Agenda and minutes

            Apologies were reported on behalf of Alderman Copeland.

            The minutes of the meeting of 3rd June were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st July.

            In relation to item 2.b) EVAWG - additional in year Local Community Fund allocation, Councillors R-M Donnelly, Doran, and Murray declared an interest in that their employers had applied for the fund and left the meeting whilst this item was being considered.

            Councillors Verner, Doran, M. Donnelly declared an interest under item 5.e) Department of Communities (DfC) Letter of Offer Community Support Programme 2025-2026, in that their employers had applied for the support programme. Under the same item, Councillor Canavan declared an interest in that she was a board member of Blackie River Community Group which had applied for the fund. The Councillors left the meeting whilst this item was being considered.

            The information contained in the reports associated with the following two items was 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 on the following items as there could be a disclosure of exempt information as described in Section 42(4) and Schedule 6 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

            The Committee was advised that the content of the ‘restricted’ reports and any associated discussion should be treated as ‘confidential information’ and that such information could not be disclosed as per Paragraph 4.15 of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct.

            The Committee noted the year-end report and the associated financial reporting pack.

The Committee was provided with an update on the EVAWG contracts from The Executive Office and the Tier 1 grants which had been awarded. 

            During discussion, Members highlighted the importance of spike testing and requested an overview of the EVAWG work being undertaken across the Council.

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            After discussion, the Committee:

                 i.          Noted the recipients of Tier 1 grant awards approved under delegated authority by the Operational Director of Neighbourhood Services;

                ii.          Noted the potential for further in-year financial support in response to correspondence to TEO seeking additional resources to meet the demand for community led EVAWG local change projects;

               iii.          Agreed the proposed approach to allocate any additional Momentum fund, Local Change Fund grant support and additional in-year allocations for the Regional Change Fund;

              iv.          Agreed that officers review the current Policing and Community Safety Partnerships programme support of spike testing and whether there was an opportunity/need to increase the provision as part of the draft momentum programme; and

                v.          Agreed that a summary of council wide EVAWG activity be provided at a future meeting.

The Director of City and Neighbourhood Services advised that notification had been received from GLL Trade Unions in relation to planned strike action.

The Committee noted the information provided and that further updates would be provided to the Party Group Leaders’ Consultative Forum, together with the Member request for the Trade Union to present to the Committee.

(Alderman McCullough was in attendance for this item)

The Committee deferred consideration of the motion to allow further information to be provided to the Party Group Leaders’ Consultative Forum on the consultation and policy process.

            The Committee considered the notice of motion which, in accordance with Standing Order 13 (f), had been referred for consideration by the Standards and Business Committee at its meeting on 24th June.

            The Committee agreed to adopt the undernoted motion, which was moved at the meeting by Councillor Collins and seconded by Councillor Groogan:

“This Council notes that 1 in 10 women suffer from endometriosis: the second most common gynaecological condition. Endometriosis is a chronic and life changing condition. Despite this, waiting times for endometriosis treatment in the North has been labelled ‘shocking’ by Endometriosis UK. Women often have to wait years for an NHS diagnosis and can be waiting up to 7 years for life changing surgery. The Department of Health figures show that the total number of women waiting for a gynaecology outpatient appointment here has more than double in seven years, yet the north remains the only part of the UK and Ireland without a specialist endometriosis centre available through the public health service. Those unable to afford private care are forced to wait years for NHS treatment, enduring avoidable pain that inhibits their quality of life. This Council will write to the Belfast Health Trust and the Health Minister to outline these concerns and request urgent investment to bolster NHS support and reduce waiting times for endometriosis patients. This Council also notes the wider lack of awareness around endometriosis and other female health related illnesses. This Council therefore commits to organising a public workshop in Belfast City Hall to help end the stigma around endometriosis. This Council will invite statutory health bodies, women's health campaign groups, elected members, Council staff and members of the public to attend and participate in this event, to raise awareness, and build support for patients of this illness.”

The Committee agreed to write to the Belfast Health Trust and the Health Minister as set out in the motion with the additional request for information on patient referrals for treatment in other parts of the UK.

The Committee noted that a subsequent report would be brought to Committee outlining a detailed consideration of the Notice of Motion and the potential costs implications.

            The Committee considered the notice of motion which, in accordance with Standing Order 13 (f), had been referred for consideration by the Standards and Business Committee at its meeting on 24th June.

            The Committee agreed to adopt the undernoted motion, which was moved at the meeting by Councillor Murray and seconded by Councillor Bower:

“This Council endorses the Stranded Dreams report launched by Anaka Women’s Collective on the need for targeted education provision for young refugees and asylum seekers in Northern Ireland and agrees to write to the Ministers of Economy and Education to outline our support for the recommendations, including a pilot scheme for the Greater Belfast area.”

