Agenda and minutes

            Apologies for inability to attend were reported from Councillors Attwood, Hendron, Mac Giolla Mhín and A. Newton.

            The Chairman (Alderman Robinson) declared an interest in respect of item number 7(b) insofar as he was Special Advisor to the First Minister; and Councillor McCarthy declared an interest in relation to item 3(a) in that he was on the board of the World Police and Fire Games.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1     Relevant Background Information

1.1     At its meeting in April 2012, the SP&R Committee agreed to convene Area Working Groups (AWGs) to support effective ‘place-shaping’ and make recommendations on investment decisions for their local area including the Local Investment Fund (LIF).

1.2     The £5million LIF was established to support the delivery of key local regeneration projects in neighbourhoods and as a means for Members to connect with local communities in their area, in preparation for their formal role in community planning under the RPA.  SP&R Committee agreed on 23 March 2012 that there was a minimum level of investment through LIF of no less than £15,000 and unlikely to exceed £250,000 to ensure focus on more local investments and the opportunity for a broad spread of investment across the city. North, South, East and West AWGs were allocated £1,127,500 each, with a proportionate amount of £490,000 for the Shankill area.

1.3     A Feasibility Fund was established as a ring fenced fund of £500,000 to enable initial feasibility work to be undertaken on proposed projects to bring them to a point where Members could decide if they should be progressed as Capital or Belfast Investment Fund schemes.  SP&R at its meeting on 21st September 2012 agreed the governance arrangements for the Feasibility Fund and agreed that because no proposals were being taken forwarded in the 2012/13 financial year under BIF that each Area working Group would be able to ‘consider and recommend to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, a maximum of five Local Investment Fund proposals per area which should proceed to feasibility study stage’ obviously feasibility studies for these schemes must be proportionate to LIF expenditure levels. 

2.0     Area Working Groups –Key Issues

2.1     At the most recent round of AWG meetings, officers updated Members on the external meetings they have facilitated on the LIF proposals. In accordance with Council procedures, individual Members declared any conflicts of interest and this was noted in the minutes of the AWG. On the basis of the information presented, the following AWGs have made recommendations for the consideration of the Committee:

         SHANKILL AWG

2.2     Members are asked to note that the Shankill AWG at its meeting on 3rd July agreed that the High Sheriff, Councillor Brian Kingston, be elected as Chair of the Shankill AWG. 

2.3     LIF recommendations - On the basis of the information presented, the Shankill AWG made the following recommendation for the consideration of the SP&R Committee:

         Feasibility study recommendations

2.4     The Shankill AWG considered the potential for feasibility support and recommends to the SP&R the following as a feasibility project:

2.5     Members are asked to note however that as outlined in 1.3 above, SP&R Committee had agreed that each Area Working Groups would  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2a

            The Director of Parks and Leisure submitted for the Committee’s consideration the undernoted report:

“1.0   Relevant background information

1.1     Under the Investment Programme Implementation Plan, agreed by Strategic Policy and Resources Committee in June 2012, Deloitte MCS Limited was appointed to undertake a project to enable the re-development of the leisure estate. In March, Deloitte presented their recommendations to Committee which included 3 ‘business model’ options going forward:

1.      Non-profit distributing organisation e.g. social enterprise as a new organisation

2.      Transformed in-house council-run services, supported by external expertise

3.      Private sector

         In this context, SP&R agreed the urgent need for fundamental change, with a focus on delivering better health outcomes and improved value for money. Committee also agreed the indicative phasing of capital transformation:

–      Phase 1: Investment Programme (Windsor/Olympia; Andersonstown; Girdwood)

–      Phase 2: Reform of Local Government (e.g. Avoniel; Castlereagh; Lagmore/Poleglass/Colin)

–      Phase 3: One Public Estate(e.g. Ballysillan; Ozone; Shankill; Loughside; Whiterock). 

1.2     At its meeting in June, SP&R set a £105m capital expenditure affordability limit for the leisure transformation programme. The committee also agreed a capital financing strategy which includes allocating £3.23m of the £6m Belfast Investment Fund annual rates contribution to finance the £38m Olympia and Andersonstown schemes and £2m efficiency savings from the leisure service budgets, deliverable by 1 April 2016.

1.3     At the June committee, Members also agreed to consider a report in August on the resourcing requirements of the Leisure Transformation Programme. This report outlines the required resources and how they can be financed.   

2.      Key issues

2.1     The transformation programme consists of  a number of key areas of work:

–      Better Services: delivery of increased health outcomes through improved programming, marketing, etc.

–      Better Business: transformed business operating model to deliver improved value for money and a sustainable service

–      Better Assets: capital programme of modern, fit-for-purpose facilities across the city.

2.2     Over the coming months there are 4 stages:

         1. Information gathering – ongoing

         This information-gathering phase will include study visits to good practice sites and research on all 3 Deloitte recommended options (as described above) including social enterprise models and in-house transformation processes.  This information will provide the necessary baseline information, as well as highlight potential strategic partners with the relevant expertise. 

