Agenda and minutes

            An apology for inability to attend was reported from Alderman R. Newton.

            The Committee agreed that a letter be forwarded to Alderman R. Newton expressing the Committee’s best wishes for a speedy recovery from his recent illness.

            There were no declarations of interest.

“1.0       Relevant Background Information 

1.1       Members will be aware that the NI Executive’s draft Programme for Government and Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland, contains a clear commitment to proceed with local government reform and to transfer key functions (e.g. planning, regeneration and community planning) to councils as part of the reform process. 

1.2       The Environment Minister has recently written to all councils requesting that they restore necessary implementation structures to support the operational delivery of local government reform at the local level.

1.3       At the SP&R Committee on the 2 March, there was an initial discussion with Members on local government reform; examining some of the key challenges in moving forward including the need to inform/shape emerging legislation, establish appropriate governance and implementation structures and effectively engage with Lisburn and Castlereagh.  The Committee agreed to defer consideration of the issue until its next meeting on 23 March to enable Members and Political Parties to give further consideration in advance of taking decisions.

2.0       Key Issues

2.1       At the SP&R meeting on 23 March 2012, Members views will be sought on the following key issues:-

2.2       (i)  Belfast voluntary Transition Committee

2.2.1    Members are asked to give consideration to the political composition of the Council’s voluntary Transition Committee (vTC) which will provide political oversight and co-ordinate the Councils activities around local government reform.  Potential options include:

Option 1:  SP&R Committee designated as Belfast vTC with 1 monthly meeting dealing with reform related matters; (would ensure proportionality)

Option 2:  SP&R Committee, with the addition of a PUP nomination to ensure cross party representation, designated as  Belfast vTC with 1 monthly meeting dealing with reform related matters;

Option 3:  Belfast vTC to consist of Party Group Leaders and Chairs and Deputy Chairs of all Standing Committees (would ensure proportionality)

Option 4:  Any other political composition which SP&R and Council agree appropriate.

            Depending on the option chosen, consideration would have to be given to whether there was any impact on the Councils proportionality arrangements and whether any change was required to Standing Orders.  In any event it is recommended that the vTC meet once a month to discuss reform related issues.

2.2       (ii)  Transfer of Functions

2.2.1    Members’ authority is sought for the Council to intensify its discussions with DOE, DoE Planning Service and DSD regarding the potential initiation of a Belfast pilot which seeks to integrate planning and regeneration functions within the context, among other things, of the delivery of the Belfast Investment Programme.  This has already been discussed when a BCC cross-party delegation recently meet with the Environment Minister and a meeting is now being sought with the DSD Minister

2.2.2    Authority is sought also to develop a joint training programme with the Planning Service to build the capacity of both Councillors and officers in relation to planning and their future statutory role.

2.3       (iii)  Engagement with Lisburn and Castlereagh

2.3.1    Members are asked to consider whether the Council should formally write  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 2nd March, it had agreed that a report be prepared setting out the current position with regard to the latest thinking on governance arrangements in the new Councils following the Review of Public Administration.  The Committee was reminded further that, at its meeting on 18th February, 2011, it had approved a response to a consultation document on Local Government Reform which had been issued by the Department of the Environment, a copy of which, together with the Council’s response, had been circulated for information.

            The Democratic Services Manager reported that the main governance considerations which had been contained in the 2011 consultation paper covered the following areas:

·        decision-making structures, including scrutiny arrangements;

·        sharing power and responsibility (proportionality);

·        checks and balances, including weighted majority voting and call-in; and

·        increased transparency, including the development of a Council constitution.

            He explained that things had not moved on very far from the decision in February, 2011.  No new proposals had been produced by the Department and officials had confirmed that the Minister was currently examining the responses to the 2011 consultation paper.  It was expected that the Minister’s position on Local Government Reform would be presented to the Environment Committee in April or early May.  At that point, the Council might have an opportunity, if it so wished, to respond to the Environment Committee on the Minister’s proposals.

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided and agreed that a letter be forwarded to the Clerk to the Environment Committee indicating that the Council wished to be involved in any consultation at an early stage.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meetings on 18th November, 2011 and 20th January, it had granted authority for a film company, Waddell Media, to record the proceedings of the December, 2011 and March, 2012 Council meetings, respectively, as part of a documentary it was producing on behalf of the British Broadcasting Company on the Lord Mayor’s year in office.

