Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Alderman Newton and Councillors Attwood and McKee.

 

            The minutes of the meetings of 6th and 20th January 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 February, subject to the omission of the minute under the heading “Connswater Community Greenway – Update on Contract” which had been taken back to the Committee for further consideration at the request of Alderman Stoker.

 

            The following declaration of interest was declared:

 

·        Councillor Ó Muilleoir declared an interest in relation to item 4 (a)  Requests for the Use of the City Hall and the Provision of Hospitality in so far as he was a Director of the Belfast Media Group.

 

            The Committee considered further the undernoted minute:

 

“Connswater Community Greenway –

Update on Contract

 

      The Committee noted the contents of a report which provided an update in relation to the contract associated with the Connswater Community Greenway and affirmed its decision to grant authority to the Director of Property and Projects, in consultation with the Chief Executive and the Town Solicitor, to pursue the most advantageous option to ensure value-for-money and expeditious completion of the project to the acquired design standards and also to follow up with the Connswater Joint Venture the issue of an independent review of cost and value.”

 

            After discussion, the Committee agreed to affirm its decision of 20th January, subject to independent advice being obtained and the matter being dealt with in consultation with the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Committee.

 

            The Chief Executive submitted for the Committee’s consideration the undernoted report:

 

“1.0       Relevant Background

 

1.1       On 17 November 2011, the First Minister and deputy First Minister published the draft Programme for Government 2011-2015 and draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland. In parallel, the Department of Trade and Investment (DETI) DETI released the draft NI Economic Strategy for consultation.  

 

1.2       The draft Programme for Government 2011-2015 (PfG) sets out the high level objectives and actions of the NI Executive over the next four years which focuses on the following key priority areas:

 

-        Growing a Sustainable Economy and Investing in the Future

-        Creating Opportunities, Tackling Disadvantage and Improving Health and Well-Being

-        Protecting Our People, the Environment and Creating Safer Communities

-        Building a Strong and Shared Community

-        Delivering High Quality and Efficient Public Services

 

1.3       The draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland 2011-2021 (ISNI) sets out the NI Executive and central government’s investment priorities over the next decade. The Investment Strategy seeks to provide a modern and efficient infrastructure which will act as a stimulus to create a growing and sustainable economy, and delivering high quality and efficient public services.

 

1.4       The draft Economic Strategy for Northern Ireland seeks to improve the economic competiveness of the economy by increasing employment and wealth opportunities for all.   The draft strategy includes a framework for economic growth, built around the rebuilding and rebalancing themes.  It includes a range of short, medium and long-term priorities for growth within which specific activities are identified.  The rebuilding theme focuses on increasing private sector productivity while the rebuilding theme is based on creating employment in export focused sectors.

 

            The key priorities under the rebalancing theme are:

 

­          Stimulating innovation and creativity

­          Improving employability and the level, relevance and use of skills

­          Competing in the global economy

­          Encouraging business growth

­          Developing economic infrastructure

 

            The key priorities under the rebuilding theme are:

 

­          Improving employment opportunities and employability

­          Promoting employment

 

1.5       It is clear that the three documents are interrelated and will collectively shape the future direction of public investment within Northern Ireland. Given the clear linkages and synergies between the draft PfG and ISNI and the Council’s own Investment Programme, a combined response to both documents has been prepared and is circulated for Members consideration.

 

1.6       The Development Committee had given detailed consideration to the draft NI Economic Strategy on 7 February and a draft Council response has been circulated for Members consideration. As the Economic Strategy seeks to deliver against a number of the key priorities identified within the draft PfG and ISNI including growing a sustainable economy, supporting economic recovery and growth, and rebalancing and rebuilding the economy, the draft Council response incorporates the relevant points raised in the draft response to the Economic Strategic.

