28 August 2015
Chairman: Alderman A G Ewart Vice-Chairman: Alderman W J Dillon MBE Alderman: S Martin Councillors: J Baird, B Bloomfield MBE, S Carson, A P Ewing, J Gallen, A Givan, H Legge, U Mackin, T Mitchell, Jenny Palmer, S Skillen and M H Tolerton
Ex Officio The Right Worshipful The Mayor, Councillor R T Beckett Deputy Mayor, Councillor A Redpath
The Monthly Meeting of the Development Committee will be held in the Chestnut Room, Island Civic Centre, The Island, Lisburn, on Wednesday, 2 September 2015 at 7.00 pm for the transaction of business on the undernoted Agenda.
Tea/Coffee available in Members Suite following the meeting.
You are requested to attend.
DR THERESA DONALDSON Chief Executive Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
Agenda
1 Apologies
2 Declarations of Interest
3 Minutes - Meeting of the Development Committee held on 3 June 2015 (Copy Attached)
- Special Meeting of the Development Committee held on 20 August 2015 (Copy Attached)
4 Deputations
To receive Mr Ian Henderson and Mr Clive Gordon from Tourism and Travel Consult International who will present the findings in relation to the Hillsborough Draft Tourism Action Plan (Item 1 of the Head of Economic Development’s Report refers 7.00 pm)
5 Report from Director of Development and Planning
1 Department for Regional Development - Transport N 1.1 Speed Limit – Ravernet Road, Ravernet 1.2 Proposed Relocation of Loading Bay on Railway Street, Lisburn 2 Northern Ireland Housing Executive – Housing Market Review & Perspectives 2015-2018 3 Report by Head of Building Control 3.1 Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations 3.2 Affordable Warmth Scheme – Service Level Agreement 3.3 Building Control Applications – Full Plan Applications and Regularisation Certificates 3.4 Department of Finance and Personnel – Completion Notice Ready Report to Land Property Services 3.5 Department for Social Development – Affordable Warmth Project 4 Report by Head of Economic Development 4.1 Hillsborough Draft Tourism Master Plan – Presentation 4.2 Northern Ireland Business Start Programme Procurement Update and Options for Interim Programme Delivery Post October 2015. 4.3 Inward Investment Proposition Update And Year 3 Programme Outputs 2015-2016 4.4 Annual Northern Ireland Economic Conference 2015, Tuesday 20th October 2015, Culloden 4.5 Northern Ireland – Netherlands (NI-NL) Trade And Export Society Funding Request 2015- 2016 4.6 Northern Ireland Chamber Of Commerce & Industry Presidents Banquet, Thursday 19th November 2015 4.7 Economic Development Action Plan 2015-2017 – Business Development Update 4.8 World Travel Market, London - 2nd – 5th November 2015 4.9 NI Travel And Tourism Awards 2015
4.10 DARD Children & Young People’s Action Plan 2015 – 2017 – Consultation Response 4.11 Lisburn Commerce Against Crime (CCTV Scheme) – Update 4.12 Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council & Ulster Bank Business Fraud Prevention Conference 6th October 2015, Island Hall, Lagan Valley Island 4.13 Tourism Northern Ireland 4.14 NI Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020 Update 4.15 Lisburn City Centre Management Update 4.16 Lisburn Market Update 4.17 Lisburn Square - Presentation
6. Confidential Business
Members are requested to go to the confidential folder on Sharepoint.
Report by the Director of Development and Planning in connection with:
1. Integrated Marketing Programme - Confidential due to information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information) 2. Down Royal Racecourse - Confidential due to information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information)
7. Any other Business
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To: Members of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Development Committee 03/06/2015
LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL Minutes of the proceedings of the Development Committee meeting of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council held in the Island Civic Centre, Lisburn, BT27 4RL on Wednesday, 3 June 2015 at 7.10 pm
IN THE CHAIR: Alderman A G Ewart
PRESENT: The Right Worshipful the Mayor Councillor R T Beckett
Deputy Mayor, Councillor A Redpath
Alderman W J Dillon MBE
Councillors B Bloomfield MBE, S Carson, A P Ewing, J Gallen, A Givan, H Legge, U Mackin, T Mitchell and M H Tolerton
OTHER MEMBERS Councillors N Anderson and B Hanvey
IN ATTENDANCE: Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
Director of Development & Planning Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) Building Control Manager Committee Secretary
Transport NI
Mr Kevin Monaghan, Divisional Roads Manager Mr Eamon McMahon, Section Engineer
Commencement of Meeting
The Chairman, Alderman A G Ewart, welcomed everyone to the June Meeting of the Development Committee and apologised for the lateness in the commencement of the meeting which had been occasioned by the previous meeting having overran.
1. Apologies
It was agreed to accept apologies for non-attendance at the meeting Alderman S Martin and Councillors J Baird, Jenny Palmer and S Skillen.
It was agreed that the Committee send a Get Well card to Councillor S Skillen who was currently in hospital, conveying best wishes for a speedy recovery. .
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2. Declarations of Interest
The Chairman invited Members to declare any Conflicts of Interest 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.
A Declaration of Interest form was received from the Chairman, Alderman A G Ewart, in respect of the following items in view of his employment as a Special Advisor for the Department of Social Development of the Northern Ireland Assembly:-
- 5.1.12 Strategic Revitalisation Project
- 5.1.15 Meeting with DSD Minister – Transferring Functions
- 5.1.22 Department of Social Development – Affordable Warmth Project
During the course of the meeting Councillor A P Ewing declared an interest in item 6.1 City Centre Management Function in view of his membership of the Board of Lisburn Commerce Against Crime.
3. Minutes of the Development Committee Meeting held on 13 May 2015
It was agreed that the Minutes of the Development Committee meeting held on 13 May 2015, as adopted by the Council at its meeting held on 26 May 2015, be confirmed and signed.
Matters Arising
There were no matters arising.
4. Transport NI – Eastern Division Presentation of Spring 2015 Report
The Chairman, Alderman A G Ewart, on behalf of the Committee, extended a welcome to Mr Kevin Monaghan, Divisional Roads Manager, and Mr Eamon McMahon, Section Engineer, Transport NI, who were in attendance at the Meeting in order to present Transport NI’s Eastern Division Spring Report 2015.
Mr Monaghan thanked the Committee for the opportunity to present the Spring Report 2015 and explained that the Eastern Division now covered the two Council areas of Belfast and Lisburn & Castlereagh.
Mr Monaghan proceeded to outline the works completed in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area during 2014/2015 and also the initial proposals for schemes to be undertaken in the year 2015/2016. Mr Monaghan also advised the Committee of the significant reduction in capital funding for
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4. Transport NI – Eastern Division Presentation of Spring 2015 Report (Cont’d)
improvement schemes and road maintenance, and also the limited resource funding for routine maintenance activities.
Mr Monaghan highlighted and discussed a number of works completed during 2014/2015 and schemes to be undertaken in 2015/20016, a number of which included:
- M1/A1 Link at Sprucefield: the first stage of this scheme had been completed with survey findings published in a Stage 1 Report. Mr Monaghan stated that he was hopeful that there would be sufficient funding available next year to take this scheme to the next stage
- Minor works scheme at Old Ballynahinch Road at Temple Crossroads to include a roundabout. Work due to commence late 2015 subject to vesting process.
- Hillhall Road/Glen Road (Phase 2) – carriageway widening and realignment on stretch of road. Due to commence Autumn 2015
- Dundonald Park and Ride (Belfast Rapid Transit) – construction of a 560 space Park and Ride facility – completed December 2014
Mr McMahon presented an overview of network maintenance works (carriageway and footway resurfacing, and drainage) completed during 2014/ 2015 and also a programme of works for 2015/2016.
At the conclusion of the presentation the deputation responded to questions from the Committee on issues arising out of the presentation:-
a) Queensway/The Cutts Councillor M H Tolerton welcomed the ‘Collision Remedial’ works that had been completed to date at the right turn into the Cutts but expressed concern in regard to the junction at the far end of this road, ie. Turning right from McKinstry Road onto The Cutts. Mr Monaghan agreed to look into this matter again.
b) Ballinderry Junction Improvement - The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor R T Beckett, having commended the works that had taken place in Ballinderry, expressed concern in regard to a strip of fencing at a new housing development that had been taken out and requested that in future that any fencing taken out be replaced as soon as possible as there were health and safety issues for children from the area concerned. The Right Worshipful the Mayor enquired if the Minister for Regional Development had any plans for an official opening for the completed works at Ballinderry. Mr Monaghan agreed to pass on the positive comments by The Right Worshipful the Mayor and also his wish to be in attendance at any official opening by the Minister.
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4. Transport NI – Eastern Division Presentation of Spring Report 2015 (Cont’d)
c) Station Road, Moira (footway widening on NW side south of railway line) - Alderman W J Dillon, having welcomed the work carried out at Station Road, Moira, expressed concern regarding the volume of traffic parking along this stretch of road by people travelling by train to Belfast.
Councillor A P Ewing entered the meeting at 7.25 pm.
d) Temple Crossroads - Councillor U Mackin welcomed the fact that funding had been identified for a roundabout at Temple cross roads which was subject to Vesting Orders and enquired about a timeframe for this project, and if there was any serious issue with the Vesting Orders. Mr Monaghan stated that it was intended to publish the Vesting Orders over the summer and welcomed any support that Members could give on this matter.
e) A49 Ballynahinch Road, Lisburn - Councillor U Mackin referred to the remedial work that was programmed for a retaining wall on the A49 Ballynahinch Road, Lisburn, and pointed out that a stretch of road of approximately 7-8 miles had been improved and enquired if there was any opportunity to repair a smaller stretch of road of approximately 2/3 of a mile, on either side of the retaining wall which was programmed for repair. Mr Monaghan stated that whilst such projects were subject to funding levels and that the urgent repairs were carried out in the first instance agreed to liaise with the relevant personnel on this matter.
f) Mount Michael Park, Castlereagh - Councillor N Anderson having referred to the reference in the Eastern Division Spring Report that there were no Minor Works Schemes currently programmed for Castlereagh, reported that there was a steep incline at Mount Michael Park, Castlereagh, and that the nonslip surface required to be repainted. Mr Monaghan acknowledged the issues and stated that with the reduction in capital funding for 2015/2016 that this scheme would not be considered a priority. He did assure the Committee that the Section Engineer, Mr McMahon, had been bidding for this scheme.
g) Killynure Close - Councillor N Anderson requested if a drainage scheme for Killynure Close could be considered and if funding was an issue this year asked that the scheme be put on a reserve list. Mr Monaghan agreed to add this scheme to their list, in the first instance.
h) North Lisburn Feeder - Councillor A Givan expressed concern regarding the volume of traffic going through the private development at the North Lisburn Feeder road and stated that he continued to receive many complaints about this matter; and enquired if this road was the responsibility of a private developer.
The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor R T Beckett, left the Meeting at 7.35 pm.
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4. Transport NI – Eastern Division Presentation of Spring Report 2015 (Cont’d)
Mr Monaghan confirmed that Transport NI did have an agreement with a developer but that the timeframe for this contract had expired; and agreed to give this matter consideration. He stated that it would be a matter of securing the lands in question and could not give any further commitment at this stage.
i) Loading Bays, Lisburn City Centre - Councillor S Carson raised the issue of loading bays in Lisburn City Centre and the ongoing work associated with the City Centre Public Realm Scheme. He referred to the fact that due to the legislative processes all work at the loading bays were being complete at the same time, with the exception of those in Bachelors Walk. Councillor Carson also highlighted the further consultation that Roads Service were carrying out on the road closure issues at Castle Street and Antrim Street, and asked for clarification in regard to the objections received.
Mr Monaghan updated the Committee in regard to the recent discussions with Road Service officials on this matter and the two objections received. He confirmed that the work to the road surface of Castle Street and Antrim Street would take place over the summer month, the work being split into two parts for reasons of access, etc..
j) Lurganure Road, Lisburn - Councillor S Carson referred to the condition of surface of the Lurganure Road and asked if there were any plans to resurface it. Mr Monaghan agreed to reassess the road in question.
k) Blaris Road, Lisburn - The Chairman, Alderman A G Ewart, stated that the Blaris Road had been resurfaced recently but had been since dug up by NI Water. Mr Monaghan stated that a number of factors had prevented the reinstatement of the Blaris Road, namely: the Balmoral Show in May 2015 and other recent events in and around the Lisburn City area.
The Chairman also raised the issue of £4.5 million (as reported by the Northern Ireland Assembly) being spent on insurance as a result of cars being damaged due to potholes. Mr Monaghan acknowledged that Roads Service were finding it difficult to keep up with repair inspections and stated that it was likely that the amount of money being spent on insurance claims as a result of pot holes would continue to come under pressure in the future.
There being no further questions from Members, the Chairman, Alderman A G Ewart, thanked the deputation for their presentation following which they left the Meeting (7.45 pm)
Councillor B Hanvey also left the Meeting at 7.45 pm.
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5. Report by the Director of Development and Planning
It was proposed by Councillor M H Tolerton, seconded by Alderman W J Dillon, and agreed that the report and recommendations of the Director of Development and Planning be adopted subject to any decisions recorded below:
For Decision
5.1 Department of Regional Development
5.1.1 Transport NI – Presentation of Spring 2015 Report
It was noted that this matter had been dealt with under item 4 above.
5.2 Interim Economic Development Action Plan 2015-2017
The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.
Further to the Economic Development Visioning workshops for Elected Members which had been held on 22 January 2015 and 2 March 2015 the Assistant Director reported that Officers of the Economic Development Unit had prepared an interim two-year Action Plan to mirror the timeline of the new Corporate Plan 2015-2017.
The Committee had been furnished with a copy of the Action Plan which contained a series of indicative projects and funding allocation, a number of which had already been agreed by the Council and a number of which would be brought to the Committee for consideration over the coming months.
The Committee noted that the project mix was based on the following imperatives, and was sufficiently flexible to allow for any re-focusing of priorities going forward as the Local Development and Community Plans began to emerge:
- Guidance from Elected Members - Economic need identified by independent economic research - Funding and partnership opportunities
It was agreed to recommend that the Action Plan, as circulated, be agreed.
5.3 Evening Economy Strategy
The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.
The Assistant Director reported that Lisburn City Centre Management and Officers from the Economic Development Unit had been working for the past two
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The Committee had been furnished with a new proposed Action Plan for years three and four of the Evening Economy Strategy which included a number of new projects to encourage footfall in the City Centre after 5.00 pm, raise the profile and create awareness of the things to do after 5.00 pm and stage a series of events to attract new custom.
The Assistant Director reported on the aspiration to work towards Purple Flag status for the City Centre, which required a number of criteria to be met, including standards of excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy.
It was agreed to recommend that the Committee agrees a maximum budget of £25,000 to deliver year three and a further £25,000 for year four, subject to achievement of appropriate outputs in year three.
5.4 2015 Balmoral Show
The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.
The Assistant Director reminded the Committee that the Balmoral Show had been staged over three days 13-15 May 2015 at the Maze Long Kesh site, bringing significant numbers of visitors into the Lisburn City Council area.
The Committee had been furnished with a copy of a report on the 2015 City Centre showcase and promotional activity, including survey results from visitors to the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council marquee. The Assistant Director discussed the feedback from the survey which had been generally positive, it being noted that the Visit Lisburn Marquee had been awarded “Best Stand not displaying Equipment or Food” (reserve) by the organisers of the Balmoral Show.
It was agreed to recommend that the Committee supports a similar initiative for the 2016 Balmoral Show with a budget of £35,000 to be allocated from the City Promotion Budget.
Alderman W J Dillon and Councillor U Mackin commended the Council Officers on the standard to the ‘Visit Lisburn’ marquee at the Balmoral Show.
5.5 Speciality Food Fair – Moira Demesne
The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.
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The Assistant Director reported that Officers from the Economic Development Unit had received confirmation that a recent application for financial assistance to 5.5 Speciality Food Fair – Moira Demesne (Cont’d)
DARD to stage a Speciality Food Fair had been successful The Application had been submitted to the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme to stage the event in Moira Demesne in Summer 2015.
The Assistant Director stated that the event was aimed at showcasing quality food produce including speciality and artisan foods from the local area and would help strengthen local food clusters and raise awareness of the range and calibre of local and regional food and beverage production.
Members also noted that the event would include cooking demonstrations in a “pop up restaurant” as well as child friendly activities, live music and a creative food trail produced. The Council would be liaising with Food NI with regard to the recruitment of agri-food producers and it was hoped that 30-40 exhibitors would be represented with stalls with a variety specialities.
The Assistant Director reported that the financial assistance offered from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) was £6,975, with match funding of £11,000 required from the Council. The event would take place in August/September 2015 and require external Event Management support.
It was agreed to recommend that a maximum of £11,000 be approved from the Tourism Development budget to match fund a Speciality Food Fair within Moira Demesne and that an appropriate Event Management company be sought through the public procurement process.
5.6 Lisburn and Castlereagh Restaurant Week
The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.
The Assistant Director reported that the inaugural Lisburn and Castlereagh Restaurant Week had been staged from 16-22 June 2014, promoting the Restaurant industry throughout the Lisburn City Council area with particular focus on the City Centre.
The Committee had been furnished with a copy of a full evaluation on the 2014 Lisburn and Castlereagh Restaurant Week, and whilst the evaluation was not particularly positive the businesses concerned had agreed that there was potential for increasing turnover and footfall throughout the week-long promotion and have indicated their desire to stage the event again this year.
It was agreed to recommend that:
- the evaluation on the 2014 Lisburn Restaurant Week be noted,
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- up to a maximum of £15,000 be approved to stage the Lisburn and Castlereagh Restaurant Week and
5.6 Lisburn and Castlereagh Restaurant Week (Cont’d)
- an appropriate Event Management company be appointed to deliver the project.
5.7 Young Enterprise Northern Ireland Fundraising Dinner - Thursday, 1 October 2015
The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.
The Assistant Director reminded the Committee that the Council had been developing a partnership with Young Enterprise Northern Ireland, an organisation which “works to develop opportunities for young peopled by empowering the next generation with the confidence, ability and ambition to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.” The Assistant Director advised that the above- mentioned partnership complimented the Council’s enhanced remit in Youth Enterprise as a result of functions transferring from Invest NI in to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.
The Assistant Director reported that an invitation had been received to the Young Enterprise Northern Ireland Fundraising Black Tie Ball taking place at the Culloden Estate and Spa on Thursday 1 October 2015 at a cost of £100 per person with a table for 10 for £1,000.
It was agreed to recommend that the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Committee be nominated to attend the Young Enterprise Northern Ireland Fundraising Black Tie Ball on Thursday 1 October 2015 at the Culloden Estate and Spa.
5.8 Lisburn & Castlereagh City Business Awards 2016
The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.
The Assistant Director reported that the Business Awards were usually held on a biannual basis but that in order to celebrate the formation of the new Council area and to raise the profile of businesses in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area it was proposed that the first Lisburn & Castlereagh City Business Awards be held in 2016 and on a biannual basis thereafter.
It was agreed to recommend that:-
- the first Lisburn & Castlereagh City Business Awards be held in March 2016 and on an annual basis thereafter,
- the 2016 Awards be launched officially in the Autumn 2015,
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5.8 Lisburn & Castlereagh City Business Awards 2016 (Cont’d)
- given the Council’s prominence in local business development activities the Council acts as one of the main sponsors of the Awards Ceremony at a cost of up to a maximum of £8,000, and
- in line with previous years the main Gala event and judging process be put out to external procurement with all associated costs being covered by third party sponsorship
It was noted that the amount of sponsorship was linked directly to the increase in the number of local businesses and sponsors expected to attend and corresponding scale of the event, including marketing activities which would require to take place to reflect the new Council area and business population.