            The Democratic Services Manager reported that the company had, in order to show some of the day-to-day business of how the Council was run, now requested permission to film also the full proceedings of the following Council meetings:

·        Monday, 2nd April, 2012

·        Tuesday, 1st May, 2012

·        Friday, 1st June, 2012

            It was understood that the Company required two personnel to be in attendance to carry out the filming.  One camera would be used, operating from both fixed and non?fixed positions.

            He pointed out that, if the Committee was minded to accede to the request, it should be noted that the Company would be in attendance after the minutes of the meeting of the Council had been adopted at the April meeting and at the commencement of the May and June meetings.  It should be noted also that the meeting on 1st June would be the Annual Meeting and requests were normally received from broadcasting companies to film the election of the Lord Mayor and the Deputy Lord Mayor.

            The Committee agreed to accede to the request for the filming of the Council meetings as outlined.

            The Committee was reminded that the Council, at its meeting on 4th January, 2012, had passed the undernoted resolution:

      “This Council, in consultation with the Royal British Legion, wishes to extend an invitation to the Government of the Republic of Ireland to participate, following normal protocols, from 2012 onwards in the Commemoration to mark the Battle of the Somme and the Remembrance Sunday Ceremony at the Cenotaph in Belfast.”

            The Democratic Services Manager explained that a meeting had been held recently with the President of the Royal British Legion who had confirmed that, at its Northern Ireland Executive Committee meeting on 16th February, there had been unanimous support for the Council’s resolution.  The Royal British Legion also wished to convey its appreciation to the Council for the fact that it had sought its views on the matter before proceeding.  Given that the Legion was in full support of the Council’s resolution, a letter would now be sent to the Government of the Irish Republic inviting it to participate in both the Commemoration to mark the Battle of the Somme and the Remembrance Sunday Ceremony.

Noted.

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

            The Chief Executive reported that a request had been received from the Confucius Institute of Northern Ireland at the University of Ulster for the Council to hold a joint business event at the City Hall on April 19th, the purpose of which was to exchange information on how to do business with China.  He explained that the Confucius Institute operated across the world, with Chinese Universities teaming up with counterparts in other countries.  They were not solely academic enterprises but were resources which the education, business, cultural and sporting communities could tap into to develop relationships with their counterparts in China.  The University of Ulster’s partner was Zhejaing University of Media and Communication and it had forged also a partnership with Hubei Normal University for the setting up of Confucius classrooms for the teaching of Mandarin Chinese in some Northern Ireland primary and secondary schools.

            The Committee approved the use of the City Hall for the aforementioned event and the provision of appropriate hospitality.

            The Committee was reminded that the Joint Group of the Party Leaders’ Forum and Historic Centenaries Working Group, at its meeting on 13th January, had agreed that any applications for the use of the City Hall for events associated with the decade of centenaries 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.

            The Democratic Services Manager advised the Members that a request to mark the Centenary of the Signing of the Solemn League and Covenant, with an event entitled “Entwined Histories – the Ulster Covenant Screening and Reception” on 27th September, 2012, had been received from Co-operation Ireland.  The purpose of the event was to show six films which had been produced by six groups of young people on a particular aspect of the signing of the Ulster Covenant in 1912.  The films, which had been produced collectively by Co-operation Ireland and Cinemagic, would seek to demonstrate shared histories and entwined lives.  Furthermore, the young people had produced the films in such a way as to demonstrate the different opinions and perspectives which had existed then and now.  The event aimed 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 would do this by including historical experts from Queen’s University Belfast and perspectives from the Orange Order.  The young people would also have access to tours of the City Hall, Ulster Museum, Schomberg Museum and the resources available at the Ulster Hall and on the Public Records Office website.

