Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported from the Chairman (Councillor Crozier); and Councillors D. Browne, W. Browne and Stoker.

            The minutes of the meetings of 4th and 18th June were taken as read and signed as correct.  It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st July, subject to the omission of the minute of the meeting of 18th June under the heading “Requests for the Use of the City Hall Grounds – Poster for Tomorrow” which, at the request of Councillor Kingston, was taken back to the Committee for further consideration.

(To consider further the minute of the meeting of 18^th June which, at the request of Councillor Kingston, was taken back to the Committee for further consideration.)

            The Committee considered further the undernoted minute of the meeting of 18th June:

      “The Committee was advised that a request had been received from Poster for Tomorrow to exhibit within the grounds of the City Hall 100 posters marking World and European Day against the Death Penalty on 10th October.  The posters would be selected from public competition submissions by a panel comprised of eminent local people and would be displayed within the grounds from 7th till 10th October.  Belfast would be one of 100 cities across the world marking the event.

      The posters would be displayed on trellis-type fencing positioned within the grounds.  There would be no resource implications for the Council as the organisation would provide all of their own display materials.  In addition, there would be no requirement for electrical power and the organisation would take out full indemnity insurance.  Due to the nature of the subject, some of the posters might be sensitive in nature, although the Council did have the option of vetoing specific posters if it were deemed that they were controversial or offensive.

      The Committee was advised that the death penalty was still supported by a number of countries, notably the United States of America and China, so the organisers’ position would not have unqualified support.  It was envisaged that the exhibition might receive significant media coverage.  One of the criteria for use of the City Hall grounds stated that the request should comply with the Council’s Equality and Good Relations obligations.  The application by Poster for Tomorrow had been discussed with the Council’s Good Relations Manager who had recommended, given that the United Kingdom had abolished the death penalty, that the application be approved by the Committee.

      After discussion, it was

      Moved by Councillor N. Kelly,

      Seconded by Councillor McCarthy,

      That the Committee agrees to accede to the request.

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

            With the permission of the Chairman, Councillor Kingston addressed the Committee.  He expressed the view that the grounds of the City Hall were an inappropriate venue for the display of posters opposing the death penalty.  He made the point that the application had not specified the contents of the posters and, whilst the Council did have the option of vetoing specific posters if they were deemed to be controversial or offensive, there was a possibility that the display could include pictures of persons who had been convicted of committing serious crimes.  He stated that the United Kingdom had already abolished the death penalty and therefore it was unnecessary for a campaign seeking for it to be abolished to be located within the grounds of the City Hall and he requested that the Committee refuse the request.

Moved by Councillor McCarthy,

Seconded by Councillor Attwood,

      That the Committee agrees to affirm its decision of 18th June and approve the use of the City Hall grounds by the Poster for Tomorrow organisation.

            On  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0       Relevant Background Information 

1.1       Members will recall that discussions in relation to the future of the Review of Public Administration and reform of local government had concluded on Monday 14th June with the NI executive not having agreed on the way forward.  Subsequently, the Environment Minister wrote to the Northern Ireland Office recommending that it proceed with elections to twenty-six, and not eleven, councils in 2011.  

1.2       While it is understood that the Environment Minister is to submit a report to the NI Executive in September 2010 setting out proposals in regards to taking forward the RPA, there remains significant uncertainty in respect of the nature and timescale for any future reform programme.

2.0       Key Issues

2.1       Improvement, Collaboration and Efficiency

2.1.1    Despite such uncertainty the local government sector has recognised the need to maintain momentum and seek to develop its own proposals in respect of an ‘improvement, collaboration and efficiency’ programme for local government.  The intention would be to support councils in delivering more efficient and value for money services to the citizen.

2.1.2    Exploratory work is ongoing to examine and identify potential collaborative opportunities on a local, sub-regional and regional level, which may support service improvement or drive out efficiencies in delivery. Areas currently under consideration include procurement, information systems, Human Resources, asset management and support services.

2.1.3    Members will note that BCC officials are involved in this scoping work in line with the Committee’s previous decision that the Council engage with potential partners to explore possible collaborative efficiency saving and to ensure that these issues are considered within the context of the Council’s own efficiency programme.

2.1.3    It is intended that this work will culminate in the development of an over-arching business case for local government which sets out potential opportunities and undertakes a cost-benefit analysis.   Members will be kept fully informed as this work progresses and, in particular, of any potential opportunities which may emerge.  It is important to note that there is no impetus for any council (including Belfast) to participate in any collaborative opportunities other than voluntarily and if there is a demonstrable business case for doing so.