5.9 SME Development Programme 2015/2016
The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.
The Assistant Director reported that it was anticipated that the new round of European funding (European Regional Development Fund) for Local Economic Development, Investment for Growth & Jobs 2014-2020, which would be administered by Invest Northern Ireland (NI) on behalf of the Department for Enterprise Trade & Investment (DETI), would be open for full application from Councils in June 2015.
The Assistant Director reported also that the Economic Development Unit was currently preparing scoping documents for an outline project application to this funding, however in order to allow Invest NI to obtain the necessary internal approvals and then to allow time for the Council to procure new service delivery contracts, it was anticipated that it is now unlikely that these new projects would be in place until the last quarter of the current financial year.
A copy of a report outlining proposed projects to be delivered as an interim programme of business development activity, with indicative budgets and outputs, had been circulated to the Committee, it being noted that provision for all projects existed within the current Economic Development budget estimates 2015/2016.
It was agreed to recommend that the Committee agree to an interim programme of business development support as circulated which would ensure local businesses would be able to continue to access Council-led support from the end of June 2015 when the current EU funded projects come to an end, and with the flexibility to run until the end of March 2016.
5.10 Broadband UK (BDUK) Pilot for Broadband in Rural Areas
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The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.
5.10 Broadband UK (BDUK) Pilot for Broadband in Rural Areas (Cont’d)
The Assistant Director reported that Broadband UK (BDUK) had responsibility for meeting Government targets in relation to UK wide broadband coverage. BDUK in partnership with the Department of Enterprise Trade & Investment (DETI) was currently promoting a pilot scheme to encourage the uptake of alternative technologies for broadband provision, mainly through satellite, in areas which had been identified as not having sufficient broadband coverage to merit commercial providers to operate.
A copy of a report detailing further information on the above-mentioned scheme, together with a copy of a map showing areas of low broadband coverage in County Antrim had been furnished to the Committee. It was noted that DETI had requested the assistance of all Councils in the areas highlight in rolling out the programme locally. This would involve marketing and promotion of the programme to businesses and households located in the white areas identified, mainly located in rural areas.
It was agreed to recommend that the Committee agrees to assist in the roll out of BDUK pilot Broadband project in rural areas as outlined.
5.11 Discover Waterways Lisburn Project Update
The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.
The Assistant Director reminded the Committee that earlier this year the Lagan Canal Trust Manager presented to the Committee an update on the strategy and plans for the Trust in regard to the Lagan Navigation re-opening project and other related initiatives.
The Assistant Director reported that the Council’s Regeneration Manager had been working alongside the Trust Manager to develop a project, Discover Waterways Lisburn, on part of the Navigation running from Lagan Valley Island to Union Locks at Sprucefield.
The Committee noted that the Lagan Canal Trust had secured funding through the Northern Ireland Environment Link to produce a Masterplan with some outline designs and costings for the project, it being noted that a successful joint consultation had been held in February 2015 at Lagan Valley Island with Partners, stakeholders and local community representatives in attendance supporting the plan.
The Assistant Director also reported that in order to be in a position to make a full application to any funding opportunities such as a possible Rural Tourism Grant through the NI Rural Development Programme (directly delivered by DARD) it
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5.11 Discover Waterways Lisburn Project Update (Cont’d)
A copy of the final Masterplan was furnished to the Committee.
It was agreed to recommend that the Council agreed to procure the services of an integrated consultant team to take forward the Discover Waterways Lisburn Masterplan to full design detail and costing.
5.12 Strategic Revitalisation Project
The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.
The Assistant Director reported that the Revitalisation project, part funded by the Department for Social Development (DSD), had been delivered in the Lisburn City Council and Castlereagh Borough Council areas during 2014-2015 and that the two projects had included initiatives to support the commercial areas of Lisburn City Centre, Dundonald and Carryduff. The types of project funded included: shop front improvement schemes, events, installation of free Wi-Fi, development of a Visitor App, PR and Marketing campaigns, improvements to pedestrian linkages, pop-up shop initiatives, and procurement of event equipment.
The Assistant Director also reported that following on from the success of the above-mentioned initiatives an opportunity had become available through DSD to make an application for financial support to deliver a new strategic revitalisation project across the same three commercial centres in the new Council area.
A copy of an outline of the Revitalisation project which had been submitted to DSD to be considered for £200,000 of grant funding had been furnished to the Committee.
It was noted that the overall project would require a contribution from the Council of £80,000 and that DSD should advise the Council in June 2015 if the application had been successful.
It was agreed to recommend that the Committee agrees to the delivery of the initiatives as outlined in the Revitalisation project and to the Council contribution of £80,000 towards the overall costs subject to a positive response from DSD.
5.13 Tender for External Evaluation of the NI Rural Development Programme 2007-2013
The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.
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The Assistant Director reminded the Committee that at the meeting of the Committee in April it had been agreed to seek appointment of a suitably qualified individual or organisation to undertake an external evaluation of Axis 3 of the 5.13 Tender for External Evaluation of the NI Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (Cont’d)
NI Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 in the former Lisburn City Council, Castlereagh Borough Council and Belfast City Council areas.
The Committee had been circulated with a copy of a report on the opening and assessment of tenders for the assignment, it being noted that the most economically advantageous tender was deemed to be from RSM McClure Watters limited at cost of £12,868 +VAT.
It was agreed to recommend that the Committee notes the tender report for the assignment to undertake an external evaluation of Axis 3 of the NI Rural Development Programme 2017-2013 as circulated and agrees to the award of the assignment to RSM McClure Watters Limited at total cost of £12,868 + VAT.
For Noting
5.14 City Promotion Budget – Integrated Marketing Campaign
The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.
The Assistant Director advised the Committee that the current Integrated Marketing Campaign was set to run until the end of October 2015, which included TV, Radio and outdoor promotional activities for Lisburn City Centre including the “You Got it for Less” pre-Christmas Promotional Campaign.
The Assistant Director reported that it was now necessary to tender for the new phase of the Campaign to run for a further 3 years from 1 November 2015 and that in line with the Council’s Accounting annual it was necessary for a new Economic Appraisal to be produced and considered by Members, it being noted that the Appraisal document was currently under development and would be reported to and considered by the June Meeting of Council, subject to a positive response by the Council’s Financial Services.
It was agreed that the Assistant Directors report be noted.
5.15 Meeting with DSD Minister – Transferring Functions
The Director of Development and Planning presented this item.
The Director reminded the Committee that due to a delay in the legislative process the intended transfer of Urban Regeneration and Community Development functions from the Department for Social Development (DSD) to Councils had been postponed until April 2016.
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Members were advised that following reductions in the funding available for those functions the Minister for Social Development, Mervyn storey MLA, had offered to meet a delegation from the Council to discuss the arrangements for the transfer 5.15 Meeting with DSD Minister – Transferring Functions (Cont’d) of these functions. The main areas of discussion with the Minister had been around secondment of DSD regeneration staff, the transferring budgets, advice services and social enterprise projects.
The meeting with the Minister and a delegation from the Council had taken place on Monday 18 May 2015.
A copy of the briefing on the Meeting with the Minister had been circulated to the Committee, it being noted that:-
- it had been indicated that the Council would express an interest in seconding staff from DSD and discusses any proposed arrangement with DSD officials in the context of future regeneration projects,
- there had been clear indications that the overall regeneration and community development budget of £3.138 m would transfer on April 2016 and each year thereafter, and
- Council officers would continue to discuss the future funding and operation of several social enterprise projects within Lisburn & Castlereagh.
It was agreed that the Director’s report be noted.
5.16 Meeting with Minister for Regional Development – M1/Knock more Link Road
The Director of Development and Planning presented this item.
Further to the decision of the Shadow Council at its meeting in November 2014 that a meeting be sought with the Minister for Regional Development, Danny Kennedy, MLA, to discuss the provision of the M1/Knockmore Link, the Director reported that the Meeting with the Minister and a delegation from the Council had taken place on Wednesday, 20 May 2015. The purpose of the meeting was to seek agreement with the Minister for Departmental officials to meet with Council Officers and officials from the Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation to identify potential funding models for the link road given the essential need for his road to open up development opportunities in West Lisburn and its benefit to the wider area.
A copy of the briefing paper on the above-mentioned meeting with the Minister had been circulated to the Committee, it being noted that it had been agreed that Council Officers initiate the above-mentioned discussions with officials from the Maze Long Kesh at the earliest possible date.
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Alderman W J Dillon welcomed the Director’s report and progress with this matter.
It was agreed that the content of the briefing paper, as circulated, be noted. 5.17 2015/2016 Tourism Development Small Grants
The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.
The Assistant Director reported that the Tourism Section of the former Lisburn City Council traditionally had provided “small grants” and/or provided assistance to groups that had organised small events in the City area that could demonstrate measurable tourism benefits. Officers of the Tourism Development Section had recently advertised, assessed and scored a number of Tourism Development Small Grant applications against predetermined criteria; and the Director of Development and Planning, with delegated authority, had approved the grant amounts and the event organisers had been since informed.
A copy of a summary table of grants awarded to date had been furnished to the Committee, it being noted that a further advertisement had been placed in the Belfast Telegraph week commending 25 May 2015 to encourage further take up of the Scheme across the Council area.
It was agreed that the Assistant Director’s report be noted.
5.18 Milltown Environmental Improvement Scheme
The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.
The Assistant Director reported that as part of Lisburn City Council’s Rural Village Regeneration Project an environmental improvement scheme had been developed for the front of the commercial units at the junction of Derriaghy Road and Milltown Avenue in Milltown, Lisburn. Funding had been secured for the project through the NI Rural Development Programme and the construction of the scheme had been completed in April 2015.
The Committee had been provided with ‘before’ and ‘after’ images of the area of the Scheme which highlighted the improvements made.
It was agreed that the report on the Milltown Environmental Improvement Scheme be noted.
5.19 Lisburn Entrepreneurs Network & Interact Business Networking Evening Thursday 25 June 2015, Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, Hillsborough
The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.
The Assistant Directors reported that Members of the Economic Development
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Committee were invited to attend the Lisburn Entrepreneurs Network & Interact Business Networking evening at Hillsborough Castle & Gardens on Thursday 25 June 2015 at 5.30 pm which would mark the end of the current programme of 5.19 Lisburn Entrepreneurs Network & Interact Business Networking Evening Thursday 25 June 2015, Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, Hillsborough (Cont’d) activity for both the Lisburn Entrepreneurs Network (LEN) and Interact Female Entrepreneurs Network. Both of these two business networks were funded and managed through the Council. The Assistant Director advised that the evening would be hosted by the Chairman of the Committee and would feature motivational and leadership speaker Bryan Dunlop as well as a key local business representatives and networking with local companies. It was also noted that the new programme schedules for each of the Networks would commence again in September 2015, with new branding to reflect the new Council area and new phase of business development activity.
It was agreed that the Assistant Report be noted.
5.20 Building Control Applications – Full Plan Applications and Regularisation Certificates
The Committee noted that for the period 22 April 2015 to 21 May 2015 85 Full Plan Applications had been “approved” and that 46 Regularisation Certificates had been issued in accordance with the powers delegated.
5.21 Department of Finance and Personnel – Completion Notice Ready Report to Land and Property Services
The Committee noted that the Completion Notice Ready Report for the period 22 April 2015 to 21 May 2015 returned to the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFPNI), Land and Property Services had indicated that a total of 60 properties had been identified as having reached occupiable status.
5.22 Department for Social Development – Affordable Warmth Project
The Committee noted that Home Assessment Officers within the Council’s Building Control Service in the month of May 2015 had visited 238 dwellings for the Affordable Warmth Scheme and made 95 referrals for home improvements to the NIHE.
5.23 Consultation Report – “Sustainable Water” – A Long Term Water Strategy for Northern Ireland
The Committee noted that the Department for Regional Development (DRD) Consultation for “A Long Term Water Strategy for Northern Ireland” had been issued last year with a closing date of 10 October 2014.
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The Committee had been furnished with a copy of the DRD’s Consultation Report which summarised the consultation comments received, conclusions drawn, budget issues and next steps in progression of an implementation plan.
5.23 Consultation Report – “Sustainable Water” – A Long Term Water Strategy for Northern Ireland (Cont’d)
It was agreed that the content of the DRD’s Consultation Report as circulated be noted.
Additional Report by the Director of Development and Planning
It was proposed by Councillor M H Tolerton, seconded by Councillor S Carson, and agreed that the Additional Report and recommendations of the Director of Development and Planning be adopted subject to any decisions recorded below:
For Decision
5.24 EU Funding Event - Friday 26 June 2015
The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item. The Assistant Director referred to the Council’s success in applying for previous rounds of EU Structural Funds to match fund a wide range of Economic Development support programmes including local business development initiatives, employability and training schemes and rural development projects, and advised that NILGA was hosting an information seminar for up to 10 Elected Members and Officers to outline the new round of EU Structural Funds 2014- 2020 on Friday 26 June 2015 form 9.30 am to 11.30 am in the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, Limavady. The event would offer attendees an opportunity to engage with Northern Ireland’s three Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), Martina Anderson MEP, Diane Dodds, MEP and Jim Nicholson MEP.
It was agreed to recommend that the Council be represented at the above event with the 10 places to be confirmed by the Chairman of the Committee.
5.25 EU Millennials Tour Project – Transnational Tourism Flow for Seniors and Young People in the Low and Medium Seasons
The Assistant Director of Environmental Services (Economic Development) presented this item.
The Assistant Director reminded Members that at the January Shadow Development Committee it had been agreed to support the EU Commission funding application for an EU Millennials Tour project. The aim of the project was to develop a Transnational European Tourism produce mixing together culture, education, knowledge capitalisation and entrepreneurialship up-skilling. The 15 month project was being led by X23, a Social Development Company based in
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Rome, Italy, with 8 partners, including regions within Netherlands, Italy, France, Germany, Denmark and Belgium.
5.25 EU Millennials Tour Project – Transnational Tourism Flow for Seniors and Young People in the Low and Medium Seasons (Cont’d)
Members were advised that recent correspondence had indicated that the application had been successful and the Council was now in the Grant Preparation phase with a number of forms to show commitment from the various partners forwarded to the European Commission to meet the tight deadlines given.
The Assistant Director outlined to the Committee the work packages the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council was being requested to contribute to within the application.
The Assistant Director reported that the project locally would focus on the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum because of its role to promote local industrial heritage and involvement with local schools. Higher Education institutes would also be involved in the pilot project.
The Assistant Director advised that Letters of Support, in principle, had been obtained from Tourism Northern Ireland, the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum and South East Regional College. The total budget for the project across all partners and work packages was £331,764 with 75% of this amount being sourced from EU funding, and as part of this application Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council had been earmarked for a contribution of £26,751 with 75% of this being grant assisted from EU funding, with a net cost to the Council of £6,688.
It was agreed to recommend that the Committee continues to support the EU Commission funding application for EU Millennials Tour Project as outlined with a financial contribution of £26,751 over 15 months of which EU funding would fund £20,063 with a remaining net cost to the Council of £6,688.
5.26 Nominations to External Organisations
It was agreed to recommend that the following Members be nominated to represent the Council on external organisation for the term of the Council as follows: a) Belfast Regional Tourism Partnership – Alderman A G Ewart and (2 Members) Alderman W J Dillon b) Lagan Canal Trust - Deputy Mayor, Councillor A Redpath c) Lisburn Commerce Against Crime - Councillor A P Ewing d) Maze Long Kesh Development Corporation – Alderman A G Ewart
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5.26 Nominations to External Organisations (Cont’d)
e) Northern Ireland Housing Executive Liaison Committee (10 Members)
It was agreed that nominations to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Liaison Committee be forwarded to the Chairman and that a report on this matter be brought to a future meeting of the Committee.
6. Confidential Business
Report by the Director of Development and Planning
“In Committee”
It was proposed by Councillor M H Tolerton, seconded by the Alderman W J Dillon, and agreed that the following items be considered “in Committee” in the absence of press or members of the public.
For Noting
6.1 City Centre Management Function
The Director of Development and Planning presented this item.
The Director stated that the report on the above matter contained information which was likely to reveal the identity of an individual and was required to be considered “in Committee,”
The Deputy Mayor, Councillor A Redpath, left the meeting during consideration of this item (8.05 pm).
The Director reminded the Committee that earlier in the year an independent review had been carried out of the Council’s City Centre Management (LCCM) function following which it had been agreed that the City Centre Management function would be brought ‘in house’ as part of the Economic Development Unit. The Director outlined the implications for the company and its staff.
The Committee had been furnished with a copy of a report on the proposed way forward, it being noted that the processes would be taken forward by relevant Officers in LCCM and the Council’s Economic Development Unit.
The Director responded to questions from the Committee in relation to suitable office accommodation for the Council’s City Centre Management function and stated that a report on this matter would be brought to a future meeting of the Committee.
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It was agreed that the Director’s report be noted.
6.2 Lisburn City Centre Public Realm Scheme
The Director of Development and Planning presented this item.
The Director stated that the reports on the following two items contained information in relation to legal proceedings and therefore were required to be considered “in Committee.”
6.2.1 Application for Leave for Judicial Review
Further to the report to the Committee in May 2015 on the Leave Hearing in respect of an application to judicially review a decision of the Council relating to its consideration of the issue of kerb height in part of the City Centre Public Realm Scheme the Director updated the Committee in regard to the date of the substantive hearing as granted by the High Court.
6.2.2 Complaint to the Equality Commission
The Director reported on the complaint to the Equality Commission in respect of a health and safety issue concerning the City Centre Public Realm works, it being noted that the Equality Commission had commenced an investigation thereon.
The Director responded to a question from a Member of the Committee in regard to the nature of the complaint to the Equality Commission.
It was proposed by Alderman W J Dillon, seconded by Councillor A Givan, and agreed to come “out of Committee” and normal business was resumed.
Resumption of Normal Business
On the resumption of normal business it was noted that the Committee had agreed to note the Director’s reports in connection with the City Centre Management Function Update (item 6.1 above) and the City Centre Public Realm Scheme (items 6.2.1 & 6.2.2 above).
7. Any Other Business
7.1 European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) Award – Joint Council and Stakeholder Lunch and Dinner – Thursday 4 June 2015 The Chairman, Alderman A G Ewart
Further to the decision of the Committee at its Meeting on 13 May 2015 that the Committee hosts the above-mentioned lunch and dinner at Lagan Valley Island the Chairman encouraged as many Members of the Committee as possible to attend either one or both of these engagements.
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7.2 Carryduff Shopping Centre Councillor N Anderson
Councillor N Anderson outlined concerns in regard to Carryduff Shopping Centre.
The Assistant Director asked Councillor Anderson to forward any further detail on this matter in order that he would make some enquiries thereon.
There being no further business, the meeting ended at 8.15 pm.
______Chairman
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LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL Minutes of the proceedings of a Special Meeting of the Development Committee of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council held in the Island Civic Centre, Lisburn, BT27 4RL on Thursday, 20 August 2015 at 5.00 pm
IN THE CHAIR: Alderman A G Ewart
PRESENT: The Right Worshipful the Mayor Councillor R T Beckett
Aldermen W J Dillon MBE and S Martin
Councillors J Baird, S Carson, A P Ewing, J Gallen, A Givan, H Legge, U Mackin, Jenny Palmer and M H Tolerton
OTHER MEMBERS Alderman J Tinsley Councillors P Catney, B Hanvey and B Mallon
IN ATTENDANCE: Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
Chief Executive Head of Economic Development Committee Secretary
Commencement of Meeting
The Chairman, Alderman A G Ewart, welcomed everyone to the Special Meeting of the Development Committee and thanked Members for their attendance.
