Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Councillors Hanna, McCarthy and Mac Giolla Mhín.

            Councillor Haire declared an interest in relation to Item 6(e), viz., “Orangefest - Use of the City Hall Grounds” in so far as he was a member of the County Grand Orange Lodge.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0  Relevant Background Information

1.1    Members are aware that the Council has established a City Investment Fund (BIF) which has  been designed to enable the Council to take a lead role and work in partnership to deliver key investment projects which:

­            Promote the image of Belfast as a place to visit

­            Enable and/or promote the city as a place in which to do business

­            Bring financial or other economic returns to the city which help to build the city’s rate base

­            Promote Belfast as a city in which its citizens have pride and belief in a brighter future.

­            Enhance the city’s strategic, social, cultural and environmental infrastructure.

­            Provide a lasting legacy for future generations.

1.2    The objectives for the City Investment Fund were agreed in December 2007:

­            create a focal point for the Council to play a leading role in the development of the city;

­            create a ‘can do’ attitude amongst its citizens and create a sense of place and pride;

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

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

         To date, approx£12million has been allocated to a number of iconic projects (Titanic; Lyric, the MAC) which has levered in over £120 million. Members are asked to note that the Connswater Community Greenway project, which was previously funded under the City Investment Fund, has now been capitalised as part of the Council’s capital programme and will become a Council asset once completed.  

1.3    At its meeting on 23 March 2012, SP&R Committee reviewed and confirmed the objectives for the next phase of the City Investment Fund now renamed Belfast Investment Fund (BIF). Given both the changed needs of the city as well as the broader economic context, it was agreed that BIF support should be extended to include programmes of capital investment (or clusters) as well as single iconic projects, which can demonstrate a cumulative iconic or transformational impact.

1.4    It was further noted at this meeting by the SP&R Committee that in order to ensure a balanced investment across the city, and given the scale of investments, that the time horizon for BIF is over three terms of Council, from 2007 when BIF was initiated through to 2019/20.  This balance will need to be considered in the context of investments which have already been made and the money available for allocation under this phase of BIF. Currently it is anticipated that there will be £20million available by 2015.

1.5    One of the key objectives of BIF is to lever investment from the private and public sectors, as it did on the 4 previous BIF investments.  Members further agreed in November 2012 that projects must secure at least 50% match funding from other sources.  It was also agreed that there should be no ongoing revenue cost implications for the Council.

1.6    Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

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

“1.Relevant Background Information        

1.1On the 20^th of September 2012 the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) announced that Belfast had been successful in their bid to the Urban Broadband Fund (UBF) and were allocated the sum of £13.7 million.

1.2The key features of our initial bid were:

      Provision of:

1.            100% access to superfast broadband across the entire city.

2.            Targeted Ultra-fast broadband for those sectors that deploy large volumes of data, such as the creative industries.

3.            Wireless infrastructure within the city centre and other key locations,

4.            And Micro-Fibre Grants to lower the barriers to ultrafast connectivity to SMEs.

1.3One of the crucial aspects of the bid was the partnership programmes (demand stimulation) that would be put in place to make best use of the telecommunications infrastructure in order to derive maximum benefits for the city.

2.   Key Issues

2.1Since the announcement of funding, the Council’s Super Connected Belfast team has been working closely with DCMS, the key suppliers and the Roads Service. Finalisation of an agreed programme has been severely hampered by DCMS changing the scope of UBF funding on a number of occasions.  This uncertainty  has led to the demand stimulation element of the programme being curtailed.

2.2On 8 May the Chief Executive received a letter from Ed Vaizey, the UK Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, informing the Council that the fixed broadband elements of the UBF would no longer be part of the scope of all 10 cities projects. The reason being that it would take up to 18 months to resolve State Aid issues with the EU Commission. This means that the fixed superfast and ultrafast parts of the Council’s project are no longer viable.

