Agenda and minutes

            Apologies were reported from Alderman Browne and Councillors McKee and McVeigh. 

            In respect of item 3a., viz., ‘Requests for the Use of the City Hall and the Provision of Hosptality’, Councillor Ó Muilleoir declared that he was the Managing Director of the Belfast Media Group.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0       Relevant Background Information

1.1            The Local Investment Fund (LIF) has been developed to support the delivery of key regeneration projects in neighbourhoods and also as a means for Members to connect with local communities, in preparation for their formal role in community planning under RPA.

1.2            At its meeting on 22 June 2012, Committee agreed to support in principle 6 preliminary recommendations from the Area Working Groups (AWGs) up to a total value of £790,852:

This was subject to confirmation of detailed costings and sustainability as well as seeking authority from the relevant Committees on leasing arrangements.

SP&R Committee also agreed to a cut-off for phase 1 of the LIF, in order to manage the proposals that had already been received by 22 June.

2.0       Key Issues

2.1       Area Working Groups

Each AWG has now met to be briefed on their respective long-list of projects.  These meetings were well-attended and Members are actively considering a range of issues, including anticipated outcomes, links to partner organisation investments and connectivity between the 5 areas.  There has also been preliminary discussion on how the AWGs connect with the work of the service Committees, for example, in relation to tourism development.

Two groups (West; South) have indicated that they would like to convene an inter-agency meeting to develop and, where appropriate, implement collaborative interventions in specific localities within their area.  All groups are also exploring how they might engage with the OFMDFM Social Investment Fund Zone Steering Groups, due to convene in September.

2.2       Risk workshop

The Director has recently facilitated an inter-departmental workshop to examine the implications of the next phase of the LIF.  With officers from Legal Services, Estates Management, Finance and other relevant disciplines, a number of key issues have emerged.  In summary, these issues are:

-     Match funding

Many of the match funding offers are time-bound and the Council needs to be responsive to those opportunities.  Likewise, SP&R needs assurance that its funding will be allocated within the 3 year timeframe of the LIF.

-        Procurement

A number of AWGs recognise the potential for collective procurement.  A flexible mechanism needs to be developed to ensure that opportunities for this to happen are maximised e.g. the purchase of modular buildings.  Likewise, there is a need to ensure that procurement processes are compliant with the Council’s obligations in relation to EU frameworks

-        Financial monitoring

There will be a resource implication in relation to ensuring that the proper procedures are applied in relation to accounting for public monies, also in relation to ‘claw-back’ clauses if the work is not completed.  Officers are also developing reporting mechanisms which will provide sufficient audit assurance to SP&R Committee, while ensuring that the requirements on local groups are proportionate  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0Relevant Background Information

1.1       On 22 June 2012, the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee approved project briefs aimed at delivering the local spend and social clause targets outlined within the Investment Programme. This is in recognition to the fact that Belfast is predominantly a micro-business economy with 96% of our businesses employing 50 people or less. Consequently through the Investment Programme, the Council has committed to increasing the amount that the Council procures locally from 50% to 60%.

1.2       In recognition of the fact that many councils have tried a range of approaches to achieve similar targets, some research was undertaken to identify best practice.  This research pointed to the work of CLES (Centre for Local Economic Strategies) who are based in Manchester. They have carried out a range of action research projects on behalf of a number of local authorities.  One of their key clients has been Manchester City Council and they have presented reports outlining the procurement approaches; how these changed over time and the outcomes of this development.

1.3       Following an overview of the process presented by CLES at a seminar in the Council offices in late May 2012, a follow-up visit to Manchester City Council (MCC) was arranged for June 2012. Meetings took place with the Heads of Procurement and Economic Development and these presented an opportunity for exchange and discussion as to what worked well; what they would change; what drove them to undertake this work; what the achievements have been and what the next steps are likely to be.

1.4       As part of the £150 million capital investment within the Investment Programme, members have also requested that consideration be given to introducing, where appropriate, social and community benefits clauses into council tenders. On 4 July, the Minister of Environment Alex Attwood MLA presented to the Assembly legislation to enable Councils to incorporate social clauses in their contracts.

            Consideration is currently being given to the outworking of this legislation and the Department of Environment (DoE) is working on accompanying guidance.