Purpose of Meeting
The Special Meeting had been convened in order to consider a proposal in relation to the Hunday (Harry Ferguson Vintage Tractor) Collection.
1. Apologies
It was agreed to accept apologies for non-attendance at the meeting on behalf of Councillor B Bloomfield MBE and T Mitchell, and the Director of Development and Planning.
Councillor J Gray, MBE, whilst not a member of the Development Committee, had submitted an apology for the Special Meeting.
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1. Apologies (Cont’d)
The Deputy Mayor, Councillor A Redpath, whilst having indicated previously that he may be late to the Meeting, was not present.
2. Declarations of Interest
The Chairman invited Members to declare any Conflicts of Interest 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.
There were no declarations declared at the Meeting.
3. Confidential Business
Report by the Director of Development and Planning
“In Committee”
It was proposed by Councillor M H Tolerton, seconded by Councillor S Carson, and agreed that the following item be considered “in Committee” in the absence of press or members of the public.
For Decision
3.1 Hunday (Harry Ferguson Vintage Tractor) Collection
The Head of Economic Development presented the above item.
Aldermen W J Dillon and S Martin, Councillors J Baird, H Legge, U Mackin and Jenny Palmer entered the Meeting at 5.04 pm.
Councillor A P Ewing entered the Meeting at 5.06 pm.
The Committee had been circulated with a report prepared by the Head of Economic Development outlining the background to the above proposal, together with related documentation, namely:
- correspondence dated 14 July 2015 on behalf of the vendor, Mr Paul Rackham - photograph of the Harry Ferguson Memorial Garden at the Homestead at Growell, Hillsborough, Co Down - photograph of the scale model of the aircraft at the A1 at Hillsborough that Harry Ferguson used in the first powered flight in Ireland - summary report into the viability of a new visitor attraction based on the tractor collection by Colliers International
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3.1 Hunday (Harry Ferguson Vintage Tractor) Collection (Cont’d)
- the original Consultant’s presentation by Colliers International on the proposal - a formal heritage assessment of the Collection - the original valuation of the Collection, and - report on the meeting with the Heritage Lottery Fund outlining the reasons why the Council’s funding bid had been unsuccessful.
The Head of Economic Development highlighted a number of issues that the Council should consider prior to making any decision to purchase the Hunday Collection.
The Head of Economic Development responded to a number of comments and questions from the Committee in relation to the issues highlighted.
During the discussion a number of Members indicated their support to the purchase of the Hunday Collection by the Council.
It was proposed by Councillor S Carson, seconded by Councillor J Gallen, and agreed to come “out of Committee” and normal business was resumed.
Resumption of Normal Business
On the resumption of normal business it was noted that the Committee had agreed to recommend on a proposal by Alderman W J Dillon, seconded by Councillor Jenny Palmer that:
- the Council enter into negotiations with the vendor immediately with a view to purchasing of the Hunday (Harry Ferguson VintageTractor) Collection, at a price that best reflected value for money for the Council, and
- a further Special Meeting of the Development Committee be convened to consider the matter further, if necessary.
Following further comments by the Chief Executive it was also agreed to recommend that:
- further work be carried out by Council Officers to ensure that Members have all necessary information to hand in order that the Council was best positioned to make a final decision
- the issue of funding and partnership opportunities be revisited to ensure that all avenues had been exhausted, and
- the Council’s solicitors be instructed to negotiate with the vendor on the Council’s behalf, without prejudice.
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There being no further business, the meeting ended at 6.10 pm.
______Chairman
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LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE – 2 SEPTEMBER 2015
REPORT BY MR COLIN MCCLINTOCK, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING
PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND
The purpose of this report is to set out for Members’ consideration a number of recommendations specifically relating to the operation of the new Council.
The following decisions are required:
To note correspondence from the Department for Regional Development - Transport NI in relation to: Speed Limit – Ravernet Road, Ravernet, and Proposed Relocation of Loading Bay on Railway Street, Lisburn To note the Northern Ireland Housing Executive – Housing Market Review & Perspectives 2015-2018 To consider the Report by the Head of Service (Building Control) To consider the Report by the Head of Service (Economic Development)
ITEMS FOR NOTING
1. DEPARTMENT FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT – TRANSPORT NI
1.1 Speed Limit – Ravernet Road, Ravernet
Attached under Appendix 1 is a copy of a letter dated 6 August 2015 from the Traffic Manager of Transport NI advising of the proposal to introduce a 50 mph speed limit at Ravernet Road as follows:
• Ravernet Road – From its junction with A1 Hillsborough Road to a point 1400 metres in a southerly direction.
Recommendation
It is recommended that this information be noted.
1.2 Proposed Relocation of Loading Bay on Railway Street, Lisburn
Attached under Appendix 2 is a copy of a letter dated 29 July 2015 from the Traffic Manager of Transport NI advising of the proposal to introduce loading bay facilities on Railway Street to facilitate commercial activity in the area and to assist the safe progression of traffic. However due to complaints by property owners in the area the loading bay has now been relocated and a copy of the map showing the revised location is also attached under Appendix 2.
Recommendation
It is recommended that this information be noted.
2. NORTHERN IRELAND HOUSING EXECUTIVE
2.1 Housing Market Review & Perspectives 2015-2018
A copy of the nineteenth edition of the above report is now available to download from the Housing Executive’s web site www.nihe.gov.uk/index/corporate/houing_research.htm.
The publication provides a strategic overview of the developments in the housing market and highlights the main issues that need to be addressed and the perspective for each of the tenures over the coming three-year period.
Recommendation
It is recommended that this information be noted.
3. REPORT BY MR COLIN DUFF, HEAD OF SERVICE (BUILDING CONTROL)
Attached at Appendix 3 is a report from the Head of Building Control in respect of items under his remit.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee considers the items in the Report by the Head of Building Control and agrees the recommendations therein.
4. REPORT BY MR PAUL McCORMICK, HEAD OF SERVICE (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)
Attached at Appendix 4 is a report from the Head of Economic Development in respect of items under his remit.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee considers the items in the Report by the Head of Economic Development and agrees the recommendations therein.
COLIN McCLINTOCK DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING 27 August 2015 Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
REPORT BY MR COLIN DUFF, HEAD OF SERVICE (BUILDING CONTROL) PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND The purpose of this report is to set out for Members’ consideration a number of recommendations specifically relating to the operation of the new Council.
The following decisions are required: To approve:
1. Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates and Inspections) Regulations 2. Affordable Warmth Scheme – Service Level Agreement
To note: 3. Building Control Applications- Full Plan Applications and Regularisation Certificates 4. Department of Finance and Personnel – Completion Notice Ready Report to Land and Property Services 5. Department for Social Development – Affordable Warmth Project
ITEMS FOR DECISION
1. ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF BUILDINGS (CERTIFICATES AND INSPECTIONS) REGULATIONS Members will be aware that the duty for enforcing the Energy Performance of Buildings (EPB) Regulations was transferred to district councils on 30th December 2009. Since that date Councils have agreed to Belfast City Council (BCC) becoming the employing authority for a dedicated team of officers, ‘the EPB Team’. This project has been grant funded by the DFP and allows a uniform and consistent approach to the Regulations across Northern Ireland.
This arrangement has proved highly successful to the extent that all extant Councils have renewed the arrangements, and continued to sign the Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Belfast City Council on a yearly basis.
The purpose of this report is:
• To bring to the attention of Committee the agreed Enforcement Protocol between BCC and the Department of Finance and Personnel and,
• To recommend that the Committee agree the adoption of the SLA up until March 2016.
Members will find a copy of the Enforcement Protocol in Appendix 1A BC and a copy of the Service Level Agreement in Appendix 1B BC.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee agree to extend the authorisation of the EPB Team employed by Belfast City Council under the terms of the Enforcement Protocol to act as the co-ordinating authority on behalf of this Council; and grant approval for the Chief Executive to sign on the Councils behalf and to enter into the EPB Service Level Agreement as contained in Appendix 1B BC.
2. AFFORDABLE WARMTH SCHEME – SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT
Members will be aware of the ongoing Department for Social Development (DSD) fuel poverty initiative and the important role that Councils play in delivering the Affordable Warmth Scheme. DSD officials have indicated their appreciation of this Council’s involvement as an integral stakeholder as part of the scheme and who’s local knowledge is adding great value to delivering the improvement measure to those most in need. Members will also be aware that the Council’s involvement is fully funded by DSD and part of that arrangement is to have a Service Level Agreement (SLA) in place that sets out responsibilities of both parties. Both extant Councils had previously signed up to this SLA and now due to the Councils restructuring the SLA has had minor updates to reflect this fact and requires Members approval for the Chief Executive to sign on behalf of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.
The Service Level Agreement is attached in Appendix 2 BC for Members information.
Recommendation It is recommended that Members agree for the Chief Executive to sign the Service Level Agreement with the Department for Social Development for delivering the Affordable Warmth Scheme.
ITEMS FOR NOTING 3. BUILDING CONTROL APPLICATIONS – FULL PLAN APPLICATIONS AND REGULARISATION CERTIFICATES
For the period 20 May 2015 to 19 June 2015, 79 Full Plan Applications were ‘Approved’ and 25 Regularisation Certificates were issued in accordance with the powers delegated.
For the period 20 June 2015 to 19 July 2015, 157 Full Plan Applications were ‘Approved’ and 33 Regularisation Certificates were issued in accordance with the powers delegated.
For the period 20 July 2015 to 19 August 2015, 126 Full Plan Applications were ‘Approved’ and 31 Regularisation Certificates were issued in accordance with the powers delegated. Recommendation It is recommended that the Committee note this information.
4. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND PERSONNEL – COMPLETION NOTICE READY REPORT TO LAND AND PROPERTY SERVICES The completion notice ready report for the period 20 May 2015 to 19 June 2015 returned to the DFPNI, Land and Property Services indicated that a total of 84 properties have been identified as having reached occupiable status. The completion notice ready report for the period 20 June 2015 to 19 July 2015 returned to the DFPNI, Land and Property Services indicated that a total of 76 properties have been identified as having reached occupiable status. The completion notice ready report for the period 20 July 2015 to 19 August 2015 returned to the DFPNI, Land and Property Services indicated that a total of 76 properties have been identified as having reached occupiable status. Recommendation It is recommended that the Committee note this information.
5. DEPARTMENT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT – AFFORDABLE WARMTH PROJECT Home Assessment Officers within the Building Control Service, in the month of May 2015, have visited 280 dwellings for the Affordable Warmth Scheme and made 83 referrals for home improvements to the NIHE. Home Assessment Officers within the Building Control Service, in the month of June 2015, have visited 645 dwellings for the Affordable Warmth Scheme and made 71 referrals for home improvements to the NIHE. Home Assessment Officers within the Building Control Service, in the month of July 2015, have visited 285 dwellings for the Affordable Warmth Scheme and made 51 referrals for home improvements to the NIHE. Recommendation It is recommended that the Committee note this information.
COLIN DUFF HEAD OF SERVICE (BUILDING CONTROL) 27 August 2015
Service Level Agreement Affordable Warmth
Affordable Warmth Scheme
SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT
between
DEPARTMENT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
and
LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL
Date: April 2015
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1. Overview
The Department for Social Development (DSD), Housing Division, is responsible for improving domestic energy efficiency in the private sector across Northern Ireland. DSD will work in partnership with all local councils and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to deliver the Affordable Warmth Scheme. Proposals for the new Affordable Warmth Scheme were subject to public consultation between 17 February 2014 and 9 May 2014.
The Affordable Warmth Scheme builds on the success of the Affordable Warmth pilot exercises undertaken by local councils and the Housing Executive in 2012 and 2013. The pilots were funded by DSD.
This Service Level Agreement takes account of the restructuring of local councils from 1 April 2015 and supersedes the version dated July 2014.
The Affordable Warmth Scheme aims to target identified low income households and deliver energy efficiency improvement measures to qualifying households.
All parties will use opportunities during the life of this agreement to display a commitment to work together in support of government aims to improve household energy efficiency.
2. Purpose of this Document
The purpose of this Service Level Agreement (SLA) is to provide clarity in terms of accountability, policy, operation and reporting procedures for each of the parties and in particular to:
• Establish the scope and duration of the scheme; • Describe the roles and responsibilities of each party; • Set out the financial arrangements; and • Detail the arrangements for monitoring performance in relation to the Scheme.
The measures available under this Scheme are listed at Appendix 1.
3. Scope and Duration
The Affordable Warmth Scheme aims to improve domestic energy efficiency of targeted households living in severe or extreme fuel poverty. It is expected to reduce energy consumption in eligible private housing by targeting low income households most at risk of fuel poverty.
Proposals for the Affordable Warmth Scheme were subject to public consultation which ended on 9 May 2014. The Affordable Warmth Scheme was introduced on 18 September 2014 and is expected to run until 31 March 2017 (further extensions to the Scheme will be subject to sufficient funding being available).
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The Housing Executive will maintain a central record of all completed surveys referred to it and their progress. When Council officials have completed the initial survey and referred the survey to the Housing Executive, any query regarding that application should be directed to the Housing Executive to resolve.
DSD will provide agreed funding to each council to administer the Affordable Warmth Scheme in advance of the start date. The Housing Executive will transfer agreed funds (in 2015/16 £153K /4=£38,250) to each council on a quarterly basis, starting on 1 April 2015. (The next payments will be made on 1 July 2015, 1 October 2015 and 1 January 2016 and quarterly thereafter.)
4. Roles and Responsibilities
The Department for Social Development
(a) The Department for Social Development (DSD) will:
• obtain the relevant approvals for the Scheme;
• produce a scheme document;
• make the legislation for the Scheme;
• develop the policy to support the operation of the Scheme;
• provide advice to the Housing Executive regarding the policy of the Scheme as required. Responses to queries will be provided within 10 working days of receipt;
• provide each council with data detailing the households to be targeted;
• set an agreed minimum target for completion of surveys which councils will deliver to the Housing Executive annually (a monthly referral volume is to be agreed between the councils, and the Housing Executive);
• continually monitor and evaluate the Scheme through reporting arrangements with the Housing Executive and the councils;
• DSD will seek feedback from the SSA re Benefit Entitlement Checks;
• on completion of the Scheme complete a full evaluation.
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The Council’s Role
(b) Each Council will be provided with details of households considered to be on a low income and in severe or extreme fuel poverty. Each Council will:
• with the consent of the householder, conduct an initial survey to gather information to be forwarded to the Housing Executive for assessment on eligibility criteria for the scheme;
• have discretion regarding accepting non targeted referrals. Councils must bear in mind, Affordable Warmth is primarily a targeted scheme;
• aim to refer a minimum of 1,000 completed surveys to the Housing Executive annually. This will include non targeted referrals;
• agree a consistent volume of affordable warmth referrals over the year to the Housing Executive. This is crucial to avoid accumulations within the scheme and must be agreed between Councils and the relevant Housing Executive Grants office. It would be prudent for this to be agreed annually in early April;
• report to DSD that the areas they are targeting are in line with the area poverty rating information provided by DSD;
• ensure that when an application is received by Building Control that officials arrange for measures to be inspected. Building Control officials will confirm to the Housing Executive whether the installation is in compliance with the building regulations;
• provide householders participating in the scheme with information regarding energy advice;
• manage and respond to complaints concerning council staff regarding the Affordable Warmth Scheme;
• meet with the Housing Executive and DSD at least quarterly to discuss the progress of the scheme and discuss any areas of concern;
• where the householder agrees, refer their details (name, address, contact number) to the Social Security Agency for the purposes of conducting a Benefit Entitlement Check with them.
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The Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s Role
(c) The Northern Ireland Housing Executive is a non departmental public body. Therefore it will not be a signatory to this Service Level Agreement as the DSD and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive has a “Dossier of Control”. These documents set out the controls to be exercised over the different areas of the Housing Executive's activities by the DSD directly or by the Housing Executive itself. The prime purpose of the documents is to assist the Permanent Secretary of DSD in discharging his responsibilities in relation to Housing Executive systems and as such it represents a formal statement by DSD of the standards it requires the Housing Executive to achieve in relation to the probity of activities.
5. Financial Arrangements
Councils will be responsible and accountable for the Affordable Warmth budget allocated to them. DSD will review the scheme during 2015/16 to ensure the scheme is reaching the target households, delivering the measures available and providing value for money.
6. Monitoring & Reporting
Each council will provide the DSD with monthly progress reports regarding the number • of surveys completed, • of households that refuse to take part in the scheme, and • the number of self referral surveys completed.
Each council must ensure the Affordable Warmth budget is ring fenced for Affordable Warmth activities.
Councils will share any Audit recommendations concerning Affordable Warmth and consider those to improve the management of the Scheme. This will be done in consultation with DSD.
7. Accountability
Overall accountability for the delivery of the Scheme rests with the Accounting Officer of DSD as the funding department. However, each receiving organisation is accountable for its own finances and ensuring that appropriate controls are in place in order to provide them with the necessary assurances regarding expenditure.
8. Review of the Service Level Agreement
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This Service Level Agreement will be reviewed no later than 12 months from the date it comes into effect and at regular intervals there from, as agreed by the Affordable Warmth Project Group. Changes will be made by agreement between DSD and all parties to this Service Level Agreement.
9. Limited Liability
The Council shall have no liability to the Department for any loss or damage sustained by the Department as a result of the Department relying on any information supplied to it by the Council under this agreement.
10. Termination of SLA
Once entered into, the SLA can be terminated with three months written notice from any Party. Any party may also terminate the Agreement without notice, for any of the following reasons:-
a) any breach by the other of its obligations under this Agreement; and
b) in the case of a breach capable of rectification, where such breach has not been rectified by the other party within 14 days of it being given notice of same.
11. Confidentiality and Data
All Parties are to take cognisance of the Data Protection and Freedom of Information legislation. Should the information provided under this Agreement include personal data, the Parties shall enter into an appropriate Data Sharing Agreement, to ensure that all data is handled in accordance with the parties’ Legal responsibilities.
Department for Social Development Housing Division April 2015
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Appendix 1 Affordable Warmth Measures
Prioritised list of measures available under the Affordable Warmth Scheme:
Priority rating Conditions in existing Improvement property measures available Priority 1 - Insulation No cavity wall insulation Install cavity wall insulation Ineffective cavity wall Remove and replace insulation cavity wall insulation No loft insulation or Installation or top up of below minimum roof space insulation to 270mm No hot water jacket Install hot water jacket Ineffective or no Draught proof draught proofing windows/doors Priority 2 - Heating No heating system Installation of natural exists gas or oil heating Conversion of existing Installation of natural LPG or solid fuel gas or oil heating system Conversion of Economy Conversion to natural 7 gas (or oil where natural gas isn't available) or conversion to high efficiency storage system Householder 65 or Boiler replacement and over, or with child under new radiators where 16, or receiving a required disability benefit and with a boiler over 15 years old Heating system exists Add heating controls without controls Heating system exists Replace radiators as but radiators defective needed Priority 3 - Windows Windows in disrepair Repair/replace windows with double glazing if draught proofing is not possible Priority 4 - Solid wall Solid wall with no Internal/external insulation insulation
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FORMAL COMMITMENT TO MEMORANDUM
Name:
Position:
Signed: ______On behalf of DSD
Dated:
Name:
Position:
Signed: ______Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
Dated:
Version 2.0
Appendix 4
REPORT BY MR PAUL McCORMICK, HEAD OF SERVICE (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)
PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND
The purpose of this report is to set out for Members’ consideration a number of recommendations specifically relating to the operation of the new Council.