         2. Developing the business case – up to November 2013

         A detailed analysis of the pros and cons, benefits and costs of each option will be presented to Committee in late 2013.  This will outline the potential to deliver against the efficiencies target as set by SP&R.  It will also set out the various legal, procurement, governance, asset and human resource implications of each option. The business case will also include the key political ambitions on health outcomes and potentially set out a number of key principles at the outset of the transformation programme. 

         3. Developing the transformation plan – up to March 2014

         Consequent to Committee’s decision in late 2013, an intensive period to develop a transformation plan  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2b

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1      Relevant Background Information

1.0     Members will recall on 24 May 2013 the Committee was informed of the changes that had been made to our super-Connected Belfast project by the Department of Culture Media & Sport (DCMS). These changes required a revised project plan to be submitted to DCMS for approval.

1.2     Following the submission of the revised plan the Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, Ed Vaizey MP, wrote to the Council confirming that our proposals have been approved in principle and that funding for the following projects would be made available:

·               Up to £9.8m for a voucher scheme

·               Up to £1.31m on a wireless concession for the city centre

·               Up to £2.35m on wifi in public buildings.

1.3     The Minister also assessed our voucher preparations to be strong and requested that Belfast form one of the first cities to market test the voucher scheme. A copy of the Minister’s letter has been circulated

2       Key Issues

2.1     Belfast Voucher Scheme

         The voucher scheme provides up to £3,000 to a business to enable them to access ultrafast broadband. Companies can choose from a range of potential telecoms suppliers who deliver broadband services in their area. The aim of the market testing of the voucher scheme is for DCMS to ascertain whether this will generate objections from telecoms suppliers and to demonstrate if demand for a voucher scheme is high enough to roll out on a national level. The market testing phase will run from 1 August 2013 to 30 September 2013.

2.2     Given the very short timeframe set by DCMS, as well as the need to demonstrate a significant level of demand, in line with our original funding approach, a number of target locations were identified for the market-testing phase. These are:

·               Cathedral Quarter

·               City East / East Belfast Enterprise

·               Ormeau Business Park

·               Ortus

·               Argyle Business Park

·               North City Business Centre

·               Harbour Estate.

2.3     All SMEs, third sector and public sector organisations based within these locations are eligible to apply for a voucher during the market-testing phase. It is anticipated that the scheme will be rolled out city-wide from November 2013, following a review of the market tests and subject to approval by DCMS. As part of our market testing phase we are taking registrations from outside the target zones to gauge demand and to inform our future roll out plans.

2.4     Full details of the voucher scheme can be found on the Council’s website at Voucher scheme.

2.5     Metro Wireless

         Work is well underway to progress a procurement to award an exclusive concession contract for the provision of a public city centre wireless solution.

2.6     We are currently specifying a technical design for a mini-pillar that will provide a 24 hour power supply and broadband connectivity to a wireless access point mounted on a street lighting column. This will be passed to Roads Service, NIE and telecoms suppliers to be signed off as an agreed technical olution at the beginning of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2c

            The Director of Parks and Leisure submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report in relation to the incidents which had occurred at the Woodvale Park on 6th August prior to the official opening ceremony.

Noted.

            The Committee considered the undernoted requests for the use of the City Hall and the provision of hospitality:

            The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 19th April, 2013, it had approved a response to a consultation document issued by the Department of the Environment in relation to severance arrangements for councillors.

            The Democratic Services Manager reported that legalisation introducing a one-off severance scheme for councillors had now been made and had came into operation on 1st August.  The legislation, entitled the Local Government (Severance Payments to Councillors) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2013, set out the details of the severance arrangements for Councillors and a copy was circulated for the information of the Members.

            In order to meet the eligibility requirements of the severance scheme, a serving Councillor must have a minimum of twelve years service, excluding any periods when the councillor was also an MLA, MP and MEP, with service being counted on a cumulative basis.  The first application period had commenced on 1st August and would close on 31st December, 2013, the second period would run from 1st January, 2014 until the closing date for nomination as a candidate in the next local government elections.  Councillors who applied during the first application period must resign by 31st December, 2013 and those who applied during the second application period must resign by 31st March, 2015.

            The Democratic Services Manager explained that there would be a graduated payment system of two bands.  There would be an annual rate of £1,000 for any service during the period from 30th May, 1973 to 21st May, 1988, and £600 per year for service thereafter.  Periods when the councillor was also an MLA, MP or MEP would be discounted when calculating the award.  The value of a payment to an individual councillor was limited to a maximum of £35,000.  Councillors would receive a severance payment on, or shortly thereafter, the date of their resignation.  It would be the responsibility of individual councils to make the payments and the cost would be refunded by the Department of the Environment.  An application for a severance payment from a councillor who goes forward for nomination for the 2014 election would be invalidated.  The payments were designed to recognise the service of Councillors who had decided to retire from local government.  Councillors who had received a severance payment were disqualified from standing as, or being, a Councillor.

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided.