 

            Draft Council response to PfG and ISNI

 

1.7       The draft Council response to the PfG and ISNI is a companion piece to the Council’s own investment programme seeks a firm commitment from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3a

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

 

“Relevant Background Information

 

The Strategic Policy and Resources Committee agreed on the 18 June 2010 that:-

 

·       The council would produce financial reporting packs for the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee and each Standing Committee on a quarterly basis.

·       The Budget and Transformation Panel would also receive monthly financial updates if there were any significant issues to report. In line with the Council’s financial reporting timetable, financial reporting packs, which outline the Council’s financial performance for quarter 3 2011/12, were presented to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee on the 17 February 2012, after which departmental report packs can be distributed to each Standing Committee.

 

The reporting pack contains a summary dashboard of the financial indicators and an executive summary explaining the financial performance (Appendix 1). It also provides a more detailed explanation of each of the relevant indicators covering the year to date and forecast financial position, implications for reserves and payment of creditors and recovery of debt.

 

The style and layout of the financial reporting pack reflect the discussion and feedback arising from the members’ financial training at the end of September 2010.

 

Central finance and departmental management teams have worked together to develop the information within the reporting packs.  

 

Key Issues

 

Current and Forecast Financial Position 2010/11

 

The financial position of the council at the end of quarter 3 is a net under spend of £1.48m, after allowing for the LPS claw back, the deficit on the gas pension scheme and the allocation of expenditure for 2011/12 projects .

 

The forecast year end position is an under spend of £879k, with the main components of the under spend being:-

 

·       Departmental budgets are forecast to be under spent by £2.18m mainly due to a reduction in landfill costs through reduced tonnages and gate fee costs, savings in employee costs through unfilled posts and restructuring and slippage in corporate and departmental projects.

·       The Land and Property Service have advised that the forecast rates claw back is now estimated at £277k, which is a significant reduction on the estimate of £967k advised to the council in December 2011.

·       The deficit on the Gas Pension Fund of £650k arising from the revaluation of the scheme by AON Hewitt.

·       The forecast £1.47m of expenditure on the revenue projects approved by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee on the 23 September 2011, including the transfer of £600k to a specified reserve to fund the Titanic Centenary celebrations and the World Irish Dance Championships in 2012/13.  

 

The financial reporting packs contain more detail on both the overall council position and the financial performance in each of the committees.

 

Capital Financing Expenditure

 

Capital financing expenditure is forecast to be balanced with the 2011/12 planned expenditure arising from the financing of current loans, new capital expenditure and the redemption of existing loans to support the sustainability of the City Investment Programme.

 

Reserves Position

 

The council’s general reserves at the end of 2010/11 were £10.43m. The forecast position at the year  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4a

            The Director of Finance and Resources submitted for the Committee’s consideration the undernoted report:

 

“Relevant Background Information

 

At the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee meeting on 21st October 2011 it was agreed that further work would be undertaken to assess the potential of the Council’s involvement in the Green New Deal scheme. This report provides an update on the progress of the work undertaken and resultant recommendations.

 

The ‘Green New Deal’ (GND) proposal is a joined up approach aimed at tackling the ‘triple crunch’ of recession, rising energy prices and climate change by installing a series of energy efficient measures to combat fuel poverty.

 

The GND is targeted at homes that do not fall within the other ‘Warm Homes’ type initiatives currently administered through the NIHE. The homeowner would be provided with a loan to provide energy saving improvements such as insulation and boiler replacement. The loan would be required to be repaid with interest using the energy savings achieved.

 

The scheme would be financed through £2.4m from the Council (£800k per annum for three years), £12m from central government and a £40m bank loan. The bank would be at no risk to bad debt.  

 

Key Issues

 

A proposal and related financial model was provided by the representatives of the Green New Deal to the Council in December 2011 to evaluate and carry out a financial appraisal. A similar proposal was also presented to DSD. In reviewing the proposal council officers met with Green New Deal representatives on numerous occasions and also with DSD officials at the end of the process.