The following decisions are required:
To approve:
1. Hillsborough Draft Tourism Master Plan – Presentation 2. Northern Ireland Business Start Programme Procurement Update and Options for Interim Programme Delivery Post October 2015. 3. Inward Investment Proposition Update And Year 3 Programme Outputs 2015- 2016 4. Annual Northern Ireland Economic Conference 2015, Tuesday 20th October 2015, Culloden 5. Northern Ireland – Netherlands (NI-NL) Trade And Export Society Funding Request 2015- 2016 6. Northern Ireland Chamber Of Commerce & Industry Presidents Banquet, Thursday 19th November 2015 7. Economic Development Action Plan 2015-2017 – Business Development Update 8. World Travel Market, London - 2nd – 5th November 2015 9. NI Travel And Tourism Awards 2015 10. DARD Children & Young People’s Action Plan 2015 – 2017 – Consultation Response 11. Lisburn Commerce Against Crime (CCTV Scheme) - Update
To note:
12. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council & Ulster Bank Business Fraud Prevention Conference 6th October 2015, Island Hall, Lagan Valley Island 13. Tourism Northern Ireland 14. NI Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020 Update 15. Lisburn City Centre Management Update 16. Lisburn Market Update 17. Lisburn Square - Presentation
ITEMS FOR DECISION
1. HILLSBOROUGH DRAFT TOURISM MASTER PLAN - PRESENTATION
Members will recall that it was agreed at the March Shadow Development Committee to appoint consultants to develop a Hillsborough Tourism Master Plan to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the planned works at Hillsborough Castle with Historic Royal Palaces and also that of the Council’s Hillsborough Public Realm proposals.
Tourism and Travel Consult International were appointed to deliver the project following a public procurement exercise in May 2015. Having now completed a draft Hillsborough Tourism Master Plan, after consulting with industry, residents and government agencies Mr Ian Henderson and Mr Clive Gordon will present their findings to the Committee.
Members should note that appropriate content within the agreed Hillsborough Tourism Master Plan will form the basis for a major tourism funding bid to the new Rural Development Programme.
Recommendation
It is recommended that Committee agrees the draft plan.
2. NORTHERN IRELAND BUSINESS START PROGRAMME PROCUREMENT UPDATE AND OPTIONS FOR INTERIM PROGRAMME DELIVERY POST OCTOBER 2015
Members agreed at the Monthly Meeting on 25 August 2015, to delegate authority to the September Development Committee to consider an update on this initiative, including proposed options for delivery in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area post October 2015.
Members will recall that Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council is leading on the procurement of a new Northern Ireland wide Business Start Up Programme for local Government. Currently business start support is delivered though the existing Regional Start Initiative (RSI) via a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Invest Northern Ireland (INI) which runs until the end of October 2015. Councils are planning to apply for match funding for the new programme through the 2014-2020 EU ERDF Investment in Jobs & Growth Programme for Northern Ireland and INI. Procurement for the new programme cannot take place until the ERDF bid is approved and funding is confirmed. However as Invest NI’s application process is likely to take a minimum of 18 weeks to finalise, it is unlikely that the new Council led programme will be in place when the SLA with INI ends in October.
Appendix 1 ED (including background information in Appendices 1A and 1B) outlines a number of delivery options which will ensure continued provision of business start support in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area post October 2015.
Members should note that there is provision for this expenditure in the current Economic Development Budget Estimates 2015-2016.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee agrees to be part of a proposed extension to the current RSI contract until the end of March 2016 as detailed in Option 1 at Appendix 1 ED at a total cost of up to £36,469 inclusive of VAT. It is also recommended that the Committee agrees to a marketing budget for this period of up to £9,221 + VAT
It is further recommended that if the RSI extension is not able to progress as planned that the Committee agrees to participate in a joint interim business start programme as outlined in Option 2 at Appendix 1 ED to ensure continuity in the provision of business start support in the Lisburn & Castlereagh area post October 2015.
3. INWARD INVESTMENT PROPOSITION UPDATE AND YEAR 3 PROGRAMME OUTPUTS 2015-2016
Members will be aware of the ongoing programme of activity to promote inward investment and to raise the profile of the City as a premier inward investment location. The Council has contracted Mr James Gray from Cambridge Competitive Advantage to deliver a three year programme (renewed annually) of targeted marketing and investment activity which presents the City’s value proposition clearly, and to as wide an audience as possible, as well as identifying priority sectors where Lisburn & Castlereagh’s inward investment offer is strongest, with the overall aim of increasing levels of inward investment into the City. Appendix 2 ED provides an update report on the first two years’ activity and outputs to date, along with proposed key deliverables for Year 3 of the project. Recommendation It is recommended that the Committee notes the contents of the update report, and agrees Year 3 activity as detailed at Appendix 2 ED.
4. ANNUAL NORTHERN IRELAND ECONOMIC CONFERENCE 2015, TUESDAY 20TH OCTOBER 2015, CULLODEN HOTEL, BELFAST
The Annual Northern Ireland Economic Conference for 2015 will be held on Tuesday 20th October 2015 in the Culloden Hotel, Belfast.
This event is now in its 20th year and is Northern Ireland’s major economic analysis event considering the performance of and prospects for, Northern Ireland’s economy. Every year, the conference attracts a high profile panel and this year guest speakers include Colm Sheehy, Senior Economist for the Centre for Economics and Business Research and Professor Mark Hart, Asdon Business A copy of the conference programme is attached at Appendix 3 ED and the cost for an Elected Member to attend is £186.45+VAT. Recommendation It’s recommended that the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Economic Development Committee attend.
5. NORTHERN IRELAND – NETHERLANDS (NI-NL) TRADE AND EXPORT SOCIETY FUNDING 2015- 2016 Members are aware of the ongoing Netherlands Trade Development Programme, which continues to deliver market success for participating Lisburn companies. Building upon the success of the trade links developed in the Netherlands, the Council agreed to become one of the founding members of the Northern Ireland Netherlands Trade and Export Society (NI-NL), which was established in 2006. Funded and delivered in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Northern Ireland Trade Consultants, NI-NL aims to proactively assist in the development of partnerships in trade, enterprise, and investment between businesses in Northern Ireland and the Netherlands.
In 2014-2015 NI-NL delivered networking events for local businesses, including a Summer Networking event for businesses at Lisburn Golf Club, the high profile annual trade dinner which took place at the West India House, Amsterdam in February 2015, publicity in regional and local press, and the comprehensive 28 page NI-NL BIZ Trade Magazine (No. 12) which currently has more than 2,000 subscribers, both in the Netherlands and Northern Ireland.
The Economic Development Unit has received a funding request for the annual Council contribution of 7,250 euros for the next twelve months activity of the NI- NL network in 2015-2016 which will again cover the cost of coordinating the networking events, local and regional publicity, and two editions of the NI-NL Biz magazine, and the high profile annual trade dinner which this year will be held in Northern Ireland. Members should note that Invest NI and Northern Ireland Trade Consultants both match fund this amount. Provision has been made for this funding in the Economic Development budget estimates.
Recommendation
It is recommended that Members agree to fund the tenth year of the NI-NL business network subject to all match funding being secured.
6. NORTHERN IRELAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY PRESIDENT’S BANQUET, THURSDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2015
The Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce & Industry is hosting its annual Presidents Banquet, at Titanic Belfast on Thursday 19th November 2015, with special guest speaker Mr James Nesbitt.
In order to facilitate networking with local companies and to raise awareness of Council funded business support initiatives with Chamber Members, it is proposed that the Chairman of the Development Committee host a table at a total cost of £1,200+VAT.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee agrees that the Chairman of the Development Committee should host a table at the above event at a total cost of £1,200+VAT.
7. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN 2015-2017 – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Members will recall that the Economic Development Unit Action Plan 2015- 2017 was agreed at a meeting of the Development Committee on 3rd June 2015. Attached at Appendix 4 ED are three initiatives which were omitted from the Business Development section namely: a Small Grants Scheme, City Centre Creative & Cultural Hub and Sectoral Market Research reports. Members should note that the budgets for these initiatives were already included in the overall budget figures which were presented in the Economic Development Action Plan 2015-2017 in June 2015, therefore there are no additional costs to be included. Recommendation It is recommended that the Committee agrees the above projects be included in the Economic Development Unit Action Plan 2015-2017.
8. WORLD TRAVEL MARKET – LONDON, 2-5 NOVEMBER 2015
Each November Visit Belfast (formerly Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau) attends the World Travel Market in London, to promote the Belfast Metropolitan Area as a tourist destination. This year’s World Travel Market, being the largest travel trade exhibition in Europe, will be held on 2-5 November 2015 in ExCel, London. It is anticipated that over 25,000 travel trade and media representatives across 186 countries will be in attendance.
Whilst Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council will be branded within the Belfast Regional Tourism Partnership, an opportunity exists for representatives from the Council to witness first-hand the marketing and promotional activities of other countries and regions across the globe, including National Tourist Boards. Members should note that the Council has been represented at the World Travel Market each year for the last 7 years.
It is intended to launch the 2016 Lisburn & Castlereagh Visitor Guide at this trade fair. This year the guide will be revised to include accommodation, visitor attractions and hospitality establishments across the new Council area. The cost of attendance for an Elected Member is estimated at £455.68 (a breakdown is included in Appendix 5 ED).
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee nominates the Chairman and/or Vice- Chairman to represent the Council alongside the Tourism Development Manager at the World Travel Market for at least one day to experience first- hand the marketing and promotional activities of the Belfast Regional Tourism Partnership and other competing destinations across the world.
9. NI TRAVEL AND TOURISM AWARDS 2015
For over 23 years the Northern Ireland Travel and Tourism Awards ceremony has been attended by over 400 of the travel and tourism industry VIPs and decision-makers from all sectors of the travel industry and from the Province, the Republic and from all parts of the UK, while the Awards themselves have become a coveted symbol of success among industry peers.
Awards are given out in 23 categories which cover all sectors of the Travel & Tourism industry and are voted for by both the public and travel trade. The finalist is decided by judging by mystery shoppers both in telephone calls and site visits.
Nominations for the 24th Northern Ireland Travel and Tourism Awards are ongoing and the winners will be announced at a gala ball to be held in the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Newcastle on Friday 16th October 2015.
Local company, Oasis Travel has in the past won the Travel Agent of the Year Award and the Oyster Festival has won the Best Event/ Marketing Initiative Award. Hillsborough Visitor Information Centre has also been shortlisted for best Visitor Information Centre over the last 3 years.
Recommendation
It is recommended that Committee agrees to the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, accompanied by the two Visitor Information Centre Supervisors attend the awards dinner on Friday 16 October 2015, at a cost of £143.80 per Elected Member.
10. DARD CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE’S ACTION PLAN 2015 – 2017 – CONSULTATION RESPONSE
Appendix 6 ED details the Council’s draft consultation response to DARD’s Children & Young People’s Action Plan 2015 – 2017 (which is attached at Appendix 7 ED). The paper considers DARD’s proposals to implement actions under 5 main goals which will have an impact on the well being and future lives of children and young people in rural areas. These actions are outlined under the headings of Participation and Involvement, Developing Young People, Reducing Poverty and Exclusion, Leisure, Play and Culture, and Accessible Information & Services. Recommendation It is recommended that Members agree to the content of the aforementioned draft consultation response and that the paper is submitted to DARD by Wednesday, 30 September 2015. 11. LISBURN COMMERCE AGAINST CRIME (CCTV SCHEME) - UPDATE
Lisburn Commerce Against Crime (LCAC) is a company limited by guarantee set up to manage and monitor the Public Space CCTV system across Lisburn City Centre, Hillsborough and Moira. Historically Lisburn City Council provided core funding support for the organisation to deliver this service.
The project was managed by the Council’s Economic Development Unit. Following an approach by LCAC, discussions have recently taken place with officers in this Unit and the Corporate Services Department regarding the move of management responsibility to the Policing and Community Safety Partnership given the strong links to their own strategic approach to Public Safety initiatives. The Chairmen of the relevant Committees have been involved in discussions and agreement is now sought from the Committee regarding this new arrangement.
A financial appraisal in relation to the core funding support provided by the Council is being prepared and will be presented to a future meeting for agreement.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee agrees to the transfer of the CCTV project and related budget to the Corporate Services Department following the agreement of the financial appraisal.
ITEMS FOR NOTING
12. LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL & ULSTER BANK BUSINESS FRAUD PREVENTION CONFERENCE 6TH OCTOBER 2015, ISLAND HALL, LAGAN VALLEY ISLAND
Ulster Bank Limited in association with Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council will be hosting a conference on Business Fraud in the Island Hall on Tuesday, 6th October 2015 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. This conference will be free to attend and will give companies the opportunity to gain information from the experts on the increasing range of business targeted fraud including retail fraud, online/digital fraud and internal business fraud. Also covered will be how businesses can protect their interests by understanding the threats and taking measures to counteract them. Keynote speakers will include: • Dave Clark, Detective Chief Superintendent – City of London Police • Beverley Burns, Staff Officer – Trading Standards • Nigel Walsh, Head of Sectors & Specialist Business – Ulster Bank This high profile conference taking place in the City, and Lagan Valley Island, will be open to up to 200 businesses to attend including local Lisburn and Castlereagh companies.
Members of the Development Committee are invited to attend along with any key business contacts. Recommendation It is recommended that Members note the above.
13. TOURISM NORTHERN IRELAND
The Hunter Review of the NI Tourist Board and wider tourism structures, was completed earlier this year. The review concluded on three key themes:
• Setting the strategic direction for tourism • Building relationships within the tourism sector; and • Closer alignment with Invest NI
Tourism NI have now appointed Regional Managers for each of the Council areas, who will be tasked to work more closely with Councils and the tourism industry within that area.
Attached as Appendix 8 ED, is a letter from Tourism NI offering the opportunity for Tourism and Hospitality SMEs to meet up with a dedicated resource to discuss a range of topics that could assist their business.
From initial discussions, Events Support, Research, Product Development and Mentoring will form some of the suite of opportunities for local industry.
The Council will promote this opportunity through its local tourism and business networks.
Recommendation
It is recommended that Committee notes the new approach being offered from Tourism NI.
14. NI RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2014 – 2020 UPDATE
Members should note that the Council is working with DARD Officials to finalise the detail of a Service Level Agreement for the provision of advisory and administration services to Lagan Rural Partnership Local Action Group (LAG) as it begins preparatory work to deliver Priority 6 of the NI Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020. DARD is to allocate up to £55,000 to the Council to assist the LAG to develop an Interim Local Rural Development Strategy and to market and promote the programme in preparation for opening calls for application. LAG Members completed good governance training in June 2015 and are to further complete Assessment Panel training provided by the Rural Network NI on Thursday 10 September 2015, 10.30 am to 4.00 pm, with the venue to be confirmed by the Rural Network NI. As part of the strategy development process a workshop with the wider LAG membership (82 registered members) has been scheduled for Tuesday, 15 September 2015, 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm, Island Civic Centre, whilst a further workshop with the LAG Board has been scheduled for Tuesday, 22 September 2015, 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm, Island Civic Centre. The latter workshop with the LAG Board is intended to agree the scope of the Interim Strategy and associated Implementation Plan to deliver the £3.22 million grant programme agreed by the European Commission on the 25 August 2015. Further details regarding both the Assessment Panel training and the Interim Strategy workshops will be issued to LAG Board Members in due course. Recommendation It is recommended that Members note the above.
15. LISBURN CITY CENTRE MANAGEMENT UPDATE
Members will recall that an update was provided to Committee in June 2015 regarding the winding up of Lisburn City Centre Management and the transfer of staff to the Council.
The staff, previously employed by Lisburn City Centre Management, were transferred through the TUPE process and became employees of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council on 1 July 2015.
Lisburn City Centre Management vacated the premises they had occupied at 45-47 Market Square on 31 July 2015. Following research into alternative properties in the City Centre and with agreement of the Chairman of the Committee the Council’s City Centre staff team are now located on a temporary basis at 11-13 Market Square. The previous premises occupied by Lisburn City Centre Management were too large for the future needs of the service and also expensive with a further rent rise pending.
The current temporary location is being negotiated for a term of three years with an independent commercial valuer reviewing the terms of the offer to ensure best value is achieved.
Recommendation
It is recommended the Committee notes the update.
16. LISBURN MARKET UPDATE
For a number of years now the Council has managed a weekly market at Smithfield Square in Lisburn. In July 2015 responsibility for this ‘overflow’ market transferred from the Environmental Services Department to the Development Department’s Economic Development Unit.
Adjacent to the Council site and on the same day of the week the main market portion of the weekly market is managed by the owners of Lisburn Square on their site. On Tuesday 11 August 2015 the new owners of Lisburn Square advised the market traders on site that day that they would be unable to trade there for up to 14 weeks, with immediate effect, due to scheduled maintenance works. The Council had not been previously made aware of this situation.
Following contact from a number of traders and Elected Members, Officers in the Regeneration Section of the Unit worked to arrange the accommodation of the traders from the Lisburn Square Market in the Council’s ‘overflow’ market at Smithfield Square. On Tuesday, 18 August 2015 an additional 13 traders arrived for the market and were offered space within the Council’s site. Officers have continued to work with Council Officers in Health and Safety and Operational Services to ensure a safe working environment is in place, particularly given the increase in stall numbers. This arrangement will be in place for the 14 weeks that Lisburn Square cannot accommodate the market.
Members should note that Lisburn Square management have agreed to cover any additional costs to the Council for this temporary arrangement.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee notes the update in relation to the Lisburn Market.
17. LISBURN SQUARE – PRESENTATION
The new owners of Lisburn Square have been invited to present their plans for the future development and marketing of the Square to the October meeting of the Development Committee.
Recommendation
It is recommended the Committee notes the above.
PAUL McCORMICK HEAD OF SERVICE (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT) 27 August 2015 Appendix 1 ED
NORTHERN IRELAND BUSINESS START PROGRAMME PROCUREMENT UPDATE AND OPTIONS FOR INTERIM PROGRAMME DELIVERY POST OCTOBER 2015.
Currently business start support is delivered across Northern Ireland through the Regional Start Initiative (RSI) via a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Invest Northern Ireland (INI) which runs until the end of October 2015. Councils are planning to apply to Invest NI for match funding for a new Northern Ireland wide programme through the 2014-2020 EU ERDF Investment in Jobs & Growth Programme for Northern Ireland. Procurement for the new programme cannot take place until the ERDF bid is approved and funding is confirmed. However as Invest NI’s ERDF application process is likely to take a minimum of 18 weeks to finalise, it is unlikely that the new Council led programme will be in place when the SLA with Invest NI ends in October. To ensure continued provision of business start support in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area post October 2015 it is important that interim measures are put in place in advance of the new Northern Ireland wide programme being finalised. There are currently a number of options available to the Council to meet this requirement.
Option 1 On 10th July 2015 Lisburn & Castlereagh Council had requested Invest NI to look into the possibility of extending the current RSI contract up until the end of March 2016. On the 12th August the Department of Enterprise Trade & Investment (DETI) wrote formally to the CE requesting an update on any contingency plans being put in place by the Council to address any potential gap in Business Start Up support post October 2015. (Appendix 1.A (ED)) At the NI Business Start Up Programme Council working group meeting on 12th Aug 2015 in Antrim, Invest NI confirmed they had been speaking to CPD and because of recent changes to procurement regulations it may be possible to extend the current RSI contract. There are a number of caveats to this, including a maximum amount of budget allowable, it is only feasible if all 11 Councils are on board, and finally Invest NI did stress that there were no guarantees that the contract definitely would be extended. Invest NI requested that if Councils wished to proceed with this option that they needed to put this request formally in writing to DETI as soon as possible as there are internal processes which will need to be followed to enable this to happen by the October deadline, and to enable the current SLA arrangement to be extended. It was agreed at the Working Group that Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council would progress this request through the Chief Executive Forum, and issue a letter as soon as possible. This letter Appendix 1 ED
was issued to DETI on the 16th August, and formally requested an extension of the current programme to 31st March 2016. (Appendix 1.B (ED)).