            The Democratic Services Manager explained that the young people, who would come from schools which reflected the full educational spectrum in Belfast, would represent different communities, would collaborate in exploring their own identity and understanding of events, now and in the past, through a managed contact process.  The organisers were seeking to ensure that the event was non-exclusive and welcoming to all sections of the community in Belfast by inviting the young people, their parents, their school teachers and governors, the academic and historical experts, Members of the Council, the Department of Foreign Affairs (Republic of Ireland) and the representatives of Co-operation Ireland and Cinemagic.  Based on the information which had been received, the application appeared to satisfy both the criteria on the use of the City Hall and the principles which had been agreed by the Joint Group of the Party Leaders’ Forum and Historic Centenaries Working Group.

            The Committee agreed to grant the use of the City Hall for the event.

            The Committee was advised that the National Association of Councillors was holding a weekend Training Conference in Scarborough from Friday, 13th until Sunday, 15th April.  The theme of the conference was Community Sport and Leisure.  The Democratic Services Manager explained that as we approached the 2012 Olympic Games there was an increased focus on the importance of sport and leisure to local communities.  The conference would present an opportunity for Members to discuss innovative ways to refurbish and improve sports facilities to ensure that they were fit for purpose and had the potential to make a real difference to the lives of citizens.  The cost of attendance per delegate would be approximately £682.

            The Committee authorised the attendance at the Training Conference 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 from each of the Parties on the Council not represented by the aforementioned Members.

            The minutes of the meeting of the Party Leaders’ Forum of 16th February were approved and adopted.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Members’ Development Steering Group of 29th February.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0       Relevant Background Information 

1.1       At its meeting (03 February 12), the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee received a presentation on the delivery of the Investment Programme.  They were asked to consider a number of questions in relation to the delivery of the Investment Programme, under the following headings:

­   Overarching policy framework

­   City Investment Fund

­   Local Investment Fund

­   Non recurrent capital spend

­   Governance

­   Capacity to deliver

­   Monitoring and review

Following initial comments, the Committee agreed that further discussion was needed in party group briefings.

2.0       Key Issues

2.1       In the briefings, all Members have emphasised the need to move swiftly to implementation of the Investment Programme, delivering quick wins across the city as well as laying the groundwork for the larger investments.  All parties have stressed the need to test robustly the future sustainability of investments and any future revenue implications, as well as their capacity to deliver ‘quality of life’ outcomes as described in the Council’s corporate objectives.

2.2       Over the next 3 months, the key milestones for the Investment Programme are:

2.3       Overarching policy framework – principles

            All party groups support an over-arching framework which guides all the Council’s investment decisions.  It is recommended that the four principles are used as the basis of any capital investment prioritisation matrix:

·        ­affordability inc. consideration of available match funding;

·        ­deliverability;

·        ­feasibility; and

·        ­sustainability inc. consideration of complementarity, deprivation and need. 

            Further work will be undertaken on this basis, if agreed, to develop detailed prioritisation matrices, and brought back to Committee for approval in April.

2.4       City Investment Fund

            The existing objectives for the City Investment Fund (CIF), agreed in December 2007, are:

·        ­To create a focal point for the Council to play a leading role in the development of the city; create a ‘can do’ attitude amongst its citizens and create a sense of place and pride in Belfast;

·        ­To encourage investment from and engagement of public, private and voluntary sectors, in the achievement of that aim;

·        ­To contribute to the Council’s priorities and vision for the city.

            CIF enables us to take a lead role and work in partnership to deliver key investment projects which:

·        ­Promote the image of Belfast as a place to visit

·        ­Enable and/or promote the city  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

            The Director of Finance and Resources reminded the Committee that, at its meeting on 20th January, it had agreed that the Council would lead on a bid to access money from the Government’s Urban Broadband Fund and, given the tight timescale for submissions, had delegated authority to the Chief Executive to prepare the high level proposal.

            The Director reported that the allocation of the Fund had been announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer as part of the Budget and the Council had been informed that it would receive a minimum of £6 million and up to a maximum of £13.7 million in relation to its proposals.

            He outlined the summary of the submission and the next steps which would require full details of the proposal to be submitted by 2nd July, 2012.  The Committee noted the information which had been provided and that a further report on the details would be submitted in due course and congratulated the Director of Finance and Resources and the staff from across the Council involved in the submission of the bid.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meetings of the Budget and Transformation Panel of 9th February and 8th March.