 

Following the appraisal a number of key issues were raised around the overall structure and financing of the proposal. They were:

 

The potential for debt

 

The level of debt within the model was 4% and was viewed as being low given the economic environment we are currently experiencing. At present the figures provided by Land and Property Services has a default debt rate of 11%. At this rate there would be minimal recovery of the investment and nothing would be recovered before year 11. Essentially a significant proportion of DSD and Council money would be required to absorb the bad debt.

 

Target Group

 

The business model is not based on local market research and it is not clear who the scheme will be targeted at. There are a number of ‘warm homes’ schemes aimed at households in receipt of benefits and vulnerable pensioners. At the other end of the scale those households who can afford to pay for energy improvements are unlikely to require a loan. This leaves households in the middle bracket who are not in receipt of benefits and cannot afford to pay directly for energy improvements. There has been no market testing of this group to determine take up rates. Figures have been quoted using the Kirklees project but this scheme involved giving grants to households and not loans. It was fully funded by government and energy providers.

 

Sustainability of the programme

 

From  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4b

            (Councillor Ó Muilleoir left the room while this item was under discussion.)

 

            The Committee was advised that the undernoted requests for the use of the City Hall and the provision of hospitality had been received:

 

Organisation/ Body	Event/Date - Number of Delegates/Guests	Request	Comments	Recommendation
Audiences Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Theatre Association and Theatre Forum Ireland	All-Ireland Arts Conference Dinner   14th June, 2012   Approximately 250 attending	The use of the City Hall and the provision of hospitality in the form of a pre-dinner drinks reception	Delegates will be staying in accommodation in Belfast and the conference will take place within the city. This event would contribute to the Council’s Key Themes of ‘City Leadership, Strong, Fair and Together’, ‘Better opportunities for success across the City’ and ‘Better support for people and communities’.	The use of the City Hall and the provision of hospitality in the form of wine and soft drinks   Approximate Cost £500
Belfast City Council, Parks and Leisure Department	City of Belfast International Rose Trials – Judges Reception and Dinner   19th July, 2012   Approximately 150 attending	The use of City Hall and the provision of Hospitality in the form of a Civic Dinner	The City of Belfast International Rose Trials will be held during Rose Week. The Trials are renowned worldwide for attracting international rose growers in addition to a significant number of visitors. This event would contribute to the Council’s Key Theme of ‘City Leadership, Strong, Fair and Together’.	The use of City Hall and the provision of Hospitality in the form of a Civic Dinner.   Approximate Cost £5250
Common Purpose	Meridian Course Final Day and Award Ceremony   2nd August, 2012   Approximately 50 attending	The use of the City Hall and the provision of hospitality in the form of tea/coffee and biscuits.	‘Meridian’ is a leadership programme that brings together a diverse group of leaders from the private, public, voluntary and community sectors.  The participants learn how to improve their capacity to lead, effect change and expand their networks through the investigation of real-life challenges. This event will recognise the achievements of those individuals which have successfully completed the Meridian Programme. This event would contribute to the Council’s Key Themes of  ‘City Leadership - strong, fair, together’ and ‘Better opportunities for success across the city’.	The use of the City Hall and the provision of hospitality in the form of tea/coffee and biscuits.   Approximate Cost £125

 

Malaysian Students Society Northern Ireland

Malaysian Night 2012   10th March, 2012   Approximately 400 attending

The use of the City Hall

Malaysian Night 2012 is the climax event of a week long programme called Malaysia and You 2012. This programme consists of a series of events which includes a mini charity carnival, sports tournament, interactive bazaar and ends with a formal dinner which the organisers wish to take place in the City Hall. The aim of the programme is to promote cultural diversity, encourage charity activity and also to forge closer relationships between Malaysians and the citizens of Belfast. This event would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5a

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

 

“1        Relevant Background Information

 

1.1       The Joint Group of the Party Leaders’ Forum and Historic Centenaries Working Group, at its meeting on 13January, was advised that an application had been received from the

 

             Presbyterian Church in Ireland requesting the use of the City Hall for an event in April, 2012 to mark the centenary of the Signing of the Ulster Covenant.