1.5       The Committee will be aware that one of the key projects in the Council’s Investment Programme is the investment of a sum of £20M to extend the Belfast Waterfront Hall to provide dedicated conference and exhibition facilities.

1.6       The Committee, at the meeting held on 18th May, in considering a report in this regard, agreed that a report be submitted to a future meeting which would outline a range of options for the undertaking of study visits to similar-type developments in the British Isles.

2.0Key Issues

            Increasing Local Economic Spend Update

2.1       The project brief identifies a series of actions to be taken which will deliver on the objectives around increased access to procurement opportunities for local companies.

2.2       Fifty local construction companies are being supported through the Construction Sales Growth Programme (CSGP) to access sub contracting opportunities arising from regeneration initiatives across the city, including council capital build schemes.  To date meetings have been held  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

            (Mrs. J. Minne, Head of Human Resources attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0Purpose

1.1       The purpose of this report is to update members on progress with the job opportunities and employability targets set out in the Investment Programme, to seek agreement on delivery methods and to seek approval to create a number of new ‘permanent peripatetic’ Business Support Clerk jobs.

2.0       Background

2.1       As part of the Investment Programme, Members have committed to 400 placement, apprenticeship and internship opportunities in the council and the creation of 200 job opportunities at no additional cost to the ratepayer. Work is ongoing to progress these initiatives and ensure targets are met.  Job opportunities have already been advertised and significant work is ongoing to create as many job opportunities as possible in the first year of the Investment Programme. Job opportunity targets for each year of the Investment Programme were agreed with Members in June and progress against these targets is set out in the next section of this report.

2.2       At its meeting on 23 March 2012, Strategic Policy And Resources Committee agreed that the council should work in partnership with the Department of Employment and Learning and provide work placements for government led employability initiatives.  This report also sets out our plans to ensure that our employability targets are met.

3.0       Key Issues

      Job opportunities

3.1       Progress against job creation targets previously agreed with members is set out below:

            Thirty-seven of these have been newly created permanent posts, 28 of these have been permanent posts arising from staff turnover, 16 of these have been newly created temporary posts and 7 have been temporary posts resulting from staff turnover.

3.2       Members will be aware that one of the main ways to deliver the 200 job opportunities is to reduce long-term, perpetual dependency on agency usage and create directly employed council posts.

3.3       On average there are at least 40 agency Business Support Clerks (BSC) assigned to the council in any given month.  These agency assignments are mainly required to cover the duties of directly-employed council BSCs who have temporarily vacated their posts for reasons such as maternity leave, career break, temporary promotion etc.  Given the continual requirement for cover of this type it recommended that the resources currently used to pay for BSC agency assignees is used to create a number of ‘permanent peripatetic’ BSC council posts which will be temporarily assigned to any council service or department, based on business need, in the same way as agency resources.

3.4       To ensure a reduction in the use of BSC agency assignees (and the council BSCs employed on a temporary basis) these new permanent council posts will be monitored and managed on a regular basis by the corporate HR Section.

3.5       Another area of work that has had sustained significant and consistent use of agency staff is the post of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

            (Mrs. J. Minne, Head of Human Resources attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      One of the key projects highlighted in the Council’s Investment Programme is a proposal to invest £20M to extend Belfast Waterfront Hall (WFH) to provide dedicated conference and exhibition facilities which will help strengthen Belfast’s offer to the market.

      At its meeting on 6 February 2012, the Development Committee considered the various options for the extension, as set out in the Economic Appraisal commissioned by the Committee in 2011. The Committee agreed that the option of a two storey extension of the WFH over the service yard to the rear of the venue represented the most suitable model for the Council to endorse. The Strategic Policy and Resources Committee considered the funding and human resource elements of the project at its meeting on 18th May 2012 and was advised that the Economic Appraisal prepared for the ERDT funding bid indicated that the most cost effective operating model for this new facility was for the Council to enter into a management contract with an external, established conference operator, rather than for the Council to run the new facility itself.

      It was agreed that in order to satisfy its Best Value legal obligations and potential funders for the project, the Council will have to demonstrate that both operating models have been fully examined and a clear business justification set out for any decision taken by the Council in relation to the running of the facility.