2.3The letter also identifies a changed position in regards to the requirement for State Aid for the Micro-Fibre Grants (Vouchers) scheme. DCMS have committed to making a State Aid application to the EU Commission on behalf of all 10 cities. As a result, the Council’s project will include a greater focus on the voucher scheme in order to maximise the take up of ultrafast broadband services. This will enable the original aim of providing business parks with ultrafast broadband to be achieved.

2.4On 13 May the Council received notification from DCMS on the range of possible Wi-Fi options which cities could deliver. At this stage it would appear that the Council will be able to extend the wireless element of our proposal to target a large number of public buildings across Belfast (Leisure Centres, Community Centres, Hospitals etc...) with publically available Wi-Fi.

2.5DCMS have asked for an update of project plans from all cities, in light of the recent changes.  The revised plan will be presented to Committee as soon as feedback is received from DCMS.

2.6Members are asked to note that:

·         The initial award of £13.7 million remains allocated  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

1.0    Relevant Background Information

1.1    In our Investment Programme we committed to the provision of 400 placement, apprenticeship and internship opportunities and the delivery of 200 job opportunities over its 3 year duration.   This report is to update Members on achievements regarding the job opportunities and placement targets agreed for year 1 of the Investment Programme and to seek agreement to the targets and plans for year 2, including the “ring-fencing” of 5 seasonal (6 month) Cleansing Operative job opportunities to the long term unemployed.

1.2    Members will be aware that within year 1 we successfully delivered a targeted employability intervention through piloting the ring-fencing of five Business Support Clerk posts to the long term unemployed, supported by a pre-recruitment training programme.    We hope to build on the successes of year 1 to ensure the continued achievement of agreed targets and on-going commitment to stimulating the economy through providing job opportunities and employability outreach measures.

2.0    Key Issues

2.1    Update on job and employability opportunities

         Year 1 targets for both job opportunities and placements were exceeded:

2.2    Please see Appendix 1 for a detailed breakdown of job assist / employability interventions and work placements provided.  

         Ring fencing of Business Support Clerk (BSC) posts and pre recruitment training programme

         Our pilot initiative to ring fence 5 BSC posts to the long term unemployed and provide a pre recruitment training programme was the first of its kind in the public sector in Northern Ireland and was well received by our partner organisations - DEL and its lead employability contractors across the city; disability organisations; and the Equality Commission for NI. The 5 successful candidates will be appointed to permanent positions before the end of May 2013.  

         Evaluation of this pilot has provided very positive feedback and partners have expressed their support for future initiatives of this type.   The employability organisations and their clients valued the high standard and nature of the placements and classroom based training.  Learning from the evaluation will be used to improve future initiatives (this largely relates to eligibility and referral process).

2.3    Apprenticeships and student placements

         Ten apprenticeship opportunities (for electricians, fleet technicians, painters and gardeners) were launched at an event in City Hall in March.  We have received 758 applications and the recruitment process is progressing. Successful applicants are due to start in September 2013.  Fifteen paid one-year industrial placements were also recruited in year 1 through our ongoing university partnership arrangements.

2.4    Partnership Working

         The Council has worked very closely with a number of partner organisations in order to achieve the successes of year one. In particular we have worked with DEL and its lead contractors providing placements  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

            The Committee approved the Departmental Plans for the Chief Executive’s, Finance and Resources and Property and Projects Departments.  A copy of the key actions as detailed in the Plans for each of the Departments is set out here under:

Chief Executive’s

“2.0 Key actions for 2013/ 14

The Department’s key actions have been defined against the background of the value creation map. Each key task has a relationship with one or more of the themes described in the corporate VCM. Key performance indicators (KPIs) for the main outcomes expected are included at section 3. More comprehensive details of tasks, performance indicators and targets which contribute to the outcomes sought are contained in supporting service plans.