            The Committee was advised that the National Association of Councillors (Northern Ireland Region) was holding its Annual General Meeting on Friday, 4th October, 2013 at the Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor.  The meeting, at which new office bearers will be elected by the membership, was being addressed by Mark H. Durkan, the Minister for the Department of the Environment.  It was intended that the Minister, in his address, would advise Members of the progress of Local Government Reorganisation and the next steps.  The total cost per delegate attending would be approximately £56 and it was recommended that the Committee authorise the attendance at the Annual General Meeting of the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman,  the Council’s representatives on the National Association of Councillors (Northern Ireland Region), and a representative of each of the Parties on the Council not represented by the aforementioned Members.

            The Committee adopted the recommendations.

            The Democratic Services Manager reported that advance notification had been received in respect of the Local Authorities Members’ Assocation (LAMA) Autumn Seminar in Ennistymon, County Clare which was taking place on 11th and 12th of October.  The theme of the seminar was ‘Local Authorities as Drivers of Economic Development’.  The keynote speakers were still being finalised and details were not available at this stage.  The event information had not been received by the Council at the time of the production of the report.

            In accordance with Council policy, it was recommended that the Committee authorise the attendance at the Annual General Meeting of the Chairman, the Deputy Chairman, the Council’s representatives on the National Association of Councillors (Northern Ireland Region), the Democratic Services Manager (or their nominees) and a representative of each of the Parties on the Council not represented by the aforementioned Members.

            Moved by Councillor Reynolds,

            Seconded by Councillor Spence,

      That the Committee agrees to defer consideration of attendance at the event to enable information in relation to the seminar programme to be received.

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

            Accordingly, the Committee adopted the recommendation in relation to attendance at the Seminar.

            The Committee agreed to recommend to the Council to confer on Van Morrison the Freedom of the City.

            The Committee considered a report which provided details of the viewing figures for the live streaming and archiving of Council proceedings on the internet for the period from 3rd September, 2012 till 1st July 2013. 

Noted.

            The Committee adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Audit Panel held on 12th August

            The Committee noted the minutes of the meeting of the Budget and Transformation Panel of 15th August.

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

 “1     Relevant Background Information

1.1     This report provides an overview of the rate setting process for 2014/15 and the proposed high level guidance which will be issued to departments for the preparation of the 2014/15 departmental revenue estimates.

2       Key Issues

2.1     Table 1 below provides a summary of the rate setting process and the reporting / decision stages for the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee.

2.2     Investment Programme Commitment

         The investment programme commits the council to keeping any annual rate increase to the rate of inflation or below for the period up to 2014/15.

2.3     The current forecast rate for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for 2014/15 is 2.4% and therefore in order to meet the investment programme target, the increase in the District Rate for 2014/15 cannot exceed 2.4%.

2.4     External Pressures on Departmental Budgets

         Superannuation: The NI Local Government Superannuation Pension Scheme (NILGOS) have indicated that the Employer Contribution Rate is likely to increase 20% to 21% for 2014/15. This will result in an uncontrollable cost increase for the council of £611k, representing a 0.47% increase in the District Rate.

2.5     Employee Pay Rise: In 2013/14 Local Government Employees received a pay increase of 1% which was the first pay rise in 4 years. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has decided to extend pay restraint into 2015-16 with a continued cap on public sector pay rises of 1%. A 1% pay rise in 2014/15 would equate to an uncontrollable cost for the council of £871k, representing a 0.67% increase in the District Rate for 2014/15. As in 2013/14, the pay rise element of the 2014/15 revenue estimates would be retained as a corporate budget and only transferred to departments budgets if a pay settlement is agreed.

2.6     Employee Increments: Staff who have not reached the final point of their salary scale, will be due an increment in 2014/15. The increments will mean an uncontrollable cost increase of £358k or a 0.28% increase in the District Rate for 2014/15.

2.7     Energy Costs: Energy costs are forecast to increase by 5% in 2014/15, with fuel costs for the Council’s fleet estimated to increase by 4% in the same period. This will mean an increase in energy and fuel costs of £531k in 2014/15, representing an increase of 0.41% on the District Rate. Work will continue on the energy stream of the council’s efficiency programme focusing on the management and procurement of energy for council assets, to reduce the impact of these cost increases.

2.8     Income Risk: Income from electricity generation at the North Foreshore is estimated to reduce by a further £300k during 2014/15, with a further £100k loss of income in other areas arising from the current economic environment. The reduction in income would total £400k and would represent a 0.31% increase on the district rate. Further work will be undertaken to test the income assumptions at service level as part  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4c

            The Committee was advised that a request for financial assistance in the sum of £6,000 had been received from Common Purpose Belfast in connection with its 2013 Navigator Programme.  The money would be used to offer three part-funded places on its Programme for emerging leaders from non-profit organisations in Belfast.  Last year, the Council had funded participants from Positive Futures, Cancer Focus NI and Mindwise.  The programme was designed to draw together local leaders, merging leaders and senior managers from all walks of life who could potentially play a role in shaping the future of Belfast.  The Council had supported Common Purpose Belfast since its inception in 1996.