      Consequently, it was agreed by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee that officers should examine the potential human resources, legal and financial implications of both operating models.

Key Issues

1.0    Human Resources & Legal

      There are a number of HR and legal issues to be managed regardless of which operating model is adopted.

      Should the Council adopt the operating model of a management contract with an external provider the HR and legal issues would mainly relate to the transfer of BCC staff to the new facility.

      For those staff who are identified as part of an organised grouping which carries out activities principally in connection with the operation of the WFH, it is anticipated that the provisions of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) and the Service Provision Change (Protection of Employment) Regulations (NI) 2006 will apply. That is, affected staff will be transferred to the employment of the chosen external operator of the facility on the basis of their existing terms and conditions of employment.

      Many of the potentially affected staff however, are employed to work at both the Waterfront Hall and the Ulster Hall. Consequently, a robust, fair and transparent mechanism for accurately determining the distribution of workers and organised groupings of staff will have to be developed, (i.e. to establish which staff would be covered by the relevant legislation and therefore transfer to the new facility).

      Further, the Council will have to effectively manage those staff who  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

            (Councillor Ó Muilleoir left the meeting whilst this item was under consideration.)

            The Committee considered the undernoted requests which had been received for the use of the City Hall and the provision of hospitality:

The Committee was reminded that the Council was the Lead Partner in the international INTERREG ‘B-Team’ Project, which was funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The Project sought to influence regional development policy in the regeneration of ‘Brownfield’ sites by hosting a range of dissemination events.  It was reported that Belfast would host a dissemination event from 10th till 13th September and the Development Department had requested the use of the Council Chamber, on a date to be determined, in order for the findings and recommendations arising from of the various workshops to be considered on a formal basis with a wider audience.

The Committee acceded to the request.

            The Democratic Services Manager reminded the Committee that, at its meeting in November, 2008, it had agreed to publish committee agendas and reports on the Council’s internet site in advance of meetings taking place.  However, at the meeting on 22nd June, concern had been expressed that such a practice had, on occasion, placed Members, and particularly Chairmen, in an unenviable position since they were being requested by sections of the media to comment on Committee business prior to having been briefed formally by Council officials.  Accordingly, the Committee had requested that a review of the Policy be undertaken.

            The Democratic Service Manager reported that he had, in conjunction with the Council’s Corporate Communications Section, reviewed the Policy.  He suggested that, in view of the concerns which had been expressed by Members, the Committee might consider establishing a new policy whereby agendas and reports, with the exception of those reports or parts thereof which were restricted under the publications policy, would be made available publicly, either on the day of the Committee meeting or the next working day following the meeting.  That would, he pointed out, enable the media and the public to access reports, whilst ensuring that the several Committees on the Council had an opportunity to consider reports prior to Chairmen being requested to comment publicly.

            Accordingly, the Committee agreed to amend the Policy as outlined.

            The Committee was apprised of the programme of activities which would be held in October to mark European Local Democracy Week.  It was reported that the Banqueting Hall would, on 8th October, host the Opportunity Youth-organised ‘EurVoice’ which would be attended by the Lord Mayor and each of the Council’s Youth Champions which would be nominated by the Political Parties. The Democratic Services Manager indicated that the costs associated with the event regarding hospitality, IT technology, travel and accommodation for invited guests, if required, would be approximately £3,100, provision for which had been made within the Departmental estimates.

            The Committee authorised the use of the Banqueting Hall for the event, together with the expenditure as outlined, and authorised also the attendance at the event of the Council’s Youth Champions.

            The Committee was advised that correspondence had been received from the Chairman of the Northern Ireland Veterans’ Advisory and Pensions Committee seeking permission to address the Committee regarding its work in providing assistance to ex?service personnel and their dependants.

            The Committee agreed to receive a presentation in this regard at a future meeting.

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 18th November, 2011, it had agreed, at a cost of £60,000 for a three-year period, to permit the live streaming and archiving of Council proceedings on the internet.  Accordingly, the Committee was provided with an overview of the number of viewers which had accessed the live Council proceedings since 1st December, 2011, together with figures on the number of viewers which had accessed archived proceedings since that date.