The Committee agreed to write to the Ministers of Economy and Education as outlined in the motion.

The Committee was advised that the schedule for meetings in 2025 was unable to be amended. It was reported that the planned meeting dates for 2026 would be presented in due course and officers would identify suitable dates within that schedule to ensure that the Council and Committee meetings would not take place on successive evenings.

Noted.

            The Committee were provided with an overview of the progress on those Notices of Motion and Issues Raised in Advance which remained open following the February 2025 update, and those Motions and Issues which had since arisen.

            It was reported that there were currently 36 active Notices of Motion and Issues Raised in Advance which the People and Communities Committee was responsible for and the following motions had been recommended for closure:

Category 1

·        Cleansing Task Force (Ref 255)

·        Corey Jack Memorial Park (Ref 286)

·        Secure Needle/Drug Waste Bins (Ref 345)

·        Signage at Finaghy Community Centre (Ref 353)

·        Signage at Ruby Murray Park (Ref 362)

·        Books for Refugee Children Living Across Belfast (Ref 389)

·        Erection of Memorial Tree – Ruby Murray Village (Ref 428)

·        Family Parking at GLL Leisure Centres (Ref 430)

·        Returning of Black Bins to Properties (Ref 445)

Category 2

·        Creating Better Access into the Hills (Ref 145) and Belfast Hills ‘Call to Action’ Document (Ref 161)

·       Memorial at Former Workhouse Burial Site – Donegall Road (Ref 436)

          During discussion, Members suggested that two of the motions should remain open so that further work could be undertaken.

            Accordingly, the Committee:

·        Noted the updates to all Notices of Motion / Issues Raised in Advance that People and Communities Committee is responsible for as referenced in Appendix 1; and

·        Agreed that the following motions should remain open: Returning of Black Bins to Properties (Ref 445) and Family Parking at GLL Leisure Centres (Ref 430) to allow further reports to be submitted to the Committee on the issues raised;

·        Agreed to the closure of the remaining 10 Notices of Motion / Issues Raised in Advance, as recommended in paragraph 3.5 of the report; and

·        Requested an update on motion Provision of toilet facilities at Falls Park (Ref 387) to include Woodvale Park provision.

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       To make Members aware that The Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a public consultation on proposed new rules for the sale and supply of puppies and kittens in Northern Ireland. The consultation was launched on 2nd June 2025 and closes, for councils, on Monday 15th September 2025.

1.2       Summary of the Proposals

1.3       All persons seeking to:

•        sell;

•        give away; or

•        otherwise transfer ownership

            of a puppy or kitten (under six months old) will be required to apply to their local council to be entered onto the Register of Sellers and Suppliers of Puppies and Kittens. Registration will be valid for one year and will have conditions attached.

1.4       Applicants will be required to:

•        pay a fee, which will be set by the council and will be nil for the first year (for any non-businesses);

•        prove that they are the keeper of the mother of the puppies, by producing proof of a valid dog licence for the puppies’ mother, or by producing proof of a valid licence to keep a dog breeding establishment or a pet shop where the mother of the puppy is kept;

•        declare that they are the keeper of the mother of the kittens; and

•        comply with the conditions of registration.

1.5       Councils:

•        will not be required to carry out an inspection;

•        will have powers to suspend, vary or revoke a registration;

•        will have powers to inspect an address; and

•        will have powers to take samples from animals for traceability purposes.

1.6       Whilst Council would welcome any legislation to improve animal welfare, we do not agree that Councils or other bodies should be required to take on this new legal requirement for puppies and kittens to be registered without a more robust and transparent assessment of the regulatory and financial impacts being assessed and laid out as part of the consultation with Councils or the impacts on  rate payers 

2.0       Recommendation

3.1       The Committee is asked to agree the proposed consultation response as attached in Appendix 5 and to agree to officers forwarding the response to the Department by the closing date of 15th September 2025  and advising it remains draft and subject to full Council ratification after the call in period of the September Council.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (the Department) is seeking views on a proposal to introduce a registration system for persons selling, giving away, or otherwise transferring ownership of puppies and kittens aged under six months old.

3.2       A key objective of the Department is to end third-party sales of puppies and kittens. A third-party sale is a sale that occurs when the seller has not bred the animal themselves but has obtained the puppy or kitten from a breeder so that they can sell it onwards.