            The Director of Finance and Resources reported that the application could be considered in the context of Section 37 of the Local Government Finance Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, which provided the Council with discretionary powers to consider exceptional requests for financial assistance  He indicated that the application met the criteria for the funding in that regard.

            Accordingly, it was

            Resolved - that expenditure in the sum of £6,000 be approved for the aforementioned event under Section 37 of the Local Government Finance Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, it being the opinion of the Committee that the expenditure would be in the interest of, and would bring direct benefit to the District, and the inhabitants of the District, with the Committee being satisfied that the benefits so accruing would be commensurate with the payment to be made.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.      Relevant Background Information

1.1      The Development Committee considered a request for funding of the above event at its meeting on 20 June 2013.  The request was for funding of up to £25,000 per annum for the next three years (total £75,000).

1.2      The Development Committee was advised that there was no funding earmarked for this event in either the City Events Unit budget or the Specified Reserve for Special Events.

1.3      The Development Committee was requested to decline the funding for the event based on the fact that the City Events budget for the period, nor the Specified Reserve for Special Events, has any finance earmarked for such a project.  The Development Committee decided to support the event and request that the matter be referred to the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee to consider increasing the Development Department’s finances for events.

2.  Key Issues

2.1      As part of the rate setting process, cash limits for standing committees are approved, based on the detailed financial estimates prepared by departments.

2.2      Proposals for growth in departmental budgets are considered as part of the rate setting process, within the context of the Council’s overall financial position and affordability and impact on the District Rate.

2.3      Where the in-year budget monitoring process indicates a forecast under spend position, then the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee may consider approving the release of some of these resources to fund non-recurring initiatives, projects or to meet external funding requests.

2.4      In previous years this approach has been used to approve non-recurring funding for the NI Hospice, Area Intervention Pilots, Boxing Strategy, and Advice Centres.  In November 2012, the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee also approved the allocation of an additional £1.96m of finance to the Specified Reserve for Special Events (such as Giro d’ Italia, and Tall Ships) to supplement the Development Department’s annual events budget and to align resources to ensure that the burden on ratepayers is minimised for future years.

2.5      In considering requests for additional resources, the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee must assess the affordability of such requests and be assured that these are of a non-recurring nature. 

2.6      The Circuit of Ireland proposal is for recurrent funding of an event for a three year period and has not been earmarked in either the annual events budget, or specified events reserve for the Development Department.  For these reasons it was recommended to the Development Committee that the funding request should be declined.

2.7      Given these factors and that the Quarter 1 departmental position of the Council is forecasting an under spend which is within 0.4% of the annual budget, it is recommended that the Committee decline the funding request and refer the matter back to the Development Committee for further consideration in the context its own budget or their revenue estimate business growth proposals for 2014/15.

3.  Resource Implications

     Financial

     The request for funding of the event is up to £25,000 per annum for the period  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4e

(Mrs. J. Minne, Head of Human Resources, attended in connection with these items.)

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

Noted.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0   Relevant Background Information

1.1     The Department for Employment and Learning has launched a public consultation exercise to seek views on whether it is appropriate ( and if so to what extent) to implement in N Ireland a programme corresponding to one that is being taken forward in Great Britain by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, setting out a framework of new rights for working parents. 

1.2     The Council has been asked by the Minister for Employment and Learning to respond to a number of questions as part of its consultation exercise on this.  The consultation document and draft response to the consultation questions is attached at Appendix A.

2.0     Key Issues

2.1     In February 2013, the UK government introduced into Parliament the Children and Families Bill which included provisions that will make fundamental changes to the statutory leave entitlements, both paid and unpaid, that are available to working parents in Great Britain.  The Minister for Employment and Learning has secured the agreement of the Executive to seek the views of local stakeholders on the merits of these proposals; the extent (if any) to which they should be implemented in N Ireland and whether or not alternative options may be appropriate.

2.2     The proposed new arrangements are designed to provide working parents with greater flexibility in determining how best to share the statutory pay and leave provisions associated with the birth or adoption of a child and sets out proposals to allow partners of either the mother or the primary adopter to become more involved in ante natal care or in the stages leading up to an adoption, where that is what both people want.

2.3     The second aspect of the consultation is a proposal to significantly broaden the existing right to request flexible working.

2.4     Appendix A provides a response to each of the questions contained in the consultation document.   These proposals support much of what the  Council is  trying to achieve in terms of:

       the promotion of diversity and equal opportunities

       being a best practice employer of choice

       attracting and retaining talent

       work-life balance, health and wellbeing and employee satisfaction.

         The overall proposed response from BCC to the proposals outlined in the consultation is therefore a positive one that welcomes suggested measures to facilitate the proper consideration and facilitation of requests for flexible working in a way that meets both council needs and employee needs.