            The Committee noted the information provided.

            The Committee was reminded that the Joint Ulster Centenary Committee had been  granted permission by the Council to stage a re-enactment of the signing of the Ulster Solemn League and Covenant in the City Hall on 29th September between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

            The Democratic Services Manager reported that correspondence had been received on 17th August from an organisation known as the 2012 Centenary Committee, which was affiliated to the Joint Ulster Centenary Committee, requesting that the Council consider granting it permission to stage a further re-enactment of the signing ceremony on 29th September between 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.  That request had arisen since a number of the members of the 2012 Centenary Committee would be unable to attend the morning ceremony since they would be involved with events elsewhere.  He reminded Members that such a request would normally be referred to the Joint Group of the Party Leaders’ Forum and the Historic Centenaries Working Group. However, given that that there was not sufficient time for that to take place, he suggested that the matter be considered on a one-off basis.

Proposal

            Moved by Councillor Maskey,

            Seconded by Councillor Corr,

      That the Committee agrees to defer consideration of the request by the 2012 Commemoration Committee to enable meetings to be held with the organisers to consider the matter in more detail.

            On a vote by show of hands six Members voted for the proposal and ten against and it was accordingly declared lost.

Further Proposal

            Moved by Councillor Reynolds,

            Seconded by Councillor Newton,

      That the Committee agrees to accede to the request by the 2012 Commemoration Committee, on the basis that the organisers adhere to the Council’s agreed principles for the commemoration of events associated with the Decade of Centenaries.

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

            The Democratic Services Manager reminded that Committee that the Council, at its Annual Meeting on 1st June, had agreed to permit the 36th Ulster Division Memorial Association to use the City Hall on 10th September for an event to mark the formation of the Young Citizen Volunteers of Ireland.  It was reported that the Association had written to the Council indicating that, as part of the event, they were requesting permission to lay a wreath at the Young Citizens Volunteers Memorial, in the East Entrance of the City Hall, in honour of those members of the 14th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles (Young Citizens), who died in the Great War.

            The Committee acceded to the request from the 36th Ulster Division Memorial Association.

            The Committee considered a report which provided an overview in respect of the above-mentioned matters and, after discussion, agreed that Council officials would continue to work in conjunction with officials from Land and Property Services to progress the following matters:

·        to assess the likely impact of the current debt levels on future income from the rate, including the rating of empty homes;

·        to ensure that the risk associated with valuation challenges would be included within the Estimated Penny Product for 2013/2014;

·        to test the Land and Property Services’ position regarding the sharing of data on vacant properties for the purposes of maximising the rate; and

·        to examine a number of scenarios regarding the impact potential which zero growth in the rate base, or a fall in the rate base, would have on the District Rate requirement for 2013/2014.

            The Committee considered a report which provided an overview in respect of the above-mentioned matters.

            Alderman Stoker, with the permission of the Chairman, on behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party on the Council, indicated that he wished to place on the record that his Party would be opposing any increase in the District Rate for 2013/2014.

            The Committee adopted the following recommendations, subject to future update reports clearly identifying the basis of the rate of inflation comparator figure being used:

·        that the high level guidelines issued to departments should require that the overall increase in departmental estimate submissions should be zero percentage (excluding a potential pay rise, since this will be accounted for corporately);

·        note that work would continue with the Land and Property Services to estimate the impact of the current economic conditions on the City Rate Base and to agree initiatives aimed at reducing the risk to the rate base;

·        note that further updates on the development of the estimates, capital expenditure plans and the rate base position, will be provided to Members in line with the timetable provided.

            The Committee considered the contents of a quarterly finance report for the period from 1st April till 30th June, 2012.  The Head of Financial Services answered a range of Members’ questions in respect of the figures contained therein.

            The Committee agreed that no further action was required at this stage and that the position would be considered further at the end of Quarter 2.

Noted.

            The Committee noted the costs for employee travel for the financial year 2011/2012 and agreed that, in line with previous years, the figures would be published on the Council’s website. In addition, it was noted that details regarding employees’ conference, subsistence and accommodation fees were placed on the Council’s website and details would be provided to the Committee.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the Budget and Transformation Panel of 17th August.