3.3       Whilst we welcome any legislation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1       To update Members on key findings of two community consultation exercises - Forthmeadow Community Greenway Opening Hours Consultation, and Opening Hours Pilots (5 park sites) consultation exercise and agree next steps.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       Members are asked to note key findings for both consultation exercises and consider and approve next steps as follows.

            Forthmeadow Greenway

-       Note resident feedback and opening hours preference for each section/site

-       Note comments on programming or further physical enhancements to the FMG

-       Consider trialling alternative gate opening hours (24/7 or other) for any of section/sites within the Greenway for a one-year period; or alternatively agree to officers formalising standard dawn-to-dusk opening hours into the Greenways By-Laws

            Opening Hours Pilots

-       Note resident feedback on each of the 5 park sites, including combined feedback on Falls Park from both consultation exercises

-       Note the need for artificial lighting and additional security to ensure park safety were highlighted as barriers/concerns to extended opening hours across all five park surveys.

3.0       Main report

3.1       Members will recall that at P&C Committee on 14th January 2025 [see Appendix 1] officer’s updated on planned consultation exercise into residents views on the opening hours of the Forth Meadow Greenway, as well as a separate consultation exercise - Opening Hour Pilots at 4 park sites (Botanic gardens, Falls Park, Ormeau Park and Woodvale Park). The inclusion of a further site, Belmont Park, was agreed at this time.

3.2       Since its construction the Forthmeadow Community Greenway, as well as the 5 Park sites that are the focus of the Opening hours consultation follow Council’s standard ‘dawn (7.30am at earliest) to dusk (10pm at latest)’ opening hours pattern with times changing throughout the seasons as daylight lengthens or shortens. This report sets out the findings of both consultation exercises on extending Greenway gates/ parks opening, and sets out associated recommendations for Member’s further consideration and agreement.

3.3       Forthmeadow Community Greenway Opening Hours Consultation

3.3       Officers ran an open survey on Council’s Your Say platform from 15th January to 27th February 2025 and held three drop-in sessions in late January at Highfield Community Centre, Springfield Park (Dam) and Falls Park Bowling Pavilion. The aim of the consultation was to capture residents’ views on 24 hour /7 day a week (24/7) opening of 14 gates across the Greenway that connect on to its main lit spine, as well as any other suggestions relating to the opening hours of individual gates. It was also an opportunity to get view on concerns/ barriers to supporting and suggested programming/activities and further physical improvements required to facilitate extended hours of use.

3.4       The consultation was promoted through Council’s social media pages and communications to a range of stakeholders including local resident groups, environmental groups, community groups and elected members. In addition to the erection of posters (that included QR codes linking to the survey) in the local community facilities and at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

            The Committee was reminded that, in October 2024, invitations had been issued for local authorities and other partners to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for funding to build capacity and partnerships, peer networks to share learning and practical solutions and schemes to attract new investment. The total funding pot across the UK was £15 million with a funding limit of £250,000 - £1,000,000 per application.

            It was reported that Ulster Wildlife, in partnership with the Council and other key stakeholders, submitted an Expression of Interest and the Belfast bid had been successful at stage 3.

            Subsequently, in July 2025 the project was awarded £850,514 through the initiative. This was 92% of the total approved Project cost of £924,418, with in kind contributions from the Council and Ulster Wildlife totalling £73,904 (£59,531 Council funding and £14,373 Ulster Wildlife funding) made up of in kind staff time to manage the project and oversee recruitment.

            The Committee considered the Project Overview to develop a shared, co-designed vision and associated set of plans and mechanisms for nature's recovery for the city of Belfast and key surrounding areas, including the Lagan Valley Regional Park and the Belfast Hills. The project would build on existing initiatives, such as the Future of Northern Ireland's Urban Green Spaces' report, work undertaken on Nature Recovery Networks (NRNS) and Belfast 2024.

            During discussion, the Committee welcomed the Heritage Lottery Nature Towns and Cities Funding Award.

The Committee:

·        noted the contents of the report;

·        agreed to the signing of the letter of offer; and

·        noted that a further report would be submitted for approval outlining the scope of the project.

The Committee was reminded that the Food Standards Agency, in their monitoring and oversight role, required all NI District Councils to prepare an annual Food Service Delivery Plan which sets out the Council’s key functions and planned activities for delivery of food hygiene, food standards and other food safety related responsibilities.

The Committee considered the City Council’s draft Food Service Delivery Plan for the 2025/26 year to be submitted to the Food Standards Agency for review.

The Committee approved the draft Belfast City Council Food Service Delivery Plan 2025-2026.