         The proposals to allow more sharing of parental rights are also welcomed in our proposed response, but some of the potential practical issues that employers may face around implementation and administration of the proposed provisions are highlighted with suggestions on how they might be dealt with.  Essentially these are:

       the preference for shared leave plans to be agreed in advance where possible

       the need for sufficient notice periods, where feasible,  for employers to accommodate any changes in leave plans

       the need for an effective administration link between relevant employers to ensure accuracy of employee declarations  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5b

            The Committee was reminded that the governance arrangements for the Illuminate Project, which it had approved in February, 2013, limited access to the new ILLUMINATE LED lighting facilities to:

(a)     the charities nominated by our civic office-bearers;

(b)     events organised or supported by the council; and

(c)     an agreed schedule of additional days.

            Any request which did not fall into those categories required the approval of the Committee.

            The Director of Property and Projects reported that a  request had been received recently from the ‘Light it up Gold’ campaign for the use of the new LED lighting system at City Hall on Saturday 7^th September, 2013 to highlight issues around children’s cancer by illuminating the building in a gold colour.  The group was comprised of parents of children affected by a variety of cancers and was part of a wider campaign with a presence in North America and Europe. At the time of submitting the report, the group had indicated that commitments to have public buildings lit up in gold had already been received from a number of well-known international landmarks, including the Niagara Falls, The Prudential Tower in Boston and the CN Tower in Toronto.

            In terms of more local participation, commitments had also been given by a number of prominent locations in the city of Dublin, including for example the Mansion House, Dublin Conference Centre, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Greystones Harbour, The G Hotel and Eyre Square Fountain.

            The facilities available at the City Hall allowed lighting scenes to be created quite easily and without involving additional cost or significant work.  The Director pointed out the request was for a single occurrence only and that the date would not be added to the existing schedule of additional days.

            The Committee approved the use of the LED lighting system at City Hall for the purposes of marking the ‘Light it up Gold’ campaign on 7^th September, 2013 only.

            The Director of Property and Projects reported that an opportunity to acquire approximately 30 acres of land in the west of Belfast extending between Hannahstown Hill and the Upper Springfield Road had arisen.  The land directly adjoined an existing smaller Council landholding of approximately 6 acres which was accessible from Hannahstown Hill.

            The Committee granted approval to enter into negotiations to acquire the aforementioned lands.

            The Committee was reminded that the Council has agreed previously a Masterplan for the Gasworks Northern Fringe which outlined proposals for progressing development on a site by site basis.  Within the context of the Masterplan, the Council had agreed specifically to work with Inislyn Ltd - developer of the Radisson Blu hotel and the Lighthouse Building - in respect of developing two areas known as sites C and D of the Northern Fringe.

            Subsequent detailed discussions with Inislyn had been based on an extension to the existing hotel, the development of a multi-storey car park and a further office site.

            The Committee granted approval to progress negotiations with Inislyn Lt based on the Heads of Terms which had been outlined by the Director of Property and Projects and to enter thereafter into an Agreement for a lease in respect of Sites C and D of the Gasworks North Fringe.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1Relevant Background Information

1.1      Following previous Committee decisions to market for sale, free of restrictions, lands at McClure Street the Strategic Policy & Resources Committee at its meeting of 19^th August 2011 approved appointment of an estate agent to progress a disposal at an asking price in the region of £450,000 with a further report to be brought back for approval of terms of any proposed disposal.

1.2      The site was marketed (for sale board, advertised in local papers, targeted mail shot of brochure) from October 2011. Despite an extensive campaign only one bid was eventually received in March 2012 from Apex Housing Association at a figure substantially below the guide price quoted.

1.3      In addition to the depressed state of the property market the development opportunities for this site remain very limited. Despite having previously received lucrative bids to purchase in the past these offers were predicated on receipt of planning for general housing. Notwithstanding these offers Planning Service advice was that these plans would not be granted permission. A further planning assessment for the site confirmed current planning policy would preclude such general housing development.

1.4      In keeping with dBMAP and current planning policy guidelines the Apex proposal is to develop social housing units that addresses a requirement for any development to pass an exceptions planning test for this designated open space and to deliver “substantial community benefits”

1.5      With the failure to secure any other interest in the site officers met with representatives from Apex in an attempt to find a way forward that would secure an enhanced disposal price in the absence of any competitive bidding process. This resulted in agreement to request Land & Property Services to undertake a valuation based on the Council’s planning assessment for the site.

1.6      Land & Property Services have provided a valuation of £240,000 reflecting social housing development and on this basis Apex have agreed to progress the purchase of this site, subject to Committee approval and planning.

2   Key Issues

2.1      Despite exhaustive efforts made to attract bids for this site the only bid secured was from Apex Housing Association at £150,000 for the development of 16 social housing units. A combination of current planning designation (open space) which requires any development proposals to deliver “substantial community benefits” and the continuing effects of the economic down turn which has hit the property market in Northern Ireland particularly hard has impacted on the market value of this site.

