Policy and Resources Committee 17 February 2006

From Nigov

B539

Policy and Resources Committee

Friday, 17th February, 2006

MEETING OF POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Members present: Councillor Rodway (Deputy Chairman)(in the Chair); and Councillors Attwood, D. Browne, M. Browne, Cobain, Crozier, D. Dodds, Hartley, Jones, Lavery, Maginness, McCausland, Moore, Newton, O’Reilly, Rodgers and Smyth.

In attendance: Mr. T. Salmon, Director of Corporate Services; Mr. C. Quigley, Director of Legal Services; Mr. L. Steele, Head of Committee and Members’ Services; and Mr. J. Goodall, Senior Committee Administrator.

Apologies

Apologies for inability to attend were reported from the Chairman (Councillor A. Maskey) and Councillor McCann.

Minutes

The minutes of the meetings of 9th and 20th January, which had been printed and circulated, were taken as read and signed as correct. It was reported that those minutes had been adopted by the Council at its meeting on 1st February.

Financial Matters

Finance, Administration and Information Systems Sub-Committee

The Committee considered the minutes of the meeting of the Finance, Administration and Information Systems Sub-Committee of 26th January, copies of which had previously been circulated.

After discussion, during which the Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from a Member in respect of the Audit of the Accounts of the Council and the organisational restructuring of Information Services Belfast, the Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the meeting.

Political Processes and Members’ Issues

Members’ Sub-Committee

Resolved – That the minutes of the meeting of the Members’ Sub Committee held on 13th February, copies of which had previously been circulated, be approved and adopted.

Corporate Strategic Issues

Civic Leadership

Provision of Services to Older Persons

The Head of Committee and Members' Services reported that the Community and Recreation Committee, at its meeting on 18th October, had agreed to engage with the Eastern Health and Social Services Board and Belfast Healthy Cities as part of the process to develop an inter-agency action plan and to refer to the Policy Services Unit the question of the inclusion in the Council’s new Corporate Plan of the provision of services for older people and to explore ways in which services to the elderly could be improved and incorporate these actions into the Departmental and Service Business Plans.

It had been agreed that the Head of Environmental Health take responsibility for bringing forward proposals on how the Council might develop its approach in dealing with the needs of older people and, in the interim, that he would act as a champion for older people’s issues. Preparatory work in determining demographic trends and the needs as identified by older people was reaching completion and it was anticipated that a report would be brought to the meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee in March, thus enabling decisions to be made as to how the matter should be progressed.

After discussion, during which it was agreed that contact would be made with those Members who had raised the matter in order to ensure that all concerns in this regard would be addressed, the Committee noted the information which had been provided.

Consideration of Consultation Documents

Bribery - Reform of the Prevention of Corruption Acts and Serious Fraud Office Powers in Cases of Bribery of Foreign Officials

The Director of Legal Services submitted for the Committee’s consideration a report, copies of which had previously been circulated ^{(This should be requested under Freedom of Information)} , in relation to a proposed response to the Northern Ireland Office’s Criminal Justice Division’s Consultation Document entitled “Bribery – Reform of the Prevention of Corruption Acts and Serious Fraud Office Powers in Cases of Bribery of Foreign Officials”, which set out a series of proposals seeking to clarify the existing laws on bribery, replace the overlapping offences with one clear coherent piece of legislation and establishing an agreed way forward.

The Committee approved the draft response contained within the report.

Review of the Operation of the Ground Rents Act (Northern Ireland) 2001

The Director of Legal Services submitted for approval a draft response to a Consultation Document on the Review of the Operation of the Ground Rents Act (Northern Ireland) 2001 which had been issued by the Office of Law Reform of the Department of Finance and Personnel.

The Committee agreed that the draft be forwarded to the Office of Law Reform as the Council’s response to the document.

Good Relations and Equality Issues

(Mrs. H. Francey, Good Relations Manager, attended in connection with this item.)

Funding Applications

The Committee was advised that applications for Good Relations Grant-Aid had been received from nine organisations. The applications had been assessed using pre-agreed criteria and a schedule of the requests, together with the recommendations thereon of the Good Relations Steering Panel, is set out hereunder:

Organisation Project Recommendation £

Relatives for Justice So you think you know your history? - a history and identity programme for young people through the medium of information technology 2,950 Indian Community Centre Women’s Development Programme - a programme to bring women from a variety of cultural and religious backgrounds together to explore what they have in common and what makes them different 2,000 Great Victoria Street Baptist Church “St. Patrick” – a cross-community display of St. Patrick’s writings 3,000 Bruiser Theatre Company “Metamorphosis” Multi-Generational Education and Outreach Project - a two-part programme aimed at adults and students from six schools throughout the City with the themes of challenging prejudice, fear of the unknown and working together for mutual benefits 6,000