2.1.4    Preliminary discussions are ongoing also between council officials and other public service providers within the city to examine potential opportunities for securing greater investment and more integrated service delivery within the city (i.e. focus on ‘Place’). Again, Members will be kept fully informed and engaged in such discussions as they evolve.

2.1.5    Members will recognise that such discussions are particularly important within the context of the growing economic and financial pressures facing the entire NI public sector in the coming years and the push to ‘do more with less’.  In fact, councils have already received notification from DoE of in year cuts to the resources element of rate support grant aid paid by the Department.  Although this will not affect Belfast as we do not receive resource support, it is evidence of the scale of the financial challenge  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4a

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Purpose of the report

1.   To agree the scope and format of a Members workshop as part of the process of developing a new Corporate Plan for 2011 and beyond.

      Development of the new corporate plan 2011 and beyond

2.   This is the final year of the current corporate plan which means that over the coming months Members will lead the development of a new corporate plan for 2011 and beyond.  This will be a key activity for the Committee, which has responsibility for setting the overall strategic policy, direction and priorities of the Council.  A paper was submitted to the Committee on the 23 April advising Members of the work that is already underway to support this process including the Members; Public and Employee surveys and an analysis of external developments and socio-economic and demographic information. 

3.   As with previous corporate planning processes it is important that Members are given time to consider the Council’s purpose, ambition and priorities in the light of this emerging information and to bring to bear their own views and those of parties on the process.  Given the challenging economic environment and Members’ focus on value for money and efficiency it is also important that discussions with respect to future priorities are taken forward within the context of affordability limits and maximising the effectiveness of the Council’s assets.  It is therefore vital that the discussion on the new corporate plan is integrated with the setting of the rate for 2011/12 and consideration of the capital programme.  In order to begin this process it is proposed that a workshop is held for the Committee, to which all other Members are invited, so that Members can consider and discuss these matters in detail.   

4.   Members had already agreed at the Committee’s 18th June meeting that a workshop should be held to take forward consideration of key strategic planning issues. It is now proposed that this workshop should be held on 8^th September, in the Group Space in the Ulster Hall to run from approximately 10.00am until 3.00pm.   The key purpose of the workshop is to allow Members to begin to discuss and give direction on the Council’s purpose, objectives and priorities for 2011 onwards.  This session will serve as the opening of this discussion with Members and as part of the workshop we will also map out and agree how, from this point forward, Members will lead the process of developing the Council’s new strategy. 

      Preparation for the workshop

5.   A workshop report will be prepared in advance outlining all the background information Members will need to take into consideration when determining Council priorities including city profile information, feedback from the consultation exercises and information about the role of the corporate plan and the timetable and process for developing the new plan. 

6.   At the special SP&R on 6^th August, Members considered information from the Strategic Regeneration Frameworks which have been created for the North,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

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

            The Committee was reminded that at the Council meeting on 1st July the undernoted Notice of Motion had been proposed by Councillor C. Maskey and seconded by Councillor Mallon:

      “That this Council recognises the achievement of Paddy Barnes in winning the Gold medal in the European Amateur Boxing Championships in Moscow on Saturday, 12th June, 2010, this following his Bronze medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, and agrees to provide an appropriate reception, in the form of a finger buffet, for Paddy, his family and the wider boxing fraternity to coincide with the Belfast Boxing Exhibition which is being held in the East Entrance of the City Hall during September.”

            In accordance with Standing Order 11e, the Motion stood referred without discussion to the Committee.

            The Democratic Services Manager indicated that, if the Committee were minded to agree to the Motion, an appropriate amount of funding, up to a maximum of £1,700, for a reception could be made available from the Council’s Civic Hospitality budget.  Accordingly, he recommended that the Committee agree to provide hospitality for a finger buffet reception as set out in the Motion and note that the event would be arranged before, or to coincide with, the end of the Belfast Boxing Exhibition which would be held in the City Hall during September, 2010.

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

            (Mr. J. McGrillen, Director of Development, attended in connection with this item.)