2.2      Current dBMAP designation as “open space” and development constraints of PPS8 very much restrict the development potential of the site and hence the pool of potential bidders. Having been marketed for over a year officers initiated a meeting with Apex representatives to discuss a way forward that would secure the best price for the site and deliver another social housing project on former Council owned land. Apex agreed to the proposal that Land & Property Services would provide a valuation of the site as the basis  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6d

            The Committee was advised that the Parks and Leisure Committee, at its meeting on 13th June, had agreed to enter into a 10 year Public Path Creation Agreement with Northern Ireland Water (NIW) to utilise an existing path located on NIW land at Ligoniel. 

            On completion of the Agreement the Council would become responsible for the maintenance of the path.  New access provision at either end of the path (either stiles and/or way marking) was being externally funded by the Belfast Hills Partnership Trust.  That would provide access to the NIW land from Ligoniel Park through to the Crumlin Road, approximately 1 kilometre above the Horseshoe Bend. 

            The Committee authorised the Public Path Creation Agreement for the lands as outlined.

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

“1      Relevant Background Information

1.1     Members will be aware that the Council has previously agreed that the development of the North Foreshore should comprise an Environmental Resource Park to create an innovative “Cleantech Environmental Technology Business Cluster” for Belfast which would encourage investment and job creation.  The development of a renewable energy hub within the park will also demonstrate the Council’s leadership in building the City’s resilience and promoting renewable energy in an era of growing energy insecurity, increasing energy cost and fuel poverty.

1.2     The development of the North Foreshore Environmental Resource Park is included in the Council’s Investment Programme 2012 – 2015. Members will be aware that the Council has submitted a £8 million European Regional Development Fund Application to develop the infrastructure for this environmental resource park.  Invest NI and DETI are currently assessing the application, and the Council expects a decision at the end of 2013.

1.3     The Council has already commenced the regeneration of the North Foreshore with the completion of a waste transfer station, substation, and a landfill gas electricity generation power plant.  The electricity substation currently generates 3mw of renewable electricity which is exported to the local grid network and is sufficient to power up to 3,500 homes. The substation does, however have sufficient spare export capacity of 7 mw to the local grid network, which provides the opportunity to encourage the further development of renewable energy facilities to create a sustainable energy hub at the North Foreshore

1.4     Within the area reserved for the environmental business park, the SP&R Committee, on 25 January 2013, approved the release of a Marketing Prospectus for the disposal of a 3 acre site for a Cleantech Biogas renewable energy facility

2       Key Issues

2.1     The Council publicly advertised the Cleantech Renewable Energy development opportunity in the local paper, Council website and in the EU Journal in March 2013. The closing date for development bids for the site was 30 May 2013. Developers were required to provide a detailed submission setting out details of their financial bid for the site, development proposals, proposed programme, funding sources, project team and experience.

2.2     An Evaluation Panel was established comprising of representatives from Estates, Legal Services and Corporate Services, to undertake the assessment of any Development Submissions received prior to the closing date. The Evaluation Panel used the following assessment criteria outlined in the Marketing Prospectus:

                              I.        Financial offer for the heat and power easement fees.

                            II.        Company background, financial viability of the project and the financial capability of the operator to fund, deliver, operate and possibly expand the facility.

                           III.        Experience of the Developer and project Development Team to deliver and operate similar cleantech biogas renewable energy facilities.

                           IV.        Quality of the design proposal to contribute to enhancing the image of the “Cleantech Environmental Technology Business Sector” and the socio economic benefits.

                            V.        Delivery of the project within a reasonable timescale.

2.3     The Evaluation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6f

(Mr. David Robinson, Senior Good Relation Officer, attended in connection with these items.)

            The Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting of the Good Relations Partnership of 12th August.

 (The Chairman, Alderman Robinson, left the Chair whilst this item was under discussion.)

The Deputy Chairman, Councillor Maskey, in the Chair.

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“       Relevant Background Information

         The Committee will be aware that the First and Deputy First Ministers jointly launched the Together: Building a United Community strategy at the end of May.  The Executive Summary of that document was circulated at the meeting of the Good Relations Partnership on 10 June and a more detailed report was considered at the Partnership’s meeting on 12 August (see minutes of that meeting for full report).

         The strategy represents a key building block in the implementation of the Programme for Government 2011-2015 and provides the framework for action in tackling sectarianism, racism and other forms of intolerance while seeking to address division, hate and separation.

         It reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and places responsibilities on all government departments, requiring them to work together to ensure that the required outcomes are delivered on the ground.

         The new strategy will have major implications for all public bodies in NI and, in particular, for local government since councils will have a key role in its delivery.

         Priority Areas

         The strategy identifies four key priority areas: children and young people; our shared community; our safe community; and our cultural expression. 

         Implementation

         The strategy envisages a Panel made up of NI Ministers, plus senior representatives from a range of statutory agencies and community partners, supported by broadly based thematic sub-groups who will develop action plans with associated aims, targets, milestones and resources etc.

         Key Issues - Implications for future work and opportunities for strategic alignment

         Implementation of Together Building a United Community

         The Good Relations Partnership welcomed this overarching strategy as a significant step forward by the NI Executive in tackling our community divisions and acknowledged the importance of a central coherent strategic approach, led at the most senior political level, to be delivered through effective and established structures at local level.

