6th April 2017
Chairman: Councillor O Gawith Vice-Chairman: Councillor B Mallon Aldermen: J Dillon MBE, D Drysdale, A Ewart, T Jeffers, W Leathem, Councillors: T Beckett, S Carson, J Craig, A Ewing, A Grehan, B Hanvey, V Kamble and A McIntyre
Ex Officio The Right Worshipful The Mayor, Councillor B Bloomfield MBE Deputy Mayor, Alderman S Martin
The Monthly Meeting of the Corporate Services Committee will be held in the Cherry Room, Island Civic Centre, The Island, Lisburn on Tuesday 11th April 2017 at 7.00 pm for the transaction of business on the undernoted Agenda.
Tea/coffee shall be available in the Members’ Suite after the meeting.
You are requested to attend.
DR THERESA DONALDSON Chief Executive Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council
Agenda
1 Apologies
2 Declarations of Interest
3 Minutes – Meeting of Corporate Services Committee held on 14th March 2017 (Copy Attached)
4 Report from Director of Corporate Services
1 Report of Head of Central Support Services • Armed Forces Day – Saturday 24th June 2017 Flying of Specially Commissioned Armed Forces Day Flag at Lagan Valley Island – Week commencing Monday 19th June 2017 • National Malaya & Borneo Veterans Association (NI Branch) Professor Pantridge Memorial - Ceremony • Regimental Association of the Ulster Defence Regiment CGC 45th Anniversary of Formation of WUDR (Greenfinches) Celebratory Event – Saturday 6th October 2018 • Contracts for the Supply & Delivery of Corporate Stationery • Huntington’s Disease Association Northern Ireland “Lightitup4HD” - Monday 15th May 2017 Lighting up of Council Buildings in Blue/Purple • Policy Forum Seminar “The Future for Healthcare in Northern Ireland: Implementing the ‘Delivering Together’ Recommendations” 28th June 2017 – Belfast • Health Working Group - Minutes of Meeting held on 6th December 2016 • Health Working Group - Meeting held on 24th March 2017 - Decisions • Health Working Group - Meeting on 16th May 2017 • Band of the Royal Marines Beating Retreat – 13th May 2017 – Castle Gardens, Lisburn • Lisburn & Castlereagh Policing & Community Safety Partnership Schedule of Meetings
2 Report of Head of Finance & IT • Carry-Over of Revenue Budgets 2016/2017 • Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA) Consultation – “Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice and Cross-Sectoral Guidance Notes” (Closing Date: 21st April 2017) • Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA) Consultation – “The Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities” (Closing date: 21st April 2017) • Treasury Management Performance • Financial Statement
3 Report of Head of Human Resources & Organisation Development • Elected Member Development Steering Group
4 Report of Head of Marketing & Communications • Citywide • Digital Communications – Training for Elected Members & Officers • Projects undertaken by Marketing & Communications • Media Coverage
5 National Association of Councillors (NI Region) Annual Membership 2017/2018
6 Northern Ireland Water Water & Wastewater Sites – Open Days
7 Local Government Staff Commission for NI Continuance into 2017/2018 – Funding
8 Ulster Defence Regiment Memorial at Bradford Court - Relocation
9 Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland Draft Disability Action Plan 2017-2020 (Closing Date: 1st May 2017)
10 Co-Operation Ireland Conference – “Housing Delivery: An Integrated Approach through Local Government” Dunboyne Castle, County Meath - 27th April 2017
11 Ulster Special Constabulary Association (USCA) Memorial to rear of Bradford Court, Forestside
12 Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman Further Reduced Requirement & Refund
13 Queen’s University Belfast Vice-Chancellor’s Annual Report 2015-2016
5. Confidential Report from Director of Corporate Services
Confidential Business Report – Members are requested to go to the Confidential Section of the Corporate Services Committee folder on SharePoint to access information
1 Report of Head of Central Support Services (Confidential for reason of information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information) • Catering & Hospitality Services at Lagan Valley Island
2 Report of Head of Finance & IT (Confidential for reason of (i) information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information); and (ii) information which is likely to reveal the identity of individuals) • Hanwood Trust • Recovery of Off-Street Car Parking Debts • Insurance Report
3 Report of Head of Marketing & Communications (Confidential for reason of (i) information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information); and (ii) information relating to individuals) • Tender for Provision of a Graphic Design Select List Framework • Freedom of Information
4 Report of Head of Human Resources & Organisation Development (Confidential for reason of information which is likely to reveal the identity of individuals; and (ii) information relating to any consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultations or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the Council or a Government Department and employees of, or office holders under, the Council) • Workplan for Implementation of Filling Posts in New Council Structures • Mechanism for monitoring Headcount • HR&OD Workforce Data • Council’s Joint Consultative & Negotiating Forum • Single Status Update: Appeals
6 Any other Business
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To: Members of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council CSC 14.03.2017
LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of Meeting of the Corporate Services Committee held in the Cherry Room, Island Civic Centre, The Island, Lisburn on Tuesday 14th March 2017 at 7.00 pm.
PRESENT: Councillor O Gawith (Chairman)
The Right Worshipful The Mayor Councillor R B Bloomfield, MBE
Aldermen J Dillon, D Drysdale, A Ewart, T Jeffers and W Leathem
Councillors T Beckett, S Carson, J Craig, A Ewing, A Grehan, B Hanvey, V Kamble, A McIntyre and B Mallon
OTHER MEMBER: Councillor J Palmer
IN ATTENDANCE: Acting Director of Corporate Services (Head of Marketing & Communications (Mrs C Bethel) Head of Central Support Services Head of Finance & IT Head of Human Resources & Organisation Development Member Services’ Officer
Commencement of Meeting
The Chairman, Councillor O Gawith, welcomed all present to the meeting and asked that any Member entering or leaving it alert him accordingly so that the Member Services’ Officer might accurately reflect arrival and departure times in the minutes.
1. Apologies
Apologies for non-attendance at the meeting were accepted and recorded on behalf of the Deputy Mayor, Alderman S Martin; and the Director of Corporate Services.
The Chairman welcomed Mrs Claire Bethel (Head of Marketing & Communications) who was deputising for the Director.
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2. Declarations of Interest
The Chairman invited Members to declare any Interests they might have in relation to the business of the meeting and reminded them of the requirement that they complete Declaration of Interest forms in this regard which had been provided at the meeting.
The following Declarations of Interest were made:-
• Councillor A P Ewing - Item 2 of Report of Head of Central Support Services - “Northern Ireland Confederation of Health & Social Care – Conference – Belfast – 15th March 2017.” (Member of South Eastern Local Commissioning Group)
• Councillor O Gawith – Item 1 of Confidential Report of Head of Finance & IT – “Bad Debts Write-Off.” (Customer and acquaintance of one of those listed in report). Councillor Gawith indicated that he would vacate the Chair for this item of business which the Vice-Chairman, Councillor B Mallon, would conduct.
• Councillor J Palmer – Item 1 of Tabled Confidential Report of Head of Central Support Services – “Update on Portraits, Stained Glass Windows & Council Chamber at Bradford Court.” (Member of Ulster Special Constabulary Association)
3. Minutes of Meeting
It was proposed by Alderman A Ewart, seconded by Councillor A Ewing and agreed that the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on the 14th February 2017 as adopted by the Council at its Meeting held on the 28th February 2017 be confirmed and signed.
4. Reports of Director of Corporate Services
Presented by Acting Director of Corporate Services.
It was proposed by Councillor J Craig, seconded by Alderman J Dillon and agreed that the reports and recommendations of the Director of Corporate Services be adopted, subject to any decisions recorded below and other items noted:-
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4.1 Reports of Head of Central Support Services
Presented by Head of Central Support Services.
It was proposed by Councillor J Craig, seconded by Councillor S Carson and agreed that the reports and recommendations of the Head of Central Support Services be adopted, subject to any decisions recorded below and other items noted:-
4.1.1 Island Hall Events – Enhancements Provision of Large Screen Televisions
The Head of Service updated the Committee on activities undertaken in relation to the above arising from which it was agreed to recommend that:-
• the evaluation report of the promotional measures at Lagan Valley Island be noted;
• the new promotional video for screening in the Rotunda and Bar areas be shown for a further three months;
• updated results of Facility Management’s quarterly customer survey be reported to the Committee at the end of the three month period referred to above.
In addition to the above, the Head of Service advised that – earlier that day - she had met with a local firm who would screen information of a local nature within public areas of Lagan Valley Island. This would be progressed.
4.1.2 Northern Ireland Confederation of Health & Social Care Discussion Session – “Partnership & Co-Production in HSC Transformation – Starting As We Mean To Go On?” Wednesday 15th March 2017 HSCB Conference Room, Linenhall Street, Belfast
Members had been provided with details of the above event for which the cost of a Member’s attendance had been estimated at £46.70.
The Head of Service advised that all Members of the Health Working Group had been notified of this event on the 2nd March 2017 but that – to date – no Member had expressed an interest in attending.
No other interest in relation to attendance was expressed and it was therefore agreed that details of the conference be noted.
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4.1.3 Promotion of Lagan Valley Island along with Economic Development initiatives
Further to the meeting of Committee held on the 21st June 2016, it was agreed to recommend that information in relation to the promotion of Lagan Valley Island along with Economic Development initiatives be noted.
4.1.4 Health Working Group Meeting – 24th March 2017
Members noted that – following consultation with the Chairman, Councillor O Gawith – a meeting of the Health Working Group had been arranged for Friday 24th March 2017 at 2.30 pm.
4.1.5 Lisburn & Castlereagh Policing & Community Safety Partnership
(a) Minutes of Meetings
It was agreed to recommend that the minutes of the following meetings of the Lisburn & Castlereagh Policing & Community Safety Partnership be noted:-
• Meeting in Private held on the 20th September 2016 • Special Meeting in Private held on the 18th October 2016 • Meeting in Public held on the 18th October 2016 • Meeting in Public held on the 17th January 2017
(b) Schedule of Meetings
It was agreed to recommend that the schedule of forthcoming meetings of the Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP be noted.
The Head of Service verbally reported that the next meeting of the Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP was a public one being held in Ballinderry Church of Ireland Hall at 7.00 pm on Tuesday 21st March 2017.
Additional Report
4.1.6 Ulster Hospital Dundonald – New Inpatient Ward Block Preview Tour – Monday 20th March 2017 (2.30 pm – 3.30 pm)
The Head of Service reported receipt of an invitation from the Chairman & Chief Executive of the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust to the above preview tour.
The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Committee had been contacted in this regard with the Chairman wishing to attend but the Vice-Chairman unable to do so. Other members present were invited to indicate if they would wish to attend.
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4.1.6 Ulster Hospital Dundonald – New Inpatient Ward Block Preview Tour – Monday 20th March 2017 (2.30 pm – 3.30 pm) (Continued)
It was agreed to recommend that the attendance of the Chairman of the Committee, Councillor O Gawith; Alderman T Jeffers and Councillor B Hanvey at the preview tour of the new Inpatient Ward Block at the Ulster Hospital Dundonald on the 20th March 2017 be approved.
4.1.7 Lagan Valley Island - Site Works Update
Further to the report to the Committee on the 10th November 2015, it was agreed to recommend that the update on site works at Lagan Valley Island (due to commence week commencing 13th March 2017) in relation to safety and access issues be noted.
4.2 Report of Head of Finance & IT
Presented by Head of Finance & IT.
It was agreed that the report and recommendations of the Head of Finance & IT be adopted, subject to any decisions recorded below and other items noted:-
4.2.1 Accounting Manual
The Head of Finance reported that – since its publication to SharePoint on the 9th March 2017 – she had agreed with the Chairman that the above should be considered as a confidential item due to financially sensitive information contained therein and, accordingly, the Accounting Manuals had been moved to the confidential folder in SharePoint earlier that day. The Head of Finance apologised for any confusion this may have caused.
It was agreed that the Accounting Manuals be discussed under the Confidential Report.
4.2.2 Financial Statement Period ended the 31st January 2017
It was noted that the net profiled expenditure for the period ended the 31st January 2017 was 8.00% below the approved estimates for the financial year 2016/2017.
5. Confidential Reports of Director of Corporate Services
The Acting Director sought agreement to bring forward the Director’s confidential reports so as to allow the Heads of Service to leave the meeting once their reports had been considered. This was agreed.
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5. Confidential Reports of Director of Corporate Services (Continued)
The Chairman advised that:-
• the report of the Head of Finance & IT was confidential for reason of information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information);
• the tabled report of the Head of Central Support Services was confidential for reason of information which (i) which was likely to reveal the identity of individuals and (ii) relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information);
• the report of the Head of HR & Organisation Development was confidential for reason of information (i) about individuals and (ii) which was likely to reveal the identity of individuals;
• the report of the Director was confidential for reason of information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).
It was proposed by Councillor B Mallon, seconded by Councillor A McIntyre and agreed that the confidential reports of the Director of Corporate Services be considered “in Committee”, in the absence of members of the press and public being present.
5.1 Confidential Report of Head of Finance & IT
Presented by the Head of Finance & IT.
It was proposed by Councillor A Ewing, seconded by Alderman J Dillon and agreed that the confidential report and recommendation of the Head of Finance & IT be adopted, subject to any decisions recorded below and other items noted:-
5.1.1 Bad Debts Write-Off
The Chairman of the Committee, Councillor O Gawith, vacated the Chair for this item of business and the business before the Committee was conducted by the Vice-Chairman of the Committee, Councillor B Mallon.
It was proposed by Councillor J Craig, seconded by Alderman J Dillon and agreed to recommend that - in accordance with the Accounting Manual - the three Bad Debts as listed in the Head of Finance’s report be written off.
The Vice-Chairman, Councillor B Mallon, vacated the Chair. The Chairman, Councillor O Gawith, took the Chair and conducted the remainder of the business before the Committee.
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5.1.2 Accounting Manuals
As agreed earlier in the meeting, the above item was being treated as Confidential.
The Head of Service gave a verbal summary of the revisions to the Accounting Manuals since their initial publication. In addition to the revision of a number of procedures, many of the other revisions were to remove ambiguities and to streamline the manuals’ content. The Head of Service responded to a number of questions in this regard.
It was agreed to recommend that Volumes 1 and 2 of the Accounting Manual - duly revised since their initial publication - be accepted.
The Head of Finance & IT left the meeting. (7.20 pm)
5.2 Tabled Confidential Report of Head of Central Support Services
It was proposed by Councillor S Carson, seconded by Councillor J Craig and agreed that the confidential report and recommendation of the Head of Central Support Services be adopted, subject to any decisions recorded below and other items noted:-
5.2.1 Update on Portraits, Stained Glass Windows & Council Chamber at Bradford Court
It was agreed to recommend that:-
• the update on the above matter and the proposals contained therein be noted;
• the matter of furniture be progressed as outlined in the report.
In regard to a number of memorials in Castlereagh:-
• the Head of Service confirmed that the Director was dealing with the future of the UDR Memorial currently located within the Castlereagh area and that a progress report would be made to the Committee in due course;
• Councillor J Palmer advised that the Ulster Special Constabulary Association would be contacting the Council with regard to the relocation to Lisburn of their memorial plaque which was currently located in the Castlereagh area.
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5.2.2 Catering
It was agreed to recommend that the progress report in respect of the above contract be noted with a tender evaluation report being submitted to the next meeting of the Committee.
Item reported Verbally
5.2.3 Armed Forces Covenant – Civic Reception
The Head of Service sought approval for any expenditure that might be incurred in relation to a small civic reception for the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant. A working group through Leisure Services was dealing with the Armed Forces Covenant.