            The Director of Development reminded the Committee that, as a celebration to mark the tenth anniversary of the opening of the Odyssey Arena, the Belfast Giants Ice Hockey Team was due to play a challenge match against the Boston Bruins on 2nd October, 2010.  The Bruins was one of the leading ice hockey teams in the United States, competing in the National Hockey League, and this would be the first time the Bruins would be playing outside North America.  The event was attracting significant media attention on both sides of the Atlantic.  In recognition of the potential to present Belfast in a positive way and as a location for major sporting events, the Council, at its meeting on 1st June, had endorsed the recommendation of the Development Committee to underwrite the cost of the event up to a maximum of £40,000.

            He explained that Invest Northern Ireland had agreed also to sponsor the game as it saw it as a means of attracting potential investors to attend the event as part of a wider promotional programme.  Invest Northern Ireland hoped to bring up to ten potential investors to visit the City at that time.  Tourism Ireland was hoping also to bring a delegation of North American tour operators and journalists to experience the tourism potential of the City.  The United States Consul viewed the event as an opportunity to promote a positive image of the City, not only in Boston, but across the whole of the East Coast of the United States.  Initial approaches to the Office of the Mayor of Boston had indicated that the Mayor, Thomas M. Menino, who had previously addressed the Council, might wish to attend the match.  The Lord Mayor had issued a invitation to Mayor Menino and he had indicated that he might be able to accept the Lord Mayor’s invitation.

            The Director explained that, whilst the Council had agreed to invest up to £40,000 towards the cost of the Ice Hockey game, the event provided an opportunity to promote the image of the City to a general United States audience.  In addition, there was an opportunity to develop civic linkages between Belfast and Boston and to demonstrate the Council’s support to potential investors and tour operators who were bringing tourists to the City.  The various partners involved, particularly Invest Northern Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland, Tourism Ireland and the United States Consulate, believed a civic reception in the City Hall would greatly enhance the credibility of the City with potential investors, tour operators and journalists from the Boston area.  The Lord Mayor had expressed a willingness to host a drinks reception, followed by a civic dinner on Friday, 1st October, the night before the ice hockey game.  Such an event would help create a very positive impression with potential visitors to the City.  That was particularly true should Mayor Menino be part of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6c

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 19th September, 2008, it had agreed to accept an invitation from Rear Admiral Philip Jones for the Council and the City of Belfast to become affiliated with the HMS Duncan, one of the Royal Navy’s newest Type 45 Destroyers.  The launch and naming ceremony for the HMS Duncan would take place at Govan Shipyard in Glasgow on 11th October and invitations to attend the ceremony had been received for the Lord Mayor, the Deputy Lord Mayor and the Chief Executive.  Given the Council’s affiliation with the HMS Duncan, it was considered to be appropriate for the Council to be represented at the event.  It was estimated that the cost per person to cover flights and subsistence would be approximately £250.

Moved by Councillor Newton,

Seconded by Councillor Rodway,

      That the Committee agrees to approve the attendance of the Lord Mayor, the Deputy Lord Mayor and the Chief Executive (or their nominees) at the launch and naming ceremony for HMS Duncan.

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

            The Committee was advised that, in line with the Hillsborough agreement of 5th February, 2010, the Minister for Justice had established a Prisons Review Team to conduct a rolling review encompassing the conditions of detention, management and oversight of all prisons.  Correspondence had been received from the Chairperson of the Review team inviting the Council to submit written evidence setting out its views on the Review, which should be forwarded to the Team by 16th September, 2010.

            The Committee noted receipt of the correspondence and agreed that, since the Council had no direct involvement in service delivery for that issue, it be referred to the Party Groupings on the Council.

            The Committee was informed that correspondence had been received from the Stakeholders Communications Manager, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, seeking permission to address the Committee on how health and social care services in Belfast were developing and, in particular, to outline the Trust’s current proposal to reorganise the delivery of acute services in Belfast.  The reorganisation was currently part of a consultation exercise and the Trust felt that an opportunity to address the Members and to take questions and feedback would be invaluable to that exercise.

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

Councillor Hartley to raise.

            In accordance with Notice on the Agenda, Councillor Hartley requested that the Committee give consideration to the application of the d’Hondt system of proportionality to the offices of Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor.

            The Committee agreed that a report in this regard be submitted to a future meeting.

            The Committee was advised that the National Association of Councillors was holding a training and development seminar in London from 24th till 26th September.  The theme of the Seminar was “Diversity and Media” which aimed to cover issues that were relevant to how Members could work with the media to promote the Council’s objectives.  The Seminar would provide an opportunity to share best practice and to consider how best to work with the media in order to benefit local government.  The estimated cost of attendance was approximately £580 per delegate.