2.1    City Leadership

Review, update and support the delivery of the Investment Programme

We will support the year 3 update of the Council’s 2012 – 2015 Investment Programme, providing information on the achievements of the first two years of the programme and what is to be done in year 3. We will also provide communications, HR, policy, legal and

administrative support as required to help deliver the Investment Programme.

         Community Planning

To ensure Belfast is ready for the formal introduction of the duty of Community Planning in 2015, we will develop city and local area planning and engagement processes in collaboration with our community planning partners.

Legal advice

We will continue to provide ongoing legal advice on strategic city wide projects, for example Royal Exchange, University of Ulster campus, Sprucefield, Girdwood Community Hub and Waterfront Hall extension.

Good Relations Plan

We will continue to implement the Good Relations Plan for 2013 – 14 and plan the required actions for 2014 – 15.

Peace & Reconciliation Plan

We will oversee the implementation of Phase 2 of the Peace & Reconciliation Plan, including for example those projects centred on interfaces, bonfire management and the migrants forum.

Peace IV

We will engage with SEUPB in relation to the prospect of the Peace IV programme. City Hall memorabilia We will oversee the implementation of the programme of work resulting from the Equality Impact Assessment on the City Hall memorabilia and the development of an appropriate action plan.

Party Group Leaders and Diversity Group

We will provide support to the Party Group leaders and Diversity Group.

Statutory Transition Committee

Continue to support the work of the Voluntary Transition Committee and the new Statutory Transition Committee to prepare for the new Council in 2015.

Local government elections

         Prepare for the local elections to the Shadow Council in 2014.

New governance arrangements

Review the Council governance arrangements, including a review of Standing Orders, in the lead up to the Shadow Council year from June 2014.

Local Government Reform Legislative Programme (Internal)

Provide internal legal advice and guidance in preparation for local government reform.

Legislative Working Group (External)

Shape and inform the regional primary and subordinate legislative programme, ensuring that the best interests of local government and Belfast City Council are pursued.

Council constitution

Oversee the continuing development and review of the Council’s Constitution.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7a

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

            The Committee was reminded that the Local Government (Boundaries) Order (Northern Ireland) 2012 gave effect to the establishment of the boundaries of the new 11 Councils with effect from 2015.  It established also the boundaries of the Wards within the new 11 Councils.

            The District Electoral Areas (DEAs) were the constituencies used for local government elections and Mr. Richard McKenzie had been appointed to act as the District Electoral Areas Commissioner for the purpose of establishing the DEAs. The Commissioner had now released his provisional recommendations for the 11 new Councils and in Belfast had recommended the establishment of 10 DEAs.

            The Democratic Services Manager advised that there would be an eight week consultation period on the recommendations ending on 27th June.  Depending upon the nature of any objections received during this consultation period, the Commissioner may arrange for public inquiries to be held before Assistant Commissioners and shall arrange for such an inquiry to be held if a District Council or 100 electors officially registered within that district called for a public inquiry.

            The Commissioner had explained that the request from a District Council must take the form of a resolution.  In the past, the Council had decided to leave consideration of matters pertaining to the establishment of local government boundaries and DEAs to the various political parties on the Council.  However, on this occasion it would be necessary for the Council to consider if it wished to submit a corporate objection.

            The Committee agreed that it would not submit any objections to the Commissioner’s recommendations.

            The Committee was advised that a request had been received from the Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership for the use of the Council Chamber on Thursday, 24th October in connection with a youth event.  The event would consist of group discussions, a question and answer session and a drama production, which would take place in the Great Hall, the Banqueting Hall and the Reception room, and mini debates on various themes would be held between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. 

            The Democratic Services Manager reminded the Committee that the use of the Council Chamber for events other than the monthly Council meeting required the approval of the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.  He pointed out that the youth event had the support of the Partnership, which was of the view that the Chamber would provide an ideal setting to explore various issues of relevance to young people and would provide attendees with an ideal opportunity to view the room where Council business was conducted.  As such, it was considered that the request should be supported.