It was proposed by Alderman W Leathem, seconded by Councillor B Mallon and agreed to recommend that any expenditure that might be incurred in relation to a small civic reception for the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant be approved.
Alderman W Leathem and the Head of Central Support Services left the meeting. (7.30 pm)
5.3 Confidential Report of Head of Human Resources & Organisation Development
Presented by the Head of Human Resources & Organisation Development.
It was proposed by Councillor A Ewing, seconded by Councillor A McIntyre and agreed that the confidential report and recommendations of the Head of Human Resources & Organisation Development be adopted, subject to any decisions recorded below and other items noted:-
5.3.1 Organisation Design & Severance
It was proposed by Councillor A McIntyre, seconded by Councillor S Carson and agreed to recommend that the cost of release of the Assistant Director Leisure Services (LCC) and the Lead Head of Planning and Building Control from the Council’s employ be noted and that the request to extend the two posts on a month to month basis with a final release date of 30th June 2017 be acceded to.
Alderman W Leathem re-entered the meeting. (7.32 pm)
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5.3.2 Hosting of the Local Government Training Group
Further to the meeting of Committee on the 13th December 2016, it was agreed to recommend that the Council’s hosting of the Local Government Training Group service commencing the 1st April 2017 be accepted.
5.3.3 HR & OD Workforce Data
It was agreed to recommend that reports in respect of the following be noted, such reports being in accordance with the Council’s Strategic Workforce Plan 2015-2017:-
• Workforce Profile – Headcount, Contract (permanent/fixed term/full- time/part-time) and Agency Workers • Absence – Days lost per employee and percentage across the Council (includes “Total absence days per month”) • Long Term Absence – Employees absent due to long term sickness (over 12 weeks) • Recruitment – Internal trawls and open competition.
5.3.4 Single Status Update: Appeals
It was agreed to recommend that the progress report in respect of the number of job evaluation appeals outstanding from the former Councils’ Single Status process and the percentages of appeals both successful and unsuccessful be noted.
The Head of Service made a verbal report in relation to the anticipated completion date of this exercise.
The Head of Human Resources & Organisation Development left the meeting. (7.25 pm)
5.4 Land Adjacent to 42 Main Street, Moira – Purchase
Presented by Acting Director of Corporate Services.
It was proposed by Alderman J Dillon, seconded by Councillor B Mallon and agreed to recommend that the purchase of land adjacent to 42 Main Street, Moira – as recommended by the Environmental Services Committee on the 8th March 2017 - be progressed by Corporate Services, the Land & Property Services’ valuation for the land being as set out in the report.
It was proposed by Alderman A Ewart, seconded by Councillor A McIntyre and agreed to come “out of Committee” and normal business was resumed.
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6. Reports of Director of Corporate Services (Continued)
6.1 William Keown Trust Request for Funding
Members had been provided with a copy of a letter from the William Keown Trust regarding the future sustainability of that organisation following the death of the founder, William Keown MBE, in March 2015. A proposal document from the Trust in regards to funding and sustainability had also been provided.
At its meeting held on the 14th February 2017, the Committee had deferred consideration of this request so as to allow for:-
• an update from the William Keown Trust further to the meeting of SOLACE on the 3rd February 2017 when the Proposal Document was to have been considered;
• an examination of the Council’s policy on requests for financial assistance.
In this regard Members had been provided with a copy of the Council’s policy on requests for financial assistance. The policy allowed for the Committee to consider “whether or not there might be an exceptional factor which could merit financial assistance being awarded.”.
The Acting Director made a verbal report in relation to information which had been received earlier that day from the William Keown Trust regarding indications from other Councils and SOLACE about their support to the Trust.
It was proposed by Alderman W Leathem, seconded by Councillor A Grehan and agreed to recommend that that the request from the William Keown Trust for financial assistance of £1,500.00 so as to ensure the continuity of the various William Keown Trust awards across Northern Ireland be acceded to with any future requests from the Trust for funding being considered on receipt thereof.
In arriving at this decision, the Committee had considered that exceptional factors had merited financial assistance, ie the Trust had received support from the legacy councils and - as set out in the Proposal Document - a number of recipients of the awards both on an individual basis and also for access to buildings had been from within the Council area.
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6.2 Scheme of Allowances payable to Councillors 1st April 2017 – 31st March 2018
It was agreed to recommend that:-
• the revised rates for Dependants’ Carers’ Allowance and motorcycle rates applicable from 1st April 2017 be accepted and applied from that date;
• Circular LG 03/2017 dated the 15th February 2017 from the Local Government Policy Division of the Department for Communities which consolidated all Councillor allowances be noted;
• the Council’s updated Scheme of Allowances payable to Councillors for the period 1st April 2017 – 31st March 2018 be approved subject to a revision of Sections 3.3 and 4.3 thereof which referred to the situation whereby a Councillor may be a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, as this situation was not permitted.
6.3 Northern Ireland Audit Office National Fraud Initiative 2016/2017 – Fees
It was agreed to recommend that the invoice from the Northern Ireland Audit Office in the sum of £1,201.00 by way of fees for the National Fraud Initiative 2016/2017 exercise be paid.
6.4 Nuclear Free Local Authorities All Ireland Forum Conference – “Brexit, RHI & Mayors for Peace: Issues for Local Authorities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland” 24th March 2017 - Council Offices, O’Hagan House, Newry
Members had been provided with details of the above conference for which there was no fee.
It was proposed by Alderman A Ewart, seconded by Alderman D Drysdale and agreed to recommend that no nominations be made to the above conference.
6.5 Chief Executives’ Forum - Seminar “How Can We Make a Difference on Poverty” 5th April 2017 (10.00 am – 12 noon) - Clifton House, Belfast
Members had been provided with details of the above seminar for which there was no fee.
The Acting Director verbally reported that the Chief Executive was not available to attend the seminar and as CEF events were for Chief Executives and not Elected Members, it was agreed to recommend that details of the seminar be noted.
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6.6 Northern Ireland Local Government Association Conference – “Foundations for Innovation: Towards Digital Local Government” 25th April 2017 - Craigavon Civic Centre
Members had been provided with details of the above conference for which there was no fee.
No Member expressed an interest in attending and, accordingly, it was agreed to recommend that details of the above conference be noted.
6.7 Health & Social Care Business Services Organisation Consultation – “Draft Gender Identity & Expression Employment Policy” (Closing Date: 29th March 2017)
The above consultation document was available at http://www.hscbusiness.hscni.net/2781.htm.
Members noted the comments of the Equality Officer on the consultation document. Also provided was a copy of the pro-forma response form duly completed in draft form.
It was agreed to recommend that the completed pro forma be accepted as the Council’s response to the above consultation and that it be submitted to the Health & Social Care Business Services Organisation by the stipulated closing date.
6.8 La Mon Firebomb – 17th February 1978 40th Anniversary
Members were reminded of the decision of the Council at its meeting held on the 28th February 2017 that the undernoted matters be referred to the Corporate Services Committee for consideration:-
• a suitable manner by which to mark the 40th anniversary of the La Mon Firebomb atrocity which took place on the 17th February 1978 (La Mon Hotel having been within Castlereagh Borough Council’s jurisdiction at that time);
• the re-establishment of the La Mon Bursary which had operated under Castlereagh Borough Council and which could now serve as a lasting memorial in the local area and also across Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council whose jurisdiction the La Mon Hotel now comes under.
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6.8 La Mon Firebomb – 17th February 1978 40th Anniversary (Continued)
It was agreed to recommend that:-
• at all times acknowledging the sensitive nature of this matter, the families – where at all possible - of those innocent persons affected by the La Mon firebomb be contacted to ascertain their views as to a suitable manner which they could accept to mark the 40th anniversary of the atrocity, a potentially suitable manner being at the time of the rededication of those stained-glass windows which were being relocated from Bradford Court to Lagan Valley Island;
• a decision in respect of the re-establishment of the La Mon Bursary be deferred to allow for investigations as to the current status of that bursary.
6.9 Northern Ireland Water Tour of Customer Relations Centre, 3 Upper Queen Street, Belfast Wednesday 22nd March 2017 (10.30 am – 12.30 pm)
Members had been provided with a copy of an e-mail dated the 2nd March 2017 from NI Water in relation to the above tour.
It was agreed to recommend that any Member who might wish to participate in the tour of NI Water’s Customer Relations Centre on the 22nd March 2017 commencing at 10.30 am notify Members’ Services accordingly so that NI Water might be advised.
6.10 Maghaberry Post Office Relocation from 19a Maghaberry Road, Moira to Spar, 23 Maghaberry Road, Moira (Closing date of consultation: 19th April 2017)
Members had been provided with a copy of a letter dated the 2nd March 2017 from the Post Office regarding the relocation of Maghaberry Post Office from 19A Maghaberry Road, Moira to Spar, 23 Maghaberry Road, Moira as from the 31st March 2017.
Although the decision had already been taken to move Maghaberry Post Office, the public consultation was still taking place to obtain views of the services being provided.
Members offered no comments on the relocation and, accordingly, it was agreed to recommend that the content of the above correspondence be noted.
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6.11 Derry City & Strabane District Council/Donegal County Council “Challenges & Opportunities of Brexit for the North West City Region”
It was agreed to recommend that an e-mail dated the 16th February 2017 from the Chief Executives of Derry City & Strabane District Council and of Donegal County Council regarding a joint publication entitled “Initial Analysis of the Challenges and Opportunities of Brexit for the Derry City & Strabane and Donegal County Council area – The North West City Region” be noted. The publication was available at the meeting and could also be accessed at http://www.derrystrabane.com/Subsites/Strategic-Growth/Publications.
6.12 Northern Ireland Courts & Tribunals Service Increase in Court Fees from the 1st April 2017
It was agreed to recommend that a letter dated the 9th February 2017 from the Northern Ireland Courts & Tribunals Service regarding an increase in court fees by 10% as from the 1st April 2017; by a further 7.5% from the 1st April 2018 and by 5% from the 1st April 2019 be noted.
The new fees were available at http://www.courtsni.gov.uk/en- GB/Services/CourtFees/Pages/CourtFees.aspx.
Additional Report
6.13 Report of Head of Central Support Services
Dealt with at 4.1.6 and 4.1.7.
6.14 National Association of Councillors (NI Region) Annual Membership 2017/2018
Members had been provided with copy of an invoice in the sum of £3,200.00 from the National Association of Councillors (Northern Ireland Region) by way of the Council’s membership of that organisation for 2017/2018.
It was agreed to recommend that:-
• payment of the above invoice be deferred pending the receipt of information from the National Association of Councillors and the other Councils as to any Councils which might be considering the current status of their membership of the NAC;
• a further report be made to the next meeting of Committee.
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6.15 Co-Operation Ireland “Amazing the Space” Peace-Building Initiative Request for Letter of Support
Members had been provided with a copy of an e-mail dated the 10th March 2017 from Co-Operation Ireland referring to its “Amazing the Space” peace- building initiative which had been held at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Maze Long Kesh on the 21st September 2016. 5,000 young people from across Northern Ireland had participated in the event as well as contributions from other young people across the word.
In order to continue the work of the initiative, Co-Operation Ireland was seeking funding from the Northern Ireland Executive and – to this end – was seeking from the Council, a letter of support for the initiative which it would submit with its application for funding. The closing date for the application for funding is the 20th March 2017.
The Acting Director verbally reported that the Head of Culture and Community Services had advised that this initiative would be one which his department would recommend for support.
It was proposed by Councillor B Mallon, seconded by Councillor A Grehan and agreed to recommend that a request from Co-Operation Ireland for a letter of support from the Council in respect of the “Amazing the Space” initiative be acceded to and that the letter of support be submitted to Co-Operation Ireland so as to allow for its inclusion with their application for funding, the closing date for which being the 20th March 2017.
7. Confidential Report of Director of Corporate Services
Dealt with at Item 5.
8. Any Other Business
There was no other business.
There being no further business, the meeting terminated at 8.03 pm.
______MAYOR/CHAIRMAN
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LISBURN AND CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE – 11TH APRIL 2017
REPORT BY DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE SERVICES
PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND
The purpose of this report is to set out for Members’ consideration, a number of recommendations relating to the operation of the Council.
The following decisions are required:
To consider the report of the Head of Central Support Services.
To consider the report of the Head of Finance & IT.
To consider the report of the Head of Human Resources & Organisation Development.
To consider the report of the Head of Marketing & Communications.
To consider the payment of £3,200.00 to the National Association of Councillors (Northern Ireland Region) by way of the Council’s membership of that organisation for 2017/2018.
To approve the attendance of any Member at any of NI Water’s open days at its water and wastewater sites and to agree that that approved expenses be paid in this regard, the only such expenses being those in relation to travel as the open day visits are free of charge.
To note the decision of the Local Government Staff Commission not to waive the payment of the Council’s contribution to funding for 2017/2018. To receive a verbal update in relation to any developments arising from the SOLACE/LGSC discussions. To consider the payment to the Local Government Staff Commission in light of the further action taken by SOLACE and the direction from the Department.
To agree that, subject to the Church’s agreement, the Ulster Defence Regiment memorial be moved to Westbourne Presbyterian Church, and be erected and re-dedicated at this location.
To agree that, subject to any comments which the Committee may wish to make, the response of the Equality Officer in respect of the Draft Disability Action Plan 2017-2020 of the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland be noted and that the recommendations be accepted as the Council’s response thereto and be submitted to the Commission by the stipulated closing date.
To consider nominations to Co-Operation Ireland’s conference entitled “Housing Delivery: An Integrated Approach through Local Government” being held in Dunboyne Castle, County Meath on the 27th April 2017.
To note the information provided to the Ulster Special Constabulary Association in respect of its memorial at Bradford Court.
To note a refund to the Council in respect of a further reduced requirement to fund the operation of the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman.
To note the receipt of the 2015/2016 annual report of the Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast.
ITEMS FOR DECISION
1. REPORT OF HEAD OF CENTRAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Attached at Appendix 1 DCS is a report from the Head of Central Support Services in respect of items under her remit.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the report of the Head of Central Support Services be considered.
2. REPORT OF HEAD OF FINANCE & IT
Attached at Appendix 2 DCS is a report from the Head of Finance & IT in respect of items under her remit.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the report of the Head of Finance & IT be considered.
3. REPORT OF HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES & ORGANISATION DEVELOPMENT
Attached at Appendix 3 DCS is a report from the Head of Human Resources & Organisation Development in respect of items under her remit.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the report of the Head of Human Resources & Organisation Development be considered.
4. REPORT OF HEAD OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Attached at Appendix 4 DCS is a report from the Head of Marketing & Communications in respect of items under their remit.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the report of the Head of Marketing & Communications be considered.
5. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNCILLORS (NI REGION) ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP 2017/2018
I refer to the previous meeting of the Committee at which an invoice in the sum of £3,200.00 from the National Association of Councillors (Northern Ireland Region) by way of the Council’s membership of that organisation for 2017/2018 was presented for payment.
The Committee agreed that:-
• payment of the above invoice be deferred pending the receipt of information from the National Association of Councillors and the other Councils as to any Councils which might be considering the current status of their membership of the NAC;
• a further report be made to the next meeting of Committee.
I can advise that the NAC and all the other NI councils (10) were contacted to ascertain the current status of their membership or otherwise. To date five councils have replied and they have all agreed to renew their NAC membership for 2017/2018. Two further councils do not anticipate any issues with the renewal of their membership with one pointing out that their payment has yet to go through the due process for such a payment to be made. Any further responses shall be reported at the meeting.