            The Committee agreed, in accordance with the Policy established by the Committee at its meeting on 14th March, 2008, to authorise the attendance at the training and development seminar of the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Committee, the Council’s representatives on the National Association of Councillors (Northern Ireland Region), the Democratic Services Manager (or their nominees) and a representative of each of the Party Groupings on the Council not represented by the aforementioned Members.

            The Members were informed that the Development Committee, as part of the estimates and budget setting process, had agreed the provision of core budget funding of £300,000 for the delivery of the Renewing the Routes local regeneration activity for the current financial year.  At its meeting on 9th June, that Committee had received a detailed report which outlined the proposed approach to the longer term delivery of local regeneration activity under the initiative and suggested approaches to the short-term delivery of implementation works during the current financial year.

            The timescale for the completion of a survey and prioritisation process would, however, leave insufficient opportunity for the development and implementation of physical projects in new areas of the City within the remaining period to March, 2011.  Accordingly, the Development Committee had resolved to seek a deferral of the implementation activity and carry forward the agreed resource allocation into the next financial year as a specified reserve.  The deferment would enable the resources to be fully targeted on the new priority areas in combination without any future additional resource allocation.

            The Head of Finance and Performance indicated that Section 56 of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 only permitted the Council to maintain a Capital Fund and a Renewal and Repairs Fund in addition to the District Fund.  However, the Council could identify parts of the District Fund Reserve for specific purposes.  That would remain legally part of the District Fund and would not be shown separately from the District Fund Reserve on the Council’s Balance Sheet.  The issue of a specified reserve had been discussed and agreed previously with the Local Government Auditor and had been used for the Brighter Belfast Programme in similar circumstances.  That approach would, however, require the approval of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

            Accordingly, it was recommended that the Committee support the proposal to defer the implementation of Renewing the Routes local regeneration activity and accede to the request for the establishment of a specified reserve for the £300,000 to ensure the provision of resources in the 2011/12 financial year, rather than 2010/11.

            The Committee adopted the recommendation.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      Members will recall that at their meeting of 18 June 2010 they discussed a recommendation concerning the authorising of travel by officers to locations outside the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, and requested that a further report be submitted to the committee in due course on the most appropriate mechanism for giving such authorisation.

Key Issues

A. Travel by officers to locations outside the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland

It is vital that members of staff undertake travel only where it is appropriate and justified and that the council has proper controls in place to ensure that this is the case. While the council has already established a significant number of controls to ensure that any such travel is justified and appropriately approved, it is proposed that a further control is added in relation to travel by officers outside the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

The following mechanism for approving such travel is therefore recommended:

1.   Where an officer is travelling with members, then the relevant committee must approve the travel

2.   Where an officer is not travelling with members, then the appropriate director and the Director of Finance and Resources must approve the travel

3.   In cases under 2 where the officer travelling is the Director of Finance and Resources or where the Director of Finance and Resources is not available, then the appropriate director and the Chief Executive must approve the travel

4.   In addition, in cases under 2 and 3, the relevant committee must also approve the travel, if in the judgement of the Director of Finance and Resources / the Chief Executive either:

(a)the cost of the event is likely to be questioned or

(b)attending the event is potentially controversial or of interest to the media or the public.

B. New travel contract

On a related theme and as an update for Members, the council has agreed a reduced cost exclusive contract for the provision of travel services with Knock Travel.  The new travel contract includes provisions to ensure that the cost price of travel services charged by Knock Travel will not be greater than the price council officers or members could obtain directly, for example, by visiting the web site of the airline concerned. The council will carry out routine checks to ensure that the supplier is adhering to these contractual provisions.

In addition, in order to make processes more efficient and improve the quality of management/reporting, bookings for all travel services (flights, accommodation, car hire, etc including low-cost flights and all hotel bookings), will be placed exclusively with Knock Travel through the centralised booking service within the Finance & Resources Department. Out-of-hours arrangements with Knock Travel are also being put in place to provide cover and support in emergency circumstances.

Resource implications

      As was reported to the committee on 18 June 2010, the cost of staff attending events has reduced in the financial year 2009/2010 as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7b

            The Committee granted authority for the commencement of tendering exercises and delegated authority to the Director of Property and Projects, in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation, to accept the most advantageous tenders received in respect of the following:

            It was reported that, in accordance with Standing Order 55 and the authority delegated to her, the Director of Finance and Resources had authorised the appointment of a number of individuals who were related to existing officers of the Council.