            The Committee approved the use of the Council Chamber on Thursday, 24th October for the youth event as outlined.

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Budget and Transformation Panel of 15th May.

A          The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1     Relevant Background Information

1.1    On the 11 April 2013, the Department of the Environment issued the above consultation document on the design of the new Local Government Pension Scheme. It is proposed that the new scheme is introduced from 1 April 2014.

1.2    Separate consultations are awaited on the Scheme administration, governance and cost sharing and the transitional arrangements to move members forward from the 2009 Scheme.

         This paper provides a summary of the new scheme and presents a draft response for the consideration of Members. The contents of this paper and the draft response are based guidance issued by the Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee (NILGOSC) and the draft response to the consultation prepared by NILGOSC.

 2      Key Issues

         The 2014 Scheme

2.1    The main provisions of the proposed new Scheme are as follows:

·         Career average revalued earnings (CARE) Scheme

·         1/49^th accrual rate

·         Revaluation rate is assumed to be the Consumer Price Index (CPI)

·         Normal pension age is equal to the member’s state pension age (minimum of age 65)

·         Definition of pensionable pay now includes non-contractual overtime and additional hours

·         Contribution rates are set on actual pensionable pay, the number of contribution bands decrease and the ranges change

·         50/50 option where members can pay 50% contributions and receive half the pension accrual rate (i.e. 1/98th)

·         Vesting period is two years

·         Ill-health retirements as current i.e. a two tier system

·         Death in service lump sum is 3 X pensionable pay

·         Survivor benefits as current

·         Commutation rate as current i.e. £1 of pension for every £12 of lump sum given up

         The Differences Between the Proposed 2014 and the current 2009 Schemes

2.2    Table 1 below describes the main differences between the proposed 2014 and current 2009 Schemes.

Key Differences Between  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

            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:

            The Committee was reminded that the Council’s 2012-2015 Corporate Plan had identified the development of a Green Economy Business Park at the North Foreshore as a key project under the strategic theme of city leadership - contributing to the leadership and strategic direction for shaping, developing and managing the city.  Moreover, the Council’s Investment Programme 2012-15 also identified the development of the green business park as a key project in terms of investing the city’s economic infrastructure.

            The Director of Property and Projects reported that the landfilling at the North Foreshore site had concluded in 2007 and, since that time, the Council’s Waste Management Service and latterly the Property and Projects Department had been preparing the former landfill site for development in accordance with the agreed Masterplan.  As part of the closure process, a series of environmental and risk management processes had been agreed with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency in order to facilitate the development of the site and to safeguard adjacent environmental receptors.  Those processes were prescribed by a Waste Management Closure Licence for the site issued under the Waste Management Licensing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 and they involved comprehensive sampling and analysis of the leachate and other on and offsite waters.

            The Closure License for the North Foreshore required that the Council undertake leachate, groundwater and surface water management at the site to include sampling, analysis and reporting for a comprehensive range of chemical components.  Analysis of site samples was presently completed under tender by a UKAS accredited laboratory, however, the current tender was scheduled to end on 30th September, 2013.  Accordingly approval was being sought for the commencement of a tendering exercise to establish a new 3-year chemical analysis contract.  The overall budget for the analysis tender would be £20,000 per annum, with the tender being awarded via a competitive procurement exercise based upon price and quality of submission.  The cost would be met from the Council’s Waste Fund.

            The Committee approved the commencement of a tendering exercise to establish a new 3-year chemical analysis contract for the North Foreshore site and, in accordance with the Scheme of Delegation, delegated authority to the Director of Property and Projects to award the contact to the most economically advantageous tender received in line with the evaluation criteria.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

1.      Relevant Background Information

1.1    The purpose of this report is to seek authority to procure the renewal of 3 key ICT infrastructure contracts for:

·         Security support and advisory services,

·         Internet Service provision,

·         Wide Area Network (WAN) connectivity for our peripheral sites,

1.2    The report also provides an update on the Council’s Microsoft licence position and considers the introduction of free Wi-Fi for public spaces within the City Hall.