The NAC itself is unaware of any council that is considering its membership or otherwise of that organisation. All 11 councils took out membership in 2016/2017 and at that time, the NAC was not aware of a council having given consideration to its membership or otherwise.
Recommendation
It is recommended that payment of £3,200.00 to the National Association of Councillors (Northern Ireland Region) by way of the Council’s membership of that organisation for 2017/2018 be considered.
6. NORTHERN IRELAND WATER WATER & WASTEWATER SITES – OPEN DAYS
Members will be aware that a tour of NI Water’s customer relations centre on the 22nd March 2017 was reported to the meeting of the Committee on the 14th March 2017. On the 16th March 2017, the Council was notified that the tour had been postponed.
No re-scheduled date for a tour of the Customer Relations Centre has been identified. However NI Water is holding open days at its water and wastewater sites. All Members were notified on the 16th March 2017 of dates for these open days. A further copy of the schedule of dates is attached at Appendix 5 DCS.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the attendance of any Member at any of NI Water’s open days at its water and wastewater sites be approved and that approved expenses be paid in this regard, the only such expenses being those in relation to travel as the open day visits are free of charge.
7. LOCAL GOVERNMENT STAFF COMMISSION FOR NI CONTINUANCE INTO 2017/2018 – FUNDING
I refer to the decisions of the Committee at its meeting held on the 14th February 2017 that:-
• given that the matter of the Dissolution Order of the Local Government Staff Commission not being in place by the 31st March 2017 rested with Central Government and could not be attributed to the Local Councils, the requirement for Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council to pay its portion of the total financial requirement of the LGSC in regard to its 2017/2018 Management & Dissolution Plan be contested;
• in the event of the above-mentioned contest not being successful, the calculated contribution of £29,834 be paid to the Local Government Staff Commission by way of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s contribution to the 2017/2018 Management & Dissolution Plan of the Commission, such funding being sourced from any underspend that may arise.
The payment was challenged. I now attach under Appendix 6 DCS a copy of a letter dated the 20th March 2017 from the Local Government Staff Commission advising that the Council’s challenge regarding the payment had been unsuccessful and that payment of £29,834 was still required.
I can also advise that a number of members of SOLACE (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives) are meeting with the Local Government Staff Commission to further discuss this matter. I shall report at the meeting in regard to any developments that may arise from these discussions.
7. LOCAL GOVERNMENT STAFF COMMISSION FOR NI CONTINUANCE INTO 2017/2018 – FUNDING (Continued)
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee:-
• notes the decision of the Local Government Staff Commission not to waive the payment of the Council’s contribution to funding for 2017/2018;
• receives a verbal update in relation to any developments arising from the SOLACE/LGSC discussions;
• considers the payment to the Local Government Staff Commission in light of the further action taken by SOLACE and the direction from the Department.
8. ULSTER DEFENCE REGIMENT MEMORIAL AT BRADFORD COURT - RELOCATION
I refer to the previous meeting of Committee at which an update in relation to the relocation of the UDR Memorial at Bradford Court was sought.
Members will be aware from the meeting of Committee on the 13th September 2016 that options for the relocation of the memorial to the Belfast Battalions of the Ulster Defence Regiment were to be explored with the Royal British Legion (Belfast) and the Trustees of the Royal Irish Regiment Museum.
I can advise that the R Irish Museum has offered to accept custody of the memorial, with a proposal to erect it in the foyer of the Regiment’s Welfare Apartments in Portrush, however as this is outside the Belfast area, contact has been made with several churches in East Belfast to see if they would accept the memorial. Currently a Presbyterian Church on the Newtownards Road (Westbourne Presbyterian Church whose minister is the Rev Mervyn Gibson) is due to view the memorial and it is recommended that:-
Recommendation
Subject to the Church’s agreement, the Ulster Defence Regiment memorial be moved to Westbourne Presbyterian Church, and be erected and re-dedicated at this location.
9. COMMISSIONER FOR OLDER PEOPLE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND DRAFT DISABILITY ACTION PLAN 2017-2020 (CLOSING DATE: 1ST MAY 2017)
Members are advised that the Draft Disability Action Plan 2017-2020 of the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland is out to consultation. The document shall be available at the meeting and can also be accessed at http://www.copni.org/news/copni-consults-on-draft-disability.html.
Attached at Appendix 7 DCS are the comments of the Equality Officer on the document.
9. COMMISSIONER FOR OLDER PEOPLE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND DRAFT DISABILITY ACTION PLAN 2017-2020 (CLOSING DATE: 1ST MAY 2017) (Continued)
The Equality Officer recommends that the Council responds as follows:-
• a general welcome for and support of the action measures contained within the Disability Action Plan; • point out that within these action measures there are a number of areas which would overlap with Councils’ remit and/or ongoing initiatives and that the Council would welcome an opportunity to discuss these with the Commissioner at some agreed future date. Recommendation
It is recommended that, subject to any comments which the Committee may wish to make, the response of the Equality Officer in respect of the Draft Disability Action Plan 2017-2020 of the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland be noted and that the recommendations be accepted as the Council’s response thereto and be submitted to the Commission by the stipulated closing date.
10. CO-OPERATION IRELAND CONFERENCE – “HOUSING DELIVERY: AN INTEGRATED APPROACH THROUGH LOCAL GOVERNMENT” DUNBOYNE CASTLE, COUNTY MEATH 27TH APRIL 2017
Attached at Appendix 8 DCS are details of the above seminar. The cost of a Member’s attendance has been estimated at £117.00.
Details of this seminar were reported to the Development Committee at its meeting held on the 5th April 2017 with a recommendation that its Chairman and Vice-Chairman be nominated to attend. I shall advise at the meeting of the Development Committee’s decision in this regard.
Recommendation
It is recommended that nominations to Co-Operation Ireland’s conference entitled “Housing Delivery: An Integrated Approach through Local Government” being held in Dunboyne Castle, County Meath on the 27th April 2017 be considered.
ITEMS FOR NOTING
11. ULSTER SPECIAL CONSTABULARY ASSOCIATION (USCA) MEMORIAL TO REAR OF BRADFORD COURT, FORESTSIDE
Attached hereto under Appendix 9 DCS is a copy of a letter dated the 20th March 2017 from the Ulster Special Constabulary Association (USCA) regarding its memorial which is situated to the rear of Bradford Court. The association has expressed the hope that the memorial could be located to Lisburn in the event of Bradford Court being disposed of.
Also attached at Appendix 10 DCS is a copy of my response dated the 23rd March 2017 from which it is to be noted that:-
• the memorial and surrounding area have been cleaned and tidied by the Council with the USCA agreeing to refurbish the gold lettering inscription;
• if a decision is taken to dispose of Bradford Court, the Council will give consideration to the relocation of the memorial to Lisburn – assuming that such a site can be agreed, and subject to the USCA meeting any costs involved;
• as the land on which the memorial is situated is outside the perimeter boundary of the Bradford Court site and is held by the USCA on a 10 year renewable lease which expires in 2025, the Association may wish to consider the relocation of the memorial;
• the Council will continue to maintain the ground around the memorial but any major maintenance of the memorial itself remains the responsibility of the USCA.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the information provided to the Ulster Special Constabulary Association in respect of its memorial at Bradford Court be noted.
12. NORTHERN IRELAND PUBLIC SERVICES OMBUDSMAN FURTHER REDUCED REQUIREMENT & REFUND
Attached hereto under Appendix 11 DCS is a copy of a letter dated the 4th April 2017 from the Department for Communities advising of a refund of £14,581 due to the Council in respect of a further reduced requirement to fund the operation of the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman.
Recommendation
It is recommended that a refund to the Council in respect of a further reduced requirement to fund the operation of the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman be noted.
13. QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY BELFAST VICE-CHANCELLOR’S ANNUAL REPORT 2015-2016
I wish to advise that the 2015/2016 annual report of the Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast has been received and will be available at the meeting for Members’ perusal.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the receipt of the 2015/2016 annual report of the Vice- Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast be noted.
ADRIAN DONALDSON MBE DL FCMI DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE SERVICES 6TH APRIL 2017 Appendix 1 DCS
LISBURN AND CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE – 11th APRIL 2017
REPORT BY HEAD OF CENTRAL SUPPORT SERVICES
PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND
The purpose of this report is to set out for Members’ consideration a number of recommendations relating to the operation of the Council.
The following decisions are required:
To agree that - as in previous years - the Armed Forces Day flag be hoisted (this year on Monday 19th June 2017) and that the Head of Central Support Services be delegated authority to incur expenditure associated with any appropriate reception for this event.
To consider the request from the Northern Ireland Branch of the National Malaya & Borneo Veterans Association for the Council to permit and host their annual Pantridge Ceremony at the Professor Pantridge Memorial, Lagan Valley Island, on Saturday 30th September 2017.
To consider the request from the Regimental Association of the Ulster Defence Regiment for an event to be held at Lagan Valley Island on the 6th October 2018 to mark the 45th anniversary of the WUDR (Greenfinches).
To consider the Contracts for the Supply & Delivery of Corporate Stationery.
To consider the request from the Huntington’s Disease Association Northern Ireland for the Council to light its offices in blue and/or purple on its global awareness day of Monday 15th May 2017.
To consider nominations to attend the Policy Forum Seminar entitled “The Future for Healthcare in Northern Ireland: Implementing the ‘Delivering Together’ Recommendations” being held in Belfast on the 28th June 2017.
To note the minutes of the meeting of the Health Working Group held on the 6th December 2016.
To endorse the decisions of the meeting of the Health Working Group held on the 24th March 2017 and to agree that the necessary actions in this regard proceed forthwith.
To note the date of the next meeting of the Health Working Group as Tuesday 16th May 2017 at 2.30 pm. To note the date of the Beating Retreat by the Band of the Royal Marines in Castle Gardens, Lisburn as being Saturday 13th May 2017.
To note the schedule of forthcoming meetings of the Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP.
ITEMS FOR DECISION
1. ARMED FORCES DAY – SATURDAY 24TH JUNE 2017 FLYING OF SPECIALLY COMMISSIONED ARMED FORCES DAY FLAG AT LAGAN VALLEY ISLAND – WEEK COMMENCING MONDAY 19TH JUNE 2017
I wish to advise the Committee that Armed Forces Day is on Saturday 24th June 2017 and that the flying of a specially commissioned Armed Forces Day flag at Lagan Valley Island would be from Monday 19th June 2017 for the duration of that week.
Recommendation
It is recommended that - as in previous years - the Armed Forces Day flag be hoisted (this year on Monday 19th June 2017) and that the Head of Central Support Services be delegated authority to incur expenditure associated with any appropriate reception for this event.
2. NATIONAL MALAYA & BORNEO VETERANS ASSOCIATION (NORTHERN IRELAND BRANCH) PROFESSOR PANTRIDGE MEMORIAL - CEREMONY
Members are advised that in recent years the Northern Ireland Branch of the National Malaya & Borneo Veterans Association has – on an annual basis usually in October - held a ceremony at the Professor Pantridge Memorial, Lagan Valley Island.
The association would wish for the Council to permit and host the event this year on Saturday 30th September 2017.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the request from the Northern Ireland Branch of the National Malaya & Borneo Veterans Association for the Council to permit and host their annual Pantridge Ceremony at the Professor Pantridge Memorial, Lagan Valley Island, on Saturday 30th September 2017 be considered.
3. REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION OF THE ULSTER DEFENCE REGIMENT CGC 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF FORMATION OF WUDR (GREENFINCHES) CELEBRATORY EVENT – SATURDAY 6TH OCTOBER 2018
Attached hereto under Appendix 1 CSS is a copy of a letter dated the 6th March 2017 from the Regimental Association of the Ulster Defence Regiment regarding the 45th anniversary in 2018 of the Women’s section of the UDR known as the Greenfinches.
The association hopes to hold a 45th anniversary event for the Greenfinches in the Island Centre on Saturday 6th Octobr 2018. The event will comprise a meal, entertainment and exhibition.
The Ulster Defence Regiment is a Freeman of the City of Lisburn and as such would enjoy a 30% discount on the use of LVI facilities for this event.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the request from the Regimental Association of the Ulster Defence Regiment for an event to be held at Lagan Valley Island on the 6th October 2018 to mark the 45th anniversary of the WUDR (Greenfinches) be considered.
4. CONTRACTS FOR THE SUPPLY & DELIVERY OF CORPORATE STATIONERY
I wish to advise that – at its meeting held on the 25th August 2015 – the Council noted that contracts for the supply and delivery of corporate stationery had been awarded to Minprint Limited of 401 Castlereagh Road, Belfast, BT5 6QP and The Pierce Partnership Limited of 17 Dargan Crescent, Duncrue Estate, Belfast, BT3 9RP.
There was an option within the contracts to extend them for a one year period and – at its meeting held on the 8th November 2016 - the Corporate Services Committee agreed to extend the contracts for that one year.
Given that the original contract would be due to expire pre August 2017, it may be appropriate for these contracts to be considered, the original contract for which being due to expire pre August 2017.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Contracts for the Supply & Delivery of Corporate Stationery be considered.
5. HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE ASSOCIATION NORTHERN IRELAND “LIGHTITUP4HD” - MONDAY 15TH MAY 2017 LIGHTING UP OF COUNCIL BUILDINGS IN BLUE/PURPLE
Attached under Appendix 2 CSS is a copy of an e-mail dated the 3rd April 2017 from the Huntington’s Disease Association Northern Ireland asking that the Council considers lighting its offices in blue (HD) and/or purple (Juvenile HD) on its global awareness day of Monday 15th May 2017. An attendant leaflet about Huntington’s Disease is attached at Appendix 3 CSS. A flyer about the global awareness day is attached under Appendix 4 CSS.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the request from the Huntington’s Disease Association Northern Ireland for the Council to light its offices in blue and/or purple on its global awareness day of Monday 15th May 2017 be considered.
6. POLICY FORUM SEMINAR “THE FUTURE FOR HEALTHCARE IN NORTHERN IRELAND: IMPLEMENTING THE ‘DELIVERING TOGETHER’ RECOMMENDATIONS” 28TH JUNE 2017 – BELFAST
Attached hereto under Appendix 5 CSS are details of the above conference. The cost of a Member’s attendance has been estimated at £221.70.
Recommendation
It is recommended that nominations to attend the Policy Forum Seminar entitled “The Future for Healthcare in Northern Ireland: Implementing the ‘Delivering Together’ Recommendations” being held in Belfast on the 28th June 2017 be considered.
7. HEALTH WORKING GROUP
7.1 Minutes of Meeting – 6th December 2016
Attached hereto under Appendix 6 CSS are the minutes of the meeting of the Health Working Group held on the 6th December 2016.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the minutes of the meeting of the Health Working Group held on the 6th December 2016 be noted.
7. HEALTH WORKING GROUP (Continued)
7.2 Meeting held on 24th March 2017 - Decisions
I wish to advise that a meeting of the Health Working Group took place on the 24th March 2017 and that the following decisions were taken. In order for action on these decisions to proceed, ratification thereof is required:-
(a) Department of Health Consultation on the Reformed IFR (Individual Funding Request) Policy Document and Guide for Patients & Service Users (Closing Date: 7th April 2017)
To endorse the decision that – by way of a response to the above consultation document, the Department of Health be advised that the Council would wish to state that any option that would make the process under consideration more transparent was to be welcomed. To retrospectively endorse the decision having been actioned, given the closing date for the receipt of comments.
