposed by Councillor O’Hara

Seconded by Councillor Matt Collins

“This Council notes the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report on global warming of 1.5°C, published in October 2018, which tells us that limiting Global Warming to 1.5°C may still be possible with ambitious action from national and sub-national authorities, civil society, the private sector, indigenous peoples and local communities and notes the UK Governments target of reducing emissions to net-zero by 2050.  Council also notes the recent Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) reports on global species and habitat loss. This Council has supported a motion to declare a Climate Emergency and in light of these, this Council commits to a more ambitious and more urgent target of net-zero emissions than 2050. This target will be informed by the work undertaken below and will reflect the ambition of similar cities in the UK with an initial interim target of 80% by 2030.

Council therefore;

·         Commits to becoming a carbon-neutral organisation as urgently as possible, and will publish an evidence-based decision on a target year by 2021 (including Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions as defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol);

·         Requests that the Chief Executive reports back to Council within eighteen months with an Action Plan and ‘roadmap’ to ensure that Belfast City Council becomes a carbon-neutral organisation by a recommended date;

·         Requests that the Chief Executive reports back to Council by 2021 with detailed information about how the Council will work with partners across the Belfast City Council Area and with central and devolved government to seek to ensure that Belfast District’s net carbon emissions (Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3) are reduced by 80% as speedily as possible compared to 2005 levels. This will include a resourcing plan for the Council and what that will require in terms of council decision making on the rates consequences.  The working group will also receive a report on the costs and activities required to develop a deliverable plan, including the expertise that will need to be procured;

·         Requests that Council immediately establish a Resilience and Sustainability Board similar to that in Manchester, to underpin our efforts to decarbonise Belfast;

·         Requests that the Council writes to the Central and Devolved government requesting:

(a) additional powers and funding to make our climate mitigation and adaptation work possible; and

(b) that Ministers work with other governments to ensure that the UK maximizes carbon reduction urgently in line with the overriding need to limit global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C.”

(To be referred, without discussion, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee)

In accordance with notice on the agenda, Councillor O’Hara proposed:

“This Council notes the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report on global warming of 1.5°C, published in October 2018, which tells us that limiting Global Warming to 1.5°C may still be possible with ambitious action from national and sub-national authorities, civil society, the private sector, indigenous peoples and local communities and notes the UK Governments target of reducing emissions to net-zero by 2050.  Council also notes the recent Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) reports on global species and habitat loss. This Council has supported a motion to declare a Climate Emergency and in light of these, this Council commits to a more ambitious and more urgent target of net-zero emissions than 2050. This target will be informed by the work undertaken below and will reflect the ambition of similar cities in the UK with an initial interim target of 80% by 2030.

 Council therefore;

·        Commits to becoming a carbon-neutral organisation as urgently as possible, and will publish an evidence-based decision on a target year by 2021 (including Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions as defined by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol);

·        Requests that the Chief Executive reports back to Council within eighteen months with an Action Plan and ‘roadmap’ to ensure that Belfast City Council becomes a carbon-neutral organisation by a recommended date;

·        Requests that the Chief Executive reports back to Council by 2021 with detailed information about how the Council will work with partners across the Belfast City Council Area and with central and devolved government to seek to ensure that Belfast District’s net carbon emissions (Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3) are reduced by 80% as speedily as possible compared to 2005 levels. This will include a resourcing plan for the Council and what that will require in terms of council decision making on the rates consequences.  The working group will also receive a report on the costs and activities required to develop a deliverable plan, including the expertise that will need to be procured;

·        Requests that Council immediately establish a Resilience and Sustainability Board similar to that in Manchester, to underpin our efforts to decarbonise Belfast;

·        Requests that the Council writes to the Central and Devolved government requesting:

(a) additional powers and funding to make our climate mitigation and adaptation work possible; and

(b) that Ministers work with other governments to ensure that the UK maximizes carbon reduction urgently in line with the overriding need to limit global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C.”

The motion was seconded by Councillor Matt. Collins.

            In accordance with Standing Order 13(f), the motion was referred, without discussion, to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.