2.      Key Issues

2.1    Contract Renewals

         Security Support and Advisory services

         The contract for security services comes to an end in November 2013. This involves both ensuring that expert support is available to support the security infrastructure that protects our systems and information assets, and that we are kept advised of the growing threats associated with information management such as cyber-attacks. This contract will continue to help us to implement controls to mitigate these emergent risks.

2.2    Internet Service Provision

         The contract for internet service provision comes to an end in November 2013.

         All modern organisations require a connection to the internet in order to avail of communications, information and transaction-based services that are implemented over the world-wide-web.

2.3    Wide Area Network Services

         ISB supports approximately 1,800 workstations distributed over more 100 sites of differing sizes each with different information and connectivity requirements.

         While the Council’s large and medium scale sites such as City Hall, Cecil Ward, Adelaide Exchange and Leisure Centres are connected by high specification network connections, there are a large number of smaller sites such as community centres, remote sports grounds and parks facilities that require a lower speed connection to facilitate information and systems access for a smaller number of officers. These sites are currently connected by a low-cost, lower specification service called BT Central, supplied by British Telecom (BT) at a cost of approx. £60,000 annually.

2.4    Public Wi-Fi for the City Hall

         In order to enhance the City Hall both as a tourist attraction and as a venue for events, there is a growing demand for provision of free-to-use public access to the internet through Wi-Fi technology. This is currently provided in certain areas of the City Hall such as the Banqueting Hall and Great Hall on an individual event basis. In the context of encouraging public use of the City Hall Members are asked to consider to agree to provide “always on” Wi-Fi access to the function rooms, exhibition areas and The Bobbin.

2.5    Microsoft Licences

         From September 2006 to 2009 the Council was paying approximately £225,000 annually for Microsoft licenses and software assurance through a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA). The EA licensed the Council’s 1700 computer-based users for the use of the:

·    Microsoft Windows operating system,

·    email system,

·    office productivity suite,

·    database systems

·    and other Microsoft products.

2.6    In 2009 it was estimated that we would need to pay an increased annual bill of at least £300,000 if we were to maintain an Enterprise Agreement with Microsoft, and a decision was taken not to renew the EA  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16a

            The Director of Health and Environmental Services Committee submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report in regarding security planning and other issues in relation to the G8 Summit which was scheduled to take place in Fermanagh on 17th and 18th June.

            After a lengthy discussion, the Committee approved the general principles to be contained within an encampments protocol and delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Political Party Leaders, to agree any necessary level of physical protection which they considered appropriate around the City Hall and its grounds.

            The Committee noted the contents of a report which provided an update in relation to the Windsor Park and Casement Park Stadium Updates and Regeneration Plans for Olympia and Andersonstown Leisure Centres.

Benview and Ballysillan Play Centre

            The Committee was advised that the Community Services Section had used part of the Benview Community Centre to run a Council play centre since June, 1997.  The part of the building used was held under a Licence Agreement from Benview and Ballysillan Avenue Tenants’ Association.  At its meeting on 15^th January, 2013, the Development Committee had approved the renewal of the existing Licence Agreement for a further eighteen months from 1^st July, 2012, in accordance with Standing Order 46.

            The Committee agreed to a further Licence Agreement as outlined for a period of eighteen months at a cost of £6,038.35.

            AnMunia Tober, Glen Road

            The Committee was reminded that An Munia Tober was the main Traveller Support Group within Northern Ireland and provided specific services to travellers within the Greater Belfast area and provided also a regional support role.  An Munia Tober had been leasing from the Council two portacabins in a area of land immediately adjoining it on the Glen Road.  The current Licence expired on 30^th September, 2012.  At its meeting on 26^th June, 2012, the Development Committee had approved the renewal of the Lease for a further five years from 1^st October, 2012, subject to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee approval in accordance with Standing Order 46.