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Organisation Project Recommendation £

South Belfast Area Project Community Relations experience and video - a residential for young people from the Chinese Welfare Association and from the Sandy Row, Village and Donegall Road areas to explore prejudice, shared space and cultural diversity 2,750 Coiste Na N-Iarchimi How relevant is the 1916 Proclamation? - an intra-community youth project with young people from former prisoners’ families exploring the 1916 Easter Rising and associated issues in a 21st century multi-cultural context 2,699 Down and Conor Diocesan Youth Trust New Day Programme - a programme to prepare young people for cross-community contact 1,890 South Belfast Roundtable on Racism Crisis Management System – a volunteer network to support improved race relations in South Belfast 9,660 Groundwork NI Different Voices – a series of workshops and a residential exploring discrimination 8,220

	The Committee adopted the recommendations in respect of the applications for Good Relations funding as set out in the aforementioned schedule.

Quarterly Progress Report – Implementation of the Council’s Good Relations Strategy

The Committee noted the contents of a report, copies of which had previously been circulated, in relation to the implementation of the Council’s Good Relations Strategy during the period from 1st October till 31st December, 2005.

Book of Honour – A Journey of Remembering

The Committee authorised the attendance of the Chairman and the Deputy Chairman of the Commemorations Working Group, as well as the Good Relations Manager (or their nominees) at a conference entitled “Book of Honour – A Journey of Remembering”, which would be held in Dublin on 3rd and 4th March and approved the payment of the appropriate travelling, subsistence and attendance allowances in connection therewith.

Additional Civic Ceremony – Belfast Remembers

The Committee noted the contents of a report ^{(This should be requested under Freedom of Information)} , copies of which had previously been circulated, outlining the success of the “Belfast Remembers” event which had been held on 19th September, 2005.

After discussion, the Committee noted the contents of the report and agreed that this additional ceremony be made an annual event within the Council’s Commemorative Civic Calendar.

Possible Study Visit to Auschwitz

The Committee was informed that correspondence had been received from Ms. L. Leopold, organiser of a number of day trips from Belfast to Auschwitz/Birkenau and Krakow. The itinerary of the tours included a three to four-hour visit to the former Concentration Camp at Auschwitz, with English-speaking guides providing a commentary, followed by a one-hour tour of the Birkenau Camp.

It was reported that the cost per person participating in the study visit, including flights, coach travel, meals and a guide, would be £305. It was pointed out also that it had been intended to stage the next visit in early March but, due to travel difficulties, this had had to be postponed until September.

The Good Relations Manager reported that attendance at the study visit had been considered by the Commemorations Working Group, which had agreed such a study visit would be of benefit and interest and had recommended that all six Members of the Commemorations Working Group, and the Good Relations Manager (or their nominees) together with the Lord Mayor, be authorised to participate in the visit.

After discussion, the Committee adopted the recommendation of the Commemorations Working Group and authorised the payment of the appropriate travelling, subsistence and attendance allowances in connection therewith.

Policy Issues

Policy and Performance Review Sub-Committee

Resolved – That the minutes of the meeting of the Policy and Performance Review Sub-Committee of 15th February, copies of which had previously been circulated, be approved and adopted.

Human Resources Issues

Personnel Sub-Committee

The Committee considered the minutes of the Personnel Sub-Committee of 9th February, copies of which had previously been circulated.

After discussion, during which it was noted that the introduction of the Single Status Agreement would have a major impact on the Council and that, if it were deemed necessary, briefings would be made available to individual Members, Party Groupings or the Improvement Board, the Committee approved and adopted the minutes of the Personnel Sub-Committee of 9th February.

Accommodation and Hospitality

Requests for the Use of Accommodation in the City Hall and the Provision of Civic Hospitality

The Committee was advised that the undernoted requests for the use of accommodation in the City Hall and the provision of Civic Hospitality had been received. An indication as to whether they fell within the criteria approved by the Committee and the recommendations thereon of the Head of Committee and Members' Services is set out hereunder:

Organisation/ Body Event/Date – Number of Delegates/ Guests Request Comments Recommendation Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland) National Conference

20th June, 2006 (evening)

Approximately 350 Attending Use of City Hall and the provision of a pre-dinner Drinks Reception It is estimated that 350 delegates will be staying in accommodation in Belfast. Use of City Hall and the provision of a pre-dinner Drinks Reception in the form of wine/soft drinks.

Approximate cost £700 JCI Belfast

(formerly Belfast Junior Chamber) JCI Belfast Civic and Community Contribution Awards 2006

3rd June, 2006 (evening)

Approximately 400 Attending Use of City Hall and the provision of a pre-event Drinks Reception This event will recognise the contribution made by individuals and organisations involved in the civic, community, social, environmental and entrepreneurial sectors in improving all aspects of life in the City.