         The strategy underlines the cross-cutting nature of the work required, stressing the need for joint working and inter-agency collaboration and has implications for the Council as a whole.  The programmes to be delivered, of particular interest to the Council, include:

·        developing summer schools/camps for young people  with a focus on sport

·        ensuring that our approach to youth intervention becomes a year round programme

·        developing cross-community programmes focusing on reconciliation through sport

·        encouraging the use of the arts as a means of improving good relations

·        continuing our work round interfaces, aiming to remove barriers and support local communities, through training and employment where possible

·        building closer links between community safety and good relations.

         The Council will not only be responsible for direct delivery of programmes on the ground but also for supporting local community and voluntary groups, through various Council Departments and a range of funding streams. 

         The Council is already actively supporting many of the types of initiatives outlined in the document and has ensured that equality  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7b

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

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1Relevant Background Information

     The Belfast Learning City context

1.1      The draft Belfast City Masterplan Review highlights development of the Learning City as a key theme, aimed at harnessing the value of the higher education institutions across the city to maximise their impact on the economy, vibrancy and diversity of the city and the region.

1.2      Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are anchor institutions and contribute significantly to the economic, social and environmental prosperity of the city, as well as providing a knowledge hub in the city.

1.3      Research has shown that students studying and living within cities make a significant contribution to local and regional economies.  Belfast currently has 5 Higher Education Institutions across the city and by 2018 will have 2 major University campuses close to the city centre. There is also a growing international student market which presents a significant opportunity for Belfast in terms of international marketing, tourism and knowledge research.

1.4      Attracting students to study and live in the city not only requires excellent education providers, high quality campuses and a wide choice of quality courses, but also the right city infrastructure including IT connections, transport and housing.  Student housing of whatever nature needs to be attractive, high quality, safe, secure, accessible and affordable.  It needs to be well planned and appropriately managed to ensure that there is positive integration with existing communities.

1.5      The ‘Belfast: A Learning City - Strategic Study of the Holyland and wider university area’ report was presented to the Council on 2^nd April 2012 and outlined a number of recommendations in relation to student housing, to make Belfast a learning city and destination of choice for students. Two of the recommendations were:

a)    Development of a coherent city wide strategy for student housing promoting choice and fit-for purpose accommodation; and

b)    Identifying locations, innovative arrangements and measures to attract alternative funding for housing students in the city.

2   Key Issues

2.1      The Council has been leading a joint Inter agency team on the development of a student housing strategy involving DOE Planning, DSD, NIHE and SIB, DEL, DRD and the main HEIs.  Specific areas of work have included:

·         Assessing the demand and market for student accommodation in the city;

·         Investigating Financial Models for purpose built accommodation; Considering suitable locations and factors to support student housing;

·         Defining the ‘Learning City’ concept so it can be effectively marketed.

2.2      Belfast is different to most other large university cities in that the proportion of available managed purpose built student accommodation (PBSA) is considerably lower than elsewhere in the UK.  Local students also tend to live with others from their home towns and stay in their student accommodation during weekdays only.  Also, whilst there are lower numbers of international students, the HEIs are keen to attract new students and grow their existing base and there is a DEL target to increase the numbers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8a

            The Committee was advised that the Department for Social Development was undertaking a consultation exercise in relation to proposals for its Community Asset Transfer Policy Framework.  The Director of Property and Projects explained that Community Asset Transfer was a change in management and/or ownership of land or buildings, from public bodies to communities. The Framework established ‘ground rules’ to govern individual transfers and sought to address the barriers which existed in terms of regulation and guidance, finance, skills and awareness, through a series of proposals.

            A copy of the Council’s draft response is set out hereunder:

Community Asset Transfer (CAT) Policy Framework

Your Details

1. Are you responding on behalf of:

•     Individual

•     Organisation Please Specify

2. Email Address

Equality Monitoring - Organisation

     The following questions are for equality monitoring purposes. The responses which you give to these questions are completely confidential. You are not required to answer these questions if you choose not to. However, any information, which you do provide would be much appreciated.

6. Which community does your organisation primarily serve?

7. Which gender does your organisation primarily serve?

8. Which of the following age bands does your organisation primarily serve

9.  No individual will be identified from the analysis of responses, however under the Freedom Of Information Act 2000 individual responses may be disclosed.

     Please tick here if you wish your response to be held confidential.

     The following questions relate to Section 6 of the consultation document. Please refer to this section for further information.

10.      Do you consider that the proposed ground rules are an effective means of achieving a focus on outcomes?

     No. Please suggest amendments or alternatives:

11.      Do you consider that the proposed ground rules are an effective means of ensuring sustainability?

     No. Please suggest amendments or alternatives:

(With the exception of the Director of Finance and Resources, the Director of Property and Projects and the Democratic Services Officer, all other members of staff left the meeting whilst these items were under consideration.)

            The Committee considered the undernoted report:

“1.0    Relevant Background Information

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

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

·         The Budget and Transformation Panel would also receive monthly financial updates if there were any significant issues to report.