            (Mrs. J. Minne, Head of Human Resources attended in connection with this item.)

            The Committee approved and adopted a Corporate Policy on Domestic Violence and Abuse in the Workplace, a copy of which was available on the Council’s Modern.gov website.

            The Committee was reminded that the Parks and Leisure Committee had, at its meeting on 13th January, 2011, approved the contents of a Development Brief to seek to restore the derelict Gate Lodge at the Whiterock Road entrance to the Belfast City Cemetery. It was reported that, since that time, further discussions had been undertaken with officials from within the Parks and Leisure Department and local Elected Members regarding the content of a future Development Brief in order to ensure that the Gate Lodge was developed in a sensitive manner which would be in accordance with the surroundings within the City Cemetery.

            In accordance with Standing Order 60, the Committee authorised the issue of the Development Brief as outlined and noted further that update reports in this regard would be submitted in due course.

            The Committee was reminded that the Gate Lodge at Drumglass Park had in 1991 been sold to a private individual for use as a residential dwelling.  At the meeting of the Parks and Leisure Committee in January, 2011, it had been agreed, in response to a request from the owner of the Gate Lodge, to explore the feasibility of changing the terms of the 1991 lease to permit the development of a retail boutique at the site.  Accordingly, the Council had consulted the Department for Social Development’s Charities Branch and it was reported that authorisation had been granted to the Council to amend the terms of the 1991 lease by Deed of Variation to enable the change to the use of the building.

            It was reported also that in 1923 the Council had been gifted the Gate Lodge for a period of 900 years.  However, the terms of the 1991 long-term lease agreement between the Council and the resident had been for a period of 850 years, which had exceeded the Council’s ownership of the Gate Lodge by 18 years and would, therefore, require amendment.

            In accordance with Standing Order 60, the Committee agreed to endorse the change of use of the Gate Lodge at Drumglass Park and agreed also to the amendment to the 1991 long-term lease as outlined.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report.

“1          Relevant Background Information

1.1       At its meeting on 21st January 2011 the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee were advised of an interest from Crusaders/Newington and a third party to develop a sports/leisure complex at the North Foreshore. The Committee agreed that officers explore the proposals further and seek Expressions of Interest in this regard.

1.2       A public advertisement was thereafter made on 4 March 2011 inviting Expressions of Interest for Commercial Sports/Recreation uses for a site comprising up to 23 acres. At a subsequent meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee on 19 August 2011 Members were advised that two submissions for commercial sport/recreation use had been received prior to the closing date.

1.3       The Expressions of Interest stage was the first stage of a site disposal process and was largely intended to explore the nature of interest in the market. The Expression of Interest had indicated a site up to 23 acres would be available but the submissions received indicated that a larger site footprint would be required. It was also evident from the submissions that much more detailed information would be required from the developers in order to demonstrate that the proposed schemes were deliverable, financially and commercially viable and suitable for the environmental conditions of the site and that the developers have a proven track record in the delivery and operation of large scale regeneration projects.

1.4       At the 19th August 2011 Committee it was agreed to move to the second stage of the process and publicly advertise a Developer’s Brief seeking Commercial Leisure and Cultural uses for a defined site.  Three site size options were put to the Committee ranging from a 23 acre site to a 39 acre site and it was agreed that in order to fully test the private sector interest that a 39 acre site be made available.

1.5       The Development Brief was subsequently advertised both locally and in Europe with a closing date of 21 November 2011. However no positive responses were received as at the closing date. One of the original developers who had responded to the Expression of Interest advised that he had decided not to go forward. The second party who had responded to the Expression of Interest was Paul Durnien- China Sun Asia Pacific Ltd; Crusaders FC & Newington FC (Durnien). They had proposals for a major sports complex including a stadium for Crusaders Newington together with a digital film post production facility.  However they failed to submit a bid in response to the Developers Brief.

1.6       Members were advised, at the meeting of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee of 9 December 2011, that Durnien had subsequently firmed up the proposals and now required a larger site than that proposed in the Development Brief. Durnien had advised that they had not responded to the Development Brief as they wanted to avoid the risk of a bid for a larger site being contested.  They did however say  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 25th April, it had agreed to accept the surrender of the lease from the Scout Association for Council premises located on Tamar Street and approved also the demolition of the building located thereon.  That decision had been based on the age and condition of the property and on the understanding that the existing requirements of community groups in the area could be accommodated within existing facilities within the locality.