(b) Northern Ireland Confederation of Health & Social Care Discussion Session – “Elective Care Plan – Transformation & Reform of Elective Care Services” 12th April 2017 (4.00 pm – 6.00 pm) BT Tower, Lanyon Place, Belfast
To endorse the decision that Councillor V Kamble be nominated to attend the above conference, that the appropriate arrangements be made for this attendance and that the Council be responsible for the payment of approved expenses. To retrospectively endorse the making of arrangements for this attendance given the close proximity of the date of the conference to that of the Corporate Services Committee.
(c) Health & Social Care – Business Services Organisation HSC Procurement Awareness Event for Social Care & Health Care Providers Lagan Valley Island – 5th May 2017 (10.00 am – 1.00 pm)
To endorse the decision to note correspondence in respect of the above and that no nominations be made for attendance at the awareness event.
(d) Regulation & Quality Improvement Authority - Presentation to Committee
To endorse the decision that the Regulation & Quality Improvement Authority be received at the next meeting of the Health Working Group which would be convened in advance of the AGM of the Council.
(e) Regulation & Quality Improvement Authority Draft Corporate Strategy 2017-2021 (Extended closing date: 27th March 2017)
To endorse the decision that the content of the above consultation document be noted.
7. HEALTH WORKING GROUP (Continued)
7.2 Meeting held on 24th March 2017 – Decisions (Continued)
(f) Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland
To endorse the decisions that:-
• the letter dated the 13th December 2016 from Autism Initiatives NI about the activities of that organisation be noted;
• Autism Initiatives NI be invited to address a future meeting of the Working Group in relation to the objectives, activities etc of their organisation;
• in making their presentation – Autism Initiatives NI be asked to comment on – at times - a perceived diagnosis of Autism by a non-medical person was too quickly assigned to a child whose behaviour might just be that of a highly energetic inquisitive child as opposed to one being on the autism spectrum.
(g) Ulster Hospital Dundonald – Level of Cover in New Wards
To endorse the decision that clarification would be sought from the SE Trust officials at their next consultative meeting with the Health Working Group about 34 staff being on duty at any one time in the new Ulster Hospital wards, 24/7.
(h) UNISON - Request to address Health Working Group
To endorse the decision that an invitation be extended to Ms Fiona Jess, the UNISON Joint Branch Secretary (Lisburn), to address the next meeting of the Health Working Group in relation to UNISON’s experience of the health care service at the Lagan Valley Hospital.
(i) Suicide Awareness Training
To endorse the decision that a progress report on Suicide Awareness Training be presented to the Working Group at each meeting.
(j) Tullycarnet Community Hubs & Facilities
To endorse the decision that the Community Planning Manager provide Councillor A Girvin with contact details for her relevant colleagues in the Belfast and South Eastern Health & Social Care Trusts to whom Councillor Girvin could speak on the above matter.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the decisions of the Health Working Group at its meeting held on the 24th March 2017 be endorsed and that the necessary actions in this regard proceed forthwith.
7. HEALTH WORKING GROUP (Continued)
7.3 Meeting of Health Working Group – 16th May 2017
It is to be noted that – following consultation with the Chairman of the Health Working Group, Councillor O Gawith, the next meeting of the Health Working Group has been arranged for Tuesday 16th May 2017 at 2.30 pm.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the date of the next meeting of the Health Working Group be noted as Tuesday 16th May 2017 at 2.30 pm.
ITEMS FOR NOTING
8. BAND OF THE ROYAL MARINES BEATING RETREAT – 13TH MAY 2017 – CASTLE GARDENS, LISBURN
Further to the meeting of Committee on the 14th February 2017, Members are advised that the Beating Retreat by the Band of the Royal Marines in Castle Gardens, Lisburn is taking place on Saturday 13th May 2017.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the date of the Beating Retreat by the Band of the Royal Marines in Castle Gardens, Lisburn be noted as Saturday 13th May 2017.
9. LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH POLICING & COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP – SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS
Attached hereto under Appendix 7 CSS is a schedule of forthcoming meetings of the Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP, including detail of venue.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the schedule of forthcoming meetings of the Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP be noted.
CARMEL CONNOLLY HEAD OF CENTRAL SUPPORT SERVICES 6TH APRIL 2017 Appendix 1 CSS
THE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION of THE ULSTER DEFENCE REGIMENT CGC
Email: [email protected]
07968597108
GF/45/2018
6th March 2017
Mr Jim Rose Director of Leisure & Community Services Lisburn & Castlereagh Council Civic Headquarters Lagan Valley Island Centre Lisburn BT27 4RL
Dear Jim Re: 45th Anniversary of Formation of WUDR (Greenfinches) You may recall in 2013 we held a 40th Anniversary event for the WUDR which was very kindly facilitated by yourselves. We are looking at organising a 45th anniversary event in 2018 and respectfully request to return to the Island Centre with Lisburn being the home of the formation of the UDR. We are looking at a Saturday night late September or early October 2018 with preferred date of Saturday 6th October 2018, with an event similar to the previous night, which consisted of a meal, entertainment and exhibition. We trust you will consider our request at your earliest convenience, and once venue is confirmed planning can begin. Yours sincerely
Yvonne
Y A Mulholland BEM Appendix 2 CSS
From: Sorcha McGuinness
Dear elected representative,
We support some of the most socially isolated families in Northern Ireland who are impacted by Huntingtons Disease, a rare genetic terminal brain disease that effects hundreds of people across the province. See attached for more information.
As part of a global effort to raise awareness about the condition we will be taking part in #LightItUp4HD on Monday May 15th. Our associates throughout the United States, Canade, Australasia, Europe and closer to home in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland have all sought out landmarks to take part.
We are asking you to consider what buildings or monuments in your constituency could be illuminated in blue/purple to help shine a light on HD and tackle the stigma that affects families. They may already have the capacity for coloured lighting or could have a cheap temporary blue/purple filter placed on existing lights.
This small gesture could really make a huge difference and show solidarity to the families affected.
Please get in touch asap if you can help.
Kind Regards
Sorcha
Sorcha McGuinness Chief Executive
Huntingtons Disease Association Northern Ireland 53 Andersonstown Road Belfast BT11 9AG
Tel: 079 8284 3907 Web: http://www.hdani.org.uk/ Appendix 3 CSS
Facts about Huntingtons Disease
What is HD? HD is described as a ‘neuro-degenerative’ disorder as it damages or kills the neurons in the brain due to a faulty gene.
How do you get it? HD is a genetic disease. Every child of an affected parent has a 50% chance of inheriting the gene mutation which causes the disease.
Is there a test? A blood test is used and if tested positive, the individual will develop the disease at some point. Testing is available for free via the Regional Genetics Centre in Belfast which also provides genetic counselling.
Who does it affect? HD affects males and females equally and around 200 people currently live with HD in Northern Ireland some with no symptoms yet.
When does it start? HD usually affects adults between the ages of 30-50 although in a minority of cases children and much older adults will be affected.
What does it do? HD causes progressive loss of control over thoughts, feelings, behaviour, movement, communication and swallow until the individual becomes dependent on the help of others. Life expectancy from onset is approximately 15-20 years.
Is there a cure? There is no cure yet and no treatment can slow the disease down instead different medications are used to help manage symptoms but sometimes these just make other symptoms worse. There is hope though as there are 15 clinical trials at present working on a cure.
What about care? As a ‘disease of families’ no family member is left untouched because if they do not have symptoms themselves or have tested negative they are still affected by the emotional and practical implications of the disease on the family with many people having a caring role to play. Most HD sufferers in Northern Ireland are cared for at home by family members although many will require the assistance of home care workers, respite in care homes and eventually nursing home care. Is there help? There are different levels of medical support for patients depending where you live in Northern Ireland however HDANI provide non- medical support services right across the province.
We provide facilitated monthly support groups in Armagh, Omagh, Limavady and Belfast which are open to carers, patients and family members. We also have two part time support workers on hand to provide information, emotional and practical support to anyone impacted by the disease.
HDANI also provide opportunities to learn and connect as well as befriending and youth activities. Training and resources are also available for health and social care professionals as well as social media channels, an e-zine and website.
Who can I contact?
Call: 079 8284 3907 or 07921 513 561 (part time hours)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.hdani.org.uk
Facebook: search for Huntingtons Disease Association Northern Ireland
Twitter: @HDAssocNI
Appendix 4 CSS
Monday 15th May Join a global movement to raise awareness of Huntingtons Disease by lighting up in blue (HD) and/or purple (Juvenile HD) on Monday 15th May. We are asking public buildings, monuments, businesses, community spaces and homes to take part in a worldwide act of support and shine a light on this deadly brain disease which affects hundreds of families in Northern Ireland. HD affects men and women, usually between 30-50 years, and causes gradual loss of control over thoughts, feelings, movement, behaviour, communication and swallow. Every child born to a parent with HD has a 50% chance of developing the disease. Sometimes several generations and members of a family will have the disease at the same time. Patients and carers can be anxious, embarrassed and socially isolated because not many people understand the condition. Stop the stigma, increase understanding and Light It Up 4 HD! If you can help get in touch with the Huntingtons Disease Association Northern Ireland by email [email protected] or call 079 8284 3907. Appendix 5 CSS
Policy Forum for Northern Ireland Keynote Seminar The future for healthcare in Northern Ireland: implementing the Delivering Together recommendations
with Mark Taylor, Lead Clinician, Mater Hospital, Belfast; Secretary, Great Britain and Ireland Hepato Pancreato Biliary Association and Member, Transformation Implementation Group, Department of Health; Kieran Donnelly, Comptroller and Auditor General, Northern Ireland Audit Office and Professor Deirdre Heenan, Provost (Coleraine and Magee), Ulster University
and Colum Conway, Northern Ireland Social Care Council; Dr Laurence Dorman, Royal College of General Practitioners Northern Ireland; Janice Smyth, Royal College of Nursing, Northern Ireland; Dean Sullivan, Health and Social Care Board and Michelle Tennyson, Public Health Agency
Follow us @PolicyNI | This event is CPD certified
Morning, Wednesday, 28th June 2017 Belfast
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Dear Dr Donaldson
I am writing to ensure you don’t miss the above seminar if you are able to attend. Please note there is a charge for most delegates, although concessionary and complimentary places are available (subject to terms and conditions - see below).
This seminar will provide a timely opportunity to discuss implementation of the Department of Health’s 10-year plan for the reform of health and social care in Northern Ireland - Health and Wellness 2026 - Delivering Together - examining priorities and next steps for the Transformation Implementation Group.
Keynotes speakers at this seminar include Mark Taylor, Member, Department of Health Transformation Implementation Group; Kieran Donnelly, Comptroller and Auditor General, Northern Ireland Audit Office and Professor Deirdre Heenan, Provost (Coleraine and Magee), Ulster University. Delegates will discuss latest thinking on tackling key challenges facing the health service - including in emergency care and waiting lists - and assess the recent work of the Transformation Implementation Group on the first 12-month action plan, aimed at stabilisation, reconfiguration and transformation of services.
Further sessions assess priorities in primary, community and adult social care and for the integration of services.
The agenda also examines the Department’s proposals for the reform of structures and services within the health service, as well as the Workforce Strategy and HSC-wide Leadership Strategy - and next steps in primary, community and social care services.
The draft agenda is copied below my signature, and a regularly updated version is available to download here. The seminar is organised on the basis of strict impartiality by the Policy Forum for Northern Ireland. Follow us @PolicyNI for live updates.
Speakers
We are delighted to be able to include in this seminar keynote addresses from: Mark Taylor, Lead Clinician, Mater Hospital, Belfast; Secretary, Great Britain and Ireland Hepato Pancreato Biliary Association and Member, Transformation Implementation Group, Department of Health; Professor Deirdre Heenan, Provost (Coleraine and Magee), Ulster University and Kieran Donnelly, Comptroller and Auditor General, Northern Ireland Audit Office.
Further confirmed speakers include: Colum Conway, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Social Care Council; Dr Laurence Dorman, Deputy Chair, Royal College of General Practitioners Northern Ireland; Janice Smyth, Director, Royal College of Nursing, Northern Ireland; Dean Sullivan, Director of Commissioning, Health and Social Care Board and Michelle Tennyson, Assistant Director, Allied Health Professions & Personal and Public Involvement, Public Health Agency have also agreed to speak at this seminar.
Additional senior participants are being approached.
Networking
This seminar will present an opportunity to engage with key policymakers and other interested parties, and is CPD certified (more details). Places have been reserved by officials from the Northern Ireland Assembly; the Department of Health and the Department for Communities.
Also due to attend are representatives from Belfast Health and Social Care Trust; Boehringer Ingelheim; Bristol-Myers Squibb; British Red Cross; Cerner Ireland; Consilient Health; Ferring Pharmaceuticals; Four Seasons Health Care; Homecare Independent Living; IMPACT; IMS MAXIMS; NICS; Public Health Agency; Rainbow Gateway Club; RNIB; Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh; Specsavers; Ulster University; Vanguard Health Solutions; and Victims & Survivors Service Northern Ireland.
Overall, we expect speakers and attendees to be a senior and informed group numbering around 120, including Members of the Northern Ireland Assembly, senior government officials involved in this area of public policy, together with representatives from across the health and social care sector, private and third-sector health and social care providers, advocacy and patient groups, charities, academics and commentators, together with reporters from the national and trade press based in Northern Ireland and elsewhere.
Output and About Us
A key output of the seminar will be a transcript of the proceedings, sent out around 12 working days after the event to all attendees and a wider group of Ministers and officials in the Department of Health; as well as MLAs with a special interest in the subject. It will also be made available more widely. This document will include transcripts of all speeches and questions and answers sessions from the day, along with access to PowerPoint presentations, speakers’ biographies, an attendee list, an agenda, sponsor information, as well as any subsequent press coverage of the day and any articles or comment pieces submitted by delegates. It is made available subject to strict restrictions on public use, and is intended to provide timely information for interested parties who are unable to attend on the day.
All delegates will receive complimentary PDF copies and are invited to contribute to the content.
The Policy Forum for Northern Ireland is strictly impartial and cross-party. The Forum has no policy agenda of its own.
Booking arrangements
To book places, please use our online booking form.
Once submitted, this will be taken as a confirmed booking and will be subject to our terms and conditions below.
Please pay in advance by credit card on 01344 864796. If advance credit card payment is not possible, please let me know and we may be able to make other arrangements.
Options and charges are as follows: • Places at The future for healthcare in Northern Ireland: implementing the Delivering Together recommendations (including refreshments and PDF copy of the transcripts) are £210 plus VAT; • Concessionary rate places for small charities, unfunded individuals and those in similar circumstances are £80 plus VAT. Please be sure to apply for this at the time of booking.
For those who cannot attend: • Copies of the briefing document, including full transcripts of all speeches and the questions and comments sessions and further articles from interested parties, will be available approximately 12 days after the event for £95 plus VAT; • Concessionary rate: £50 plus VAT.
If you find the charge for places a barrier to attending, please let me know as concessionary and complimentary places are made available in certain circumstances (but do be advised that this typically applies to individual service users or carers or the like who are not supported by or part of an organisation, full-time students, people between jobs or who are fully retired with no paid work, and representatives of small charities - not businesses, individuals funded by an organisation, or larger charities/not-for-profit companies). Please note terms and conditions below (including cancellation charges).