 

1.2       The Working Group agreed that such applications for the use of the City Hall should be dealt with in the normal way and be subject to the existing Council policy on the use of the building and also the principles already agreed by the Historic Centenaries Working Group on 13 January.

 

2          Key Issues

 

2.1       The Presbyterian Church in Ireland has submitted an application form requesting the use of the City Hall to hold an event entitled ‘Citizenship, Covenant and Christ’ on 19 April, 2012.

 

2.2       The purpose of this event is to acknowledge the particular relationship between Presbyterian history and the signing of the Ulster Solemn League and Covenant by holding an event which will include academics who will provide insight from different perspectives, a panel discussion and an question and answer session.  The event seeks to provide a platform to acknowledge the centenary in a manner which promotes the fact that different opinions can be shared and discussed across civil society without fear or mistrust.

 

2.3       The event aims to provide opportunities to include a range of different perspectives and ideologies, rather than a single viewpoint, aiming to increase understanding and appreciation of other perspectives and identities.  It will do this by involving historians and academics from across the island of Ireland whowill speak during the event from different perspectives as well as considering theological matters.  A range of non-governmental organisations and groups will be invited to participate in the day and to bring a question from their perspective to the panel which will be made up of the above mentioned historians.  Representatives of all the political parties will be invited together with representatives of all the churches across the Island.

 

2.4       The event aims to provide opportunities to include a range of different perspectives and ideologies, rather than a single viewpoint, aiming to increase understanding and appreciation of other perspectives and identities.  It will do this by gaining input from the historians and academics which the organizers deem as being essential to making this event inclusive and broad in its perspective. One of the aims of the event is to provide a platform where people with different views of the past can talk and listen to one another.

 

2.5       The organisers are seeking to ensure that the event is non-exclusive and welcoming to all sections of the community in Belfast by inviting representatives from the churches, all political parties and a range of non-governmental organizations, such as ‘Healing Through Remembering’, ‘Unionist Centenaries Committee’, ‘Ulster Scots Association’ and ‘Relatives for Justice’,  who have an interest in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5b

            The Committee was advised that a request had been received from the Chief Electoral Officer for the use of the City Hall on 30th and 31st May, 2012 for the purpose of holding a demonstration of the electronic counting of votes.  The Committee was reminded of the criticism which had surrounded the length of time which had been taken to announce the results of the Assembly and the Referendum counts in May, 2011.  The Chief Electoral Officer was keen to investigate the possibility of substantially reducing the time taken for the counting of votes in Northern Ireland elections by considering the introduction of the electronic counting of votes.  Such a system had been used for the last few years in Scotland and had been welcomed by all of the political parties.

 

            The Democratic Services Manager explained that the first stage in the consideration of such a change to the electoral process was for the holding of an information event by way of a demonstration of how electronic counting worked.  The demonstration lasted about one hour and a rolling programme of demonstrations would be held over a two day period.  All elected MLAs and Councillors in Northern Ireland, together with Council and Assembly staff involved in election planning, would be invited to attend.  Any costs associated with the event would be met by Opt2Vote, the company which delivered the electronic counting package, and the Electoral Office.  There would not be any costs accruing to the Council.  He pointed out that the Electoral Office recognised the importance of Belfast as the capital City of Northern Ireland and the City Hall as an iconic seat of local democracy and, as such, would be very keen to base the demonstration in the City Hall.

 

            The Committee agreed to grant to use of the City Hall for the demonstration of E-Counting on 30th and 31st May, 2012.

 

            The Democratic Services Manager reminded the Members that the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) Act 1972, at paragraph 1(2) of Schedule 2, required that the Annual Meeting of the Council be held in June each year with the exception of the year of the Local Elections.  The Council’s Standing Orders provided that the Annual Meeting of the Council must be held in each year in accordance with the provisions of the Act.  In addition, the Standing Orders provide that other monthly meetings of the Council “shall not .... take place on a Bank Holiday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday but shall be held on the next following weekday instead”.