Subsequent to that decision, the Director of Property and Projects reported that requests had been received from the East Belfast Protestant Boys’ Flute Band to utilise the premises for a historical and cultural society, a local women’s group and a Lambeg drumming club.  In addition, a further request has been received on behalf of the Lower Castlereagh Community Group, the Templemore Action Group and the Forward Group which aimed, on a collective basis, to use the facility for the purposes of a drop-in centre for young men who were considered to be at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour.

After discussion, the Committee agreed that the matter be referred to the East Belfast Area Working Group for further consideration.

The Committee was advised that the former Client Services Committee, at its meeting on 7th November, 1995, had agreed to dispose of the former Groveland’s House, 10 Stockman’s Lane. The property was sold subsequently, by way of a 900 year lease, to Children’s Enterprise (Northern Ireland) Limited for residential or office use. It was reported that the charity wished to sell the premises and that the proposed buyers were seeking to use the property as medical consulting rooms. Accordingly, a request had been received seeking the Council's consent to vary the terms of the 1998 lease to permit the property to be used as medical consulting rooms. In addition, the proposed buyers had indicated that they would wish to make a number of small alterations to the exterior of the property and such plans had been inspected by Council officials and were deemed to be quite minor and superficial in nature.

In accordance with Standing Order 60, the Committee agreed that the lease dated 30th January, 1998, between the Council and Children’s Enterprise (Northern Ireland) Limited be amended to permit, in addition to residential and office use, the property to be used as medical consulting rooms and agreed also to authorise the minor amendments to the exterior of the building.

            The Committee was advised that the Parks and Leisure Committee, at its meeting on 9th August, had agreed provisionally to enter into a ten-year management lease agreement with Grove United and Malachians Football Clubs, together with a Deed of Dedication with Sport NI, which would enable the upgrading of an existing pitch to a 3G surface at the Shore Road Playing Fields.

            In accordance with Standing Order 60, the Committee endorsed the decision of the Parks and Leisure Committee, subject to the following conditions:

·        that the Grove United and Malachians Football Clubs secure the necessary statutory approvals;

·        that the clubs secure the necessary funding for the project;

·        that the lease would contain clauses to ensure that the facility would support and contribute to the Council’s wider strategic outcomes;

·        that any legal framework would make provision for a maintenance programme for the upkeep of the pitch and to provide also a capital replacement fund to meet the costs of capital items during the term of the agreement; and

·        that full detailed terms and conditions of the agreement would be brought back to a future Committee meeting for approval.

The Committee was reminded that the Parks and Leisure Committee had, at its meeting on the 9th August, agreed to contribute a sum of £5,102.04 to the North Belfast Play Forum to assist it to replace the polymeric surface at the Multi-Sports Games Area at the Waterworks Park with a 3G pitch. In addition, the Parks and Leisure Committee had agreed also to enter into a 15-year lease agreement with the Play Forum to enable it to manage, on behalf of the Council, the facility, which had been a condition of the principal funders for the project, viz., BIFFA Waste Management.

            The Committee agreed, in accordance with Standing Order 60, to endorse the decisions of the Parks and Leisure Committee in respect of the payment of £5,102.04 to the North Belfast Play Forum and approved the entering into of an appropriate lease agreement for the future management of the facility as outlined, with full detailed terms and conditions to be brought back to a future Committee meeting for agreement.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1  Relevant Background Information

1.1       Belfast City Council, as part of the City Investment Strategy, has agreed to co-ordinate the acquisition of lands to enable the Connswater Community Greenway Programme to proceed.  The Council will secure rights over the land needed for the Greenway and shall be responsible for the management and maintenance of this land and any assets on the land.  The Greenway must be accessible for 40 years to comply with the Big Lottery Fund letter of offer, although the intention is to secure rights for longer if possible.

2          Key Issues

2.1       The Committee is reminded that at its meeting on the 18th June 2010 it approved the purchase of the area for the Greenway. The owners of the Laburnum Site, CBM Developments Limited subsequently approached Council officials with a view to changing the route of the Greenway to minimise the impact on the future development potential of Laburnum Playing Fields.