I do hope that you will be able to join us for what promises to be a most useful morning, and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely
Sean
Sean Cudmore Deputy Editor, Policy Forum for Northern Ireland
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FINANCIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS: The delegate fee includes copies of the presentations via PDF and refreshments. Cancellation policy is as follows: (1) cancellations 14 or more days before the event: £70+VAT cancellation fee per delegate; (2) cancellations less than 14 days before the event: no refunds. Cancellations must be notified in writing to the Policy Forum for Northern Ireland. No charge will be made for replacement delegates. Transfer of any confirmed booking between events is not possible. The organisers reserve the right to alter the programme and change the speakers without prior notice. The Policy Forum for Northern Ireland is unable to grant extended credit and therefore must request that full payment be made within 30 days from the date of invoice. Should payment not be received within 30 days from the date of invoice, the Policy Forum for Northern Ireland will apply an administration charge of £40+VAT, likewise for payments made to our account in error.
Policy Forum for Northern Ireland Keynote Seminar The future for healthcare in Northern Ireland: implementing the Delivering Together recommendations Timing: Morning, Wednesday, 28th June 2017 Venue: Belfast
Draft agenda subject to change
8.30 - 9.00 Registration and coffee
9.00 - 9.05 Chair’s opening remarks Senior Member of the Legislative Assembly
9.05 - 9.15 Implementing Delivering Together in the context of current issues in health and social care Professor Deirdre Heenan, Provost (Coleraine and Magee), Ulster University
9.15 - 9.25 The financial burden of emergency hospital admissions Kieran Donnelly, Comptroller and Auditor General, Northern Ireland Audit Office
9.25 - 9.45 Questions and comments from the floor
9.45 - 10.55 Addressing the challenges for reform: organisation, workforce and the commissioning of services Janice Smyth, Director, Royal College of Nursing, Northern Ireland Dean Sullivan, Director of Commissioning, Health and Social Care Board Senior representative, health and social care trust Senior representative, patients Senior representative, union Questions and comments from the floor
10.55 - 11.00 Chair’s closing remarks Senior Member of the Legislative Assembly
11.00 - 11.30 Coffee
11.30 - 11.35 Chair’s opening remarks Senior Member of the Legislative Assembly
11.35 - 12.25 Priorities for primary, community and adult social care Dr Laurence Dorman, Deputy Chair, Royal College of General Practitioners Northern Ireland Colum Conway, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Social Care Council Michelle Tennyson, Assistant Director, Allied Health Professions & Personal and Public Involvement, Public Health Agency Senior representative, community pharmacy Senior representative, health and social care trust Questions and comments from the floor
12.25 - 12.55 Implementing the Delivering Together recommendations Mark Taylor, Lead Clinician, Mater Hospital, Belfast; Secretary, Great Britain and Ireland Hepato Pancreato Biliary Association and Member, Transformation Implementation Group, Department of Health Questions and comments from the floor
12.55 - 13.00 Chair’s and Policy Forum for Northern Ireland closing remarks Senior Member of the Legislative Assembly Sean Cudmore, Deputy Editor, Policy Forum for Northern Ireland
Appendix 6 CSS Health Working Group 06.12.2016 LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL
Minutes of Meeting of the Health Working Group held in the Chestnut Room, Island Civic Centre, The Island, Lisburn on Tuesday 6th December 2016 at 3.30 pm.
PRESENT: Councillor O Gawith (Chairman)
Councillors A Girvin, B Hanvey, V Kamble, B Mallon and M Tolerton
IN ATTENDANCE: Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
Head of Central Support Services Community Planning Manager Committee Secretary
South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust
Ms Bria Mongan, Director of Adult Services & Prison Healthcare Mr Don Bradley, Assistant Director of Mental Health Ms Mandy Irvine, Head of Clinical Psychology and Psychological Therapies
The Chairman, Councillor O Gawith, welcomed all present to the meeting and asked that any Member entering or leaving it alert him accordingly so that the Committee Secretary might accurately reflect arrival and departure times in the minutes.
1. Apologies
Apologies for non-attendance at the meeting were accepted and recorded on behalf of The Right Worshipful The Mayor, Councillor R B Bloomfield MBE, Alderman M Henderson MBE, the Chief Executive and the Director of Corporate Services.
2. Declarations of Interest
The Chairman invited Members to declare any Interests they might have in relation to the business of the meeting and reminded them of the requirement that they complete Declaration of Interest forms in this regard which had been provided at the meeting.
1 Health Working Group 06.12.2016
2. Declarations of Interest (Continued)
The following Declaration of Interest was made during the course of the meeting:-
• Councillor B Mallon – Item 6 - Presentation by the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust on the Mental Health Service. (Policy Advisor for the British Psychological Society (NI).
3. Minutes of Meeting
It was proposed by Councillor A Girvin, seconded by Councillor B Hanvey and agreed that the minutes of the meeting of the Health Working Group held on the 9th September 2016 be adopted and signed.
4. Reports of Head of Central Support Services
It was proposed by Councillor B Mallon, seconded by Councillor A Girvin and agreed that the reports and recommendations of the Head of Central Support Services be adopted, subject to any decisions recorded below and other items noted:-
4.1 Lagan Valley Hospital – Diabetes Clinic
At the request of a number of members of the Health Working Group, issues of concern in respect of the Diabetes Clinic at the Lagan Valley Hospital had been conveyed to the SE Trust. The issues of concern related to the delay and/or cancellation of the clinic on a number of occasions over recent months.
In this regard Members noted the content of a letter dated the 17th November 2016 from the SE Trust advising of the reasons for such cancellations and/or delays and of the steps being taken to address this.
An update of the 5th December 2016 advised that “within Lagan Valley Hospital, the team has continued to manage the in-patient workload and Ulster-based consultants are facilitating extra Diabetes clinics.”
Later in the meeting, Councillor M Tolerton concurred with the above that Ulster-based consultants were taking a Diabetes clinic at the Lagan Valley Hospital one day per week.
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Health Working Group 06.12.2016
4.2 Northern Ireland Audit Office Report – Managing Emergency Hospital Admissions”
Members noted the receipt of a report entitled “Managing Emergency Hospital Admissions” from the Northern Ireland Audit Office. The report could be accessed at https://www.niauditoffice.gov.uk/sites/niao/files/media- files/Emergency%20Admissions%20Report.pdf. An attendant press release had been provided with the Head of Service’s report.
All members of the Health Working Group had been provided with the report and press release on the 11th November 2016.
4.3 South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust Mental Health Service
To be dealt with later in the meeting.
Additional Report
4.4 Lagan Valley Hospital – Diabetes Clinic
Dealt with at Item 4.1
Councillor V Kamble entered the meeting at 3.40 pm. Councillor M Tolerton entered the meeting at 3.42 pm.
4.5 Department of Health – Consultation Documents
4.5.1 “Health & Social Care Transformation – Criteria for Reconfiguring Health & Social Care Services” (Closing Date: 20th January 2017)
The Working Group had been provided with a copy of the above consultation document which could also be accessed at https://www.health- ni.gov.uk/consultations/health-and-social-care-transformation-consultation- criteria-reconfiguring-health-and-social-care.
Also provided had been a schedule of consultation meetings being held in this regard. Other meetings up to the 17th January 2017 would be detailed on the Departmental website in due course.
3
Health Working Group 06.12.2016 4.5.1 “Health & Social Care Transformation – Criteria for Reconfiguring Health & Social Care Services” (Closing Date: 20th January 2017) (Continued)
It was agreed that:-
• details of the above consultation and the attendant public meetings be furnished to all Members of Council;
• the attendance of any Member at any of the consultation meetings be approved;
• the Head of Central Support Services prepare a draft response and circulate it to members of the Health Working Group for comment;
• the draft response duly amended by any comments made thereon by the Health Working Group be reported to the meeting of the Corporate Services Committee on the 10th January 2017 for final decision, it being noted that any Member who might have attended any of the public consultation meetings would have an opportunity at that time to put forward comments for submission to the Department.
4.5.2 “Quality Healthcare Experience Framework” (Closing date: 29th November 2016)
Members had been provided with a copy of a letter dated the 24th November 2016 from the Department of Health regarding a consultation on the Quality Healthcare Experience Framework which had also been provided to Members. Despite the closing date being past, comments would still be acceptable.
It was agreed that the content of the above consultation document be noted.
4.6 Public Health Agency Draft Public Health Agency Corporate Plan 2017-2021 (Closing Date: 17th February 2017)
Members had been provided with a copy of a letter dated the 28th November 2016 from the Public Health Agency regarding its Draft Corporate Plan for 2017-2021 which could be accessed at http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/pha-draft-corporate-plan- 2017%E2%80%9321.
It was agreed that the content of the above draft Plan be noted.
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Health Working Group 06.12.2016
5. Any Other Business
5.1 Mental Health Charter
Councillor B Mallon enquired if there was a Mental Health Charter within the Council.
The Head of Service agreed to investigate this matter with Human Resources.
5.2 Ulster Hospital Catering for in-patients outside of “normal” working hours
Councillor M Tolerton reported on a situation of which she was aware when an inpatient of the Ulster Hospital had been unable to have any food provided to him in the Recovery Ward as it had been outside of normal hours.
The Head of Service agreed to take this matter up with the SE Trust.
6. South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust Mental Health Service
The Chairman, Councillor O Gawith, extended a welcome to the undernoted officials of the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust who were in attendance to present on mental health service provision within the Trust’s area:-
• Ms Bria Mongan, Director of Adult Services & Prison Healthcare • Mr Don Bradley, Assistant Director of Mental Health • Ms Mandy Irvine, Head of Clinical Psychology and Psychological Therapies
Ms Mongan thanked the Committee for the opportunity to address the meeting and – with the aid of PowerPoint – the officials made a presentation in regard to mental health service provision in the Trust’s area. The presentation centred on the following areas:-
• The Regional Stepped Care Framework for Mental Health Services; • The South Eastern Stepped Care Model for those aged 18 years – 65 years; • Improvements in the Mental Health Service; • Clinical Psychology and Psychological Therapies; • Workforce Shortfall; • Psychological Therapies – Recovery Plan; • Outcomes based Accountability.
5
Health Working Group 06.12.2016 6. South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust Mental Health Service (Continued)
The officials stated the Mental Health Service of the SE Trust was meeting Government-led targets very well, eg discharge figures, emergency referrals and routine referrals. Furthermore such targets had never not been met. Psychological therapy was in high demand and adequate funding and staffing numbers were challenges.
In regard to local initiatives, the officials stressed the importance of the Lisburn Mental Health HUB which provided GPs with a new pathway for patients suffering from common mental health issues. The Council’s involvement in improving the mental health of its residents through such initiatives as the allotment scheme, working alongside community groups, fitness activities and health promotions were encouraged.
After the officials had answered Members’ questions, the Chairman thanked them for their attendance and informative presentation and they left the meeting. (4.55 pm)
During further discussion, the Community Planning Manager advised that she would be contacting the SE Trust officials to explore the idea of suicide awareness training to community groups, people whose jobs were seen as a forum where people often confided, eg hairdressers and turf accountants, and also Council staff who – by nature of their jobs – could pick up on situations that were not normal, eg refuse collection men noticing bins not left out, unusual contents in bins etc.
There being no further business, the meeting terminated at 5.02 pm.
______MAYOR/CHAIRMAN
6
Appendix 7 CSS
SCHEDULE OF PUBLIC/PRIVATE MEETINGS 2016/17
Date of meeting Type of meeting Location
Thursday 20 April 2017 Private Meeting L.V.I
Tuesday 16 May 2017 Public Meeting Sarah Crothers (Commander’s 12 Month Hall, 1A Report) Beechland Drive, Lisburn
Tuesday 20 June 2017 Private Meeting L.V.I
• All private meetings will commence at 5.30pm unless otherwise indicated. A light tea will be served prior to all private meetings and will be available from 5.00pm • All public meetings will commence at 7pm unless otherwise stated Appendix 2 DCS
LISBURN AND CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE – 11TH APRIL 2017
REPORT BY HEAD OF FINANCE & IT
PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND
The purpose of this report is to set out for Members’ consideration, a number of recommendations relating to the operation of the Council.
The following decisions are required:-
To approve the carry-over of 2016/2017 revenue budgets into 2017/2018.
To agree that – subject to any comments which the Committee may wish to make, the draft response to CIPFA’s consultation document entitled “Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice and Cross- Sectoral Guidance Notes” be accepted and be submitted to CIPFA by the stipulated closing date of the 21st April 2017.
To agree that – subject to any comments which the Committee may wish to make, the draft response to CIPFA’s consultation document entitled “The Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities” be accepted and be submitted to CIPFA by the stipulated closing date of the 21st April 2017.
To note the report on Treasury Management Performance for the year ended the 31st March 2017.
To note the financial statement for the period ended the 28th February 2017.
ITEMS FOR DECISION
1. CARRY-OVER OF REVENUE BUDGETS 2016/2017
Attached hereto under Appendix 1 Finance & IT is a copy of a report regarding the carry-over of revenue budgets for 2016/2017. Such carry-overs have been discussed with the relevant Director and they also comply with the policy provided in the Accounting Manual for this purpose.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the carry-over of 2016/2017 revenue budgets into 2017/2018 be approved.
2. CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC FINANCE & ACCOUNTANCY (CIPFA) CONSULTATIONS
2.1 “Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice and Cross-Sectoral Guidance Notes” (Closing Date: 21st April 2017)
Attached hereto under Appendix 2 Finance & IT is a copy of the above consultation document. The 2011 edition of the Code shall be available at the meeting.
A draft response to the consultation is attached under Appendix 3 Finance & IT.
Recommendation
It is recommended that – subject to any comments which the Committee may wish to make – the draft response to CIPFA’s consultation document entitled “Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice and Cross-Sectoral Guidance Notes” be accepted and be submitted to CIPFA by the stipulated closing date of the 21st April 2017.
2.2 “The Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities” (Closing date: 21st April 2017)
Attached hereto under Appendix 4 Finance & IT is a copy of the above consultation document. The 2011 edition of the Code shall be available at the meeting.
A draft response to the consultation is attached under Appendix 5 Finance & IT.
Recommendation
It is recommended that – subject to any comments which the Committee may wish to make – the draft response to CIPFA’s consultation document entitled “The Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities” be accepted and be submitted to CIPFA by the stipulated closing date of the 21st April 2017.
ITEMS FOR NOTING
3. TREASURY MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE
Attached at Appendix 6 Finance & IT is a report on Treasury Management Performance for the year ended the 31st March 2017.
By way of information, CIPFA’s 2011 edition of the Code of Practice and Cross- Sectoral Guidance Notes shall be available at the meeting.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the report on Treasury Management Performance for the year ended the 31st March 2017 be noted.
4. FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The financial statement for the period ended the 28th February 2017 is attached to this report under Appendix 7 Finance & IT. It is to be noted that the net profiled expenditure for the period is 7.00% below the approved estimates for the financial year 2016/2017.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the financial statement for the period ended the 28th February 2017 be noted.
LEAH SCOTT HEAD OF FINANCE & IT 6TH APRIL 2017 Appendix 1 Finance & IT
Purpose & Introduction
The Council approved the Accounting Manual at its meeting of the 28th March 2017. Procedures were included to allow for the carry forward of Revenue budgets in certain scenarios. (See Appendix 1)
Based on requests to date and discussions with the relevant Director it is now proposed to consider the carry forward of the following balances to 2017/18.