            The minutes of the meeting of the Audit Panel of 13th March were approved and adopted.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.         Relevant Background Information

1.1       The purpose of this report is to:

·       update members on progress with  employability initiatives contained in the Investment Programme and

·       seek agreement to remove existing limitations in relation to the facilitation of work experience placements in the Council.

1.2       As part of the Investment Programme members have committed to 400 placement, apprenticeship and internship opportunities in the Council and to the creation of 200 job opportunities at no additional cost to the rate payer. Progress in taking these initiatives forward is outlined at paragraph 2.1.  

1.3       Clearly, it is important to ensure that work placement opportunities with the Council are widely accessible to all. The Council’s community outreach programme was launched in 1998 to promote Belfast City Council as an attractive, equal opportunities employer with wide and varied job opportunities. Initially activity focused on young people (mostly students and school children) and people with disabilities.  Outreach activity however has been extended over the past few years to focus on the long term unemployed and ex-offenders and these initiatives have been particularly successful.   Committee approval was sought to engage in these initiatives which did not meet existing work experience placement requirements.  Members are asked to consider two issues which have in the past prevented some people from availing of work placement opportunities with the Council.  These are:

·        indemnity arrangements and

·        involvement in government led training programmes.

2          Key Issues

2.1       Progress to date

            To build upon the council’s existing work experience programme and to look to extend the remit of it, a number of meetings with potential partners are currently taking place.  These partners include DEL and their lead contractors who deliver employability programmes and Local Employment Intermediary Services (LEMIS)  across the city, the Employment Services Board as well as Belfast Metropolitan College.   The purpose of these meetings is to:

·       identify opportunities to provide more placements and  internships

·       explore how we can work with partner organisations to support  young people needing  work experience as part of existing apprenticeship programmes

·       consider how a council specific apprenticeship scheme might be developed

·       explore how we can best prepare the long term unemployed to compete for council positions as they become available and

·       agree plans to provide this support.

2.2       A number of suitable immediate vacancies have already been identified and support is being targeted at the long term unemployed through the Job Assist Centres.   Work has started to develop a recruitment plan and a programme of targeted timely support.  This support will include work placements, site visits, motivational talks, information and training on the council’s recruitment and selection procedures, mock interviews etc. 

2.3       Indemnity arrangements for work experience placements.

            The current indemnity arrangements for work experience placements were agreed by the Policy and Resources (Personnel) Sub Committee at its meeting on 28 June 2004.  At that time it was agreed that the Council accept work experience students from those educational establishments which either sign the council’s form of indemnity or provide an  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

            The Town Solicitor and Assistant Chief Executive submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report which provided an update in relation to the unauthorised disclosure of personal information relating to Members.

            After discussion, the Committee noted the contents of the report, the action which had been taken by the Council on becoming aware of the unauthorised disclosure and the steps which would be taken and the data protection measures which the Council had in place.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 18th March, 2011, it had approved the development of a full business case for the relocation of the Belfast Welcome Centre/Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau for a generic City centre location, with the outcome of the full business case to be presented to the Council when available.

            The Director of Property and Projects reported that the Development Committee, at its meeting on 20th March, had considered the business plan and had agreed the following:

(i)      to approve the business plan which had been prepared by ASM Howarth and commend it to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee;

(ii)     to recommend to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that officers complete the lease negotiations on 8-10 Donegall Square North, Belfast for the provision of ground floor accommodation; and

(ii)     to recommend that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee approve the relocation of the Welcome Centre as a Capital Project in the Investment Programme 2012-2015 and that 50% of the £1.62 million be allocated accordingly.

            The Director of Property and Projects pointed out that an application for 50% of the funding of the Capital works had been submitted to the Northern Ireland Tourist Board Tourist Development Scheme and, dependent on the outcome of that application, a further report would be submitted to the Committee indicating whether or not the Capital funding had been awarded.

            After discussion, it was

            Moved by Councillor Maskey,

            Seconded by Councillor Hendron,

      That the Committee agrees to adopt the recommendations of the Development Committee in relation to the relocation of the Belfast Welcome Centre.