The operational costs of delivering an additional 93 Business Plans through the RSI during this period in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area are set out below up to a maximum amount as per the current SLA:
93 Business Plans @ £336 (inclusive of VAT)* £31,248 Invest NI staff costs April – October 2015 (inclusive of VAT)** £5,221 TOTAL DELIVERY COST £36,469
The Council working Group have also requested Invest NI to consider extending the marketing campaign during this period at a total cost to the Council of £9,221+VAT.
Option 1 would be the preferred option should the extension proceed as planned.
Option 2
Given the uncertainty around whether or not the requested extension to the current RSI and the SLA agreement with Invest NI may go ahead, it would be advisable that the Council also agrees to the procurement of an interim local programme which can be implemented straight away should the current RSI contract extension not proceed as planned. This local programme could be solely procured and delivered in the LCCC area. However an approach has been made from a grouping of local Council’s (which includes Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Antrim & Newtownabbey Council, Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, and Ards & North Down Council) to work together to deliver a joint interim business start-up programme based on the RSI model, which would ensure a consistent approach during this interim period with potential economies of scale in the programme delivery costs. The total maximum cost of this proposed programme would be based upon current costs to deliver the RSI during this period less the contribution towards Invest NI salary costs: 93 Business Plans @ £336 (inclusive of VAT)* £31,248 TOTAL DELIVERY COST £31,248
A request has also been made to Invest NI to consider extending the current marketing campaign should there be a requirement for an interim local programme at a total cost to the Council of £9,221+VAT. If this is not feasible as part of an interim programme, and Councils have to develop a new local Appendix 1 ED
marketing campaign, this could potentially increase the marketing budget up to a maximum of £13,000.
Members should note that there is provision for this expenditure in the current Economic Development Budget Estimates 2015-2016 with both the cost of the programme delivery and marketing during this time deducted from the Council allocation from DETI for these transferring functions. .
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee agrees to be part of a proposed extension to the current RSI contract until the end of March 2016 as detailed in Option 1 at a total cost of up to £36,469 inclusive of VAT. It is also recommended that the Committee agrees to a marketing budget for this period of up to £9,221 + VAT.
It is further recommended that if the RSI extension is not able to progress as planned that the Committee agrees to participate in a joint interim business start programme as outlined in Option 2 to ensure continuity in the provision of business start support in the Lisburn & Castlereagh area post October 2015.
Appendix 1A
Department of Enterprise., Trade and Investment www.dettn1.gov.uk Economic Policy Division • Netherleigh Massey Avenue Belfast BT4 2JP Telephone 028 9052 9364 Textphone 028 9052 9304 Email [email protected]
Dr Theresa Donaldson Lisburn and CastlereaghDistrict Council Island Civic Centre The Island LISBURN BT27 4RL
12th August 2015
Dear Dr Donaldson,
Re: Business Start Up Provision - Post October 2015
I am writing in relation to the Regional Start Initiative which continues to be managed by Invest NI on behalf of the eleven Councils until 22nd Oct 2015. As you will be aware the contract cannot be extended beyond this date.
I have been informed that Councils propose to submit an application to Invest NI for European funding under the LED Measure - Investment for Growth & Jobs with a view to putting in place Business Start Up provision in the respective Council areas post October 2015. I understand a scoping document is to be formally submitted to Invest NI in due course.
While this approach by the Councils is to be welcomed and I am sure every effort will be made to expedite the application, appraisal and approval process, at this juncture it would appear extremely unlikely that a new programme could be operational before the end of the current RSI contract and that the gap in provision could extend over several months.
I would therefore be grateful for information on any contingency plans you have in place or are considering to cover any potential gap in business start-up support post October 2015.
Related to this please find attached an updated version of the Guidance document on the transfer of functions previously shared with the Councils. The updates primarily cover the fact that we have moved from planned to actual provision of services. Appendix 1A
Yours sincerely
DIARMUID McLEAN Director Economic Policy Appendix 1B
ANTRIM CIVIC CENTRE 50 Stiles Way Antrim BT41 2UB ·6 Antrim and T 028 9446 3113 F 028 9448 1324 Newtownabbey MOSSLEY MILL l J Carnmoney Road North Newtownabbey BT36 5QA :!!!!!! ,;V BOROUGH COUNCIL T 028 9034 0000 F 028 9034 0200 E [email protected] www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk @ANBorough
1 9 August 2015
Our Ref: ED/Ml/42
Mr Diarmuid Mclean Director Economic Policy Department of Enterprise Trade & Investment Netherleigh Massey Avenue Belfast BT4 2JP
Dear Mr Mclean
BUSINESS START-UP PROVISION POST OCTOBER 2015
Thank you for your letter dated 12 August.
Officers from all 1 1 Councils, in consultation with officials from Invest NI, have been developing a proposal for a business start-up programme that is capable of being delivered across Northern Ireland with funding provided through the new LED Measure. This work has involved the 1 1 Councils commissioning a full economic appraisal, which is nearing completion, to support the submission of a Scoping Document as a key first stage in the funding application process. However, as you have indicated it is now unlikely that the necessary approvals will be in place before the end of October when the current Service Level Agreement with Invest NI and the 1 1 Councils is due to expire.
I understand from recent advice received from CPD that it is now possible for the current extension to the Regional Start Initiative (RSI) to be renewed for a further period from 23 October 2015. This being the case I would ask that the Department considers such an extension to, say, 31 March 2016 to allow the Councils time to submit a full application for approval under LED. I appreciate that, while this is not ideal and will require all 1 1 Councils making a similar request, it should ensure continuity of a generic business start-up provision from the end of October rather than a number of local temporary services being rolled out by Councils which risks diluting or impairing the current 'Go for It' brand.
(continued)
r"\ INVESTORS Appendix 1B
-J IN PEOPLE Appendix 1B
2
The next meeting of the Chief Executives Forum is on 28 August and I would like to raise the proposal with my colleagues in the hope that we can all agree to the request a further extension to the RSI contract.
Yours sincerely
Jacqui Dixon, BSc MBA
Chief Executive
Cc Oonagh Hinds - Invest Northern Ireland Appendix 2 ED
INWARD INVESTMENT PROPOSITION PROGRESS REPORT 2013-2015
OUTPUTS AS PER PROGRESS TO DATE CONTRACT
Research and identify Lisburn Completed. Inward Investment Report Produced Castlereagh’s inward investment Value Propositions New more persuasive and business focused key messages were developed for promoting Lisburn Castlereagh based on James Gray’s extensive experience gained from working with many potential inward investors. In addition it was essential to understand what FDI and other businesses in Lisburn considered the advantages. Meetings were therefore held with 36 local businesses in key sectors, as well as Lisburn Chamber of Commerce, Invest NI and South Eastern Regional College (SERC). This included meetings with Senior Managers at 5 FDI investors in Lisburn Castlereagh, Bombardier , Assa Abloy , Coca Cola HBC , Ametek and Montupet
LCCC now has a clearer inward investment message with specific propositions developed for 5 priority sectors. Clear positioning of the City as : ● Business Friendly Lisburn Castlereagh ● Lisburn Castlereagh – ideally located ● Northern Ireland’s best connected city ● Successful track record with locally grown and foreign-owned companies All key messages are supported with independent data from credible third party sources - including The Department Enterprise Trade & Investment (DETI), Department of Employment & Learning (DEL), Office for National Statistics, AA Route Planner, and Invest NI. Lisburn Castlereagh’s key selling points complement Invest NI’s promotion of Northern Ireland. This has assured Invest NI that the Lisburn Castlereagh investment programme supports the broader Northern Ireland promotion effort and adds value to it. There has been positive feedback from Invest NI, Lisburn Chamber, and crucially local businesses that the messages promote Lisburn Castlereagh positively and reflect their views on the advantages of operating here. New Council area advantages including key companies, statistics and relevant investment data etc will be finalised in September 2015
Develop 4 sector specific offers Based on James Gray’s significant experience of working with investors across a wide range of sectors the ‘key decision drivers’ for each of the 5 sector offers have been developed plus 5 additional cross sector messages - covering key advantages which apply to most or all sectors : Appendix 2 ED
Sectors : ● Advanced Engineering / Electronics ● Renewables Engineering ● Food and Drink ● Business and Professional Services ● Information Technology All sectors fit with Invest NI’s target sectors for Northern Ireland and UKTI’s targets for the UK as a whole. Lisburn Castlereagh’s advantages in ‘cross-sector ‘ areas also developed for : ● Talent, skills , wage costs ● Logistical advantages and digital connectivity ● Quality of life ● Business support – emphasising the range of local support available, and coordinating role of LCCC to help businesses access support from other providers such as Invest NI, SERC, Department Employment & Learning, ● Track record as a successful location – case studies All key messages are supported with independent data from credible third party sources including the Department Enterprise Trade & Investment, Department of Employment & Learning, Office for National Statistics, AA Route Planner, and Invest NI.
Develop content for marketing Completed. Dedicated project website at www.investlisburn.com. [ This will be renamed materials and revision of www.investlisburncastlereagh.com from September when amendments to content are completed.] website and app Content was developed in line with best practice in inward investment promotion and incorporating Lisburn Castlereagh’s key messages . The key consideration was to present a professional business to business message - not sales talk or hyperbole. In addition to providing content : ● Programme managed development of new website for Lisburn Castlereagh ● Advised the IT firm on design which would be consistent with a professional investment promotion campaign ● Recommended key topics, graphics, photos to be included ● Edited content to fit developer’s design but ensuring Lisburn Castlereaghs key messages were prominent ● Recommended images, graphics and video.
Currently working with the project web designer to update the website to reflect new Council area advantages, key companies, and investment data.
Appendix 2 ED
Launch new marketing An initial group of marketing materials have been prepared. materials Prepared content and advised on design for : ● 2 x four page fact sheets ● 2 x 1 metre banners ● 1 x 3 metre stand All prepared advance of the Lisburn @Westminster event in March 2015, with updated marketing materials to be prepared for Lisburn Castlereagh in advance of MIPIM UK in Oct 2015.
Bespoke marketing gifts were also produced in partnership with local Lisburn businesses in advance of the Lisburn@Westminster event in March 2015. These included ‘Share a Coke with Lisburn’ branded Coca Cola bottles, Invest Lisburn chocolate, jams and linen.
Prepare case studies of key It is best practice in inward investment promotion to refer to success stories particularly if these are investors industry leaders or important international businesses. James Gray’s interviews with key local companies uncovered a number of excellent case studies and key facts (many of which we were not aware of) which Additional output – not in should be captured in proper Case Studies. It was agreed that a series of case studies of key investors in original plan Lisburn Castlereagh should be a priority to be developed and added to website. Video testimonials from key executives promoting Lisburn Castlereagh were also completed and added to website with James Gray providing a script of the key selling points for each executive to promote including : ● Montupet ● Assa Abloy ● Boomer Industries ● Helios ● P2V Systems ● Coca Cola HBC ● Leckey
Further video testimonials are planned to reflect the expansion of the new Council area into Castlereagh
Inward Investment Programme Official Programme & Website launch at Coca Cola HBC premises on 28th November 2014. Launch Working with the Council’s Marketing & Communications Unit a schedule of PR was developed which Additional output – not in resulted in features in the following media coverage. original plan Appendix 2 ED
• Launch of programme PR in Ulster Star (12th December) • Programme feature in December issue of Business Eye • The Councils business e-newsletter • www.investlisburn.com and social media
30 invited guests including key local business representatives, executives from FDI investors, Lisburn Chamber of Commerce and Invest NI - plus media in attendance. Presentations from the Production Manager at Coca Cola HBC, P2V Systems and Jeffrey Donaldson MP.
Lisburn @ Westminster Lisburn @ Westminster Event 17 March 2015 House of Commons.
Additional output – not in A high profile investment awareness raising event was recommended by James Gray from his experience original plan of facilitating other similar type receptions with Councils and local trade bodies in the House of Commons. The recommendation was to hold an event at Westminster which would allow Lisburn Castlereagh to present a strong, confident message at a highly prestigious venue to new contacts in the London area , invite key local companies to attend , attract key influencers like banks , accounting firms , embassies and attract media coverage with a message that Lisburn Castlereagh has a strong message and was working hard to promote the area for inward investment.
The Lisburn @ Westminster event was very successful with 120 attendees including: ● NI and GB MPs ● Embassy representatives ● Senior executives of FDI investors in Lisburn Castlereagh ● Managers of Lisburn based companies ● Members of Lisburn Castlereagh Soft Landing Programme ● InvestNI – London and Belfast ● London based business people with Northern Ireland / Lisburn connections ● Potential investors ● GB property developers
In addition to the networking with new and existing contacts the Event created the opportunity for 3 separate meetings with key property development opportunities - John Lewis , INTU and CTP. Lisburn was presented in a professional manner in very high quality venue to a substantial audience. Appendix 2 ED
In addition we are now aware that Gamucci - now a current inward investment prospect attended the event with Invest NI.
Positive media coverage generated through features in :
• Westminster advertorial in Ulster Tatler May 2015 issue • The Belfast Telegraph • The Ulster Star • The Councils business e-newsletter • www.investlisburn.com and social media • July Insider Northern Ireland Property Guide
Develop and deliver Soft Lisburn Castlereagh Soft Landing Programme developed . Landing with minimum of 20 Providers This is a unique programme in Northern Ireland and one of a small number UK wide. The Soft Landing Programme makes available a range of professional advice – with the first hour delivered free - to local companies , companies re-locating, and FDIs investing in Lisburn Castlereagh.
23 local service providers were interviewed and have signed up to deliver local advice. The services offered include : ● Accountants ● Solicitors ● Recruitment ● HR / Employment law ● Executive / specialist recruitment ● IT support ● PR/ Marketing advisers ● Banks ● Business support organisations
The Soft Landing programme is now an integral and unique part of Lisburn Castlereagh business support being promoted to local companies and companies re-locating including all potential inward investors.
The current list of Soft Landing providers is attached at the end of this report.
Appendix 2 ED
Note : There is demand from others to be included with Castlereagh based service providers to be added 2015/16
Hold 4 Soft Landing To be delivered in 2015/16 workshops (each attracting a minimum of 15 SME attendees)
Minimum of 15 local SMEs accessing Soft Landing To be delivered in 2015/16 support It should be noted that all companies also engaged with the Council are now referred where relevant to the SOFT Landing Programme
Launch Soft Landing Completed
Launch Inward Investment The Inward Investment Programme was launched at the Coca Cola hosted event on 28th November 2014. Programme - Additional output 30 guests including FDI investors, Invest NI, Chamber of Commerce attended with presentations from – not in original plan Coca Cola HBC, P2V and Jeffrey Donaldson.
The Soft Landing Programme was launched at the same time with a number of the service providers present. It was also promoted at the Westminster event with associated excellent media coverage from both events as detailed previously.
Represent Lisburn Castlereagh James Gray attended MIPIM UK October 2014 and met with representatives from Leeds, Worcester, at key events - exhibitions / Cardiff, Luton, Leicester / Leicestershire and MIPIM management to assess the value of Lisburn conferences Castlereagh being represented. James provided a report to the Council recommending early booking of space at MIPIM UK 2015, and as a result reserved a space and showcase presentation opportunity.
Lisburn Castlereagh @ Westminster March 2015 ; 120 contacts attended including Embassy staff , InvestNI ; potential developers ; MPs
Additional events to be agreed with the Council in 2015/2016
Appendix 2 ED
Build Lisburn Castlereagh’s James Gray has recommended that the inward investment promotion should include ensuring key profile with 20 key multipliers; influencers are aware of Lisburn Castlereagh’s key messages. Influencers are those whose opinion will build a database of key be valued in terms of advocating investment or development opportunities in key sectors or networks. contacts This will include - existing FDI investors, professional firms like accountants /law firms / banks , people with connections to Lisburn Castlereagh, foreign embassies, Invest NI and UKTI. While this is an overall target for the three years to March 2016 real progress has already been made and includes the following multipliers: Banks , law firms , accountants - Danske Bank , Morgan Stanley , Ernst Young , Santander , HSBC , Hatfield Phillips Embassies - Netherlands , Hungary , US , State of Georgia , Ireland ( Ambassador attended Westminster event) InvestNI ; London and Belfast based staff ; UKTrade & Regeneration Investment Organisation Lisburn Ambassadors Group established - key contacts in London and Australia attended Westminster event.
Provide monthly reports to Ongoing reporting and assessment of priorities monthly with LCCC colleagues LCCC on activity, outputs, key proposal
75 potential inward investors These are March 2016 targets recognising the length of time required for potential investors to take the and developers contacted Lisburn Castlereagh messages on board then come forward with plans. The work done to date is crucial - getting our messages right, improving the knowledge and skills of the team, taking a more business-like 10 potential projects in the approach to incoming enquiries and visits, developing the relationship with Invest NI and other influencers pipeline by March 2016 with launching the Soft Landing Programme etc. 200 associated jobs While inward investment usually takes time to come through, progress has been very encouraging with the first Invest NI referrals to Lisburn Castlereagh in 5 / 6 years ; 11 potential investors and developers contacted, two successes in 2015 and good prospects including a potential significant investment which visited in the spring. All have responded well to the professional approach from the Council and its partners and welcomed the Soft Landing Programme.
The relationship with Invest NI has improved because they have been kept informed of the Inward Investment Programme and involved in key events like the launch and the Westminster event - a first for Northern Ireland. James Gray had already established strong relationships with key Invest NI executives and this has been built upon. Furthermore overall promotion is better and supports the Invest NI approach. Through this project the investment messages are clearer and there is now a system in place to respond to enquiries more effectively. Appendix 2 ED
Key enquiries include:
● Wescott Coatings (referred by Invest NI) have set up in premises in Lisburn, with the creation of 2 F/T jobs (and scope for many self-employment opportunities from local trainees) and have been assisted through business development support as part of the Council funded Generate Renewable Industries Programme, as well as working to establish links to local training providers. ● WFS Technologies have just secured premises in Dundonald, and are receiving support to identify key contacts, PR & marketing, and identifying new employees. One new employee is in place, with recruitment of 3 additional high value engineering jobs underway ● Gamucci have participated on an inward investment visit to the City to view a number of potential properties, with an investment decision still to be made, and scope for up to 300 new jobs ● Meetings have been held with another potential inward investment company who wish to relocate to larger premises. They are being assisted with a property search and links to local training providers with a further meeting planned for 3rd September 2015, and potential to bring over 40 employees ● A meeting was held with a local developer with potential for a city centre office scheme ● Meetings were held with three separate developers as part of the Lisburn @ Westminster event ● Meetings and correspondence with two legal firms in the UK ● Meetings and correspondence with Northern Ireland based new legal firm
In addition James Gray met the agents for Lisburn Square to argue for the potential for letting to professional service companies - a key sector for Lisburn Castlereagh - based on his analysis of the inward investment opportunity.
30% increase in enquiries Stronger working relationship with Invest NI – London and Belfast. Invest NI confidence in LCCC received from INI – 2014/15; approach and strategy plus positioning of LCCC offer as complementary and adding value to the Northern 50% in 2015-16 Ireland offer.
● First referrals from Invest NI in 5 years.