Transfer of Revenue Costs 2016/17
Environmental Services £ From 38534 3495 Estates Compliance 21000 From 26024 3285 Waste Services and Supplies 31000 To Repairs & Renewals Moss Road Open Space - Improvement works 21000 To Repairs & Renewals Secure Bin Storage compound at Carryduff HRC 31000
Leisure Services From 04343 1200 Lisburn Leisure Park - Security Contracts 15000 From 04343 1420 Lisburn Leisure Park - General 5000 From 04343 1480 Lisburn Leisure Park - Energy 14000 To Repairs & Renewals Replacement Gym Equipment 34000
From 04943-3568 General Projects -26972 From 04943-6017 Legacy Income 101007 To Repairs & Renewals Billy Neill Projects 74035
Environmental Health From 14044-3692 Sampling 11000 To Earmarked in Reserves Provision of Defibrillators 11000
Corporate Services From 38201-0180 Corporate Uniform 40000 To Earmarked in Reserves Corporate Uniform 40000
The items included in the report have been reviewed and comply with the policy attached at Appendix 1. Recommendation It is recommended that the Council approves the carry forward of the budgets.
Leah Scott
04 April 2017 Appendix 1 Carry forward of Revenue Budgets In certain circumstances it may not be possible to complete projects before the end of a particular financial year e.g. due to delay in tendering procedures. The Departmental Director should report these projects to the Head of Service (Finance & IT) to enable the cost to be included within the estimate for the following year.
There will be an immediate transfer from the departmental contingency fund to the Council’s district fund to offset the cost of the project.
Carry forward should be permitted for schemes that are:
• One off projects;
• Which have a completion date within the next financial year;
• will not incur additional revenue recurrent expenditure
• Which have been approved by Council;
• Material either by amount or impact to the Council.
Carry forward of more than £50,000 should be approved by Council Appendix 2 Finance & IT
Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice and Cross- Sectoral Guidance Notes Consultation
February 2017
CIPFA, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, is the professional body for people in public finance. Our 14,000 members work throughout the public services, in national audit agencies, in major accountancy firms, and in other bodies where public money needs to be effectively and efficiently managed.
As the world’s only professional accountancy body to specialise in public services, CIPFA’s qualifications are the foundation for a career in public finance. We also champion high performance in public services, translating our experience and insight into clear advice and practical services. Globally, CIPFA shows the way in public finance by standing up for sound public financial management and good governance.
Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice and Cross-Sectoral Guidance Notes Consultation
Introduction
1. The first version of the Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice and Cross-Sectoral Guidance Notes (Treasury Management Code) was published in 2001 with a recommended start date of 1 April 2002. While the Treasury Management Code covers all public services, it is primarily designed for the use of local authorities (including police and fire authorities), providers of social housing, higher and further education institutions and the National Health Service. Local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales are required to “have regard” to the Treasury Management Code.
2. The Treasury Management Code defines treasury management as follows:
The management of the organisation’s investments and cash flows, its banking, money market and capital market transactions; the effective control of the risks associated with those activities; and the pursuit of optimum performance consistent with those risks. 3. The Treasury Management Code was last updated in 2011. Since then the landscape for public services has changed significantly following the sustained period of reduced public spending and the developing localism agenda. There are significant treasury management portfolios within the public services; for example, as at 31 March 2016 UK local authorities had outstanding borrowing of £88bn and investments of £32bn.
4. It is therefore an appropriate time for the Treasury Management Code to be reviewed and views sought as to areas where it can be strengthened or amended.
Who is this consultation aimed at?
5. Views are sought from any public service organisation, however, responses are specifically welcomed from local authorities, providers of social housing, higher and further education institutions and the National Health Service.
Scope
6. Local authorities are required to “have regard” to the Treasury Management Code. CIPFA believes that the recommendations made in the Treasury Management Code provide a basis for all public service organisations to create clear treasury management objectives and to structure and maintain sound treasury management policies and practices. CIPFA would like to understand through this consultation the extent to which the Treasury Management Code is adopted by public service organisations and if there are specific barriers to its adoption.
Consultation Question 1 Has your public service organisation adopted the Treasury Management Code?
If yes, please detail any practical implementation issues you have experienced, along with any suggestions for improvement.
If not, please explain why not and identify any specific barriers along with any suggestions you may have to remove the barriers.
Key principles of the Treasury Management Code
7. The following are the three key principles identified in the Treasury Management Code:
Key principle 1
Public service organisations should put in place formal and comprehensive objectives, policies and practices, strategies and reporting arrangements for the effective management and control of their treasury management activities.
Key principle 2
Their policies and practices should make clear that the effective management and control of risk are prime objectives of their treasury management activities and that responsibility for these lies clearly within their organisations. Their appetite for risk should form part of their annual strategy, including any use of financial instruments for the prudent management of those risks, and should ensure that priority is given to security and liquidity when investing funds.
Key principle 3
They should acknowledge that the pursuit of value for money in treasury management, and the use of suitable performance measures, are valid and important tools for responsible organisations to employ in support of their business and service objectives; and that within the context of effective risk management, their treasury management policies and practices should reflect this.
8. Given the changing environment within which the Treasury Management Code operates this consultation is seeking views on the ongoing relevance of these principles. Consultation Question 2 Do you consider that the three principles of the Treasury Management Code are relevant to your organisation? If not, please explain why and provide any suggestions to make them more relevant.
Consultation Question 3 Do you consider that there any areas which are not fully covered by these principles?
If yes, please expand, describing how these areas could be covered within the principles.
The consultation process
9. Responses to this consultation should be returned to [email protected] by 21 April 2017.
10. The Treasury and Capital Management Panel will consider the consultation responses and then hold a further formal consultation on proposed changes to the Treasury Management Code over the summer. It is anticipated that the revised Treasury Management Code will be published in time for implementation in 2018/19.
11. The Treasury and Capital Management Panel is also seeking views on the Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities. The two consultations are being run to the same timescales. Appendix 3 Finance & IT
Consultation on the Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice and Cross-Sectoral Guidance Notes
Response Sheet
February 2017
This response sheet will be regarded as on the public record and may be published on the CIPFA website unless confidentiality is specifically requested on the response form. If you require your response to be treated as confidential please indicate this clearly on the response itself.
Name Leah Scott Head of Finance & IT
Organisation Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
Do you wish this response to be considered as confidential? No
Please enter your contact details if you are happy to be 02892447245 contacted about your response
Responses are required by 21 April 2017 and may be sent to [email protected]. Consultation Questions
Q1. Has your public service organisation adopted the Treasury Yes Management Code?
Q1a. If yes, please detail any practical implementation issues you have experienced, along with any suggestions for improvement. Local Authorities in Northern Ireland have a much lower Turnover than those in Great Britain. Whilst the Code acknowledges that the scale of Treasury Management functions will vary across the sector, the implementation of the full code does have an impact on available staff resources and the expectation of performance in the area. e.g. staff skills, reporting and management of the function. The potential for financial returns have been limited by the current economic climate, and the primary focus has become the management of risk associated with investing Council funds. If not, please explain why not and identify any specific barriers along with any suggestions you may have to remove the barriers. N/a
Q2. Do you consider that the three principles of the Treasury Yes Management Code are relevant to your organisation?
Q2a. If not, please explain why and provide any suggestions to make them more relevant.
Q3. Do you consider that there any areas which are not fully covered No by these principles?
Q3a. If yes, please expand, describing how these areas could be covered within the principles. Appendix 4 Finance & IT
The Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities Consultation
February 2017
CIPFA, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, is the professional body for people in public finance. Our 14,000 members work throughout the public services, in national audit agencies, in major accountancy firms, and in other bodies where public money needs to be effectively and efficiently managed.
As the world’s only professional accountancy body to specialise in public services, CIPFA’s qualifications are the foundation for a career in public finance. We also champion high performance in public services, translating our experience and insight into clear advice and practical services. Globally, CIPFA shows the way in public finance by standing up for sound public financial management and good governance.
The Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities Consultation
Introduction
1. The Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities (2011) (Prudential Code) was introduced in 2004 and local authorities are required to “have regard” to it when developing their capital investment plans. The Prudential Code was developed as a professional code of practice to support local strategic planning, asset management planning and proper option appraisal for local authorities when developing their programmes for capital investment in fixed assets. Its objectives are to ensure, within a clear framework, that capital investment plans of local authorities are affordable, prudent and sustainable, and that treasury management decisions are taken in accordance with good professional practice. The prudential indicators within the Prudential Code are designed to demonstrate compliance with these objectives and to provide assurance to government that local authorities are acting responsibly.
2. The Prudential Code was last updated in 2011. Since then the landscape for local government has changed significantly following the sustained period of reduced public spending and the developing localism agenda. National Audit Office (NAO) work showed that revenue income for English local authorities fell by 25.2% in real terms from 2010/11 to 2015/16.1 While capital spending operates within different rules, there are important interdependencies between the two. In 2016 the NAO2 found that English local authorities have faced less pressure on their resources to support capital expenditure relative to revenue. It identified that the primary challenge has been to minimise the revenue cost of capital programmes. As a result, local authorities have needed to review their financial strategies, refocus their resources and explore different ways of working.
3. It is therefore considered an appropriate time for the Prudential Code to be reviewed and views sought as to areas where it can be strengthened or amended.
Objectives of the Prudential Code
4. The following objectives of the Prudential Code have not changed since its introduction and are to provide a framework for local authority capital finance that will ensure for individual local authorities that: i) capital expenditure plans are affordable
ii) all external borrowing and other long-term liabilities are within prudent and sustainable levels
iii) treasury management decisions are taken in accordance with good professional practice
and that in taking decisions in relation to (i) to (iii) above the local authority is: iv) accountable, by providing a clear and transparent framework.
5. Given the changing environment within which the Prudential Code operates this consultation is seeking views on the ongoing relevance of these objectives.
1 Comptroller and Auditor General, Financial Sustainability of Local Authorities 2014, Session 2014-15, HC 783, National Audit Office, November 2014. 2 Comptroller and Auditor General, Financial Sustainability of Local Authorities: Capital Expenditure and Resourcing 2016, Session 2016-17, HC 234, National Audit Office, June 2016.
Consultation Question 1 Do you consider the four objectives of the Prudential Code are still relevant?
If not, please list the objectives which you feel are no longer relevant and why.
Consultation Question 2 Do you consider that the Prudential Code achieves these four objectives?
If not, please list the objectives which are not achieved and why.
Consultation Question 3 Do you consider that there are any areas which are not fully covered by these objectives?
If yes, please expand, describing how these areas could be covered within the objectives.
Scope
6. The Prudential Code applies to local authorities, including police, fire and other authorities. This consultation is seeking views on whether this coverage is considered adequate or whether its scope should be extended, especially where structures are changing such as with elected mayors and increasing numbers of arm’s length organisations.
Mayoral combined authorities
7. In the Autumn Statement 2016, the government stated that it plans to give mayoral combined authorities powers to borrow for their new functions, which will allow them to invest in economically productive infrastructure, subject to agreeing a borrowing cap with HM Treasury. CIPFA is proposing to extend the scope of the Prudential Code to cover mayoral combined authorities and to require specific indicators such as the capital financing requirement to be produced for separate combined authority funds in a similar way to those produced for authorities with a housing revenue account. Consultation Question 4 Do you agree that the scope of the Prudential Code should be extended to cover mayoral combined authorities? If not, please provide your reasons. Consultation Question 5 Do you foresee any practical implementation issues with extending the scope of the Prudential Code to cover mayoral combined authorities? If yes, please detail the potential issues along with any suggestions you may have for overcoming them.
Group entities
8. The Code of Practice on Local Authority Accounting in the United Kingdom sets out a requirement for a local authority to prepare group accounts where the authority has interests in subsidiaries, associates and/or joint ventures, subject to consideration of materiality. A reporting authority is required to disclose information that enables users of its financial statements to evaluate: a) the nature of, and risks associated with, its interests in other entities, and b) the effects of those interests on its financial position, financial performance and cash flows. Consultation Question 6 Do you agree that, in principle, the scope of the Prudential Code should be extended to cover group entities to ensure that any associated risks are transparent and managed? If not, please explain why.
Consultation Question 7 Which areas of the Prudential Code could best be applied to group entities and do you foresee any practical implementation issues with extending the scope of the Prudential Code to cover group entities? If yes, please detailed the potential issues, along with any suggestions you may have for overcoming them.
Commercialisation
9. With the ongoing reduction in available resources and growing demands for services, local authorities have found innovative new ways of delivering services, such as increasing use of local authority companies and different routes to generating income. Increasingly local authorities are focusing on commercials, including increasing the number of services which are commissioned, maximising the commercial value of contracts and developing local markets. 10. This new approach brings the need to consider new and different risks for local authorities. It is essential that such risks are managed in an open and transparent way and views are sought on how the Prudential Code can be strengthened to encompass these risks. Consultation Question 8 How do you suggest the Prudential Code can be strengthened to encompass the risks associated with local authorities’ increasing commercial activities?
Long term implications of decision making
11. Reports from Audit Scotland (March 2015) and the NAO (June 2016) both included recommendations in relation to considering the long term implications of decision making.
12. The framework established by the Prudential Code was intended to support local strategic planning, asset management planning and proper option appraisal. The prudential indictors are only required to be approved and published for three years when determining programmes of capital investment. Views are therefore sought from stakeholders as to how the strategic planning elements can be strengthened in the Prudential Code.
Consultation Question 9 How do you suggest the strategic planning elements of the Prudential Code can be strengthened to demonstrate that capital investment is sustainable and that risks are appropriately identified?
Prudential indicators
13. The prudential indicators in the Prudential Code are designed to demonstrate how a local authority is achieving the four objectives of the Prudential Code and to provide assurance to government that local authorities are acting responsibly. The indicators are grouped into affordability, prudence and those for capital expenditure, external debt and treasury management. The Appendix provides more details on the indicators along with their intended purpose.
14. Given the changing landscape for local authorities, views are sought on how the prudential indicators can be improved to enhance the assurance they provide.
Consultation Question 10 Please detail any suggestions for how the prudential indicators could be improved in order that the assurance they provide is enhanced, including details of any indicators which you consider no longer fully serve their intended purpose. Please explain your reasoning.
Consultation Question 11 If you use local indicators, please provide details including the calculation and how you use the indicator(s).
Treasury Risk Management Toolkit for Local Authorities
15. For many years CIPFA’s Treasury and Capital Management Panel has advocated a risk management approach to treasury management and sought to provide practical tools for local authorities to use to identify, benchmark and manage their treasury management risks.
16. In 2012 the Panel produced the Treasury Risk Management Toolkit for Local Authorities. This publication proposed a risk management methodology based on:
1. establishing the organisation’s risk appetite
2. quantifying risk benchmarks against which to measure the level of risk
3. taking decisions and managing the portfolio based on the agreed risk benchmarks
4. reviewing the outcomes and performance relative to the risk benchmarks.
17. The publication introduced the concept of the liability benchmark based on a local authority’s net cash requirement, opening loan debt and any short term liquidity requirements. The Prudential Code focuses on the capital financing requirement (CFR) as a measure of borrowing need, however, the CFR does not take into account non-capital cash flows and movements and many authorities have a net loan debt below the CFR.
18. The Panel would like to formalise the concept of the liability benchmark in the Prudential Code and is seeking views and practical suggestions for implementation.
Consultation Question 12 How do you suggest that the Prudential Code can be strengthened to incorporate the concept of the liability benchmark?
