Agenda item

            The Committee considered the following report:

“1.0      Purpose of Report or Summary of main Issues

1.1          To seek approval to extend the terms of reference for development of a Belfast City Council Sports Development Strategy and revised timeline for development and completion.

2.0       Recommendations

2.1       The Committee are asked to agree;

1.     The proposed extended terms of reference

2.     The revised timeline for development of the strategy

3.0       Main report

3.1       Key Issues

3.1       It was agreed by the Strategic Policy and Resources Committee at its meeting on 5th January 2018 that a Belfast City Council Sports Development Strategy and associated funding strategy would be developed. This strategy was to provide a framework for future decision making on providing funding to National Governing Bodies of Sport delivering programmes in Belfast in support of existing funding streams and work programmes which enhance sporting opportunities for Belfast’s sporting organisations and individuals.

3.2       People and Communities Committee of 5th June 2018 agreed a proposed Terms of Reference and proposed timeline. Since that date the Departmental Change Programme has prompted consideration of wider opportunities to clarify and align the links between sports development and Council’s strategic funding and programming decisions in the areas of asset development, health improvement and community development.

3.3       Department for Communities (DfC) are currently developing a Physical Activity and Sport Strategy for Northern Ireland 2020 - 2030. Pre-consultation has been carried out by DfC on this strategy and Council has provided responses to the approach. It would appear that alignment to the DfC approach may support maximising the Belfast Agenda outcomes for Belfast which have a focus on delivery until 2035.

3.4       Proposed Extended Terms of Reference

            Based on what was agreed at committee on 5th June 2018 it is proposed that the Terms of Reference are extended to include the following;

·         In line with the Belfast Agenda the outcomes are extended to 2035

·         Physical activity programming is considered as part of the pathway into organised sport

·         Considered and aligned with our Leisure Transformation Programme, including the development of Phase 3.

·         Identification of alternative sources of financing/partner opportunities.

·         Facility/asset utilisation and management is maximised through collaborative partnership approaches

·         Facility/asset planning and development is considered taking account of local, citywide and regional need.

·         Sport’s contribution to improvement of whole health is considered in the context of partnership working through the work of the Belfast Community Planning Partnership and associated Boards – particularly the Living Here Board

·         Sport’s contribution to community development is considered in the context of City & Neighbourhood’s Departmental approach to area working and neighbourhood regeneration

·         The strategy ‘working title’ to be ‘Belfast Physical Activity and Sports Development Strategy.’

3.5       Proposed Draft Timeline

            Subject to committee’s approval of the draft terms of reference the following is a proposed timeline for the development of the strategy.

3.6       Financial Implications

            Cost associated with the development of the new strategy and engagement of external partner will be met within existing departmental resources.   Members are advised that no capital finance is in place to support the sports development strategy at this stage, which will need to be considered as the strategy is developed and needs become clearer.

3.7       Equality or Good Relations Implications/Rural Needs Assessment

            The draft strategy will be equality screened in line with the Council’s agreed process.”

            The Committee agreed the proposed extended terms of reference and the revised timeline for development of the strategy.