Project referrals
● Wescott – now set up in Lisburn ● Gamucci – visited Lisburn May 2015
Appendix 2 ED
Mentor LCCC team – 10 Monthly meetings with Economic Development Team quarterly mentoring sessions Ongoing support and regular advice on best practice, analysis and recommendations on marketing and sharing inward investment investment opportunities. promotion best practice with the Economic Development team
Provide monthly reports to LCC Weekly email updates on activity, outputs, key Quarterly monitoring reports prospects Monthly meetings with the Economic Development Team
Deliver annual reports Completed
INWARD INVESTMENT PROPOSITION YEAR 3 2015-2016
ACTIVITY AS PER 2015 / 16 KEY OUTPUTS CONTRACT
Research and identify Lisburn Update to include Castlereagh advantages, key company case studies etc. – improving the overall proposal Castlereagh’s inward ● Revise and update content for marketing materials and revision of website and app investment Value Propositions ● Revise and update content for the 5 sector specific offers ● Prepare Castlereagh company case studies
Update to include Castlereagh Interview key investors in Castlereagh (eg .Lloyds Bank facility in Dundonald. WFS Technologies etc) advantages etc Advantages will be updated for the new Council area, along with key companies and data statistics in September 2015.
To be completed by 15 October 2015
New marketing materials Prepare additional fact sheets and promotional materials relevant to MIPIM UK property development exhibition / conference taking place 21st – 23rd October 2015.
Update to include Lisburn Castlereagh advantages, key company case studies etc.
New exhibition stand developed Appendix 2 ED
To be ready for MIPIM UK October 2015
Increased use of online media such as Twitter
Develop additional case studies Develop 4 additional case studies and video testimonials including key Castlereagh investors incl. Lloyds, The CARD Group, and WFS Technologies.
Arrange and prepare the video interview fact sheets for key executives to draw out key messages for Castlereagh
Develop Soft Landing Programme Recruit a minimum of 4 additional service providers from across the new Council area
Hold 4 Soft Landing 4 workshops to be held in Lisburn and Castlereagh by Sept 2016 supported by Soft Landing Programme workshops (each attracting a service providers. minimum of 15 SME attendees)
Minimum of 15 local SMEs 15 companies access Soft Landing support by 31ST March 2016 accessing Soft Landing support
New Output Lisburn Castlereagh is home to a number of important investors already. All good inward investment programmes include regular contact with existing investors - they are important investors and sources of Lisburn & Castlereagh City business intelligence; they are important influencers for potential new investors looking for a location; they have Council Aftercare Programme the potential to expand (or reduce) their investment.
It is important that Lisburn Castlereagh has a properly structured approach to maintaining regular contact with key executives; this will also support Lisburn Castlereagh’s image as a ‘business friendly’ location. James Gray has developed ‘aftercare’ programmes in the UK, US and Middle East. The Programme will build stronger relationships with key investors in Lisburn Castlereagh and include :
● Identifying an initial group of 15 priority investors ● Setting up structured meetings and annual contact programme involving the CE and Elected Members ● 2 roundtable meetings with investors with relevant Council staff, including Elected members and CE ● Working Christmas lunch hosted by Mayor /CE.
Appendix 2 ED
Work has commenced on a programme of Council business engagement visits to FDI businesses and high growth indigenous businesses across the priority sectors identified as part of this project, to commence in September 2015
New Output Large UK property exhibition and conference 21st – 23rd October 2015. Lisburn Castlereagh will host a stand promoting the City to the UK’s leading property professionals. MIPIM UK Exhibition stand plus: ● Develop list of target property companies / professionals to meet at MIPIM IUK ● Host reception at stand ; invite key targets to come to reception ● Develop professional presentation and develop itinerary & speakers for Lisburn Castlereagh showcase presentation as part of the MIPIM UK programme ● Programme of meetings arranged with developers , property managers etc
New Output Major promotion event to highlight Lisburn Castlereagh as a great place to do business and invest. Lisburn Castlereagh @ Invite 120 guests including : Westminster March 2016 ● Key Lisburn Castlereagh companies and their key customers or other GB contacts ● Key FDI investors and their UK /European senior staff ● Lisburn / Northern Ireland connected business people in greater London area ● Key staff from important Embassies in London ● Target multipliers/ influencers / property developers ● MPs , London Ministers ● Arrange 3 separate meetings with key investment prospects in London
A report will be presented in October 2015 for the Development Committee to consider and agree that this event should take place again in a high profile location such as Westminster.
Represent Lisburn Castlereagh LCCC stand at MIPIM UK 21st – 23rd October 2015 at 3 key events - exhibitions / conferences Lisburn Castlereagh @ Westminster 17th March 2016
Appendix 2 ED
Attend 2 other events to be agreed with the Council. These will include events linked to the 5 sector offers identified and may focus solely upon events in the UK (eg the Renewables UK event in October 2015, Liverpool) or include investment events further afield should these be deemed relevant (eg Bio Tec events including Bio Europe in Munich Germany November 2015, the Bio Investor Conference in New York in February 2016, or Cantech Investment Conference in Toronto in January 2016). James Gray will compile a list of proposed future events in 2015-2016 with recommendations for the Council to consider and agree.
75 potential inward investors 75 potential inward investors and developers contacted and developers contacted New developer and investor contacts will be identified through attendance at events such as MIPIM UK in October 2015, the Lisburn Castlereagh @ Westminster event in March 2016, and additional events to be agreed with Lisburn & Castlereagh Council.
Build Lisburn Castlereagh’s Building on the progress made to date, these relationships will be further developed in 2015 – 2016 through profile with 20 key multipliers; regular newsletters to these multipliers, information updates linked from the project website, tailored meetings build a database of key where required and further development of the Lisburn Castlereagh Ambassadors network. contacts
30% increase in enquiries Build on relationships with Invest NI to include in 2015-2016 received from INI – 2014/15; ● Regular contact/ meetings with Invest NI Belfast and London 50% in 2015-16 ● Invest NI London have offered a meeting with group of Invest NI London prospects. ● Lisburn Castlereagh presentation to Invest NI overseas officers during their visit to Northern Ireland
Mentor LCC team – 10 Monthly meetings with Economic Development Team quarterly mentoring sessions Ongoing support and regular advice on best practice, analysis and recommendations on marketing and sharing inward investment investment opportunities. promotion best practice with the Economic Development team
Weekly email updates Quarterly monitoring reports Appendix 2 ED
Provide monthly reports to LCC Monthly meetings with the Economic Development Team on activity, outputs, key prospects
Deliver annual reports Deliver Annual report and final programme evaluation March 2016.
Appendix 2 ED
LIST OF CURRENT SOFT LANDING PROVIDERS
Post Title Name 1 Name 2 Title Business Address 1 Address 2 Address 3 Address 4 Code Tel: Upper BT28
Mr Joe Tumelty Director Lough Developents Ltd 8a Lough Road Ballinderry Lisburn 2PQ 028 9264 8179 BT28
Mr Ken Webb Principal SERC Castle Street Lisburn 2PQ 028 9267 7225 Senior BT28
Mr Keith McGarry Partner Conn & Fenton Solicitors 39 Bow Street Lisburn 1BN 028 9267 2760 Office McFarland Graham BT28
Ms Alice Wilson Manager McCombe Solicitors 43 Bachelors Walk Lisburn 1XN 028 9267 4447 Campbell & Caher BT28
Mr Tony Caher Partner Solicitors 24-26 Longstone St Lisburn 1TP 028 9267 2644 Temple Shopping 88 Carryduff
Mrs Frances Lawther Director LMC Consulting Centre Road Lisburn BT27 6YL 028 9263 9777 Chief Executive MacCorkell Legal & 8-10 Longstone BT28
Mr Ian MacCorkell Solicitor Commercial Limited Garvey Studios Street Lisburn 1TP 028 9266 9555 BT26
Mr Neal Lucas Director Neal Lucas Recruitment The Square Hillsborough 6AG BT28
Ms Tanya Lyttle Grafton Recruitment 6 Bridge Street Lisburn 1XY 028 9266 7585 Senior Hanna Thompson Enterprise Ballinderry BT28
Ms Susan Dunlop Partner Accountants Century House Crescent Road 2GN 028 9260 7355 Concept Advertising & 38 Bachelors BT28
Mr Evan Morton Manager Design No. 7 TSL House Walk Lisburn 1XN 028 9266 9321 Icon Creative Web 410 Lisburn Enterprise Enterprise Ballinderry BT28
Mr Gareth Lynas Manager Design Centre Crescent Rd Lisburn 2BP 028 9267 0522 Unit 413 Lilsburn Enterprise Ballinderry BT28 Mr Ken Callaghan Director Ignite IT Enterprise Centre Crescent Rd Lisburn 2BP Ballinderry BT28
Mr Richard Beattie Director Binary Delights 16 Enterprise House Road Lisburn 2BP 028 9262 5732 41b Delecherois BT27
Ms Samantha Livingstone Manager Rumour Mill PR Avenue Lisburn 4UA 23 Willow Lodge Old BT28
Ms Sharon Bridge Manager HR Unfolded Road Lisburn 2WL BT27
Mr Bernard Fisher Manager Web Solutions 31 Richmond Court Lisburn 4QU 028 9266 6692 Appendix 2 ED
Moore Braniff Chartered 2 Beechill Business 96 Beechill
Ms Fiona Braniff Partner Accountants Park Road Belfast BT8 7QN 028 9064 7736 Office BT 28
Mr Steven Reid Manager Reid & Co Solicitors Bachelors Walk Lisburn 1XN 028 9266 3310 Chief Ballinderry BT28
Ms Aisling Owens Executive Lisburn Enterprise Centre Enterprise Crescent Road Lisburn 2BP 028 9266 1160 Lisburn City Centre 45-47 Market BT28
Mr David McCallum Chairman Management c/o Rawdon House Square Lisburn 1AD 028 9266 0625 Lisburn Chamber of 45-47 Market BT28
Mr Stephen Houston Chairman Commerce c/o Rawdon House Square Lisburn 1AD 028 9266 6297
Northern Ireland’s economic summit The Northern Ireland Economic Conference, now in its 20th year, is Northern Ireland’s major annual economic analysis event considering the performance of, and prospects for, Northern Ireland’s economy. Every year, the conference attracts a high profile panel of local and visiting speakers and is attended by economic policy-makers and business leaders from across all sectors. It is a one-stop-shop for all the latest information on the local economy as well as an excellent opportunity for networking
and discussion with key players in the economy, across all sectors. Reasons to be cheerful? the UUEPC’s GVA forecast drops to 1.1% in 2016 against a UK figure of 1.5%. It cites the continuing downward trend in On taking up office earlier this year, new Enterprise, Trade & government spending following the Conservative party’s Investment Minister Jonathan Bell, MLA was upbeat about the election win as one of the key reasons and categorises its most performance of the local economy: “The economic recovery is recent forecast as being “one of austerity”. This is borne out by progressing well…We have positive news across many indicators other local economists with figures from both the Ulster Bank including a growing private sector, increasing job numbers and and PwC suggesting a slowdown in the recovery. signs of growth in construction which had struggled despite the wider upturn in the economy”.
One of the key roles of the Annual Northern Ireland Economic Conference is to look at the overall picture for the Northern The key issues that will be addressed at the
Ireland economy, behind the headline figures, and to assess the 2015 summit will include: future outlook – a key feature of this is the annual economic ✓ Increasing productivity forecast produced by leading economist and Director of the
Ulster University Economic Policy Centre, Professor Neil Gibson. ✓ Enhancing competitiveness
✓ Northern Ireland as an economic brand
Why should I attend? ✓ Role of Belfast in driving the regional economy
✓ Skills and economic inactivity
✓ Major economic summit ✓ Fostering entrepreneurship
✓ Economic outlook & forecast ✓ Promoting innovation
✓ Local enterprise development ✓ Unique information presented
✓ Impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland ✓ Not-to-be-missed conference ✓ Implications of public sector reform ✓ Unrivalled networking opportunity ✓ The living wage While some economic forecasters are predicting the local economy will grow by 1.9% in 2015 and 1.8% the following year, Feedback from conference participants “good overview of current economic conditions, presented in
“very interesting strategic easy to understand language” perspectives presented”
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
UK ECONOMY
ROI ECONOMY
conference speaker panel Skills and economic activity University he is responsible for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Derek Baker is Permanent Secretary at the Department for Businesses programme in the Midlands. Over the last 35 years, Employment and Learning, having previously held senior positions in Professor Hart has worked and published extensively in the areas of a number of departments including the Department of Health, Social entrepreneurship, enterprise and small business development and Services and Public Safety, the Department for Social Development, policy. He jointly manages the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) the Department of Finance and Personnel and Department of project in the UK and advises a number of UK Government Education. He graduated from Queen’s University Belfast in 1980 with Departments and the devolved administrations on enterprise issues. a BA Hons degree in French and German. Visiting expert: UK productivity Conference chair Rafal Kierzenkowski is Senior Economist and Head of the John Campbell is Economics and Business Editor for BBC Northern Netherlands/United Kingdom desk in the Economics Department at the Ireland, a position he has held since September 2013. Prior to that he OECD (Organisation for Cooperation and Economic Development) was a senior BBC producer working across TV, Radio and Online with since 2013. His desk is in charge of producing OECD economic special responsibility for business coverage. He began his career on country surveys and macroeconomic projections. He joined the OECD the Liverpool Daily Post and Echo. in 2007 as an economist where he worked on the France/Poland desk for three years before being promoted to Senior Economist in 2010. Political panel discussion Prior to joining the OECD he worked at the French central bank and was an associate professor at Montpellier University. His main fields Adrian Cochrane-Watson is an Ulster Unionist Party MLA for South of expertise are international macro-economics and banking. Antrim, a role he took up earlier this year having replaced Danny Kinahan following his election to Westminster. He is a member of the Enterprise, Trade & Investment Committee and also sits on the Technology as an economic driver Regional Development Committee. Adrian has been a member of the Gerry Kindlon is the President of the Londonderry Chamber of UUP for 25 years and first joined Antrim Borough Council in 1997, Commerce. He is the remaining on the Council until earlier this year – during this time he Executive Director of Product Performance and Program Management served one two occasions as both Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the for Seagate's Recording Head Division. Gerry has worked with borough. Seagate since 1993 having held previous positions with United Technologies, Analog Devices and Abbott Laboratories. Gerry has played a leading role in the 'Digital Derry' initiative and is now a board Political panel discussion member of CultureTECH. He is also a member of Derry~Londonderry Phil Flanagan is a Sinn Féin MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Strategy Board and he is a Governor of Lumen Christi College. and is currently Deputy Chair of the Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee. He was elected as an MLA in 2011 and is also a member Visiting expert: European regional policy of both the Employment & Learning and Public Accounts committees. Bert Kuby is Head of Unit at the EU Committee of Regions, in charge Since his co-option to Fermanagh District Council in 2009, Phil has of the Subsidiarity Monitoring Network, Europe 2020 Monitoring worked to improve vital services, bring jobs to Fermanagh and push for Platform and the platform on European Groupings for Territorial vital infrastructural improvements, especially in telecommunications. Cooperation. Bert oversees the monitoring (and research) of the role Phil is also a former Press Officer for Fermanagh/South Tyrone Sinn of local and regional authorities in the Europe 2020 strategy and the Féin. contribution of the CoR to the mid-term review of the strategy from the perspective of regions. Bert has been in charge for 10 years at the Political panel discussion European Commission for the negotiations on the Regional Policy Paul Frew is a DUP MLA for North Antrim and is a member of the chapter in accession negotiations. For six years, he has been providing Committee for Enterprise, Trade and Investment. Paul also serves as policy advice, technical assistance and training on regional policy and Chairperson on the Ballymena EU cohesion policy, including cross-border and interregional Council Economic Development Committee. In June 2010 Paul joined cooperation. the Northern Ireland Assembly and was successfully re-elected to the Assembly in 2011. Paul is currently the Chair of the Agriculture and Visiting expert: Eurozone/Brexit Rural Development Committee; and a member of the Chairperson’s Roger Liddle is Chair of international thinktank and research institute Liaison Group. He also represents the DUP as Vice Chairperson on Policy Network. He is a Labour party member of the House of Lords the All Party Group on Construction. where he is a member of the EU Select Committee and is also pro- chancellor of the University of Lancaster. From 2009-2010, Roger Economic forecast chaired the government’s New Industry, New Jobs advisory panel in Neil Gibson is the Director of the Economic Policy Centre at Ulster the Department of Business Innovation and Skills. He was for seven University, which regularly assesses the state of the local economy as years from 1997 special adviser on European affairs to the British well as informing and critiquing Northern Ireland Executive policies. Prime Minister, Tony Blair. From 2004-2007 he served in the European Neil was formerly the Director of Oxford Economics and before that Commission, first in the Cabinet of the EU Trade Commissioner and worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Northern Ireland then as economic adviser to the European Commission President Economic Research Centre. Neil is one of Northern Ireland’s best Jose Manuel Barroso. In 2013 he was elected as a member of Cumbria known economic commentators. County Council.