 

            The Democratic Services Manager pointed out that, although traditionally those restrictions had been applied when considering the date of the Annual Council Meeting each year, there was not any legal requirement to do so and the Annual Council Meeting could be held on any day in June.  In June, 2012, there would be an additional Bank Holiday to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee which would mean that, should the normal restrictions be applied, the Annual Meeting of the Council would not take place until Wednesday, 6th June.  However, that date coincided with the arrival at the City Hall at 5.00 p.m. of the Olympic Torch for which a large-scale civic event was being held with an estimated crowd of over 30,000 people in attendance.  Obviously, it would not be appropriate to schedule the Annual Meeting for 6.00 p.m. on that evening.

 

            The Democratic Services Manager indicated that it would be possible to hold the Annual Meeting on Friday, 1st June.  That would not be a breach of any legal obligation as it would meet the provisions of the Local Government Act.  It was, however, outside of the Council’s normal procedure and would require the Committee’s approval.

 

            The Committee agreed that the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2012 would take place on Friday, 1st June at 4.00 p.m.

 

            The Committee was advised that the Local Authorities Members’ Association was holding its Spring Seminar in Waterford, County Waterford on 13th and 14th April.  The theme of the seminar was “The Role of Local Authorities in Enabling Economic Development”.  Expert speakers would include Michael Walsh, Waterford City Manager, Ann-Marie Caulfield, President of Waterford Chamber of Commerce, and Sinead Carr, Director of Services, South Tipperary County Council.  The Council had been represented at the Association’s events for a number of years and representatives attending previous seminars had felt that their attendance had given them a valuable opportunity to meet with local government representatives from throughout Ireland to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern.  The theme of this year’s seminar was particularly relevant given the current economic climate.  The approximate cost per delegate attending was £722.

 

            The Committee authorised the attendance at the Local Authority Members’ Association Spring Seminar of the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman, the Council’s representatives on the National Association of Councillors, Northern Ireland Region, the Democratic Services Manager (or their nominees) and a representative of each of the Parties on the Council not represented by the aforementioned Members.

 

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

 

“1.0     Relevant Background

 

1.1     The Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) acts as a voice and representation body for elected Members from local government; providing a forum for collective discussion on regionally significant policy issues and assisting with the formation of collective policy position  as necessary. It acts as an interface between local government, as a sector, and the NI Executive, government departments, parliament and other key institutions.

 

1.2     NILGA is supported by all the main political parties in Northern Ireland with 25 of the 26 local councils being current members (with Newtownabbey not a member).  It comprises of 147 elected representatives and a 27 (+ 5 observers) Executive Committee including a President and 4 Vice-Presidents.

 

2.0     Key Issues

 

          Role of Belfast City Council within NILGA

 

2.1     Belfast City Council has currently 17 elected Members nominated onto NILGA with 1 Member designated as an Office Bearer and as members of the NILGA Executive.  A number of BCC elected Members are represented on the established NILGA working groups such as ‘Modernisation and Reform’, Planning, Waste and Environment.

 

2.2     Whilst recognising the important role of NILGA as an advocate/champion for local government and in providing advice and policy support to the sector, the Council would not currently require or fully avail of the support provided by NILGA to the same extent as other councils.  This is as a result of the level of internal capacity which exists within the Council, the capability to develop and coalesce around corporate positions on emerging policy issues and to secure direct access to the NI Executive, Ministers, central government departments and other important national and European institutions.

 

2.3     Notwithstanding, we are entering a period of significant change, with local government reform and the future of European Structural Funds under review. Whilst the Council will continue to directly seek to influence, shape and drive forward these and other critical matters for the economy and the sector, it will be important that we do not lose sight of the importance of engaging with and informing the wider local government sector’s consideration and approach to such matters.  The continued participation and engagement in NILGA will be an important strand of this. Some of the important issues which NILGA are seeking to influence on behalf of the LG sector and which the Council have a direct interest and focus include e.g.