Noted.

            In accordance with Standing Order 60, the Committee was advised that the Parks and Leisure Committee, at its meeting on 12th February, 2009, had agreed to the disposal to members of the public of three portions of land at different locations across the City.  The Committee was advised that officers had been in contact with all perspective purchasers and, in respect of the land adjoining 35 Brookvale Avenue, agreement had been reached on the terms of disposal which were as follows:

(i)      the area of disposal comprised of approximately 429 square metres;

(ii)     use of the land would be restricted to open space and to garden use in particular;

(iii)    the disposal price had been agreed at £12,200; and

(iv)    the purchaser would erect a boundary fence at their own expense along any of the boundaries which were not fenced currently.

            The Committee approved the terms outlined.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report in respect of the review of rents on parks houses and adopted the recommendations:

“Relevant Background Information

      At its meeting on 18 June 2010 the Committee agreed to defer consideration of a report on the Review of Rents on Parks Houses.  It is understood Members were seeking further information on the background to the level of proposed rents and this is provided within the body of the current report.

      Roles and Responsibilities

These houses are located on land for which Parks & Leisure Department have operational responsibility. Parks and Leisure look after allocation of the dwellings to Council employees.  During the course of the tenancies Parks and Leisure remain responsible for the maintenance of the dwellings and tenant management.

Property & Projects Department review rents and provide input, when requested, on the content of Tenancy Agreements. 

Reference to this Committee is made under Standing Order 46 (viii) (n) which states it is one of the ‘Duties’ of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee ‘for the supervision and checking of all rents payable or collected by the Council’.  Given the legal advice (provided below) the ‘Tenancy Agreements’ for Parks Houses are technically not ‘disposals’ and thus Members may wish to note that strictly speaking Standing Order 60 (which deals with acquisitions and disposals) would not apply to these rental assessments.  In response to previous queries from Members, Committee may also wish to note that the Parks and Leisure Committee have no equivalent ‘Duties’ to Standing Orders, 46 (viii) (n), or 60.

Legal Basis

Legal advice obtained in 1992 (and recently updated) requires the Council to restrict these lettings to Council employees.  Letting on the open market or to those on housing waiting lists, would fall outside the Council’s functions and legal scope.

Legal advice provided by the Town Solicitor in 1976 (and recently updated) confirms that because the lettings are to employees and the wording contained in the ‘Tenancy Agreements’ states the occupancy is ‘at the will and during the pleasure of the Council’, the occupier has no legal interest in the property.  This means the occupier’s status is more akin to that of a Licensee rather than a tenant.  In addition the Council has no duty to re-house any tenant whose tenancy is terminated.  The combination of these factors offers less protection to the occupier than a Housing Executive or private rented sector tenancy.

Rental Assessments

Since 1991 Parks Houses rents have been calculated using the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Point Scheme.  Points are allocated based on the number of rooms and facilities.  The Points Scheme makes no adjustments for things such as location or surrounding environment.

Rental Adjustments

Due to the unique situation of many of the Parks Houses it is considered appropriate to make further adjustments for those houses which are situated in cemeteries, parks, or more out of the way locations.  Adjustment is also made where the occupier has a duty, under their Tenancy Agreement, to investigate any disturbance or unlawful entry  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9b

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Purpose

      To update members regarding a proposed Development Framework in respect of lands at Glen Road known as ‘Glen 10’. 

Relevant Background Information

      In 2009 the Department for Social Development in conjunction with the Strategic Investment Board, commissioned consultants GVA Grimley to look at the development potential of a number of parcels of land (10 no approx) adjacent to the Glen Road & Monagh By Pass, known as ‘Glen 10’.

      The research proposal arose from the work of the Glen 10 Workshops (chaired by BCC’s Chief Executive and Deputy Secretary of DSD), which later gave rise to the Glen Road Development Co-Ordination Group.  This group was made up with representatives from DSD, BCC, SIB, NIHE, DOE and DRD.  Minister Margaret Ritchie announced her intention to develop detailed plans for the area in November 2009, when launching this Glen 10 Research Report (the report is available on the DSD website).

      The target area is defined by the Upper Springfield Road & the dBMAP development limit boundary to the north, Glen Road to the south; the east is bounded by the Monagh By-Pass, and to the west, Hannahstown Hill. Within this boundary is a mix of established residential, employment, educational & sporting uses.  BCC own various portions of land within this area, as identified on the map, and are also landlord for the sites leased to St Teresa’s GAC and Sport & Leisure FC.