The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report / Summary of Main Issues

1.1       Members will be aware that the council is required, as a consequence of the cycle of reporting for Northern Ireland, established via Table 1-2 of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Local Air Quality Management Technical Guidance LAQM.TG(22), to provide either an annual Progress Report or Updating and Screening Assessment (USA) to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), detailing the status of ambient air quality for the Belfast City Council area, together with progress on implementation of the local air quality management regime, and on achieving or maintaining ambient air pollution concentrations below the respective air quality objective levels for human health, as detailed within the 2007 Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and Air Quality Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003.

1.2       Members are advised that for 2025, the council was required to provide a Progress Report to DAERA by 30^th June 2025. An extension to the submission deadline until mid-August 2025 has, however, been obtained to allow the 2025 Progress Report to be considered at the People and Communities Committee and for any necessary revisions to be made, prior to the Progress Report being submitted to DAERA for technical appraisal. Accepted 2025 Progress Reports will be made available to the public later this year on the DAERA NI Air website, via the following weblink: https://www.airqualityni.co.uk/reports/district-council-reports-1

1.3       By way of clarity, Defra have advised that Progress Reports are intended to provide continuity within the local air quality management system, filling gaps between the three-yearly requirement to undertake an Updating and Screening Assessment, whereas Updating and Screening Assessments are intended to identify any significant changes in local ambient air quality that may have occurred since the previous rounds of Review and Assessment were completed.

1.4       Accordingly, Members are advised that this Committee report serves to provide context to, and an overview of the Belfast City Council 2025 Air Quality Progress Report.

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       The Committee is requested to review the attached Belfast City Council 2025 Air Quality Progress Report (Appendix A) and to recommend that the Report be submitted to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (DAERA) independent technical appraisers by the revised submission deadline of mid-August 2025.

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Members are advised that to ensure standardisation of approach, and in accordance with requirements detailed within LAQM.TG(22), the Belfast City Council 2025 Air Quality Progress Report has been developed by populating the Defra 2025 Northern Ireland Progress Report Template.

3.2       Accordingly, the Defra 2025 Northern Ireland Progress Report Template requires councils to report on:

·        New ambient air quality monitoring data, to include a summary of all monitoring undertaken and a comparison of monitoring results with the air quality objectives (Section 2);

·        New local developments that are of a scale or function such that may have an effect on ambient air quality (to include road traffic or other transport sources, industrial  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

The Committee considered the request from the All Nation Church for a “March for Jesus” event at Ormeau Park on Saturday, 23rd August, 2025.

           The Committee granted authority to the applicants for the proposed event on the date noted, subject to the completion of the appropriate event management plans and satisfactory terms being agreed by the Director of City and Neighbourhood Services and on the condition that the Event Organisers:

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

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

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

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

        The Committee also noted that the event would take place before ratification of the committee decision at September’s Council meeting.

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1       To provide an update to members on the work being carried out in relation to the overfilled bins and bin liner collection issues.

2.0       Recommendation

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

3.0       Main Report

3.1       Key Issues

            Members will recall this matter was discussed in June and members requested that updates were presented to P&C Committee at the August and September meetings.  This report provides an update to members on progress to date.

3.2       It should be noted that Corporate Communications have supported and continue to provide resource to Resources and Fleet through the communications and awareness raising elements of the plan. A summary of that activity is in Appendix A.

3.3       The Project Teams and their Resource Advisor colleagues within Waste Management have produced an engagement plan (Appendix B) based on the Implementation and Communications Plan approved by Council.  Key Dates to be noted are as follows:

3.4       Monday 4 August – the beginning of Amber tagging bedding in period for 8 weeks. Collections continue as normal (i.e. overfilled bins and bins with liners still collected) with warning tag placed on bins and reporting by crews. Enhanced Resource Advisor Teams on ground raising awareness and messaging. Report it App data will be used to inform the engagement and targeting of resources on the ground.  It will also be used to measure the impact of the programme during both the amber and red collecting to policy stages.

3.5       September P&C Committee – Further update report to members on the impact of the amber phase and the comms and engagement plan. This update will include a summary of the reporting data and highlight problem areas.

3.6       Monday 29 September – planned start date for the beginning of Red tagging collecting strictly to policy phase. Overfilled containers will be tagged and will not collected, and instances reported. Temporary additional clear up teams to be engaged Resource Teams, OSS and Enforcement Teams will be deployed to targeting remaining hot spot areas.

            Project Team progress as at time of writing of this update report:

3.7       Overfilled Bins – Domestic Waste

            The following actions are ongoing or are on schedule to be carried out as detailed

·        In order to strengthen the presence of educational and communications on the ground, additional Agency Resource Advisors have been recruited. Staff have received their full day of induction and training and advised on the work required, campaign details and timeframes around communications and engagement..