 

i.           Shaping the future direction of local government reform

ii.          Shaping future planning policy and reform

iii.        Lobby for the development of an urban policy agenda/strategy which recognises and supports the strategic significance of urban areas as key regional economic drivers

iv.        Maximising the level of investment secured through European sources for Belfast.

 

•        Shaping the future direction of EU Structural Funds 2014-2020 – it is understood that there is 3.76b Euros agreed for 2014-2020 Structural Funds. Whilst the NI block allocation is still to be negotiated and agreed, £356m was secured in last round which finishes in 2013. It is likely  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5f

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Governance Working Group of 30th January.

 

            It was reported that, in accordance with Standing Order 55 and the authority delegated to him, the Director of Finance and Resources had authorised the appointment of members of staff related to existing officers of the Council.

 

Noted.

 

            The Committee granted authority for the commencement of a tendering exercise and delegated authority to the Director of Finance and Resources, in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation, to accept the most advantageous tender received in respect of a computer-based administrative and clerical skills testing software programme for a period of three years, with the option to extend for a further two years and in accordance with the agreed award criteria.

 

            The Committee was advised that a request had been received from the Ulster Branch of the Irish Guards Association to have a “Walk for the Wounded” wreath-laying event at the City Hall Cenotaph at 2.00 p.m. on Saturday, 17th March, 2012.  The Committee was reminded that the authority delegated to the Director of Property and Projects in respect of the use of the City Hall and grounds specifically excluded the Cenotaph and that, consequently, all such requests must be placed before the Committee.

 

            The Committee was advised that the wreath-laying ceremony was the last part of a fundraising event which involved members of the Irish Guards Association walking the 128 miles from Dublin to Belfast from 26th February till 3rd March.  The purpose behind completing the walk was “to raise funds for Irish Guardsmen injured in the line of duty in recent conflicts such as Iraq, Afghanistan and other conflicts”.  On reaching the City Hall the Association wished to have a short service at the Cenotaph.  Approximately 50 people would be in attendance.  A piper and bugler would be present and there would be standard bearers representing both the Republic of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Irish Guards Associations.  The organisers of the event would be liaising with the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Parades Commission about obtaining the necessary approvals for parading to the City Hall.

 

            Accordingly, it was recommended that the Committee accede to the request from the Ulster Branch of the Irish Guards Association to hold a wreath-laying event at the City Hall Cenotaph as outlined.

 

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

 

            The Committee was reminded that a site of approximately 8.5 acres at the North Foreshore Giant’s Park had been allocated to arc21 for the development of an organic composting facility.  arc21 had procured Natural World Products Limited as its preferred operator and a planning application for the proposed development would be lodged with the Department of the Environment’s Planning Service later in the year.  The planning application would necessitate site investigation works and arc21 had appointed Golder Associates to carry out the works and prepare a report.

 

            The Director of Property and Projects reported that Golder Associates had appointed a sub-contractor, Hanmar Site Investigation Services, which would require access to the site to drill boreholes and dig trial pits.  The sub-contractor would require a licence to carry out the works which would commence in mid-March, 2012 and last for approximately two weeks.  The contractor would be required to provide a methodology statement, a risk assessment report and insurance cover to the satisfaction of the Director of Property and Projects.  In addition, the licence would indemnify the Council against any claim which might arise as a result of the licensee’s use and occupation of the site.

 

            The Committee granted a licence to Hanmar Site Investigation Services for the purpose of drilling boreholes and digging trial pits at the North Foreshore Giant’s Park at a nominal fee of £1, subject to  all works, including reinstatement works, being agreed with the Director of Property and Projects prior to the licence commencement.

 

            (Mrs. H. Francey, Good Relations Manager, attended in connection with these items.)