            On a vote by show of hands thirteen Members voted for the proposal and three against and it was accordingly declared carried.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1          Relevant Background Information

1.1       The former Civic Amenity site at Boucher Road, Balmoral Industrial Estate is a 0.588 acre site with frontage on to the Boucher Road close to its junction with Stockmans Lane, as shown outlined red on the plan attached at Appendix ‘1’. On the 18th March 2011 the Strategic Policy & Resources Committee granted approval to placing the subject land on the open market to let by way of long lease (subject to 5 yearly rent reviews).

1.2       Balmoral Industrial Estate contains a large number of sites which are leased from the Council by way of long leases, usually 125 years, subject to the payment of reviewable ground rents.  The rents receivable from this estate represent a valuable income stream for the Council with a rental income in 2011/12 of approximately £3,142,000, which is an increase from £1,390,000 in 2001/02.  This represents a c.126% increase over the 10 year period. The leases within the estate are proactively managed by the Estates Management Unit to ensure rent reviews and lease terms are adhered to and optimised for the benefit of the Council.

1.3       It is worth noting that an Economic Impact Study undertaken by IPSOS MORI in 2007 highlighted the important role that both Balmoral and Duncrue Industrial Estates played in supporting the continued urban and social regeneration of Belfast, as well as contributing significantly to employment in the wholesale and retail sectors within Belfast.  In 2007 the total turnover in the two estates was estimated at approximately £680m per annum, employing 6495 people with over 2.2m customers visiting the estates per annum.

2          Key Issues

2.1       Following the Strategic Policy & Resources Committee approval the site has been extensively marketed by Ardmore Commercial Property Agents on behalf of the Council.  Following an open market bidding process during which bids were received from a number of different parties two bids as outlined below emerged significantly above the others.

2.2       Potential tenant: McKinney Land Ltd

            Use: Drive Thru Restaurant with McDonalds as the occupier

            Rent: £46,000 per annum exclusive. Conditional on planning.

            Rent free: The tenant will require 6 months rent free from the lease commencement date

            Rent review: 5 yearly with a minimum uplift of 10% at the first review

            Conditions:  Conditional upon planning which could potentially take up to 2 years to include an option to appeal. Conditional upon Council accepting full responsibility for any pre-existing environmental/contamination issues and all remedial costs associated with same.

            Potential tenant: Boucher Enterprises ( Mr Harry Diamond)

            Use: Potential mixed use retail/restaurant development or solely for the use as a restaurant.

            Rent: £45,000 per annum exclusive. Unconditional on planning.

            Rent free: No rent free period required.

            Rent review: 5 year review in line with market conditions.

            Conditions: None

2.4       The Boucher Enterprises bid is not conditional on planning and nor is there a rent free period proposed.  Therefore, over the 5 year period to next review the total income to the Council will be £225,000.  The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

            The Director of Property and Projects submitted for the Committee’s consideration the undernoted report:

“1        Relevant Background Information

1.1       The former Grove Primary & Nursery School site at North Queen Street was recently declared surplus to the requirements of BELB. The buildings on site have been demolished and the site is currently fenced. The site which extends to approx 2.5 acres directly adjoins the Council owned Grove Playing Fields & is opposite the Old Grove Leisure Centre.

1.2       LPS trawled availability of the site amongst public sector bodies (including the Council) and there was a tight timeframe for responding to LPS. The Council expressed an initial interest in the site given that it adjoins the playing fields and is directly opposite the former Grove Leisure Centre, which the Council were considering in terms of future development options.

1.3       LPS have now provided an indicative value for the site of £130,000. This is however very much an indicative value & will be subject to a further more detailed valuation to take account of any relevant planning, title and site survey issues, and it would also be subject to negotiation.

1.4       In terms of the Old Grove Leisure Centre site (which is located directly opposite the school site) a report was previously brought to the Strategic Policy & Resources Committee on 21 October 2011and approval was given to demolition of the building; to undertaking an updated needs analysis report for business accommodation & incubation space in Belfast focusing on this particular location; and approval for officers to take forward discussions with BELB regarding any scope for joint disposal/development options for both the old Grove Leisure Centre site and the school site. A copy of the minutes is enclosed at appendix 2.