·        The Additional Resource Advisor Staff have been deployed and began operating in Urban Belfast from Monday 21st July. It is envisaged that this early messaging and later engagement will soften the landing of the bedding in and collecting to policy periods.

·        Briefing information and FAQs have been prepared and issued to internal stakeholders w/c 21st July. For example, this includes a 2-page collection crew brief with graphics and scenarios.

·        Customer Hub have been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report/Summary of Main Issues

1.1             The main purpose of this report is;

·        Inform Members that Council has received the Letter of Offer for the Community Support Programme 2025/26 from the Department for Communities (DfC).  The Department has provided an uplift of 9% across certain elements of the programme.

·        Advise Members that the Chief Executive has accepted the Letter of Offer, subject to Council approval and seek approval for him to accept subsequent Letters of Variance on behalf of the Council.

·        Seek members’ approval to issue further payments to funded organisations upon their completion of monitoring and relevant administrative checks.

·        Seek agreement from members on the option to allocate the additional funding provided based on the detail provided in the report. 

2.0       Recommendation

2.1       Members are asked to;

·        Note the CSP funding allocation of £2,939,450.49 presented in the Letter of Offer from the DfC for the 2025/26 financial year.

·        Note that the Chief Executive has accepted the Letter of Offer, subject to Council approval and seek approval for him to accept subsequent Letters of Variance on behalf of the Council.

·        Agree option relating to the Community Support General additional funding.

·        Agree option for the reprofiling of the budget for Advice and Tribunal services.

·        Agree the proposed additional funding allocation for: Community Support General, Advice Grant, Welfare Reform Mitigations Extension-Tribunal Representation and Welfare Reform Mitigations- Face to Face Advice.

·        Note the additional funding to Social Supermarket projects based on previous committee decisions.

·        Approve that officers progress funding payments where appropriate, following completion of due diligence requirements based on the proposals.

3.0       Main Report

            Background

3.1       Members will be aware that the Department for Communities (DfC) provides an annual grant to Council through its Community Support Programme (CSP) Letter of Offer. This funding provides an element of the budget towards Capacity Building, Revenue for Community Building grant, Summer Scheme Grant as well as Generalist Advice.

3.2       The CSP also provides 100% funding for other elements of activity such as Social Supermarkets, Welfare Reform Mitigations and Integrated Advice Partnership Fund (debt related services)

3.3       At the March Committee, Officers advised that the Community Support Programme (CSP) Letter of Offer for 25/26 had not yet been received by Council from DfC. At that stage, Members granted approval for officers to progress funding agreements and provide 50% payments for the Capacity Building, Revenue for Community Building grants and Generalist Advice. 

3.4       Council received the CSP 2024/25 Letter of Offer from DfC on 13 June 2025.  There is an increase to this year’s funding across several new and existing elements.  Table 1 below presents a breakdown of the allocation for 2025/25 in comparison to 2024/25.

            Table 1

            The Director of Planning and Building Control advised that, due to the response rates to the recent dual language street signs surveys being unusually low, an investigation had been undertaken which had identified an issue which resulted in a number of responses to the surveys that were using the pre-paid envelope being held by Royal Mail at the delivery centre.

            Further investigation found that this amounted to around 375 responses being held at the delivery centre, with an unconfirmed number being sent through by Royal Mail to its return centre. Whilst the 375 responses had subsequently been recovered by Officers, Royal Mail were sending batches of additional responses from the return centre.

            In response to Members’ concerns, the Director of Planning and Building Control confirmed that the applications that were considered at the committee meeting in June had not been impacted and an assessment was being carried out on the applications that would have been brought to the August Committee and those that were currently out to survey to establish whether there would be a need to undertake any resurveys.

            The Committee noted the update in relation to the Dual Language Consultation responses and that a further update would be submitted to the Committee in September.

            In response to Councillor de Faoite in relation to Lagan Gateway and the need for a pedestrian crossing on Annadale Embankment to access it, the Committee agreed to write to the Minister for Infrastructure and the Active Travel Unit to formally support the call for a crossing under Phase 2 enabling works for safe access to the Lagan Gateway.

            In response to Councillor Doran’s concern in relation to the length of time it was taking to install alley gates in various entries in North Belfast, the Committee noted the update provided and further funding installation request to the Department of Finance and that a report be submitted to a future meeting to provide a further update.

           In response to the Chairperson’s concern in relation to accessibility in Parks, the Committee agreed that a report be submitted to a future committee to outline the current standard of accessibility in Parks and what steps had been taken to date, an overview of engagement and research that had been undertaken with children directly, together with the potential of mapping the accessibility of parks across the city for users.