1.2      The reporting pack contains a summary dashboard of the financial indicators and an executive summary explaining the financial performance, a copy of which has been circulated. It also provides a more detailed explanation of each of the relevant indicators covering outturn for the quarter, payment of creditors, recovery of debt and procurement compliance.

2.0      Key Issues

2.1      Current and Forecast financial Position 2013/14

     The financial position for Quarter 1 is a net departmental under-spend of £364k (1.2%). The forecast year end departmental position is an under-spend of £471k (0.4%).

2.2      The financial reporting pack contains more detail on the quarter 1 and forecast positions. It should be emphasised that it is very early in the financial year and therefore it is difficult to make an accurate forecast of the year end financial position. It should also be noted that the forecast position of an under spend of £471k, represents only 0.4% of the Council’s annual budget. For this reason and that the Council has already committed in year allocation amounts of £250k for the NI Hospice and £120k for the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Championships, it is recommended at this stage no further in year reallocations are made.

2.3      Capital Financing

           The capital financing budget is £10.14m. This budget is forecast to break even and will be used to finance the capital programme and feasibility work to support the Investment Programme.

2.4      Rate Income

           The initial forecast by LPS is that BCC would have a favourable outturn of £1.m. BCC officers will be working closely with LPS to ensure that the in year forecast takes account of issues such as outstanding appeals, vacancy inspections and the impact on businesses going into administration. Given that this is a quarter 1 forecast by LPS and that this validation work will have to be undertaken by the Council, it is recommended that no decision regarding the allocation of the resources arising from the forecast positive settlement by LPS be taken at this stage. A detailed report on rating issues will be brought to the Committee in September.

2.5      Investment Programme

           Committed expenditure approved by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee for the 3 year Capital Programme stands at £35.590m, leaving £39.410m of schemes within the 3 year programme at the uncommitted or emerging project stage.

2.6      Committed expenditure on LIF projects currently stands at £4.6m, leaving a balance of £400k in the local investment fund.

2.7      The amount of levered external funding for the Investment Programme which has been agreed in principal is £65.073m, with £19.053m of these funds confirmed through letters of offer.

2.8      Actual capital expenditure  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

            The Legal Services Manager provided the Members with an update in relation to the unauthorised disclosure of personal information relating to Members which had occurred on 21st February, 2012.  He indicated that the Information Commissioner’s Office had concluded its investigation and no further action would be taken against the Council.  He undertook to submit a detailed report at a future meeting of the Committee.

Noted.

            The Committee noted the contents of a report which provided costs for employee travel for the financial year 2012/13 and agreed that, in line with previous years, the figures would be published on the Council’s website.

           The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 21st June, it had been advised of the intention of the Town Solicitor and Assistant Chief Executive to retire from the Council’s service before the end of this calendar year.  The Town Solicitor and Assistant Chief Executive had now confirmed that he would retire with effect from 31st October 2013.  At that meeting, authority had also been delegated to the Chief Executive to examine temporary measures to cover the role of Town Solicitor and Assistant Chief Executive which essentially had two main functions – the provision of the legal function for Belfast City Council and some external bodies (that is, the Town Solicitor element of the role) and the day to day management of the Chief Executive’s Department (that is, the Assistant Chief Executive element).  Accordingly, the Director of Finance and Resources submitted a report in this regard.

            The report indicated that the Director of Health and Environmental Services would assume responsibility for the function of the Good Relations Unit and the Legal Services Manager would undertake additional duties associated with the role of Town Solicitor.  With regard to the duties of the Assistant Chief Executive, it was proposed that an appropriate officer from the Chief Executive’s Department be designated from the relevant tier of management to act as Assistant Chief Executive.  That would be by means of expressions of interest and, if necessary, through a merit based selection process.  In addition, whilst not related to the Assistant Chief Executive’s retirement, a small proportion of the savings effected would used to make appropriate honorarium payments to lead officers of functions within the Chief Executive’s Department who were required to undertake enhanced roles/additional higher level duties.  Accordingly, the Director recommended that the Committee agree to the interim measures as outlined.

            After a lengthy discussion, it was

            Moved by Councillor Hargey,

            Seconded by Councillor Jones,

      That the Committee agrees to approve the proposed interim arrangements to cover the role of the Town Solicitor and Assistant Chief Executive.

Amendment

            Moved by Alderman Browne,

            Seconded by Councillor McCarthy,

      That the Committee agrees that the matter of honorarium payments to appropriate members of staff as outlined be dealt with under the delegated authority of the Chief Executive and the Committee considers only that portion of the report related to the day to day management of the Chief Executive’s Department, that is, the Assistant Chief Executive element.

            On a vote by show hands three Members voted for the amendment and thirteen against and it was declared lost.

            The original proposal standing in the name of Councillor Hargey and seconded by Councillor Jones was thereupon put to the meeting when thirteen Members voted for and three against and it was accordingly declared carried.

            The Committee agreed to defer consideration of report in relation to the filling of Chief Executive posts in the new Councils to enable the political parties to consider the matter.