1.5       However, at the request of Alderman Browne this decision was taken back for further consideration by the Council on 1 November 2011. The Director of Property & Projects subsequently met with various elected members from the area & the DSD Minister, Nelson McCausland. There were concerns that demolition of the building may lead to problems with anti social behaviour. It was proposed that a workshop be convened in the New Year to explore development opportunities at both this site & other sites in the area, with participants at the workshop to include BCC, DSD, BELB, DRD & NIHE. The Strategic Policy & Resources Committee, on 9 December 2011, agreed to this approach and demolition of the former Grove Leisure Building was to be considered following the outcome of the workshop. The Director of Property & Projects has since met with DSD, who were to lead on the proposed workshop, but to date there had been no workshop.

1.6       There remain, however, two potential (unsolicited) interests in the former Grove Leisure Centre site, one from North City Business Centre and the other from the Ashton Centre. North City Business Centre are a local enterprise agency and are considering expansion of their current social economy business park located at Duncairn Gardens and potential redevelopment of a further site.  They advise that their  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     Relevant Background Information

1.1       Contractual issues

            Members will be aware that the Bobbin coffee-shop facility in the City Hall was originally let to the current operator, Castle Catering Ltd, in 2009 on the basis of a one-year contract with an option to extend by a further one year. This option was exercised by the council and the contract was duly extended to 30th September 2011.

1.2       A report was brought to the Committee in June 2011 seeking permission to initiate a public tender process in relation to the franchise as the end of the contract was approaching, but the Committee instead decided to grant a further extension of up to 9 months. This was done primarily on the basis that the ongoing review of City Hall management might produce recommendations in relation to the Bobbin and indeed in respect of catering issues in general, and that these ought to be taken into account before committing the council to a new 2-year arrangement.

1.3       This final offer of extension was made to and accepted by the current operator, however this extension runs out on 30th June 2012. Consequently a decision needs to be made in relation to the operation of the Bobbin facility.

1.4       Members will recall that a report was submitted in November 2011 dealing with the management of City Hall and that, following some discussion, it was agreed that party briefings would be useful in relation to some of the issues raised, including the operation of the Bobbin facility. Unfortunately, and largely due to the many other pressing strategic and financial issues facing the Committee (notably the investment programme and rate-setting etc), it has not yet been possible to schedule these briefings, however the Bobbin issue must now be addressed in the light of the imminent end of the existing contract.

1.5       Internal v. external provision

            During previous discussions on this matter some members raised the issue of whether or not externalisation of the Bobbin facility was desirable, and whether or not the facility could potentially be operated internally by the council’s own catering staff.

            This matter has been considered in some depth by the department and, while it is certainly feasible to do so, there are a number of financial and legal issues which must be recognized if this course were to be pursued, most notably:-

·        it is likely that a public tender would produce a significant increase in the amount which any external franchisee would be willing to pay to the council, given that the facility is now well-established and popular with significant goodwill;

·        it is clear from the analysis that up to 4 additional staff would be required by BCC to operate the facility (it could not be covered by existing catering staff);

·        the cost of employing these staff would be considerably higher than the comparative private sector costs: our analysis shows that even assuming that any contractor complied with all statutory requirements in relation to minimum wage rates,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

            (Mr. A. Hassard, Director of Parks and Leisure, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee was reminded that the Connswater Community Greenway Scheme was a £32 million investment in East Belfast, which had been developed by the East Belfast Partnership and funded by the Big Lottery Fund, the Council, the Rivers Agency of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department for Social Development.

            The Director reminded the Members further that in 2007 the Council had agreed to manage and maintain the Greenway once it had been delivered for a period of forty years and, in 2010, had agreed also that, in order to reduce financial risk to the project, the Council would become the grant holder working in conjunction with the East Belfast Partnership to deliver the scheme.

            The Director explained that the governance structure for the scheme had been adjusted in 2010 to reflect the Council becoming the grant holder supported by a Management Agreement by the East Belfast Partnership and the Council.  In 2011 the key stakeholders had agreed to review the Greenway programme governance structure to better reflect accountability and risk, decision-making and controls and the partnership relationship between Council and the East Belfast Partnership.  Accordingly, a draft governance structure, which would supersede the 2010 structure, had been circulated for the information of the Members.  He pointed out that it would be supported by a revised management agreement between the East Belfast Partnership and the Council and would require approval from the Council, the East Belfast Partnership, the Big Lottery Fund, the Rivers Agency and the Department for Social Development.