 

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the Good Relations Partnership and adopted the recommendations in respect of the following:

 

            Forum for Cities in Transition Conference

 

            The decision of the Partnership to commend to the Committee that it be represented at the Forum for Cities in Transition Conference, to be held in October in Kirkuk, Northern Iraq, by up to six of the Elected Members of the Partnership (or their nominees) on the basis that the Forum would meet the costs of up to four delegates, with the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee approving the costs, if necessary, for an additional two places.

 

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meetings of the Joint Centenaries Working Group and Party Group Leaders’ Forum of 27th January and 10th February and adopted the recommendations in respect of the following:

 

            Equality Impact Assessment Report

            on the Flying of the Union Flag

 

      “Following a lengthy discussion on the matter, it was agreed that:

 

(a)     the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee be recommended to proceed with the formal consultation process on the Equality Impact Assessment, based upon the best advice available from the Equality Commission and others as to the form which this should take;

 

(b)     a report be submitted to the next meeting of the Working Group in relation to a number of questions which had been raised in relation to the religious breakdown of the Council workforce and whether a question could be included within the survey of employees asking if staff would be opposed to the removal of the Union flag from the City Hall and other Council properties;

 

(c)     a further discussion on the Equality Impact Assessment would take place at the meeting to be held on 10th February, to be facilitated by Dr. Duncan Morrow.”

 

            Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

 

            An extract of the minute of the Forum in relation to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations is set out hereunder:

 

“Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations

 

      The Working Group considered the undernoted report which had been prepared by the Democratic Services Manager:

 

‘1      Relevant Background Information

 

1.1    The Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, at its meeting on 18 November, agreed that the Historic Centenaries Working Group and the Party Leaders’ Forum should meet for an intensive series of meetings to discuss the establishment of a Council Diversity Strategy.  A range of issues were referred to that Joint

 

         Group, including consideration of the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in June, 2012.  The celebrations will take place over the extended weekend of 2-5 June 2011 with the extra Public Holiday taking place on 5 June.

 

1.2    The Joint Group, at its meeting on 13 January, 2012, decided that consideration of the Council’s involvement in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations should be prioritised due to the limited time available before June for arrangements to be set in place.

 

2       Key Issues

 

2.1    The Council previously agreed to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee in 2002 by way of a Civic Reception and the establishment of a small-scale grants scheme for groups wishing to celebrate the Jubilee by way of street parties etc.  In 2002 the Council established a budget of £100,000 for the celebrations.  Approximately £30,000 of this was used for the Civic Dinner with a significant amount of this being paid to “celebrities” for their attendance at the event. 

 

2.2    It is worth noting the current positions of the Government and Buckingham Palace to the Jubilee celebrations:

 

2.3    The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) at Whitehall is responsible for co-ordinating the Government led aspects of the celebrations.  At the moment, Government planning centres on:

 

·        A series of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7b

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

 

 

“1        Relevant Background Information

 

1.1       The Council is required, under Part 3 of the Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, to establish the Belfast PCSP and the four DPCSPs.  The Council must, under this legislation, make the political appointments, so far as is practicable, to reflect the strength of the Parties on the Council.

 

1.2       The Strategic Policy and Resources Committee agreed at its meeting held on 18th November, 2011 to appoint a PCSP consisting of nineteen Members (10 political and 9 independent); and to appoint the Political Members to the four DPCSPs (24 in total) based on the Council’s system of proportionality.