      The preferred development scenario identified by the consultants in the report was a sustainable urban extension and strategic mixed use development, which offers scope to bring forward development in a sustainable, co-ordinated manner with a land use mix that can achieve wider regeneration benefits for the West Belfast area, particularly in terms of addressing housing need and introducing appropriate employment opportunities.  

      Key elements of the proposal included the potential for establishing the Glen Road as a destination with a distinctive neighbourhood identity; significant social/affordable and private housing provision; complementary employment generating uses and associated community, leisure and recreation uses; high quality green space including a greenway linking recreation opportunities on the Belfast Hills and Colin Glen; improved physical connections through the provision of rapid transit and improved vehicular access and exemplar educational facilities.   It was recognised however that the delivery of such an ambitious programme is not without its challenges and would clearly be a major long term project, requiring careful co-ordination of the various landowner and stakeholder interests.

      Following on from Minister Margaret Ritchie’s announcement to develop detailed plans for the area, DSD now propose to commission a detailed Development Framework for the target area that tests and appraises in more detail the proposed land use options. 

Key Issues

·         The proposed Development Framework will set out guiding principles for development and recommend a detailed framework for development that represents the best balance between benefits, costs, and deliverability.  It will seek to optimise the value of sites, address physical, planning and infrastructure constraints and promote integration of the sites with the surrounding neighbourhoods.  It is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9c

            The Committee considered the undernoted report which provided an update on the Peace III Priority 2.1 Capital Bids for Shared Space:

“Purpose of Report

      Members will recall that a paper was taken to the Strategic Policy & Resources Committee in June 2010 updating Members on the status of the Council’s four applications under Priority 2.1 ‘Creating Shared Public Spaces’ of the Peace III programme that were submitted to the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) in November 2009.  As Members know at this stage the status of the Council’s applications was as follows -

      At this time the Committee agreed that debriefing sessions should be arranged with SEUPB to gather further detail on SEUPB’s reasons for the deferment and rejection of the Council’s bids. Delegated authority was granted to the Director of Property & Projects to meet with SEUPB on these and to decide if there was merit in formally appealing any of SEUPB’s decisions.  The purpose of this paper is to update Members on the outcome of these debriefing sessions and to seek guidance from the Committee on the next steps in this process. A briefing session on this process, to which all Members were invited, was also held on Tuesday 10th August. 

Relevant Background Information

      Members will recall that the Council agreed, at its meeting in November 2009, to submit 4 bids as outlined above to the call for capital bids under Priority 2.1 ‘Creating Shared Public Spaces’ of the Peace III programme. The central issue that projects needed to demonstrate was their ability to deliver peace and reconciliation outcomes and to be iconic, transformational projects that would provide a lasting legacy to the PEACE III programme. All monies under this call have to be committed by December 2013 and spent by 2015 so the timescales are extremely tight for capital projects.

      As Members are aware, of the 4 projects submitted, the Girdwood Community Hub and the Sports Village went to economic appraisal in February 2010 while the North Belfast Cultural Corridor and the Gasworks Bridge were rejected at the first stage.  Independent consultants, Cogent Consulting, were appointed to carry out the economic appraisals In light of the economic appraisal, the SEUPB Priority 2.1 Steering Committee then discussed the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9d

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      Members are aware that the Titanic Signature Project (TSP) a flagship tourist attraction to which the Council has committed £10m funding is now under construction with a completion date of 2012. 

Key Issues

      As part of performance reporting it is intended to regularly update Committee on the progress of major projects which the Council are supporting via the City Investment Fund ie TSP, Lyric, MAC and Connswater Community Greenway.  The first formal report on major projects is due in September.  Members have also agreed to forming a Member stakeholder group for TSP and this will be detailed in the September report. 

      However an important issue has arisen in regard to the TSP which requires Council input this month. 

      First of all it is important to note that progress in terms of construction is well on target with no additions or omission to this contract sum and with £25m expenditure certified to date.  Up to date photographs of construction have been circulated. 

      Harcourt Construction who are building the scheme and TQL who are now also responsible for operating the venue have over the past few months been considering an Immersive Theatre as opposed to the agreed Flying Theatre concept.  Details of what this entails have been received this month.