            The Committee approved the new governance arrangements for the delivery of the Connswater Community Greenway and Flood Alleviation Scheme.

            The Director of Property and Projects reminded the Committee that, in June, 2009, it had approved a budget of £513,000 for the installation of an in-ground gas extraction system on the Dargan Crescent area of the Duncrue Industrial Estate as a capital project.

            The work had now been completed and the final account had recently been agreed, with the final outturn cost being £561,250, which exceeded the approved budget by £48,250 or 9.41%.  The contract conditions required that the Council paid the outstanding amounts to the contractor.  He outlined the reasons for the variation, which included the relocation of gas manifold units due to legislative requirements, upgrading inspection chamber covers due to Health and Safety requirements, additional gas sampling apparatus and design revisions due to unforeseen ground conditions.

            The Director pointed out that Financial Regulation D9 permitted Chief Officers to approve variations in the approved sum of a capital scheme up to 5% or £15,000 (whichever was the lower) and individual spending Committees to approve additional sums up to 10% or £50,000 (whichever was the lower).  Since the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee was the relevant Committee for capital projects he was seeking formal approval for the Committee to approve the additional cost incurred and he recommended accordingly.

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

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

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Good Relations Partnership of 5th March and adopted the recommendations in respect of the following:

            Seminar – Awareness of Human Trafficking

            The Good Relations Unit, in partnership with the organisation Migrant Help, to organise in June, 2011 a one day seminar to raise awareness of the issues surrounding human trafficking.  The cost of the seminar would be approximately £3,000, 75% of which could be recouped through the Council’s Good Relations Programme.

            Broadway Murals and Artwork

            The provision of financial assistance towards the cost associated with the removal and/or replacement of murals in the Broadway area at a cost of not more than £7,000, 75% of which could be recouped from the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

            The Committee was advised that correspondence had been received from the organisation, POBAL, seeking permission to address the Committee in relation to the question of the use of Irish language in public life.  The Committee was advised that POBAL had been established in 1998 and acted as the umbrella organisation for the Irish Language community and sought to raise the profile of Irish.

            The Committee agreed to accede to the request.

            Arising out of discussion of the previous item, a Member requested that the Committee consider writing to the Ulster-Scots Agency inviting representatives to make a presentation to the Committee in due course.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed to this course of action.

            (Mrs. A. Faulkner, Environmental Health Officer, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1        Relevant Background Information

1.1       Northern Ireland, like many other European Countries, has an increasing number of older people.  The demographic structure has changed from a population largely under 50 to one where people over 50 account for around a third of the population and where people over 60 are estimated to outnumber people under 16 within the next few years. 

1.2       In Belfast 19.65% of the population is over 60.  With life expectancy rising dramatically in the last 50 years, annual improvements in survival rates and falling levels of fertility it is estimated that by 2030 25% of people in Belfast will be over 65 years of age.  As a City we must address this and be prepared for an increasingly ageing society and plan for how this will affect our City economically, socially and culturally e.g. the number of retired people will increase and therefore tax payers decrease; the costs of pensions, benefits and health care will also increase significantly. 

1.3       The World health Organisation (WHO) has a global Network of Age Friendly Cities.  WHO regards active ageing as a life long process shaped by several factors that alone and acting together, favour health, participation and security in older adult life.  The WHO has produced a guide and checklist to engage Cities to become more age friendly.  If a City meets a list of criteria and makes an application to the WHO a City can be awarded ‘Age Friendly’ status. 

1.4       An age-friendly city encourages active ageing by optimising opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance the quality of life as people age.   In practical terms, an age friendly city adapts its structures and services to be accessible to and inclusive of older people with varying needs.  In an age friendly city policies, services, settings and structures support and enable people to age actively.  The outdoor environment have a major impact on the quality of life of older people and an age friendly city will have to consider; outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing , social participation, civic participations and employment, communication and information, community support and health services. 