This request meets the Council's Corporate Strategic Objectives of Improving Quality of Life, now and for future generations, Providing Civic Leadership and Promoting Good Relations. Use of City Hall and the provision of a pre-event Drinks Reception in the form of wine/soft drinks

Approximate cost £800

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Organisation/ Body Event/Date – Number of Delegates/ Guests Request Comments Recommendation Belfast County Guides County Awards Ceremony

14th June, 2006 (evening)

Approximately 180 Attending Use of City Hall and the provision of hospitality in the form of a Drinks Reception and Canapes Girl Guiding is an international, multi-cultural, inter-denominational organisation for young girls and women. A number of prestigious awards will be presented including the Queen's Guide, Baden Powell for Guides and Long Service for leaders.

This event meets the Council's Corporate Strategic Objectives of Improving quality of life, now and for future generations and, in addition, would contribute to the Council's Key Priority Issue of Improving service provision to children and young people. Use of City Hall and the provision of Hospitality in the form of a Drinks Reception and Canapes

Approximate cost £1,260

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Organisation/ Body Event/Date – Number of Delegates/ Guests Request Comments Recommendation The Prince's Trust Celebrate Success Awards Ceremony

8th December, 2006 (evening)

Approximately 400 Attending Use of City Hall and the provision of hospitality in the form of a Drinks Reception and Canapes The Celebrate Success Awards recognise the achievements of disadvantaged young people from Belfast and across Northern Ireland, who have succeeded against the odds, improved their chances in life and have had a positive impact on the local community.

This request meets the Council's Corporate Strategic Objectives of Providing Civic Leadership, Improving quality of life now, and for future generations and, in addition, would contribute to the Council's Key Priority Issue of improving service provision to children and young people. Use of City Hall and the provision of Hospitality in the form of a Drinks Reception and Canapes

Approximate cost £2,800

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Organisation/ Body Event/Date – Number of Delegates/ Guests Request Comments Recommendation Gael Linn Public Speaking Competition and Awards Ceremony

22nd March, 2006 (evening)

Approximately 120 Attending Use of City Hall and the provision of a pre-event Drinks Reception Pupils from secondary schools in Belfast and across Northern Ireland will participate and receive awards in the final of the Irish language public speaking competition. The event will provide participants with the opportunity to compete at the highest level and to gain valuable experience through communicating with others from within the Irish language speaking community.

This request meets the Council's Corporate Strategic Objective of Improving Quality of Life, now and for future generations and, in addition, would contribute to the Council's Key Priority Issue of improving service provision to children and young people. Use of City Hall and the provision of a pre-event Drinks Reception in the form of soft drinks

Approximate cost £120

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Organisation/ Body Event/Date – Number of Delegates/ Guests Request Comments Recommendation The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Belfast Branch (RSCDS) Grand Dance Celebration

1st December, 2006 (evening)

Approximately 150 Attending Use of City Hall and the provision of a pre-dinner Drinks Reception This event seeks to recognise the contribution made by volunteers in teaching and promoting Scottish Country Dance to communities, of all ages, abilities and cultural traditions, in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland.

This request meets the Council's Corporate Strategic Objectives of Improving Quality of Life, now and for Future Generations and of Promoting Good Relations and, in addition, would contribute to the Council's Key Priority Issue of improving service provision to children and young people. Use of the City Hall and the provision of a pre-dinner Drinks Reception in the form of wine/soft drinks

Approximate cost £300 Belfast City Council

Parks and Cemeteries Services Section City of Belfast International Rose Trials

17th July, 2006 (evening)

Approximately 200 Attending Provision of Civic Hospitality in the form of a Civic Dinner The City of Belfast International Rose Trials will be held during Rose Week from the 17th till 24th July. The Trials are renowned worldwide for attracting international rose breeders in addition to a significant number of visitors.

This request meets the Council's Corporate Strategic Objective of Providing Civic Leadership. Civic Dinner

Approximate cost £4,800

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Organisation/ Body Event/Date – Number of Delegates/ Guests Request Comments Recommendation Young at Art Young at Art - Belfast Children's Festival

27th and 29th May, 2006 (morning/ afternoon)

Approximately 100 Attending Use of City Hall These events aim to promote literacy amongst young people and to raise awareness of the City's built heritage.

This request meets the Council's Corporate Strategic Objective of Improving Quality of Life, now and for future generations and, in addition, would contribute to the Council's Key Priority Issue of improving service provision to children and young people. Use of City Hall Environmental and Planning Law Association of Northern Ireland (EPLANI) Perspectives on the Review of Public Administration Seminar

4thApril, 2006 (afternoon)

Approximately 250 Attending Use of City Hall The aim of the seminar is to facilitate regional discussion between Politicians, Planning Practitioners and other planning industry stakeholders on the subject of devolving planning powers to local Councils.