            The Committee agreed to a further Lease to An Monia Tober for five years at £1,000 per annum.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

1.      Relevant Background Information

1.1    Members are aware that the Illuminate project, which has been parted funded by the EU, has replaced the existing City Hall façade lighting on the front, east and west facades as well as the main dome and turrets with a new low-energy LED lighting infrastructure.  The key aim of the project is to sustainably reduce energy consumption and significantly reduce CO₂ emissions.

1.2    One of the other benefits of the project is that it will also enable the City Hall to be illuminated in a variety of colours and colour combinations which are not currently possible. The lights which have been installed are the same technology which is used on the Empire State Building and other iconic buildings around the globe and the system which has been installed on the City Hall is one of the most advanced in the world.

2.0    Key Issues

2.1    The new lighting features can be used to promote inclusivity and cultural awareness by recognizing days of particular significance to groups within the wider community through the illumination of the City Hall in the relevant colour(s). 8 specific days of particular interest to local people and communities have already been agreed by Members and included in the Illuminate schedule:

         It has also been agreed that 12 nominated charities selected by the Council’s civic dignitaries (Lord Mayor/Deputy LM/High Sheriff) will be able to use the new lighting features for charity events etc.  

2.2    Members have already noted that further days of cultural/social significance can be added to the schedule if agreed by the SP&R Committee.   However it has been highlighted that this needs to be balanced against the iconic status of the City Hall as the over-use of the lighting facilities on too many days per year could adversely affect the image and reputation of the building.

         Proposed further days to be added to the Illuminate schedule

2.3    A number of further days which could be illuminated have been proposed namely –

-          the Official celebration of Her Majesty’s Birthday (red, white and blue) and

-          Remembrance Sunday (red – Cenotaph only, the main building will be in standard white). 

         At SP&R committee on 19^th April, it was agreed that these days be equality screened and a report thereon be submitted to the Committee in due course.

2.4    Members are asked to note that these additional days have now been equality screened in line with the Council’s Equality Scheme and there are no major equality implications arising from the inclusion of these two days on the Schedule.

2.5    The lighting features on the City Hall allow for a wide range of colour options and designs. It is proposed that a demo showing options for how  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

            (As this matter was agreed by the Committee without discussion, Councillor Haire did not have the opportunity to withdraw from the meeting.)

            The Committee was advised that a request had been received from the Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce, in partnership with Orangefest, Belfast City Centre Management and Taste of Ulster, seeking permission to use the grounds of the City Hall from 11.00 a.m. till 5.00 p.m. on Friday, 12th July, 2013 for an event designated to be complementary to the traditional Twelfth celebrations.  The Committee had approved the use of the Grounds for a similar event the previous year.

            The Director of Property and Projects reported that the proposed event would involve a “mini-market, catering demonstrations in marquees and a small open-air children’s entertainments programme”.  It was estimated that attendance would be in the region of 3,000 to 5,000 people and Belfast City Centre Management would be taking the lead in terms of event organisation and management.  The event would take place on the front lawns only and, as a consequence, areas such as the Titanic Garden and Cenotaph would remain open to the public.  The organisers would be providing all the stewarding/marshalling staff and would have to comply with the usual conditions, including indemnities for damage and submission of a formal event?management plan.  The organisers had requested that they have access to electricity and water services as had been approved in 2012.

            The Committee approved the request as outlined in respect of the proposed event on 12th July, 2013.

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

            The Committee noted the contents of a report which provided an update in relation to the Connswater Community Greenway Project.