      Members will recall that the Flying Theatre is a thrill ride designed to take visitors on a dive to the Titanic or on a flight over Northern Ireland, using a combination of dynamic motion and cinematic production technology.

      The Flying Theatre is part of the contract and any change will be a major variation to the contract.  The Flying Theatre was broadly welcomed as part of the business case analysis for the project but was seen as separate from and not an integrated part of the main exhibition.  It was also seen as offering a flexible multi purpose space for use for lectures and other one off events as well as playing a key role during festivals and other seasonal offerings. 

      As the design of the overall project and operating contract has progressed a number of drawbacks of the Flying Theatre have become more evident ie possible lack of interest to older people, height restrictions affecting young children and family groups and the cost of refreshing the film experience.  While the Flying Theatre was believed to be the best option at the time TQL/Harcourt who are now the operator favour a change to an Immersive Theatre.  

      The Immersive Theatre proposal arose from discussions between Harcourt Construction and Professor Ballard, who first located the remains of Titanic.  Discussions were confidential to begin with as the relationship with the Ballard team had to be nurtured to ensure the option was deliverable before raising expectations. 

      Wider stakeholders become aware of the concept earlier this yeas as options were discussed at the Storyline Group which is working on the details of how the Titanic story is told. 

      A detailed report from Harcourt was recently received  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9e

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

            In considering the minutes of the Memorabilia Working Group of 5th August, a Member drew the Committee’s attention to the decision of the Group under the heading “Somme Resolution” and suggested that the Committee adopt the proposed text as submitted by Councillor Crozier.

            Accordingly, it was

Moved by Councillor Newton,

Seconded by Councillor Robinson,

      That the Committee agrees to adopt the following resolution:

      “That we, the Lord Mayor and Citizens of the City of Belfast, on the..... Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, desire again to record our feelings of gratitude to the brave men of the 36th (Ulster) Division who, by the glorious conduct in that battle, made an imperishable name for themselves and their Province; the brave men of the 16th (Irish) Division, who fought with valour and selfless courage, and Ulstermen who served gallantly in other forces.  Their heroism will never be forgotten so long as the British Commonwealth lasts.”

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

            The Committee accordingly agreed that the following resolution be adopted:

      “That we, the Lord Mayor and Citizens of the City of Belfast, on the <> Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, desire again to record our feelings of gratitude to the brave men of the 36th (Ulster) Division, the 16th (Irish) Division and other forces who, by their glorious conduct in that battle, made an imperishable name for themselves and their people and whose heroism will never be forgotten.”

            The minutes of the meeting of the Memorabilia Working Group of 5th August were thereupon approved and adopted.

            The Committee approved the minutes of the meetings of the Good Relations Partnership of 25th June and 13th August and adopted the recommendations in respect of the following:

            The approval of the issue of letters of offer for funding to those groups which had achieved the necessary minimum score, subject to the undertaking of site visits and further checks by the Peace III Programme Officers.

            The commissioning of a suitable organisation to develop and deliver training programmes aimed at advice workers to provide them with the specialist knowledge required to advise migrants on related issues; and to invite quotations for the design and printing of a directory of services for migrant workers.  The cost of which would be £29,500 and £2,500 respectively.

            The attendance of the Chairman of the Partnership, Councillor Hendron, at the European Union Open Days event in Brussels from 4th till 7th October, the cost of which would be met fully by the Special European Union Programmes Body and the European Union Commission. 

            The proposal to the organisation of a Good Relations Unit staff development event at a cost of approximately £1,000.

            The recommendation of the Partnership to approve the holding in the City Hall, during the month of September, of a small event to launch pamphlets which had been prepared by three former prisoners groups.  The cost of the event would not exceed £500 and 75% of that cost could be reclaimed from the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister under the District Council’s Good Relations Programme.

            (Mrs. S. Wylie, Director of Health and Environmental Services, attended in connection with these items.)

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      At the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee (24 April 2009) members agreed the council’s Safer City Framework and Safer City Plan for 2009/10.  A Safer City Strategic Group was set up to manage and lead a mechanism for integrated action across the Council to bring about a ‘one council’ approach and ensure, where necessary, resources devoted to community safety are more joined up.  The Safer City Strategic Group now meets on a monthly basis, chaired by Suzanne Wylie (Director of Health & Environmental Services) and is made up of senior cross-departmental representatives.