Competitiveness Political panel discussion Ellvena Graham is Chairman of the Economic Advisory Group (EAG) Trevor Lunn is an Alliance MLA for Lagan Valley and is his party’s and is Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of the Electricity spokesperson on Enterprise, Trade and Investment. He was elected Supply Board (ESB) in Ireland. She is also a Board member of the as MLA for his constituency in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. Trevor Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce & Industry and a member of serves on both the Education Committee and the Assembly and the Advisory Board of the Women's Executive Network in Ireland. Executive Review Committee. He was previously on the Agriculture Ellvena has over 30 years’ experience in banking, most recently at and Rural Development Committee until 2014. Executive Management level within Ulster Bank, where she was Head of Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland and Managing Director of SME Political panel discussion Banking across the island of Ireland. Prior to that, Ellvena held the Patsy McGlone is a SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster and Chair of the position of Chief Operating Officer for Ulster Bank Group. She is a Enterprise, Trade and Investment Committee. He has been an MLA for Fellow of the Institute of Banking. his constituency since 2003. Patsy is currently chair of the All-Party Working Group on Construction and is also the SDLP Economy Enterprise development in Scotland Spokesperson. He has served on a number of boards and public Linda Hanna is Managing Director of Strategy & Sectors at Scottish bodies including Foras na Gaeilge, Northern Ireland Housing Executive Enterprise where she oversees Scottish Enterprise’s planning and and the Northern Ireland Housing Council. Patsy is also former chair of prioritisation in response to both the Government’s Economic Strategy the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Environment Committee and and industry leadership groups, which help to determine delivery plans previously held the position of Chairman of Cookstown District Council to support the growth of sectors where Scotland enjoys competitive in 2002-2003 and 2005-2006. advantages within the global marketplace. These include: energy, financial services, food & drink, life & chemical Sciences, ICT, tourism Tourism as an economic driver and textiles as well as other growth sectors in Scotland. With over 20 John McGrillen took up the role of Chief Executive of Tourism NI in July years’ economic development experience, Linda has been part of the 2015, having previously been Director of Development at Belfast City Scottish Enterprise team since 1991. Council where his responsibilities included urban development, tourism, economic and international development and the Visiting expert: Entrepreneurship management of Belfast Waterfront and the Ulster Hall. Before joining Mark Hart is Deputy Director of the National Enterprise Research Belfast City Council he was Chief Executive of Down District Council. Centre and Professor of Small Business and Entrepreneurship at During his early career John worked for Shorts and the Industrial Aston Business School. At the Centre he is responsible for the Development Board, before being appointed Chief Executive of NI-CO. research theme focusing on 'Business Demographics'. At Aston Local enterprise development Budget Analysis Project at Queen’s University, which developed a Ken Nelson is Chief Executive of LEDCOM, one of Northern Ireland’s human-rights based approach to analysing public finances, and is longest established and most successful business enterprise centres. currently completing his PhD on Local Economic Development. He has over 22 years’ experience working as a business advisor, mentor and trainer with entrepreneurs and start-up companies, small Irish budget programme businesses and social enterprises. Ken was one of the founding Robert Watt is Secretary General of the Department of Public directors of Enterprise Northern Ireland, the association of Northern Expenditure and Reform (DPER) in Dublin, a role he took up in 2011. Ireland’s enterprise sectors and was its Chairman from 2006 until 2011. DPER was established to reduce public spending to more sustainable In April 2012 he was appointed to the board of Invest Northern Ireland. levels and reform and improve public services. Prior to taking up this role, Robert was Assistant Secretary in the Sectoral Policy Division in The living wage and inequality the Department of Finance. An economist by profession, he was Eoin Rooney is Coordinator of NICVA’s Centre for Economic formerly a Director with Indecon Economic Consultants. Empowerment (CEE). The CEE has published research reports on issues such as the quality of economic data in Northern Ireland, the living wage, and fiscal devolution. Eoin previously worked on the
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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN 2015-2017 - UPDATE
Project Description Duration Target Groups (s) Delivery Key Outputs Indicative Measure Total Cost £
Small Grants provide funding of up to Scheme A Small Grants 2 Years Local Traders Lisburn & £2,000 for 10 projects on an £40,000 Scheme will be Associations Castlereagh annual basis established and City Council Local Social implemented on an contribution to economic Enterprises annual basis cross objectives including new job the City for Community or creation, achieving business economic voluntary groups growth targets, increasing development with a business or footfall to the City, and/or focused projects, employment focus increased revenue which will bring generation clear and measurable economic benefits to the applicant organisation and/or City of Lisburn
a dynamic project To provide support by way of City Centre which aims to work 2 Years Local Entrepreneurs Lisburn & services and/or equipment & £200,000 Creative & Castlereagh with enterprising Start Up & Existing facilities to the ideas, Cultural Hub people in a City Council projects and Businesses dedicated city businesses it hosts, Local Enterprise centre creative including events, space designed to Partners skills training, and test new ideas, capacity building Appendix 4ED
business ventures Local Social To facilitate collaboration and kick start Enterprise and networking among the creative organisations users. industries sector locally. To champion and celebrate emerging talents; with a focus and promoting innovation. on developing digital technology, Develop a new sustainable enterprise and model for delivery social innovation. The Hub will develop workspace which facilitate can be converted into high collaboration in a quality lettable spaces for physical and digital the creative & cultural space industries
Sectoral Expand 2 Years Investors LCCC New business development £120,000 Market employment & Local SMEs 3rd party delivery and investment in sectors as Research investment in agents with identified priority sectors, Reports appropriate New job creation namely Life sectoral Sciences, Food & Drink, Finance & development Business Services expertise & High Technology/ICT
Appendix 5ED
WORLD TRAVEL MARKET
EXCEL LONDON
2 – 4 NOVEMBER, 2015
ESTIMATED COSTING
Members’ Attendance
Return Flight from Belfast City Airport to London City £ 89.98*
Travel: Lisburn – Belfast City Airport £ 19.50 (30 miles return)
Subsistence
Absence Overnight in London x 2 £346.20 (£173.10 pp per night)
TOTAL £455.68
*Cost of flight based on Flybe.com as at 14 08 2015 Appendix 6ED
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Consultation Response to DARD’s Children & Young People’s Action Plan for 2015 – 2017 Background to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council In April 2015, as part of the Local Government Reform Programme, Lisburn City Council & Castlereagh Borough Council merged to become Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council. The Council represents 134,800 residents living in approximately 56,000 homes and covers an area of nearly 200 square miles. According to the 2011 census: • 20% of residents are aged under 16 years old • 7% of residents live in lone parent households with dependent children • 24% of residents belong to or were brought up in the Catholic Religion and 66% belong to or were brought up in a Protestant or Other Christian religion • The rural population of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is 41,761 (31% of the total Council population).
The Council is currently in the process of winding down delivery of an £8.7 million grant scheme under the NI Rural Development Programme 2007 – 2013 that funded eligible rural projects within Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and Belfast City Council. The Council has also been appointed as lead Administrative Council for delivery of a new £3.22 million grant scheme within the same area as part of the NI Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020 (NIRDP 2014 – 2020).
Relevant Strategies and Action Plans The Council shares DARD’s vision as set out in it’s Strategic Plan for 2012 – 2020 to develop ‘ a thriving and sustainable rural economy, community and environment’ and agree that it is vitally important that future generations are supported to achieve their full potential so that the rural community and environment that they will inherit can continue to thrive and flourish. Similarly to DARD, the Council has obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Section 75 of the NI Act 1998 and the NI Executive’s 10 year strategy for Children & Young People, and have taken cognisance of these obligations in the development of the following strategies and action plans:
• Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Corporate Plan 2015 – 2017 • Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Economic Development Action Plan 2015 – 2017 • Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Good Relations Audit & Strategy 2015 – 2018 Appendix 6 ED
• Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Community Development Strategy 2016 – 2019 (under development) • Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Arts Strategy (under development)
Response to Action Plan Proposals Outlined below is the Council’s response to the actions proposed under the five key themes identified under the Children & Young People’s Action Plan.
1. Participation & Involvement The Council supports DARD’s Action Plan to meet and listen to the views of young people and involve young people in decision making processes. The Council also endorses the actions being put forward by CAFRE, Forest Service, the Sustainable Rural Communities Branch and Young Farmers Clubs in this regard. The Council has significant experience of working with children and young people particularly as part of its role to support community development and good relations activity within the Council area. Based on this experience, the Council recommends that DARD also engage with rural community and voluntary sectors that have a particular focus on youth engagement locally within rural village settings, and to explore opportunities to work in partnership with the Local Government and Local Rural Support Networks to improve capacity for children and young people to engage better with their local community e.g. involvement in local Committees, Thematic Interest Groups (e.g. Sports, Arts, Culture) or Management Boards. The Council recommends that DARD research previous Local Government involvement in the development of youth forums and lessons learnt from such forums to engage with young people and link to wider community plans. The Council also recommends that DARD study outcomes and lessons learnt as a consequence of Council led Peace III programmes in terms of the methodologies adapted to encourage cross community activity, promote the use of shared rural spaces, work with primary and secondary schools from different religious denominations, work with marginalised and hardest to reach young people, promote intergenerational activities and work with children and young people from different ethnic backgrounds (e.g. Peace III led Diversity & Drums Programme). Further to the above, it will be obligatory of DARD to proactively engage with the Local Government led Community Planning process and furthermore to contribute to the integrated development of the Council Led Community Plans that will be finalised in 2016/17, and which will have a significant focus on the interests of rural children and young people. The Council has also experience of funding projects benefitting rural children and young people as part of the delivery of the NI Rural Development Programme 2007 – Appendix 6 ED
2013. This includes the funding of rural childcare facilities, rural play parks & MUGA schemes, and community sports facilities. The Council would be interested in looking at the potential DARD proposal to agree Memoranda of Understandings for forest recreation development with local Councils. The Council is encouraged that this action could contribute to the creation of potential project opportunities within Lagan Valley Regional Park and Hillsborough Forest Park in particular. As part of delivery of the NIRDP 2014 – 2020, the Council will also continue to actively consult with organisations who work regularly with children and young people and may encourage the LAG to consider the development of a young people thematic group as recommended by DARD’s Action Plan if significant need is identified.
2. Developing Young People The Council supports the plan to assist young people to gain skills and experience that could help them to gain future education, training and employment opportunities. The Council acknowledges the integrated approach adopted by DARD through the development of programmes led by CAFRE. Young Farmers Clubs and initiatives promoted through the Tackling Rural Poverty & Social Isolation programme. The Council will seek to engage with the programmes led by the stakeholders above that will in turn further the aims of the Council to develop future programmes that will link with local businesses and FE colleges to create opportunities for vocational qualifications, new work placements, and employment opportunities to target rural young people who are economically inactive and are disadvantaged by a lack of suitable qualifications or experience. The Council will also seek to engage with these programmes to increase participation in the new Council led NI wide Business Start Programme and encourage applications from young people from farm families and the wider rural population to apply under the Rural Business Investment Scheme as part of the NIRDP 2014 – 2020.
3. Reducing Poverty & Exclusion The Council supports DARD’s intent to take forward a range of programmes and actions to help reduce poverty especially whereby it impacts of rural children & young people. The Council acknowledges the commendable outcomes achieved as a consequence of the Tackling Rural Poverty & Social Isolation Framework in particular that of the Rural Youth Employability Programme and the Maximising Access to Services, Grants & Benefits (MARA) project. Furthermore the Council identifies opportunities for complementarity with the Council’s aim to engage with local schools, FE colleges and Universitities to promote Appendix 6 ED a Council led youth entrepreneurship scheme and a new graduate entrepreneurship scheme in partnership with Invest NI. As recommended by the DARD Action Plan, the Council in partnership with the new LAG will endeavour to ensure that at least 5 % funding under the NIRDP is spent on projects that will specifically benefit children & young people in rural areas, particularly under the village renewal and basic rural services measure schemes. It is acknowledged that there continues to be an identified need for rural childcare within the Council area and to that end the Council endorses DARD’s commitment to work with OFMDFM in further developing the objectives of the Executive’s Childcare Strategy. The Council will also seek to assist DARD in meeting these objectives by promoting opportunities for social and private investment in the development of childcare facilities and viable pilot rural childcare initiatives requiring resource investment as part of the Rural Business Investment Scheme and the Rural Basic Services Scheme under the NIRDP 2014 – 2020.
4. Leisure, Play & Culture The Council supports DARD’s commitment to meet objectives set out in the NI Play and Leisure policy and to the ‘child’s right to play’ enshrined in the ‘childrens convention’ UNCRC. In terms of good practice in meeting these objectives, the Council would like to highlight a recent investment of £760,000 to regenerate 12 rural play parks within Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council that could be used an example for dissemination to other stakeholder groups. The Council endorses the initiatives that are to be undertaken by the Forest Service and CAFRE in relation to the promotion of Leisure, Play and Culture activities and would once again reiterate the Council’s desire to explore the potential for project opportunities within Lagan Valley Regional Park and Hillsborough Forest Park. The Council can also identify complementarity with opportunities that might arise as a consequence of possible Council applications for Leisure, Play & Culture projects under the Basic Rural Services & Village Renewal schemes promoted as part of the NIRDP 2014 – 2020.
5. Accessible Information & Services The Council supports DARD’s commitment to provide information and services in ways that meet the needs of rural children & young people in terms of electronic and paper based information, and would advise that DARD make contact with other regional bodies tasked with youth engagement to learn from and adopt methods of good practice in this area. Appendix 6 ED
It is acknowledged that rural broadband infrastructure needs to be improved to maximise the impact of electronic social media coverage and as a consequence the Council will continue create awareness of and provide opportunities for increased rural broadband coverage by promoting current government led schemes or exploring investment in pilot programmes as part of the NIRDP 2014 – 2020. Health & Safety on farm is a significant issue for farm families within the Council area as a consequence of incidences of farm fatalities in recent years. The Council has therefore already begun the process to assist DARD to promote the Department’s marketing campaign to raise awareness of current health and safety initiatives as outlined in the DARD Action plan e.g. Stop and Think SAFE, Working Safely With Slurry etc. In conclusion, the Council are enthused by DARD’s proposals as outlined in the Action Plan and note a number of key areas for collaborative work between the Department and Local Government. The Council acknowledges DARD’s good record in monitoring and evaluating the outcomes of programmes and action plans and as a consequence, will look forward to DARD disseminating examples of good practice in this field of work.
Padraic Murphy Rural Development Manager Wednesday 26 August 2015 Appendix 7 ED Children and Y ou ng People’s Action Plan for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development 2015-2017
Draft June 2015 Alternative Formats
This document is available to read and download from our website. Go to www.dardni.gov.uk/consultations
Other Formats On request, we can provide these documents in other formats such as: • Hard copy • Large Print • Audio CD / MP3 • Braille • Computer Disk • Other languages
Contact us: Equality Branch Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) Room 516c, Dundonald House Ballymiscaw Upper Newtownards Road Belfast BT4 3SB
telephone: 028 9052 4435 text relay: If you have a hearing difficulty you can contact the Department via Text Relay. Making a call from a textphone dial 18001 028 9052 4435 Making a call from a telephone dial 18002 +028 9052 4435
@ email: [email protected]
web: www.dardni.gov.uk/index/equality.htm
2
Index Page
Introduction 4
Why we have an Action Plan 4
Our 5 Strategic Goals 6
Our work – how it impacts on children and young people 8
Engaging with children and young people 9
Annual Reporting and Reviewing Progress 11
Action Plan 13
3 Introduction
DARD’s Strategic Plan1 2012 – 2020 sets out Department’s vision for “a thriving and sustainable rural economy, community and environment”.
With over 169,000 children and young people making up over 25.3% of the rural population, it is vitally important that future generations are supported to achieve their full potential so that the rural community and environment that they will inherit can continue to thrive and flourish.
Why have an Action Plan?
DARD has a shared responsibility to deliver on the UK government’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child2, with its four General Principles of; non-discrimination, survival and development, the best interests of the child; and participation. The importance of participation and our engagement with children and young people, is also highlighted through their inclusion in Section 75 of the NI Act 19983, within the age category.
NI Executive’s over-arching 10-Year Strategy for Children and Young People4 also outlines obligations for us. We are committed to playing our part in realising the Strategy’s vision “that all children and young people living in the north of Ireland will thrive and look forward with confidence to the future”. We have contributed to its Action Plan5 and continue to work closely with others in taking this work forward.
In early 2014, the NI Executive consulted on its proposed ‘Delivering Social Change for Children and Young People’ strategy which brings together the work by Departments to deliver on the obligations of the
1 DARD Strategic Plan 2012-2020 available to read at http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/about-dard/finance-and- strategy.htm
2 The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) is an international human rights treaty that grants all children and young people (aged 17 and under) a comprehensive set of rights. It came into force in January 1992.
3 Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 requires public authorities to increase user involvement and engagement in policy development and to have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity
4 Our Children and Young People – Our Pledge: A Ten Year Strategy for Children and Young People in Northern Ireland 2006-2016. The strategy sets out six outcomes-healthy; enjoying, learning and achieving; living in safety and with stability; experiencing economic and environmental well-being; contributing positively to community and society; living in a society which respects their rights. 5 Current Action Plan ‘Our Children and Young People – Our Pledge’ 2008-2011 is available to read at http://www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/children-and-young-people-strategy.
4 UNCRC, the agreed actions to help reduce child poverty, and to achieve better outcomes.
In its 2011 Child Poverty Strategy6 the NI Executive outlined its commitment to work with the other UK jurisdictions towards reducing child poverty and eradicating it by 2020. In it, DARD committed to delivering a £13 million package across NI to help tackle rural poverty, and social and economic isolation.
This is our second Action Plan. It is for a 3-year period (2015-2017) and it builds on the work started in our first plan.
The first Action Plan (2011-2013) and the report on progress towards its targets can be found at www.dardni.gov.uk/index/equality/children-and- young-people.htm
We are grateful for the on-going support of organisations who represent the interests and views of children and young people and also for the helpful engagement we have had with groups of young people too.
Where appropriate we have set out some specific targets. However, given the diverse nature of the Department’s work some actions are more general in nature.
The Financial Climate
As a Department we are facing unprecedented cuts in our budgets and it will be necessary for us to take difficult decisions that will impact on the services that we will be able to deliver in the future. In meeting these challenges, we remain committed to considering the equality impacts of our decisions and to meeting our statutory equality obligations.
6 Improving Children’s Life Chances, the NI Child Poverty Strategy’ (March 2011). Available at www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/childpoverty
5 Our 5 Strategic Goals –
DARD has 5 main goals, and each of these will have an impact on the well-being and future lives of children and young people. The Department’s Strategic Plan 2012-2020 sets out the actions we will take to help us meet each of these goals. http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/about-dard/finance-and-strategy.htm
GOAL What we will do What it will mean for our Children & Young People 1 To help the agri- We will work with This goal will help food industry others to encourage increase opportunities prepare for future and support the for rural young people market development of rural who choose to live and opportunities and businesses work within their local economic communities. challenges 2 To improve the We will make sure that This goal will help lives of farmers equality and good increase opportunities and other rural relations are at the for young people to dwellers targeting heart of policy and have their voice heard resources where decision-making and to benefit from they are needed processes; we will various funding most work to tackle programmes inequalities and under –representation and will target our resources to achieve the best outcomes. 3 To enhance We are working This goal will help animal, fish and towards a reduction in develop a more stable plant health and animal diseases; and and sustainable rural animal welfare on towards free economy providing an all Ireland basis movement of animals greater security for within the island children and young people as they grow up. 4 To help deliver We will plant more This goal will help to improved trees and forests, create a more sustainable encourage stimulating environment environmental improvements to for children and young outcomes farming and fishing people to visit and
6 methods to help enjoy, learn about and conservation; and to appreciate. work to reduce the impact of flooding along our coasts and rivers. 5 To manage our We aim to provide This goal will help rural business and accessible and children and young deliver services to equitable standards of people as they progress our customers in a services for all; and to with their education and cost-effective way ensure that our staff career choices, have the right skills to employment and future assist our customers to lifestyle. access their services with ease
7 Our Work & Children and Young People:
Our work covers a range of areas that can positively impact on the lives of children and young people in a number of ways.
. As visitors and users of local forest parks and the recreational opportunities on offer such as walking trails, eco-trails, caravan and camping, and cycling;
. As nature lovers – enjoying wildlife and woodland walks;
. As visitors to the countryside – for tourism, sports, education, leisure activities etc;
. As pet owners;
. As consumers of locally produced meat, vegetables and other food products;
. As students at our College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE);
. As users of local rivers and coastal waters for swimming, fishing, canoeing etc;
. As children of families working in farming and the fisheries or food industries;
. As children of families who will benefit through the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Framework; and
. As young people involved in local community activities, and various cultural, learning and leisure projects supported by the Rural Development Programme.
8 Listening to Children & Young People
As a large government department, DARD has a responsibility to listen to the views and concerns of all its customers. While we regularly ensure that the views and concerns of adults; whether as customers, stakeholders, staff, or representatives of rural interest groups are heard, we also realise that we need to do more to encourage the voice of children and young people to be heard too.
DARD has endorsed the NICCY Participation Policy of Intent published in 2009 and has continued to engage with local sectoral organisations representing the views and interests of children and young people. We have developed this Action Plan with assistance in the early stages from key organisations representing the interests and views of children and young people including the NI Youth Forum and NICCY.
Children and Young People - Age Bands This Action Plan sets out a range of actions that we plan to take forward. While we aim to be as flexible as possible in order to meet the specific needs of particular groups, some of our action points are targeted more at those under 18 years of age (such as pre-school, primary, post primary ages etc) while others are focused more towards the needs of young adults over 18 years of age.
9 How have we done so far?
Key results from our 1st Children and Young People’s Action Plan. Below, we have set out the headline results from our first action plan.
• Rural Development Programme (2007-2013) targets 5% Axis 3 spend directly on projects benefitting Children and Young People. Below are some details of some of the individual “good news” projects. These have included:- o Day care/pre & after school clubs o Outdoor play and multi use recreational areas o Suicide and self harm awareness training
• Rural Challenge Programmes 2009 and 2012 benefitted 1890 and 2720 children and young people respectively in the 0 – 24 age bands. The Programmes provided support to community-led voluntary organisations across the north to deliver a wide range of projects benefitting children and young people up to the age of 24. Many projects involved providing coaches to deliver sporting and recreational activities, tutors to deliver music, arts, crafts and drama classes as well as improving outdoor play facilities at several locations. A number of projects funded through the Programmes also provided support to vulnerable children and young people in relation to suicide prevention and awareness training.
• Rural childcare programme – 851 places created for young children between the ages of 0 and 12 years. The places were created in various locations throughout Northern Ireland. This programme closed in March 2011.