Treasury Management in the Public Services: Guidance Notes for Local Authorities
19. As detailed in the Appendix, there are a number of treasury management indicators contained within the Treasury Management in the Public Services: Guidance Notes for Local Authorities. CIPFA is keen to receive feedback on whether the practitioners consider the balance of indicators between the Prudential Code and the Treasury Management in the Public Services: Guidance Notes for Local Authorities is correct.
Consultation Question 13 Do you consider that the balance of indicators between the Prudential Code and the Treasury Management in the Public Services: Guidance Notes for Local Authorities is correct?
If not, please explain why.
The consultation process
20. Responses to this consultation should be made in the accompanying Word document and returned to [email protected] by 21 April 2017.
21. The Treasury and Capital Management Panel will consider the consultation responses and then hold a further formal consultation on proposed changes to the Prudential Code over the summer. It is anticipated that the revised Prudential Code will be published in time for implementation in 2018/19.
22. The Treasury and Capital Management Panel is also seeking views on the Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice and Cross-Sectoral Guidance Notes. It is planned that the two consultations are run to the same timescales.
APPENDIX
Indicators for affordability
A. Ratio of financing costs to net revenue stream This indicator, which provides an estimate for the forthcoming financial year and the following two financial years and the actual ratio after the year end, enables financing costs to be shown as a proportion of the net revenue stream.
This identifies the capacity of the local authority to respond to changes in financial costs. For example, an authority with a high proportion of financing costs when compared to its net revenue stream may be less able to respond to either increases in cost or reductions in net revenue stream.
B. Estimates of the incremental impact of capital investment decisions on the council tax
This indicator, which is undertaken for the forthcoming year and the following two financial years, enables the local authority to see the impact on council tax of proposed changes to the capital programme.
Indicators for prudence
C. Gross debt and the capital financing requirement This indicator (which was changed from ‘net’ debt to ‘gross’ debt in 2012) is to ensure that over the medium term debt is only for capital purposes. A local authority’s capital financing requirement is effectively its underlying requirement to borrow and is made up of capital expenditure which has not been financed from another source such as capital receipt, grant or directly from revenue.
By ensuring that debt does not (except in the short term) exceed the capital financing requirement (of the preceding year, plus estimates of any increases in the current year and next two financial years) a local authority is able to demonstrate that its debt is for capital purposes.
Indicators for capital expenditure, external debt and treasury management
D. Capital expenditure The four indicators for capital expenditure are as follows:
estimates of capital expenditure actual capital expenditure estimates of capital financing requirement actual capital financing requirement. Estimates are for the forthcoming year and the following two years and actuals are for the previous financial year.
External debt
E. Authorised limit Local authorities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are required to determine and keep under review how much money they can afford to borrow. The authorised limit (set for the forthcoming and following two years) is the means of demonstrating the legislative requirements in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
F. Operational boundary The operational boundary is based on a local authority’s most likely scenario for its external debt and is therefore a key tool for in-year monitoring.
G. Actual external debt This is the closing balance at the end of the year, obtained directly from the balance sheet. All three of these external debt indicators shall be expressed split between borrowing and other long term liabilities.
H. Treasury management The indicator within the Prudential Code in respect of treasury management is that the local authority has adopted the CIPFA Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice and Cross-Sectoral Guidance Notes. The aim is to ensure that treasury management is led by a clear and integrated treasury management strategy using a risk management approach and a recognition of the pre-existing structure of the authority’s borrowing and investment portfolios. The Treasury Management in the Public Services: Guidance Notes for Local Authorities (including police authorities and fire authorities) also include a number of specific treasury management indicators.
I. Interest rate exposures A local authority is required to set upper limits on its fixed rate and variable rate exposures. This indicator facilitates the management of the risks associated with different fixed and variable interest rate exposures.
J. Maturity structure of borrowing Upper and lower limits are set with respect to the maturity structure of borrowing (for the forthcoming and following two years). This indicator allows an authority to manage the refinancing risks associated with maturing borrowings.
K. Total principal sums invested for periods longer than 364 days An upper limit shall be set for the maturity of investment for periods of longer than 364 days (for each forward financial year). This is to assist in managing the risks associated with the possibility of loss which may arise as a result of its having to seek early repayment of or redemption of principal sums invested. Appendix 5 Finance & IT
Consultation on the Prudential Code for Capital Finance Response Sheet
February 2017 This response sheet will be regarded as on the public record and may be published on the CIPFA website unless confidentiality is specifically requested on the response form. If you require your response to be treated as confidential please indicate this clearly on the response itself.
Name Leah Scott
Organisation Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
Do you wish this response to be considered as confidential? No
Please enter your contact details if you are happy to be contacted about your response. [email protected] 02892447245
Responses are required by 21 April 2017 and may be sent to [email protected].
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Consultation Questions
Objectives of the Prudential Code
Q1. Do you consider the four objectives of the Prudential Code are Yes still relevant?
Q1a. If not, please list the objectives which you feel are no longer relevant and why.
Q2. Do you consider that the Prudential Code achieves these four Yes objectives?
Q2a. If not, please list the objectives which are not achieved and why. It could be interpreted that in giving Local Authority the autonomy to determine how it meets standards for Prudence, affordability and sustainability, somewhat undermines the authority of a regulatory code. The suggested timeframes i.e. 3 year period may not be sufficient to demonstrate the affordability of longer term major capital schemes. ‘Affordability’ as a concept is subjective depending on Political views on rates increases.
Q3. Do you consider that there are any areas which are not fully Yes covered by these objectives?
Q3a. If yes, please expand, describing how these areas could be covered within the objectives.
Scope
Q4. Do you agree that the scope of the Prudential Code should be Yes extended to cover mayoral combined authorities?
Q4a. There are presently no mayoral combined authorities operating in Northern Ireland. It would appear reasonable to extend the principles of the Prudential Code to those Authorities.
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Q5. Do you foresee any practical implementation issues with No comment extending the scope of the Prudential Code to cover mayoral combined authorities?
Q5a. If yes, please detail the potential issues along with any suggestions you may have for overcoming them.
Group Entities
Q6. Do you agree that, in principle, the scope of the Prudential Code Yes should be extended to cover group entities to ensure that any
associated risks are transparent and managed?
Q6a. If not, please explain why.
Q7. Which areas of the Prudential Code could best be applied group Yes entities and do you foresee any practical implementation issues with extending the scope of the Prudential Code to cover group entities?
Q7a. If yes, please detailed the potential issues, along with any suggestions you may have for overcoming them. The Capital Financing implications for decisions made by Joint Committees delivering major capital investment projects on behalf of Local Authorities (i.e. Waste Management activities in NI) should be considered in the participating Councils Prudential Indicators as soon as the investment decisions are known with reasonable certainty. The code should be extended to ensure this is complied with.
Commercialisation
Q8. How do you suggest the Prudential Code can be strengthened to encompass the risks associated with local authorities’ increasing commercial activities?
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The Principles of Affordability, Sustainability and Prudence should apply to commercial operations carried out by Local Authorities to maximize revenue. Group and associated companies should be covered as in question 7.
Long term implications of decision making
Q9. How do you suggest the strategic planning elements of the Prudential Code can be strengthened to demonstrate that capital investment is sustainable and that risks are appropriately identified?
Consideration could be given to extend the timescales for certain indicators. i.e. estimates of capital expenditure, estimates of CFR and net debt.
A mandatory review of Prudential indicators could be considered before any major capital expenditure/ investment plans are taken.
Prudential Indicators
Q10. Please detail any suggestions for how the prudential indicators could be improved in order that the assurance they provide is enhanced, including details of any indicators which you consider no longer fully serve their intended purpose. Please explain your reasoning. None
Q11. If you use local indicators, please provide details including the calculation and how you use the indicator(s). N/A
Treasury Risk Management Toolkit for Local Authorities
Q12. How do you suggest that the Prudential Code can be strengthened to incorporate the concept of the liability benchmark?
No Comment
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Treasury Management in the Public Services: Guidance Notes for Local Authorities
Q13. Do you consider that the balance of indicators between the Yes Prudential Code and the Treasury Management in the Public
Services: Guidance Notes for Local Authorities is correct?
Q13a. If not, please explain why.
5 Appendix 6 Finance & IT
LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL
ANNUAL INVESTMENT REVIEW
Introduction & Context
The Council adopted an Annual Investment Strategy for 2016 -17 as part of the rates setting process in February 2016. This Annual Investment Strategy has been developed to determine the framework within which the financial resources of the Council will be managed. The Strategy stated that it will be subject to review at least annually, and on ongoing basis as required by the operational needs of the Council. The main points of the Annual Investment Strategy are detailed below.
Risk Approach
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council adopts a risk adverse policy to its investments, ranking its investments priorities as follows:- 1. Security 2. Liquidity 3. Yield
Specified and Non-Specified Investments
Specified Investments are those, which offer the lowest risk of default to the organisation. They are defined as those which:- • Are denominated in pounds sterling • Due to be repaid in 12 months of arrangement • Not defined as capital expenditure in legislation • Invested with one of : o The UK government o A UK Local authority, parish Council or community Council Non specified Investments are those which do not fulfil the criteria for Specified Investments. They present a higher risk to the organisation and therefore Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council does not intend to make any Non-specified investments in 2016-17.
Maximum permitted Investment by Counterparty
The Council will invest surplus cash balances to a maximum of 25% of the overall investment, allocated on the basis of highest interest yield.
Following a review of cash requirements for the year, the Council invested the following surplus cash balance in accordance with the Annual Investment Strategy for the period April 2016 to March 2017 as follows:-
12 Month Instant Access Investments Investments Interest Received up to 31.03.17 £80,695 £38,055 Average Interest Rate 0.76% 0.175% Closing bank statement balances at 31 March 2017 are as follows:
12 Month Instant Access Revenue Investments Investments Total Treasury £10,000,000 £3,850,000 £2,853,120 TOTAL £16,703,120
Loans
The Council have not taken any further external borrowings during the period. Outstanding loans at 31 March 2017 are £30.314m and interest payable for the year equals £1.804m.
Capital Financing
The Council has made capital expenditure of £ 2,876m1 up to March 2017. This has been 100% financed through internal funds reducing the demand on external financing. The estimate of capital expenditure for the year was £5.776m.
1 Will be subject to external audit Appendix 7 Finance & IT Appendix 3 DCS
LISBURN AND CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE – 11TH APRIL 2017
REPORT BY HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES & ORGANISATION DEVELOPMENT
PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND
The purpose of this report is to set out for Members’ consideration, a recommendation relating to the operation of the Council.
The following decision is required:- To note information relating to the Elected Member Development Steering Group.
ITEM FOR NOTING
1. ELECTED MEMBER DEVELOPMENT STEERING GROUP
The Elected Member Development Steering Group met on the 22nd March 2017 and attached at Appendix 1 HR&OD are the minutes of that meeting.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the information relating to the Elected Member Development Steering Group be noted.
SINEAD CLARKE HEAD OF HUMAN RESOURCES & ORGANISATION DEVELOPMENT 6TH APRIL 2017 Appendix 1 HR&OD
ELECTED MEMBER DEVELOPMENT STEERING GROUP WEDNESDAY 22 MARCH 2017 AT 4.30PM
MEETING REPORT AND ACTION NOTES
ELECTED MEMBERS Cllr Nathan Anderson DUP Cllr Hazel Legge UUP Ald Stephen Martin APNI Cllr Andrew Girvin TUV OFFICERS Sinead Clarke, Head of Human Resources & Organisation Development Caroline Magee, Human Resources & Organisation Development Manager
APOLOGIES Cllr John Gallen SDLP
Declarations of interest: None received.
No Report & Actions: Actioned by: Target date:
1. Governance Issues Noted by all N/A Cllr Girvin chaired the meeting until Cllr Anderson arrived.
2. Matters Arising Matters arising not covered on current agenda:
Members agreed to consider HR & OD Manager April 2017 inviting the NILGA Chief Executive to maintain contact to a future meeting of the Steering with NILGA Group to give an overview of the regarding their proposed Member Development Member Programme and the HR&OD Development Manager advised that NILGA have Programme and been asked to attend the next attendance at April meeting. meeting
The following Appendices of the HR&OD Manager April 2017 Development Strategy will be to reissue considered at the next meeting: documents for Councillor Role Profiles consideration at Member Development Training the next meeting Evaluation Process
The brochure of learning activities HR&OD Manager is currently being drafted – to draft brochure
1 Members suggested that this could for consideration For review at next be included in the presentation to and be in meeting in April Members on 17 May 2017 attendance at the 2017 presentation to The Learning Management System Members in May. could also be included as part of this presentation
3 3.1 Elected Member Professional Development Discussion Paper
Members were provided with a Proposed April 2017 paper on a proposal for a allocation of dedicated Elected Member budget approved. Development Budget and an associated draft Member Elected Member May 2017 Professional Development Policy. Professional Development Recommendations were approved. policy approved for implementation on 1 May 2015. To be presented at meeting on 17 May 2017.
3 3.2 Training Activities update
Members noted the update on the HR&OD Manager April 2017 upcoming activities including to follow-up on the SharePoint training which will be Social Media supported by 1-2-1 training as training. required, and Social Media training. Members outlined that it would be useful to have the Ombudsman present at this as had previously been suggested.
Cllr Anderson outlined the Head of HR&OD requirement for bespoke planning to investigate the June 2017 training and the potential for the potential for the Council to identify a qualification development of a for Members in this regard. This bespoke planning matter will be investigated. course for Elected Members. 3 3.3 Postponement of the Advanced Diploma in Civic Noted by all N/A Leadership and Community Planning.
2
Members noted the postponement of the above course until Autumn 2017 4. Possible Liaison with NW Employers
Ald Martin outlined his experience Ald Martin to Updates to be of a Councillor Development day progress as provided as and facilitated by NW Employers at appropriate when available. Salford City Council and suggested that we make contact with them to share best practice and build relationships to take back learning to the group. Members welcomed this. 5. Any Other Business
None
6. Date, Time and Venue for next meeting Members agreed that this should HR & OD Manager 26 April 2017 be held prior to the 17 May Council to organise Meeting for presentations. Meeting arranged for 26 April 2017 at 5.30pm.
3
Appendix 4 DCS
LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE TUESDAY 11TH APRIL 2017 REPORT BY HEAD OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND The purpose of this report is to set out for Members’ consideration, a number of recommendations relating to the operation of the Council.
The following decisions are required:- To note the production of CityWide. To note Digital Communications Update. To note Projects undertaken by the Marketing and Communications Unit. To note the Media Coverage for January, February and March 2017.
ITEMS FOR NOTING
1. CITYWIDE
The next issue of CityWide is currently being produced and will be delivered to all households and businesses by the end of April 2017. This issue contains a four page pull-out supplement on the upcoming food waste ban in landfill bins along with a brown bin sticker and a red bin tag.
This supplement is the latest addition to the ongoing promotional campaign MCU has been undertaking on food waste in partnership with Technical Services.
Recommendation
It is recommended that Members note the above.
2. DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS – TRAINING FOR ELECTED MEMBERS AND OFFICERS
Following on from the Committee meeting in October 2016 - as part of the Digital Communications project, appropriate guidance and support for Elected Members and Officers using Social Media will be arranged in April/May. Dates are to be confirmed.
Recommendation
It is recommended that Members note the above.
3. PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
3.1 WESTMINSTER VISIT
MCU provided pre- and post-event PR & promotional support for this annual inward investment visit to Westminster. This involved press releases, social media posts, graphic display panels, photos and video and tailored media releases.