 

2          Key Issues

 

2.1       The allocation of the 10 political places on the main PCSP is as follows:

 

Sinn Fein Party                                                                        3

Democratic Unionist Party                                                      3

Social Democratic & Labour Party                                         2

Alliance Party                                                                           1

Ulster Unionist Party                                                               1

 

 

2.2       The breakdown of the total number of political places amongst the Parties on the four DPCSPs is:

 

            Sinn Féin                                                                                  8

            Democratic Unionist Party                                                      7

            Social, Democratic and Labour Party                                    4

            Alliance                                                                                     3

            Ulster Unionist Party                                                               1

            Progressive Unionist Party                                                     1

 

2.3       A meeting was held with the Party leaders on 6th January and the following political composition of the four DPCSPs was agreed using a d’Hondt based table of choices:

 

North	South	East	West
2 SF 2 DUP 1 SDLP 1 UUP	2 SF 2 DUP 1 SDLP 1 ALL	2 SF 2 DUP 1 SDLP 1 ALL	2 SF 1 DUP 1 SDLP 1 ALL 1 PUP

 

2.4       The individual Party nominations for the Belfast PCSP and the four DPCSPs have now been received and a list is provided at Appendix 1 along with the agreed allocation of Chairmanships of the four DPCSPs.  The Council is required under the legislation to formally appoint the political Members to the PCSP and to the four DPCSPs.

 

 3         Resource Implications

 

            None

 

 4         Equality and Good Relations Implications

             

            None

 

5          Recommendations

 

5.1       The Committee is recommended to approve the appointment of the Political Members to the Principal Belfast PCSP and its four DPCSPs as set out in Appendix 1.

 

6          Key to Abbreviations

 

            PCSP – Policing and Community Safety Partnership

            DPCSP – District Policing and Community Safety Partnership

 

7          Decision Tracking

 

            Suzanne Wylie, Director of Health and Environmental Services      24th March, 2012

 

Documents Attached

 

      Appendix 1      Political Nominations and the appointment of Chairmen to the Principal Belfast PCSP and its four DPCSPs.

 

Appendix 1

 

Nominations to the Four District Policing and

Community Safety Partnerships

 

24 Places to be Nominated – 16 as of Right,

8 to be Allocated Using D’hondt

 

North Belfast DPCSP – 6 Places

 

Sinn Fein Party                                  -    Cllr M. E. Campbell

 

Sinn Fein Party                                  -    Cllr Maskey

 

Democratic Unionist Party                -    Cllr McKee (Chairman)

 

Democratic Unionist Party                -     Cllr Thompson

 

Social Democratic and Labour Party-     Cllr Convery

 

Ulster Unionist Party                         -     Ald Browne

 

South Belfast DPCSP – 6 Places   

  

Sinn Fein Party                                  -     Cllr Hargey

 

Sinn Fein Party                                  -     Cllr ÓMuilleoir  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8a

            The Committee was advised that the Council was required, under Part 3 of the Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 to establish the Police and Community Safety Partnership and four District Police and Community Safety Partnerships.  The legislation required that a Public Appointments process be undertaken in order to appoint the Independent Members to the Partnership and, in accordance with the Statutory Code of Practice on the Appointment of Independent Members to the Partnerships, the Council had appointed a short-listing and interviewing panel for the purpose of determining which of the independent applicants were deemed suitable for appointment.

 

            The Committee was advised that the Statutory Code, at paragraph 64, required the Council to formally nominate to the Northern Ireland Policing Board those deemed to be suitable for appointment by the interview panel.  The interviewing panel would commence its work on 17th February, with the completion of interviews on 9th March.  That would result in a list of suitable candidates being tabled at the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee meeting on 23rd March and approved and adopted by the Council at its meeting on 2nd April.  Bearing in mind the tight timescales that the Policing Board was working to in relation to the appointment process, the Policing Board’s Interim Chief Executive had written to all Council Chief Executives requesting that, providing that the appropriate Council agreement can be secured, Councils try to expedite that element of the process as quickly as practicable.  To ensure that the Policing Board’s final appointment panels could proceed with the appointment stage without due delay, it was suggested that authority be delegated to the Committee to approve at its meeting on 23rd March, on behalf of the Council, the list of suitable candidates.

 

            The Committee agreed that the Council be recommended to delegate authority to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee to approve, on behalf of the Council, the list of suitable candidates for consideration by the Northern Ireland Policing Board as independent members of the Belfast Police and Community Safety Partnership and the District Police and Community Safety Partnerships.