2.2       In addition, the route of the CCG adjacent to the British Legion site off Montgomery Rd has proven difficult to agree and there is little scope for an alternative route at this location. After much negotiation with the British Legion it has been agreed that the CCG will be constructed over the Loop River.  The S&PR Committee approved the acquisition of half the bed of the Loop River at this location from Fiona Thompson on the 15th April 2011 and the acquisition of the other half bed of the Loop River at this location from the British Legion on the 17th June 2011. Council officials have now agreed, subject to Committee approval, to acquire a compensatory strip of land from the Belfast Metropolitan College and transfer it to the British Legion at no cost to the British Legion. This arrangement is vital to allow the construction of the Connswater Community Greenway at this location, without the additional land the British Legion could not rebuild their club premises on the site without compromising the position of the Connswater Community Greenway. The transfer will be initially by way of land access agreement until such times as the purchase from the Metropolitan College as outlined below has been completed.

2.3       The area of land consisting of 0.501 acres has been identified as being required in part for the construction of the Connswater Community Greenway and otherwise to provide the British Legion with a compensatory strip to allow redevelopment of their site as outlined above. Council officials have agreed to acquire the land outlined red on the plan attached from the Belfast Metropolitan college for £9000.

3    Resource Implications

3.1       There are no additional resources required for the proposed acquisition from CBM Developments Ltd.

3.2       The transfer of the land and the grant of the temporary Land Access Agreement will be at no cost to the British Legion.

3.3       The proposal to acquire the land from the Belfast Metropolitan College requires expenditure of £9000 plus reasonable legal fees.

3.4       Human Resources

            Staff  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

            The Committee was advised that the Parks and Leisure Committee, at its meeting on 9th August, had agreed to request that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee designate a sum of £215,000 within the Council’s Capital Programme to assist in the re-development of the playground at the Belfast Zoo.  That sum, it was reported, would be eligible for match-funding should an economic appraisal and business case of the project be approved by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board under its Tourism Development Scheme (TDS). The Director of Property and Projects reported that the original application had been unsuccessful but that the Tourist Board had confirmed in June that the project had been placed on a reserve list for assistance. He added that the Director of Finance and Resources had indicated that sufficient resources could be identified within existing budgets to cover the anticipated outlay.

            After discussion, the Committee agreed that a sum of £215,000 be allocated within the Capital Programme towards the project and agreed also that officers be reminded that the existing criteria for the submission of projects for consideration under the Council’s Capital Programme must be adhered to in future.

            The Committee was advised that the Health and Environmental Services Committee, at its meeting on 1st August, had agreed that the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee be requested to endorse the undernoted course of action in respect of the Council’s Alleygating Scheme:

·        To the advancement to Phase 3 of the programme and to commit a sum of £700,000 to enable its delivery;

·        To seek tenders for the establishment of frameworks for the supply and the installation of alleygates for a period of up to four years; and

·        To delegate authority to the Director of Property and Projects for the award of tenders and frameworks.

            The Committee agreed to endorse the recommendations of the Health and Environmental Services Committee.

            (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 6th August and endorsed the decisions in respect of the following:

            Lower Shankill Community Association

            The provision of funding in the sum of £2,500 to the above-mentioned body to enable the undertaking of a programme of work to provide five small community artworks to enhance the Lower Shankill area.

            Interfaces – Local Projects

            The provision of £2,000 towards the ‘Draw Down the Walls’ interface art project.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      At its meeting on 3rd September, 2007, the Council passed the following resolution in response to a Notice of Motion by (then) Councillor Patterson:

‘This Council acknowledges the tremendous support and sacrifice made by Her Majesties Forces during thirty-five years of conflict in Northern Ireland.  Operation Banner was the longest running campaign in military history, a campaign which saw the loss of many lives.  Peace in Northern Ireland came at a heavy price but without the selfless dedication and commitment of the British Army, Ulster Defence Regiment, Royal Irish Regiment and the Royal Ulster Constabulary /Police Service of Northern Ireland this great City and, indeed, the entire Province would have found itself in a state of civil war.  The Council welcomes the ending of Operation Banner but must be ever mindful of the ultimate sacrifice many had to pay for peace.  The Council agrees to construct a fitting memorial to the Servicemen and women who helped to maintain peace and law and order during the duration of Operation Banner.’