      This report is therefore intended to provide:

1.   A performance report against the 2009/2010 SaferCity Business Plan

2.   The proposed 2010/2011 Safer City Business Plan. 

      The 2010/2011 plan has been developed following consultation with elected members at a Councillor Summit on 26^th November 2009 and consultation with departments throughout Council.  Where possible the 2010/2011 Council Safer City Plan has been closely aligned with other inter-agency strategies such as the Good Relations Plan, the Community Safety Partnership’s Safer Belfast Plan and the DPP Local Policing Plans.

Key Issues

      2009/2010 Business Plan – Key Achievements

      In 2009/10 we established a Safer City Framework and Action Plan for the council.  Some of the key achievements of the 2009/10 Plan include:

·         the development of corporate ASB information management system (being launched in July 2010) to capture ASB reported incidents across the council

·         delivery of training for frontline staff;

·         the development of an ASB incident diary to be used by members of the public experiencing ASB to help identify those responsible;

·         the development of an Authorisation Policy to ensure effective and appropriate utilisation of enforcement powers for relevant council officers.

      Proposed 2010/2011 Safer City Business Plan

      In November 2009 a Councillor Summit was held with elected members to identify priorities for our work that would benefit from greater internal coordination.  The proposed 2010/11 Safer City Business Plan reflects the matters raised by members at this event and builds on the achievements of the previous twelve months. 

      In addition, the 2010/11 Business Plan links the overarching strategic priorities of the council and is therefore in keeping with the councils strategic aim and objectives, the proposed aim of the Safer City Business Plan 2010/11 is:

“To take a leading role in improving the quality of life now and for future generations by supporting our organisation to work together to help people feel safer.”

      The proposed SaferCity Business Plan 2010/11 has been circulated.  However the proposed key priorities for this year are:

1.   Antisocial Behaviour

2.   Hate Crime & Good Relations

3.   Alcohol Fuelled Crime and underage drinking

4.   Communication & Engagement

5.   Information Management

6.   Policy, Planning & Performance.

Resource Implications

      Financial

      The SaferCity Business Plan aims to make more effective use of existing resources – both internal and external.  For example, it was felt that much of the work to tackle underage drinking could be met through existing Council, CSP and DPP  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11a

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“Relevant Background Information

      The Council’s overall purpose is to improve quality of life but it is clear in Belfast, as in other cities, that health and illness follow a social gradient; the lower the socioeconomic position the worse the health. This ‘health gap’ and indeed the general health of the population of Belfast are worse than many other UK cities. For example, smoking levels remain high and smoking is still one of the main causes of preventable death; economic inactivity in Belfast is among the highest in the UK, and obesity is increasing. Misuse of alcohol continues to place an enormous burden on the health and wellbeing of the people of Belfast. Alcohol misuse kills more people directly than illegal drugs; it is closely linked to violence and crime and contributes to mental illness.

      The Council has a key role to play in addressing these issues and has included the development of a healthier city as one of its key cross cutting priorities under the Supporting People and Communities theme of the current corporate plan.

      In recognising the opportunities presented by the reform of the health service, including Councillor representation on the newly formed local health commissioning group the Council agreed to work with the Public Health Agency and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust in establishing a joint health development unit for the city. The new unit was launched by the Minister for the Department of Health and Social Services and Public Safety in March this year. The Council also recognised the importance of incorporating health improvement in the development of significant council strategies such as leisure, community safety, anti poverty, and good relations, and an interdepartmental officer group was formed to take this work forward. An extensive mapping exercise was carried out to get an initial snapshot of the range of programmes and services that the Council is involved in to improve health and wellbeing in the city and a health and wellbeing coordinator was appointed to support cross council working and the development of a healthier city framework and plan.

      The purpose of this report is to present the Healthier City Framework and Plan for 2010-2011.

Key Issues

      The purpose of the Healthier City Framework is to clearly set out how the Council will contribute to developing a healthier city. It describes the delivery, leadership and accountability mechanisms that will achieve an integrated and coordinated ‘One Council’ approach to improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Belfast.

      In particular the framework provides a mechanism:

·         To align health improvement work with the Corporate Plan enabling the Council to meet it obligations and responsibilities in a coordinated and integrated manner

·         To develop, monitor and review the Healthier City Plan

·         To inform the Health and Wellbeing Plan for Belfast currently being developed with our partners in the Belfast Health Development Unit.

      Central to the HealthierCity Framework is the internal HealthierCity Plan, which will shape our  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11b