1.5       A discussion paper outlining the process for gaining Age Friendly status was taken to the All Party Reference Group on older people on 24^th January 2011.  The group were keen on starting this process by undertaking a baseline study of the City and investigating potential resources to lead the project.  Since then officers have been progressing the Age Friendly process by developing networks and relationships with other Age Friendly Cities, undertaking a baseline study of Belfast’s Age friendly status, investigating potential resources to lead the project and outlining the benefits to the City of becoming Age Friendly. 

1.6       A further paper outlining the Age Friendly approach and signing of the declaration was taken to the Reference Group on Older people on Tuesday 21st February and a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

            (Mrs. A. Faulkner, Environmental Health Officer, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee was reminded that 2012 was the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between the Generations.  In this regard, Co-operation Ireland’s Local Authority Forum, in association with the EY year of Active Ageing had organised a seminar entitled “The Role of Local Government in the Ageing Agenda” which was scheduled to be held in Armagh City Hotel on 3rd May.

            The aim of the seminar was to explore the role of local government in the ageing well agenda and to examine the latest initiatives and best practice being taken by local government within Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.  The seminar was open to Councillors, staff of Local Authorities and Agencies working with local government in the delivery of ageing well services and relevant organisations.  Co-operation Ireland, which was an all island Local Authority Forum, through its social inclusion as a sub-group, had invited the Council to showcase its work at the seminar and, in particular, the work of the Council in working with partners across the City, including initiatives such as Seniors Information, Senior Citizens’ Convention and Age Friendly consultations.  In this regard the Chairman of the All-Party Reference Group on Older People, Councillor Kelly, had been invited to attend and speak at the seminar and the Committee’s authority was sought in this regard.

            The Committee granted the authority sought.

            The Committee was reminded that the Council was required, under Part 3 of the Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, to establish the Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership and the four District Policing and Community Safety Partnerships.  The legislation had required that a Public Appointments process was undertaken in order to appoint the independent members to the Partnerships 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 interview panel for the purpose of determining which of the independent applicants were deemed to be suitable for appointment.

            The Committee was advised that the interview panel had now completed its work and had drawn up a list of appointable candidates.  The Statutory Code, at paragraph 6(4), required the Council to formally nominate to the Northern Ireland Policing Board those persons deemed to be suitable for appointment by the interview panel.  Furthermore, paragraph 6(4) of the Statutory Code stated that in considering the names submitted by the interview panel, the Council should note that they were “applications in confidence” and should not seek to place the names in the public domain.  To maintain that confidentiality an alphabetical list of applicants considered appropriate for nomination to the Belfast Partnerships was tabled for approval.

            The Committee was reminded further that, due to the tight timescales that the Policing Board was working to in relation to the appointments process, the Policing Board’s interim Chief Executive had written to all Council Chief Executives requesting that, providing that the appropriate Council agreement could be secured, Councils should 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 appointments stage without undue delay, the Committee had agreed, at its meeting on 17th February, to recommend the Council to delegate authority to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee to approve, on behalf of the Council, a list of suitable candidates for consideration by the Northern Ireland Policing Board as independent members of the Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership and the District Policing and Community Safety Partnerships.  That recommendation had subsequently been ratified by the Council at its meeting on 1st March.

            The Committee agreed to formally nominate, on behalf of the Council, the list of those persons who had been deemed suitable by the interview panel for consideration by the Policing Board as independent members of the Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership and the District Policing and Community Safety Partnerships.

            The Committee was reminded that in 2008 the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust had launched its New Directions consultation document, which was the commencement of a process to examine how the Belfast Trust would deliver health and social care services over the next decade.  As part of that process, the Trust had issued previously a number of consultations, for example, Excellence and Choice: Adult Mental Health Services, to which the Council had submitted responses.

            The Democratic Services Manager reported that the next stage was to undertake a formal consultation on specific proposals for service change in the delivery of maternity services and to that end the Trust had issued the “Right Service, Right Place – A Consultation to Reshape Maternity Services in Belfast”.  The consultation would take place from 1st March until 31st May, 2012 and, as part of the consultation process, Mr. Colm Donaghy, Chief Executive, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, had written to Council offering to brief the Committee on the proposals.  A copy of the consultation document and the associated Equality Impact Assessment had already been circulated to all Members of Council.

            The Committee agreed that a briefing session, to which all Members of the Council would be invited, be held for this purpose.