            The Assistant Chief Executive advised the Committee that under the Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987, Article 23 dealt with offences in relation to public buildings and activities therein.  In order for an individual to give direction for the removal of a person from a building they must have formal authorisation.  In the case of Belfast City Council, such authorisation must be confirmed formally by the Council.  Accordingly, he sought the Committee’s approval to the nomination of the following persons who were employees of the Council:

Post                                                                           Name

Chief Executive                                                         Peter McNaney

Town Solicitor & Assistant Chief Executive              Ciaran Quigley

Legal Services Manager                                           John Walsh

Director of Finance & Resources                             Ronan Cregan

Director of Property & Projects                                 Gerry Millar

Director of Development                                           John McGrillen

Director of Health & Environmental Services           Suzanne Wylie

Director of Parks & Leisure                                       Andrew Hassard

Assistant Director of Parks & Leisure                       Rose Crozier

Head of Information Services                                   Paul Gribben

Head of Facilities Management                                George Wright

Head of Cleansing Services                                     Sam Skimin

Senior Markets Supervisor                                       Ian Carmichael

Security Manager (acting)                                        Gerry Fleming

Security Duty Officers:                                             Samuel Young  

                                                                                   John Linklater

                                                                                   Ron Galbraith

                                                                                   Jonathan Wheeldon

            The Committee granted the approval sought.

            (Mrs. H. Francy, 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 13th May.

            In considering the minutes of the meeting of the Party Leaders’ Forum and Historic Centenaries Working Group of 21st May, the Committee’s attention was drawn to the minute under the heading “Irish Language Officers’ Scheme – Possible 50% Funding Availability” and the decision of the Group which was as follows:

“1.          that the question of the submission of the application for funding for the Irish Language Officers Scheme be referred to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee;

2.            prior to the meeting of the Committee, clarification be sought as to whether or not a late application from the Council would be accepted; and

3.            to details of the overall costs being provided for the Committee’s consideration.”

            The Good Relations Manager explained that she had contacted representatives of Foras na Gaeilge who had indicated that, whilst they appreciated the Council’s interest in the Scheme and understood it might not be able to make an application within the timeframe on this occasion, it would not be able to extend the closing date beyond Friday, 31st May.  In addition, the Good Relations Manager provided details of the overall costs and indicated that, whilst the grant provided would be approximately £13,000, the overall costs to employ a Irish Language Officer would amount to approximately £41,000 per annum.

            After discussion, it was

            Moved by Councillor Maskey,

            Seconded by Councillor McVeigh,

      That the Committee agrees to submit an application for funding for the Irish Language Officers’ Scheme to Foras na Gaeilge.

            On a vote by show of hands eight Members voted for the proposal and eight against.  There being an equality of votes, the Chairman exercised her second and casting vote in favour of the proposal and it was accordingly declared carried.

            In response to a Member’s question, the Democratic Services Manager indicated that, whilst the decision of the Committee required ratification by the Council, an application would be submitted before the deadline indicating that it would be subject to full Council approval.

            Subject to the foregoing amendment, the Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Party Leaders’ Forum and Historic Centenaries Working Group.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1     Relevant Background Information

1.1    The Committee is reminded that in 2009, 2010 and 2011 the Council considered requests from the Ministry of Defence for the Council to fly the Armed Forces Day flag for a week leading up to the Armed Forces Day itself.

1.2    In those three years the Council agreed, in accordance with existing Council policy, that the request to fly the Armed Forces flag at the City Hall be acceded to but that the approval be for one day only.

1.3    In 2012, due to the fact that a request to fly the Armed Forces Flag was not received until June, a Special Meeting of the Council was requisitioned on 21st June and it was agreed to fly the Armed Forces Flag for the period from 25th June till 30th June.

1.4    It is worth pointing out that there has not been a consensus on this matter between the political parties represented on the Council.

2       Key Issues

2.1    The Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, at its meeting on 23rd April 2010, agreed that it did not wish to establish a policy position on the Armed Forces Day flag to allow requests to be acted upon without annual reference to the Committee but rather agreed that each request received be dealt with annually on an individual basis.