• BOOST – 1355 participants aged between 16 and 24 completed the Boost Programme. The Programme, which is now complete, had as its core aim to reduce economic inactivity among unemployed rural young people by helping them to gain the core skills needed for employment by addressing barriers to unemployment, such as the
10 lack of skills/qualifications, lack of self-confidence and lack of employment support.
• Rural Youth Entrepreneurship (RYE) – to date 714 participants aged between 16 and 30 have completed the RYE Programme. This programme, which is ongoing, aims to contribute to rural economic growth by developing business creation potential among vulnerable young people in Northern Ireland. Through upskilling, networking, mentoring and sharing ideas, RYE aims to create the foundations for the development of future rural businesses. As a result of the current RYE initiative, to date nine new businesses have been started by rural young people who have participated in the programme.
• Other initiatives for school age children included o trail@greenmount – during 2014/15 educational tours provided for over 2500 primary and secondary school children – this provided an opportunity to experience and learn about nature and food. o ‘Feed your mind’ initiative at Loughry College. This is an annual event which takes place in June each year at Loughry Campus. It aims to promote careers in the food industry to Year 11 pupils and their teachers. o Forest Service – A regional playpark for primary and older school children has been constructed in Slieve Gullion Forest Park working in partnership with Newry and Mourne District Council. o A number of walking trails have been opened in forests in west Fermanagh in partnership with Fermanagh District Council. This has facilitated environmental education visits by both primary and secondary schoolchildren. o Over 100 kms of mountain bike trails have been opened in Rostrevor forest, Castlewellan Forest Park and Davagh forest in partnership with Newry and Mourne District Council, Down District Council and Cookstown District Council o A multi-use trails network was developed at Castleward in partnership with National Trust.
11 o A new changing places toilet was constructed in Tollymore Forest Park in 2014.
DARD provided some funding to the Young Farmer’s Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) for the period 2011-14. The YFCU developed and delivered a cross community schools outreach programme. This initiative targeted Key Stage 3-level children and aimed to bring them together to learn about local foodand farming through fun activities. A total of 1400 children took part in this programme during the 3 years.
The ‘Field to Fork’ programme taught young people where food comes from and tied in well with the Learn Life and Work Curriculum, also Home Economics and Employability.
Some of the schools that participated were; Drumragh College, Omagh Tandragee HS Cross & Passion, Ballycastle Castlederg HS Our Lady of Lourdes, Ballymena St Mary’s Limavady Clounagh HS Parkhall Integrated College, Antrim Aughnacloy College St Paul’s, Kilrea
Evaluation has shown that 54% did not know anything about YFCU before the session, 80% learned something new about the “Field to fork” process, 47% said they would now consider a career in the agri-food industry, 88% said they would be able to identify local produce after the session. 1428 children from a range of community backgrounds learned about the agri-food industry.
12 Annual Reporting on Progress We will publish annual reports on our website and will also make it available to our consultees too.
How we will Review Progress We will review and update this Plan at intervals, and will continue to engage with children and young people and their representative organisations and seek their feedback on our progress. Updates will also be incorporated into equality reports to the Departmental Board, and at the quarterly meetings of our Equality Steering Group (ESG).
Proposed Action Measures In our new plan we are keen to build on our successes to date and have added a number of new actions which we feel can enhance the lives of children and young people through the work we do.
We wish to thank all those who helped us as we worked to meet the targets in our previous Action Plan and we look forward to continued working with children & young people and their representative organisations as we begin work on our 2nd Action Plan.
13 How to respond
We would be grateful if you could take the time to consider our plan and welcome your comments by telephone, email or post to the address below by Wednesday 30th September 2015. We will fully consider all comments received, and will revise our Plan as needed.
Any comments on the draft Plan should be sent to:-
Equality Branch Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) Room 516c, Dundonald House Ballymiscaw Upper Newtownards Road Belfast BT4 3SB
Alternatively responses can be sent to [email protected]
Or Telephone: 028 9052 4435
Text relay: If you have a hearing difficulty you can contact the Department via Text Relay. Making a call from a textphone dial 18001 028 9052 4435
Making a call from a telephone dial 18002 +028 9052 4435
@ email: [email protected]
web: www.dardni.gov.uk/index/equality
We look forward to hearing from you.
14 DARD Children and Young People’s Action Plan 2015 – 2017 Key Areas: What we want to happen: Actions we will take: By when:
Participation - meet and listen to the views of young ALL – will pro-actively seek to hear the views / involve young Continuous and people and their representatives on issues people and their organisations in key consultations, forums, group Involvement likely to be of interest to them ; eg during discussions etc consultations, to inform policymaking and planning of future services CAFRE - Student reps will have at least two annual opportunities Twice to meet college management teams and to provide views, raise annually - involve young people in shaping key concerns, offer feedback on courses, timetables etc. policies, being part of review groups, pilot projects, forums etc Routine meetings will be held at least once per semester with the Once per Staff Student Consultative Committees (SSCC) across each of semester the CAFRE campuses. Students participate in staff student consultations on the progress, direction, and quality of their learning experience.
Students will also meet with the College Advisory Group (CAG) at Annually least once per year. The Group has approx 12 members who represent various agri-food sectors relevant to CAFRE’s work
From September 2015 the CAFRE Education Management Team From Sept (EMT) will pilot the inclusion of two members of the CAFRE 2015 Student Representative Council (SRC) to at least one EMT meeting. Here they will get the opportunity to discuss education delivery and quality management issues with senior education management.
Forest Service – will meet and involve young people on an Ongoing ongoing basis and their representative organisations such as scouting organisations to capture their views as part of its forest
15 Key Areas: What we want to happen: Actions we will take: By when:
planning review process.
Rural Dev – will engage with young people and their Throughout organisations to encourage greater take-up of funding the lifetime opportunities under the new NIRDP (2014-2020), improved of the RDP representation on forums, LAGs, decision-making teams etc. We 2014-20 will do this through thematic funding workshops specifically targeted at young people by forming a Young People Thematic sub-group within the Local Action Group (LAG). The timing of these workshops will be considered by the LAGs once they are established. The outgoing network within their animation activity did undertake one specific event on 16 December 2014 targeted at young people to encourage them to engage in LAG activity. Participation We will increase opportunities to collaborate CAFRE- The Student Representative Council (SRC) at each Monthly and and work in partnership with others to campus will meet monthly throughout the academic year to plan Involvement develop service provision eg with councils, and organise student clubs, societies and events. The SRC other Depts, groups president and committee will represent students at student-staff meetings.
Two members of the CAFRE SRC will attend Greenmount As and Association meetings and will be involved in organisation of when events. Students will be involved in association meetings as well meetings as planning events. are held
Forest Service- will seek opportunities to work in partnership with organisations such as councils, the National Trust, outdoor Ongoing education centres, charitable organisations and schools to provide recreational, educational and leisure activities in forests agreeing memoranda of understandings for forest recreation development with at least 3 of the new councils.
16 Key Areas: What we want to happen: Actions we will take: By when:
Sustainable Rural Communities Branch are working alongside OFMDFM and the Health and Social Care Trust to explore Ongoing options and a possible pilot for childcare provision in rural areas as the issue is not one of availability of rural childminding places but rather affordability. SCRB are still working to develop a suitable pilot so no further information is available at this time as this work is still policy in development.
SDG- Through direct funding and periodical reviews of the Young March 2016 Farmers Clubs’ we will ensure that key actions are taken forward that promote outreach and future involvement with those groups of young people currently under-represented within the YFCU membership. YFCU staff will communicate with individual members and clubs to promote participation. This effort can be supported through email publications, press releases and articles featured in the Rural Dispatch Newsletter.
Developing We want to support young people to gain ALL – we will consider ways for young people to take up Ongoing Young useful knowledge, skills and experience that shadowing, mentoring and workplace training opportunities; and People could help them to gain future education also to gain practical skills such as chairing meetings and taking training and employment opportunities. part in boards, committees etc
CAFRE – will organise Careers Forums across its three Annually campuses to provide an opportunity for students to meet with industry representatives and also potential future employers to discuss job opportunities, work placements and how they can enhance their employment prospects. Industry representatives are also present with exhibits promoting job opportunities within
17 Key Areas: What we want to happen: Actions we will take: By when:
their organisations. Career Days take place annually at each of the CAFRE campuses.
Annually, CAFRE offer some thirty £1000 bursaries to Higher Annually Education (HE) students in conjunction with different sponsors. Each campus receives bursaries from companies trading in their specialism e.g. Food, Agriculture, Equine and Horticulture and students compete for these highly coveted awards in September the Bursaries are awarded in December of each academic year.
Enterprise Management/Technology Student Learning Projects Higher Education students participate in five Enterprise Annually Management / technology Student Learning Projects. Each project has its own management board comprising CAFRE staff and industry representatives. The Boards meet twice per year (Autumn and Spring) and students give presentations and discuss their project during these meetings. These Boards are for students to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the Enterprise and develop their presentational skills. It also provides an opportunity for students to learn from the experience and the advice offered by the Industry representatives.
Opportunities will be provided for students on all courses to meet Throughout with industry representatives through industry visits to agriculture, the year by food, equine and horticulture businesses. Visits are made mutual throughout each academic year by arrangement with the agreement company.
The majority of CAFRE HE programmes will have a work
18 Key Areas: What we want to happen: Actions we will take: By when:
placement, some lasting 48 weeks, with agri-food and equine businesses.
Students will be encouraged and facilitated to attend meetings of Throughout industry bodies by arrangement through Course co-ordinators. the Students on industrial placements attend meetings relevant to the academic nature of their placement. CAFRE will provide a wide range of year extracurricular opportunities to develop students. These include a wide variety of sports, trips and inter-campus events. A full list is available at www.cafre.ac.uk/student-life/clubs-societies/
SDG – through the YFCU will continue to encourage activities By March and challenges that develop the confidence and leadership skills 2016 of rural young people. The Schools Programme will further develop the Key Stage 3’field to fork’ initiative in order to raise awareness of the Agri food sector and the job opportunities it presents.
RDD (TRPSI) – Where appropriate, we will continue to provide By March support to help young people in rural areas gain skills required to 2016 enhance employment opportunities and to develop business potential.
19 Key Areas: What we want to happen: Actions we will take: By when:
Reducing The NI Executive is committed to the UK Rural Development – Tackling Rural Poverty and Social March 2016 Poverty and target of ending child poverty by 2020. Isolation Exclusion Our Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation framework DARD is taking forward a range of (2011-2015) has been developed to provide opportunities for programmes and actions in partnership with people of all ages in rural areas to benefit from tackling poverty other Departments to help reduce poverty, and social isolation funding and schemes. especially where it impacts on children and young people. We will continue to fund a range of initiatives through our March 2016 Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme which will impact of the lives of children and Young people. The Rural Youth Employability (RYE) programme will continue to provide opportunities for young people to gain various business and entrepreneurial skills. Funding towards the implementation of Broadband services in rural areas along with the continued funding of Rural Community Development work will provide young people with opportunities to develop their educational and social skills.
We will continue to support a Maximising access to services, March 2016 grants and benefits (MARA) project, a Farm Families Health Checks Programme, an Assisted Rural Travel Scheme and a Micro Capital Grant Programme for rural community groups all of which will benefit directly or indirectly Children and Young People living in rural areas. SCRB – DARD will continue to work with OFMDFM in the Ongoing development of the Executive’s Childcare Strategy looking at childcare needs in a rural setting. DARD is working with Health and Social Care Board on an evidence base to identify suitable pilot projects.
20 Key Areas: What we want to happen: Actions we will take: By when:
Rural Dev – we will make sure that at least 5% of the funding Throughout of the various measures of the Rural Development Programme lifetime of the (2014-2020) is spent on projects that will specifically benefit RDP 2014-20 children and young people in rural areas (i.e. under 25 years).
CAFRE -In addition to student loan and student support Case-by-case systems, CAFRE may also provide Hardship funding to basis students who find themselves in financial hardship throughout the academic year and provides help for students on a lower income who may need extra financial support for their course and to stay in further education. Approximately 90 students received support from the hardship fund in 2014/15. A bid for 2015-16 has been submitted.
Leisure, Play We will meet the Executive’s commitments Forest Service (FS)– will seek opportunities to work in Dec 2017 and Culture set out in the NI Play and Leisure Policy and partnership with others to provide recreational, educational and to the child’s right to play’ enshrined in the leisure activities in forests. These are projects developed by ‘children’s convention’ UNCRC. partners principally councils which FS facilitate in line with the FS recreations strategy.
FS are currently agreeing licensing arrangements with partner organisations to increase play and leisure provision as follows; Playpark at Drum Manor forest in partnership with Cookstown DC, • Play area at Pomeroy forest in partnership with Cookstown DC, • Forest Adventure activity area at Donard forest in partnership with YMCA • Play sculpture project at Gortin Glen Forest Park in 21 Key Areas: What we want to happen: Actions we will take: By when:
partnership with Omagh DC • Fisherman’s path at Slievedoo forest in partnership with Strabane DC • Play area at Davagh forest in partnership with Cookstown DC • Giants Lair project in Slieve Gullion forest in partnership with Newry and Mourne DC • Improved cycling trails at Castle Archdale forest in partnership with Fermanagh DC
CAFRE- we will continue to provide a range of varied recreation facilities to meet the main interests of students. We will also engage with students on the future development of Throughout facilities. Loughry has developed a student recreation centre to the academic include a multi-gym. Greenmount currently have nine unique year clubs and societies. All CAFRE campuses run at least two outings per week with regard to student recreation e.g. trips to cinema, ice skating, bowling etc. In addition CAFRE engages with children & young people through ongoing delivery of its education programmes and also through Curriculum Support Examples of Community Education events and summer education programmes including the Ulster Youth Orchestra summer school and UFU Open Farm weekends annually in June. Accessible We will work closely with young people and ALL – the Department will continue to provide an Easyread Ongoing Information their representative organisations to ensure version to accompany those published reports that run to 30 and Services that we provide our information and services pages or more. in ways that meet their specific needs. We will continue to review our websites to make sure that the Annually
22 Key Areas: What we want to happen: Actions we will take: By when:
We aim to provide our key information in sites are appealing and accessible and that our on-line Plain English and / or Easyreads to suit the services suit the needs of our customer groups, including a specific needs of key groups too younger audience and those who may have a disability.
CAFRE - CAFRE will continually review the content of its Annually communication methods to ensure that it is appropriate for its target markets, including young people.
With regard to communication methods targeted at young Annually people, CAFRE will consult with current students as they are a good representation of CAFRE’s target market for those products.
All CAFRE information will be reviewed by the staff responsible Sept 2015 for the publication plus the Marketing Team on an annual basis to ensure that it is useful and interesting. Feedback will be sought from current students as they have the benefit of not only being the target market but also knowing CAFRE well enough to know to give detailed feedback on our content.
In September 2015 CAFRE will pilot an on-line accommodation Review registration form. This will be reviewed by a focus group made annually up of Student Representative Council members.
Forest Service – we will review and ensure that the customer Annually information on our web pages is accessible for young people; that it is easy to navigate and to understand.
23 Key Areas: What we want to happen: Actions we will take: By when:
Good health and safety precautions on CAFRE / SDG - We recognise that we have an important role farms are extremely important particularly to to play in supporting the HSENI and others to help raise protect children and young people. awareness of the dangers on farms with rural young people.
We will pro-actively seek opportunities to do so through our Ongoing farm visits, advisory sessions, CAFRE training and throughout development activities. academic semesters
Through the YFCU, will deliver a Farm Safety Programme Ongoing engaging with partners such as the Farm Safety Partnership throughout and HSENI in order to increase farm safety and first aid academic awareness/skills amongst its members and the rural semesters community.
CAFRE - Health and Safety training is and will continue to be As necessary incorporated in agriculture education programmes and students are made aware of statutory requirements.
CAFRE staff will raise the awareness of health and safety on Continuous farms with all customers, including young people. HSENI will be given the opportunity to speak to course participants at student induction and wherever appropriate throughout the duration of courses.
HSENI and DARD are currently working together on health and As safety initiatives e.g. Stop and Think SAFE, Working Safely opportunities With Slurry arise
24 Key Areas: What we want to happen: Actions we will take: By when:
We have a range of policies in place to DHR - We will pro-actively seek opportunities to raise As support our staff and their families; such as awareness of these policies with our staff through a range of opportunities parental leave, flexible, part-time and term- internal communications. arise time working arrangements and special leave. DHR - Information about support available for carers and the Ongoing availability of local childcare facilities and summer schemes is available on the intranet for our staff to access. We will continue to review and update this information and ensure it is brought to the attention of our staff.
25 Appendix 8 ED northernireland
9th July 2015
Dear
REGIONAL MANAGER FOR THE COUNCIL AREAS OF:
BELFAST LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH FERMANAGH & OMAGH DERRY & STRABANE
The recent Hunter Review called for the need for closer collaboration between Tourism Northern Ireland (TNI) and the regions. In light of this, Iam delighted to say that Ihave been appointed the Regional Manager for the new Council areas of Belfast, Lisburn & Castlereagh, Derry & Strabane; and Fermanagh & Omagh.
In terms of what this means for you,it means that Iwill be workingvery closely with your Tourism Development Officer, Andrew Kennedy at Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.
Iwillalso:
• be a dedicated resource to help grow tourism in your area • help you access Tourism NI resources, be that Financial Assistance, Events Support, Q uality & Standards, Research,Industry Development or Marketing • disseminate strategic information and other relative industry insights to the region on a quarterly basis • be present at meetings and events to support your business or project • host a "Tourism Industry Day" one day a month in your area for you to come along and discuss your business or project • champion your business and region with Tourism NI and beyond • regularly meet with Councillors, MLAs and MPs to discuss local tourism issues
In case you don't already know me, perhaps Ishould tell you a little about myself. Ihave over 22 years' experience working in NITB & TNI in such areas as tourist information, international marketing,web marketing and online accommodation reservations, visitor
Tourism Northern Ireland, St. Anne s Court, 59 North Street. Belfast BT11NB Telephone: +44 (0)28 9023 1221 F Corporate website: tourlsmnl.com Consumer wellsite: dlscovemortheml reland.com Tourism Northern IrelandIs an Equal Opportunities Employer. Tourism Northern Ireland (Tourism NI) Is thetradingname ofThe Northern Ireland Tourist Board. Chilirman:Terence Brannigan Ch:ef Executive.David Thomson .,.·-t, INVESIDRS I "..,._.! IN PEOPLE I Appendix 8 ED northernireland attraction interpretation, tourism project funding and development and, most recently, cultural and creative tourism. In terms of Tourism NI,Iam part of the management team and recognised across the organisation as a conduit for regional growth and local delivery. As such, Ihave regular engagement with both the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team and will be your regional champion at this level. Iwill be in regular contact with you to keep you updated and let you know when I'll be in your area. Iam very keen to work closely with Andrew as the Council Tourism Development Officer, and hopefully he will be able to join me to meet with you on each local Tourism Industry Day to discuss any issues you may have or just get an update on your business. In the interim if there is anything Ican do, please do not hesitate to contact me and we can discuss by phone or meet up for a chat. Ilook forward to workingwith you. Yours sincerely MARTI N GRAHAM Regional Manager graham@touri smni.com I028 90 441685 I07901918220 Tourism NorthernIreland, St. Anne's Court. 59 North Street, Belfast BT11NB Telephone: +44 (0}28 9023 1221 Fax: +44 (0)28 9024 0960 Corporate websl te: tourismnl.com Consumer website: dlscovemorthem Ireland.com Tourism Northern lraland Is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Tourism Northern Ireland (Tourism NI)Is the tradingname of The Northem IrelandTourist Board. Chairman:Terence Brannigan Chief Executive:DavidThomson t"- INVESTORS I '!.,._...- IN PEOPLE