      No action was taken at that time as the Council was preparing to decant from the City Hall.  At its meeting on 24 April 2009 the Strategic Policy & Resources Committee referred this to the (then) Memorabilia Working Group to be considered as part of the overall review of memorabilia and there was a suggestion at the meeting that the memorial might take the form of a stained glass window.

      A report was submitted to the Memorabilia Working Group on 29 May 2009 which noted that there were already 3 stained glass windows in the City Hall dedicated to various arms of the forces – including the UDR, the British Army and the RUC/George Cross. The Working Group agreed, on that occasion, that the memorial should be located in the City Hall grounds, preferably in the Garden of Remembrance and made several suggestions, including a bench with a suitable memorial plaque, tree planting etc.

      The Memorabilia Working Group considered a further report with a range of options and costs at its meeting on 14 August 2009. These options included the planting of semi-mature trees, a bespoke granite seat and a memorial bronze statue. The Memorabilia Working Group Members discussed these options at various meetings in 2009 and 2010 but no decisions were made; Party Groups were to consider the issue and report back their views but no agreement was reached regarding what form the memorial should take or an associated budget.

      Members may wish to note that in the interim, a 19 feet high bronze statue in memory of the Ulster Defence Regiment was unveiled in the centre of Lisburn in June 2011.  It was funded entirely by the UDR Memorial Trust and was intended to be a regional/Northern Ireland wide memorial.

Key Issues

      At the meeting of the Joint Diversity Working Group on 29 June 2012, the issue was considered again and the Members requested updated costs for a number of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0     Relevant Background Information

1.1       At a meeting of the Joint Group of Party Group Leaders Forum and Historic Centenaries Working Group, there was preliminary discussion on the arrangements relating to the laying of wreaths at the Cenotaph.  This has arisen in relation to a number of requests from Honorary Consuls to join the Remembrance Sunday ceremony.

1.2       There is a further matter in relation to unofficial wreath-laying at the Cenotaph.  A second report will be brought to SP&R Committee in due course.  This will also include criteria regarding requests for access to the Cenotaph and other related issues.

2.0       Key Issues

2.1       The Cenotaph at City Hall is a focal point for paying respect and honouring the military dead of the two World Wars.  The two main large scale public events hosted by the Council are the Somme Ceremony on 1 July and Remembrance Sunday in November; both are organised in association with the Royal British Legion.

            There appears to have been no formal criteria related to participants at the main ceremony and this ‘custom and practice’ has been established over the past 30/40 years.  The only major change in the VIP wreath laying in this ceremony in recent years has been the inclusion of the Honorary Consul from Poland, because of the size of the Polish population in Belfast and the contribution of the Free Polish forces in the Second World War.  In addition, in 2011, the First Minister attended to represent the NI Assembly for the first time.

2.2       More recently, two new requests have been received by the Council.  These are from the Honorary Consul of Malta and the Honorary Consul of St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Members should note that there are at least 30 Honorary Consuls in NI.

2.3       Given the civic importance of the Belfast event, the Joint Group reviewed current practice and how best to deal with new requests to lay additional wreaths.  Officers advised the Joint Group that some preliminary discussion had taken place with the Royal British Legion (RBL) on the matter.  The RBL had already written to the Council asking us to be mindful of the length of the current ceremony in view of the advanced age of the remaining veterans and members of the RBL.

2.4       The Joint Group considered the new requests and noted the potential for further requests. They recognised the importance of the new Honorary Consuls, particularly in the context of the changing diversity of the city and promoting good relations.

            They also acknowledged that the ceremony is already quite long and is an extended period to be standing outdoors in winter months, particularly for older members of the RBL.

2.5       In recognition of both of these issues, the Joint Group is recommending to SP&R Committee that the current arrangements remain in place for invitations to the Honorary Consuls representing France, India, United States, Canada and Poland.

2.6       In order to accommodate new requests, the Joint Group recommend  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.