2.2    A letter has been received from the Chief of the Defence Staff requesting that the Council consider the way in which it might demonstrate its support for the Armed Forces.  In the letter, it is recognised that the flying of the Armed Forces Day flag for the week commencing 24th June and ending on Armed Forces Day itself on Saturday 29th June presents more difficulty in Northern Ireland than in other parts of the United Kingdom, and it is suggested that the Council consider a range of ways in which its support for the Armed Forces might be demonstrated, including the flying of the Armed Forces Flag.

2.3    The Committee is reminded that the existing Council policy on the flying of flags allows for flags other than the Union Flag to be flown on specific occasions.  For example, the Cross of St. Patrick is flown on 17 March, the European Union Flag is flown on Europe Day on 9 May and the Red Ensign is flown on National Merchant Navy Day on 3 September each year.

2.4    If the Council were to deal with the request in the same way as in previous years, then the options would be:

1.         to accede to the request from the Ministry of Defence for the Armed Forces Flag to be flown at the City Hall for the period from 24th  till 29th June; or

2.         in line with the decision taken in 2009, 2010 and 2011, to accede to the request but to limit the period during which the flag will be flown to the Armed Forces Day itself, that is, 29th June; or

3.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1     Relevant Background Information

1.1    Across the world, life expectancy is increasing as is the prevalence of chronic diseases and disabilities associated with ageing.

1.2    In Belfast around 16% of the population is over 60 and the number of people aged 85+ is increasing.  Average life expectancy in the City for men is currently 73.9 and for women it is 79.8; this is the lowest in Northern Ireland.  There are significant inequalities in the city and those living in more affluent areas can expect to live longer and enjoy better health in old age.

1.3    Across the world, cities have to develop their structures and services to meet the requirements of their aging populations. Belfast City Council has identified older people as a priority within its corporate plan and, in March 2012, the Council agreed that the Lord Mayor should sign the Age Friendly Cities and Communities  Declaration (2011) committing Belfast to becoming a more Age-friendly City, thereby encouraging active, healthy aging. This was signed by the Lord Mayor in May 2012.

1.4    Belfast became a member of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Global Network of Age-friendly Cities in April 2013. The Council is currently collaborating through its role in the Healthy Ageing Strategic Partnership with voluntary and public sector organisations to develop a 3-year age friendly action plan for the City.

1.5    The All Party Reference Group on Older People oversees the work of the Council in this area.

1.6    As part of this process it is important that Belfast can learn and share experiences, good practice and work with other Age Friendly Cites in Europe.

1.7    It was agreed by this Committee on 19 April that the Chair of the Reference Group on Older People attends the EU Summit on Active and Healthy Aging summit in Dublin on 13-14 June 2013. The summit aims to provide a unique opportunity to set the agenda for an Age Friendly Europe at a time when the aging population is profoundly challenging fiscal sustainability.

1.8    On 19 April the Committee was informed that, as part of the EU Summit, the Lord Mayor, together with Lord Mayors from Cities across Europe, would be invited to sign a new Declaration on Age-friendly Cities and Communities in Europe 2013. It was also agreed by Committee that, subject to advice, the appropriate elected Member is given authority to sign the Declaration on behalf of the Council.

2       Key Issues

2.1    The copy of the Declaration on Age-friendly Cities and Communities in Europe 2013 which the Council has been invited to endorse has been circulated.

2.2    The aim of the Declaration is to solicit support for a range of actions that are broadly based on the eight domains identified by the WHO in its Global Age-friendly Cities Guide, including committing to participate in the Global Network of Age-friendly Cities.

2.3    It expresses the clear and strong commitment of political leaders of cities and communities to strengthen and champion action to make  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

            The Deputy Chairman (Councillor Reynolds) pointed out that this would be the last meeting at which the Chairman, Councillor Hargey, would be chairing the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee and, on behalf of the Committee, commended her on the way she had dealt with the Committee business over the previous two years.

            The Committee applauded the work of the Chairman over the previous two years.