3.2 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
MCU worked closely with the Planning Unit to design and print documents (208 page and 76 page respectively) for the Local Development Plan. This has involved launch PR, social media, website information and graphics and online consultation.
Recommendation It is recommended that Members note the above.
4. MEDIA COVERAGE
Media coverage for January, February and March 2017 is detailed in (Appendix 1 MCU).
Recommendation
It is recommended that Members note the attached.
MCU HEAD OF SERVICE 6th April 2017 Appendix 1 MCU Media Report January 2017
New Year, New You – Food Press release and photo South Side Advertiser (5th) Waste Services are changing Mayor’s New Year Message Press release and photo Ulster Star (6th) Ulster Star Online (6th) Mayor says Honours are Press release and photo Ulster Star (6th) Prestigious Recognition Council Driving Innovation Press release and photo Newsletter (10th) and Excellence in Local Companies Caribbean Consulate Press release and photo Lisburn Advertiser (Jan) Honour Council’s Contribution to Baseball Council Delighted to be Part Press release and photo Lisburn Advertiser (Jan) of National Heritage Trail Council Invests in Play Press release and photo Lisburn Advertiser (Jan) Provision Barbour Play Park Reopens Age Friendly Lisburn Press Release and photo Lisburn Advertiser (Jan) Castlereagh Dream Golfing Holiday Press Release and photo Lisburn Advertiser (Jan) Prize Winner Announced Mayor and Mayoress’ Photo Ards Chronicle (5th) Christmas Visit to Ulster Hospital Local Eateries To the Food Press release Ards Chronicle (12th) Hygiene Rating Would you know what to do Press release Newsletter (12th) in a Severe Weather Press release Ulster Star (13th) Emergency? Have Your Say on Press release and photo Ulster Star (20th) Community Plan Press release and photo Ards Chronicle (19th) Lisburn Linkages Public Statement and photo Ulster Star Online (27th) Realm Scheme
Media Enquiries Date of enquiry Who Details of enquiry Response date
10th January Ulster Star, TAL Administration 11th January Neill Cobain 23rd January Ulster Star, Public Realm (Lisburn 24th January Duncan Elder Linkages Public Realm) 31st January Ulster Star, Jordan’s Mill Car Park 1st February Duncan Elder Appendix 1 MCU Media Report February 2017
Local Eateries Top the Food Press release Extra Ards Chronicle (1st) Hygiene Chart Lisburn Advertiser (Feb) Dog Owner Fined for Not Press release Ulster Star (3rd) Controlling Dog Local Food & Drink Sector Press release and photo Ulster Star (3rd) Grows Minister Calls for Press release and photo Andersonstown News (4th) Applications to Rural Business Investment Scheme Working to Improve City Press release and photo Ulster Star (3rd) Centre Lisburn Advertiser (Feb) Local Event Remembers Press release and photo Ulster Star (3rd) the Holocaust and its Survivors Ukrainian Delegation Visits Photo and extended caption Ulster Star (3rd) Lisburn New Visitor Experience for Press release and photo Ulster Star online (7th) Hillsborough Forest Press release and photo Ulster Star (10th) Bins set to Change – Start Press release and photo Ulster Star (10th) Recycling your Food Waste Rates rise set to be Statement Ulster Star (10th) approved by council Riders boosted by funding Press release and photo Belfast Telegraph (8th) to make the World’s fastest road race safer Council hoping Westminster Press release and photo Ulster Star online (14th) event will secure new Press release and photo Ulster Star (17th) inward investment Young people educated on Press release and photo Ulster Star online (15th) internet safety Press release and photo Ulster Star (17th) Lisburn Castlereagh Aiming Press release and photo Ulster Star online (14th) to be a Fairtrade City Press release and photos Ulster Star (17th) Hillsborough Steering Press release and photo Ulster Star (17th) Group Launches Winter Press release and photo Ulster Star online (16th) Newsletter Streets will be cleaned as Statement Ulster Star (17th) planned say Council Ulster Star online (17th) Local Network Goes Social Press release and photo Ulster Star online (17th) Local Council Recognised Press release and photo Lisburn Advertiser (Feb) as an Investor in People Big Plans for Lisburn Press release and photo Lisburn Advertiser (Feb) Castlereagh Editorial AgendaNI (Feb) Minister Givan Announces Statement Lisburn Advertiser (Feb) £3.7 million Investment for Lisburn Appendix 1 MCU Achieving a competitive Press release and photo Ulster Star (24th) edge Ulster Star online (20th)
Media Enquiries Date of enquiry Who Details of enquiry Response date
02/02/17 and Rachel Martin Planning application 03/02/17 and 15/02/17 Belfast Telegraph for water sport facility 17/02/17 Ciaran Donnelly Crematoriums Belfast Telegraph 08/02/17 Duncan Elder Ulster Rates 08/02/17 Star 13/02/17 Duncan Elder, Street cleansing 15/02/17 Ulster Star 21/02/17 Marie-Louise Peace IV Funding 22/02/17 McConville 21/02/17 Paul Higgins, Dog seizure 21/02/17 Freelance 28/02/17 Duncan Elder, Peace IV Funding 01/03/17 Ulster Star
Media Report March 2017
Council Sparks Innovation Press release and photo Ulster Star online (2nd) to keep Local Businesses Press release and photo Ulster Star (3rd) thriving Local lady starts ‘Wonder Press release and photo Ulster Star (3rd) Scents’ through Go for It Programme Help Shape Future of your Photo and press release Ulster Star (3rd) Local Community Photo Ulster Star online (1st) Attracting inward investment Press release Ulster Star (3rd) Ulster Star online (1st) PEACE IV Funding Statement Ulster Star (3rd) Ulster Star online (3rd) Business Games Press release and photos Ulster Star (3rd) Commence at the Press release and photos Ulster Star online (1st) LeisurePlex Local Network Gets Social Press release and photo Ulster Star (3rd) Council supports new free Press release and photo Ulster Star (3rd) Tennis App Launch Bins set to Change – Start Press release and photo Southside Advertiser (1st) Recycling your Food Waste Big Plans for Lisburn & Press Release and photo Southside Advertiser (1st) Castlereagh Appendix 1 MCU Mayor joins local young Press release and photo Ulster Star online (8th) people to celebrate Care Press release and photos Ulster Star (10th) Day NI Test your knowledge at Press release and photo Ulster Star (10th) Mayor’s Charity Table Quiz Press release and photo Ulster Star online (10th) Local Businesses Go Dutch Press release and photo Ulster Star (17th) New Exhibition Celebrates Press release and photo Ulster Star (17th) Local Artist’s Paintings of Old Lisburn Flying the Flag for Press release and photo Ulster Star (17th) Commonwealth Day Pupils participate in the Press release and photos Ulster Star (24th) Environmental Youth Speak Press release and photos Ulster Star online (21st) 2017 Competition Council Celebrates Press release and photo Ulster Star (24th) Fairtrade Fortnight Press release and photo Ulster Star online (16th) Mayor’s Awards Community Press release and photos Ulster Star (24th) Awards 2017 Press release and photos Ulster Star online (22nd) New Gift Emporium opens Photo Ulster Star (31st) in Lisburn Photo and press release Ulster Star online (27th) Paralympian Delivers Press release and photo Lisburn Advertiser (March) Inspirational Talk at Key Management Month Talk New Visitor Experience for Press release and photo Lisburn Advertiser (Mar) Hillsborough Forest Changes to Your Landfill Press release and photo Lisburn Advertiser (Mar) Bin Service You Take the Lead – Don’t Press release and photo Lisburn Advertiser (Mar) Give Your Dog a Bad Name Lisburn Castlereagh at Press release and photo Sync NI online (2nd) Westminster – Pioneering Press release Ulster Star online (15th) Council, Strong Vision Press release Belfast Telegraph online (16th) Press release and photo Ulster Star online (16th) Press release and photo Ulster Star (17th) Press release and photo Belfast Telegraph (17th)
Press release and photo Kensington, Chelsea & Westminster today online (23rd) Press release and photo Ulster Star (24th) Photo Ulster Star (31st)
Podcast – interview with 1,000 acres of Development Chief Executive and Chair of Estates Gazette online Opportunity in Lisburn & Development Committee Castlereagh Appendix 1 MCU
Media Enquiries Date of Who Details of enquiry Response date enquiry 02/03/17 Victoria Leonard Councillor’s allowance 02/03/17 Belfast Telegraph increase 07/03/17 Tommy Bradley Items located adjacent to 07/03/17 Nolan Show Ashmount Gardens 23/03/17 Duncan Elder Fly tipping 29/03/17 Ulster Star 28/03/17 Duncan Elder Contamination at Coca-Cola 28/03/17 Ulster Star 31/03/17 Marie-Louise McConville PEACE IV funding 31/03/17 Irish News
Appendix 5 DCS
Who Needs a Golden Ticket?
09 March 2017 12:55
April 2017 marks a decade of delivery for NI Water, and to acknowledge the role the company plays in Northern Ireland, we’re throwing open the doors of some of our most important local sites to show the public what we do and how we do it!
We want to invite people to step inside their imagination and join us to see how we clean 560 million litres of water every single day, or discover how we safely treat and clean 330 million litres of wastewater by coming along to our site open days for a tour!
Many of our water and wastewater sites right across Northern Ireland will be open during a period between late March and early May 2017, and we’re keen that the public comes inside and discovers for themselves the sheer scale of their water and wastewater services.
Tours at each site will be at 10am and 2pm on the dates advertised – as these are all working sites, high visibility clothing will be provided, but trousers and flat, sensible shoes should be worn – no heels.
All tours are completely free of charge.
Sara Venning, NI Water’s Chief Executive, says: “The services NI Water provides are at the very core of the economy, health and environment of Northern Ireland. We are proud to share this with the community and show them how they also have a role to play in the work we do, by conserving water and respecting the environment. I would also like to thank the NI Water staff for their enthusiasm and commitment to the work that they do. Our people are talented, dedicated, and at the heart of the communities they serve.
“After ten years operating as NI Water, it is a good time to reflect on the role the company plays in the community. As a company we are guardians of the networks and assets, but each and every one of us uses the service. Only together, as a company and a community, can we continue to safeguard the environment and protect our most valuable and precious asset – water.”
Should you or your group wish to attend any of the sites, please email [email protected] stating your name; how many in your party; contact details; the site you’d wish to visit; and the time you’d prefer.
Should you have any queries regarding these visits, please email us at [email protected] or call 028 9035 4710. You can also tweet us at @niwnews using the #deliveringwhatmatters hashtag.
Details on all sites, including dates, addresses and the nature of the tour can be found by clicking on the attached links:
• Drumaroad Water Treatment Works, Tuesday 21 March • Westland Laboratory, Tuesday 21 March • Killylane Water Treatment Works, Wednesday 22 March • Belfast Wastewater Treatment Works, Thursday 23 March • North Coast Wastewater Treatment Works, Friday 24 March • Derg Water Treatment Works, Tuesday 28 March • Altnahinch Water Treatment Works, Tuesday 28 March • North Down and Ards Wastewater Treatment Works, Wednesday 29 March • Seagahan Water Treatment Works, Thursday 30 March • Lough Fea Water Treatment Works, Tuesday 4 April • Newtownbreda Wastewater Treatment Works, Tuesday 4 April • Whitehouse Wastewater Treatment Works, Wednesday 5 April • Fofanny Water Treatment Works, Wednesday 5 April • Lisburn Wastewater Treatment Works, Thursday 6 April • Caugh Hill Water Treatment Works, Thursday 6 April • Omagh Wastewater Treatment Works, Wednesday 3 May • Antrim Wastewater Treatment Works, Thursday 4 May • Culmore Wastewater Treatment Works, Thursday 4 May • Gelvin Grange Laboratory, Thursday 4 May
Appendix 6 DCS Appendix 7 DCS
DRAFT
Consultation:
Commissioner for Older People for NI (COPNI) - Disability Action Plan 2017 - 2020
Introduction
COPNI has their Disability Action Plan (DAP) covering the period 2017 – 2020 presently out for consultation, with a response date of 01 May 2017.
General Comments
The DAP itself may be described as a “typical” action plan with what would be deemed mainly generic and/or pragmatic actions contained therein.
The action plan makes no reference to the link between age and disability (as the prevalence of disability increases dramatically with age, especially from around 60 onwards). However, the action measures noted across the three business areas made explicit – training, participation in public life and promoting positive attitudes – are to be generally welcomed.
The action plan however does make reference to a number of action measures which would be of relevance to the local government sector and indeed L&CCC in particular. For example, the promotion of entrepreneurial activity for the over 60’s as well as working with DfC in relation to maximising incomes through the uptake of benefits (the latter being an initiative that Council has been involved with for some time now). Indeed the Commissioner for Older People (Mr Eddie Lynch) attended and spoke at the launch of the DfC’s latest strategy on this campaign here at LVI in the recent past.
Conclusion
It is the implicit linkages between COPNI and Council that would appear to be worth noting as opposed to the specific content of the DAP itself.
With, for example, the continuing development of community planning (led by Council) and population projections indicating an increasingly older population it would appear that networking/working with COPNI in relation to a number of areas which would also fall within the remit of Council may prove positive in the future.
Recommendation
It is recommended that Council respond to the DAP consultation by indicating:
1. A general welcome for and support of the action measures contained within the DAP; 2. Pointing out that within these action measures there are a number of areas which would overlap with Councils remit and/or ongoing initiatives and that Council would welcome an opportunity to discuss these with the Commissioner at some agreed future date. Appendix 8 DCS
SAVE THE DATE
Housing Delivery: An Integrated Approach
through Local Government
Thursday, 27 th April 2017 Dunboyne Castle, Co. Meath
9am – 5pm
Key Sessions: Voids: Minimising Cost & Time for Refurbishment & Re-letting Approved Housing Bodies – Meeting the Delivery Challenge
Key speakers include: • Aidan O’Reilly, Principal Officer, Social Housing Capital Investment Programme, Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government • Niall Cussen, Principal Adviser, Planning, Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government • Michael Walshe, CE, Waterford City & County Council & Chair CCMA Housing Committee • Colm McQuillan, Director of Housing, Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) • Carol McTeggart, Director of Development, Clanmil Housing Association • Jenny Donald, Deputy Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA) • Carmel O’Hare, Head of Information Systems, Monaghan County Council • John O’Connor, Chief Executive, Housing Agency
If you wish to register now for this event please email your name, organisation and position to abreto [email protected]
There is no cost for this event Appendix 9 DCS Appendix 10 DCS Appendix 11 DCS
Local Government Policy Division Dr Theresa Donaldson Finance Branch Chief Executive Level 4 Causeway Exchange Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council 1-7 Bedford Street Island Civic Centre BELFAST The Island BT2 7EG Phone: 028 9082 3375 LISBURN email: [email protected] BT27 4RL
Your ref:
Our ref: DO1-15-400
04 April 2017
Dear Dr Donaldson
FURTHER REDUCED REQUIREMENT -– COUNCILS CONTRIBUTION TO THE NORTHERN IRELAND PUBLIC SERVICES OMBUDSMAN
I refer to my letter of 9 January 2017, advising you of a reduced requirement in the 2016/2017 contribution by your council to fund the operation of the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman.
I am pleased to advise you that as a result of a further reduced requirement your Council is due to receive a second refund of £14,581 which will be forwarded to your Council’s bank account shortly.
Should you need any further information, please contact me ([email protected], telephone: 9082 3375).
Yours sincerely
JEFF GLASS cc Finance Officer, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council