This event meets the Council’s Corporate Strategic Objectives of Improving quality of life now and for future generations and Delivering Best Services. Use of City Hall

The Committee adopted the recommendations contained within the schedule submitted.

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Event to Recognise the Sporting Achievements of George Best

The Committee was reminded that, at its meeting on 9th December, it had agreed that representatives of the Council meet with members of the Best family to discuss the most appropriate manner in which the Council could recognise the contribution which the late George Best had made to the sporting life of Northern Ireland. In addition to discussing with the Council how best this might be achieved, members of the Best family had requested the use of the City Hall to stage an event which would provide an opportunity to raise funds for both the George Best Foundation, which had been established to support research into liver disease, and the George Best Youth Academy, a series of soccer schools aimed at primary school pupils, which would be launched initially in Belfast.

The organisers estimated that approximately 430 guests would attend the event, which would take place on 22nd May to coincide with the date on which Mr. Best would have celebrated his 60th Birthday, and it was anticipated that a number of high profile former players and associates of Mr. Best would be in attendance.

The Head of Committee and Members' Services reminded the Committee that support for this event would represent an addition to the current arrangement in respect of the use of the City Hall by charitable organisations to raise funds. However, in view of the Committee’s previous decision to recognise the contribution which George Best had made to the sporting life of Northern Ireland, it was considered that it would be appropriate to make an exception under the policy and to authorise the use of the City Hall to facilitate the holding of this fund-raising event and also to provide hospitality for the guests.

Accordingly, he recommended that the Committee grant the use of the City Hall for the holding of the above-mentioned event and to approve the provision of a pre-dinner Drinks Reception in the form of wine/soft drinks.

The Committee adopted the recommendation.

City Hall Centenary – Installation of Banners

The Committee deferred consideration of a report in relation to the installation of banners to commemorate the Centenary of the City Hall to enable further information to be obtained in relation to the type of banner to be provided and the associated costs and in respect of other events in connection with the Centenary Celebrations and to enable also a report thereon to be submitted to the special meeting of the Committee which was scheduled to be held on Friday, 24th February.

Miscellaneous

Tribute to George Best

(Mr. M. Elder, Director of Community and Recreation, attended in connection with this item.)

The Committee considered the undernoted report providing an update on the arrangements to identify the most appropriate manner in which the Council could recognise the contribution which Mr. Best had made to the sporting life of Northern Ireland:

“Purpose of Report

To update members on discussions with George Best’s family and other stakeholders with a view to identifying the most appropriate manner in which the Council could recognise the contribution which Mr Best had made to the sporting life of Northern Ireland.

Background

The January monthly council meeting ratified the decision by Policy and Resources Committee of 9 December to meet with the Best family to discuss the above. The following day, a number of news organisations wrongly reported there had been discussion on a permanent memorial to George Best and that a decision had been taken to position a statue in the grounds of Belfast City Hall.

The Best family were contacted and informed that decision had not been taken but that the council was committed to discussing a lasting memorial with them. Other suggestions and proposals were also emanating from a number of sources and it was suggested to the family and other stakeholders that the Lord Mayor would host a meeting to discuss a co-ordinated approach to the issue.

Current Position

On 2 February, 2006, the Lord Mayor hosted a meeting in his parlour to progress this issue. In attendance were a number of members of the Best family and representatives of Belfast City Council, Castlereagh Borough Council, the Sports Council for Northern Ireland, the Irish Football Association and the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure, while the Secretary of State was represented by a the Northern Ireland official.

At the meeting, it was decided that the Lord Mayor should host a further meeting of the group in a month’s time to allow the Best family the opportunity to reflect on the issues and proposals that were discussed. It was agreed that a working group would be set up involving the stakeholders and others who it might be deemed necessary to involve as work progressed. The City Council will be represented on the group by the Director of Community and Recreation and the Head of Corporate Communications, with secretarial support from the Chief Executive’s office. It was also agreed that the Best family should nominate someone to chair the group. Proposed terms of reference for the group will be developed by City Council officials and the Lord Mayor and presented for discussion at the next meeting.

Environmental Implications

None.

Equality Implications

None.

Recommendations

It is recommended that the Committee notes the progress that is being made on this issue in line with its instruction, and agree that progress reports will continue to be submitted on a regular basis to the committee.”

After discussion, the Committee noted the contents of the report and agreed that steps be taken to expedite the determination of the most appropriate manner by which the life of Mr. Best could be commemorated.

Chairman