ARDS AND NORTH DOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL
5 November 2018
Dear Sir/Madam
You are hereby invited to attend a meeting of the Corporate Services Committee of the Ards and North Down Borough Council which will be held in the Council Chamber, 2 Church Street, Newtownards on Tuesday, 13 November 2018 commencing at 7.00pm.
Tea, coffee and sandwiches will be available from 6.00pm.
Yours faithfully
Stephen Reid Chief Executive Ards and North Down Borough Council
A G E N D A
1. Apologies
2. Declarations of Interest
3. Deputation
3.1 Simon Richardson – DfI Roads Presentation
4. Budgetary Control Report – September 2018 (Report attached)
5. Minutes of Strategic Policy and Finance Group dated 1 October 2018 (Copy to follow)
6. Updated Corporate Plan 2015-20 (Report attached)
7. Request to Light up Council Buildings by NSPCC (Report attached)
8. Request from the Rainbow Project to Light up Ards Town Hall (Report Attached)
9. Accessible Transport within Ards and North Down Borough Council Area (Report attached)
10. ANDBC Neglect Strategy from Safeguarding Board NI Multi-Agency Neglect Strategy for Northern Ireland 2018-2022 Neglect Action Plan (Report attached)
11. Attendance of Elected Members at Meetings (Report attached)
12. Operation Lion – Update on EQIA (Report attached)
13. Response to Notice of Motion re Maternity Services (Report attached)
14. Update on ECNI Mental Health Charter Implementation across Ards and North Down Borough Council (Report attached)
15. Revised and Extended Equality Action Plan (Report attached)
16. Notices of Motion
16.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor C Kennedy
That this Council bring back a report regarding the erection of a memorial to the eight people who were killed on Church Street during the 1736 Ards TT Race; which ultimately lead to the cancelling of the event; and that this memorial might be placed on the western end of the wall at Ards Hospital on Church Street.
16.2 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor C Kennedy
That this Council creates a Committee to consider the manner in which Ards and North Down Borough Council will mark the 100th Anniversary of Northern Ireland in 2021 and to draw up a schedule of appropriate events etc. through which to mark our 100th Birthday.
16.3 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor C Kennedy
That this Council agrees that criminal gangs are taking advantage of the NI Housing Executive transfer scheme, using it as a direct means to geographically extend their drugs empires; that is having a hugely detrimental impact upon established communities across the Borough; that it is having the effect of fracturing local families and their ability to live close to one another and that measures be taken both to put an end to this abuse and to give families who have established ties with a particular area with priority when accommodation is being allocated.
16.4 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor C Kennedy
That this Council takes the advice of the Chief Executive of Tourism NI, John McGrillen, that we should be pursuing the “Culturally Curious” tourism product and reinstates the Ulster-Scots greeting of “Fair Faa Ye” to entrance signs to the Borough, which were removed without consultation upon the amalgamation of Ards Borough Council and North Down Borough Council; acknowledges all relevant requirements under Equality legislation have already been fulfilled; and that the message “Haste Ye Baak” be placed on each sign upon leaving the Borough.
16.5 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Boyle and Councillor McAlpine
That this Council agrees to write to the Divisional Manager DFI Roads – Southern Division, Simon Richardson, responsible for the Strangford Ferry Service, asking for a rescheduling of their current timetable to commence at 7.15 am rather than 7.45 am to meet with the noticeable increasing needs and requirements of their regular early morning customers wishing to avail of this service.
16.6 Notice of Motion submitted by Alderman Henry and Councillor Smart
That this Council notes that Northern Ireland has the highest suicide rate of any region of the United Kingdom. In Ards and North Down statistics show that in 10 years 2006 to 2016 there were 200 who were recorded as losing their lives to suicide.
We must remind anyone in distress or despair that support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Urge anyone with suicidal thought to immediately contact their GP or any of the brilliant Mental Health charities for help.
Council notes also that funding of Mental Health Services across Northern Ireland remains inadequate and expresses outrage that the ongoing political impasse at Stormont has meant that Protect Life 2 – the new strategy and action plan to reduce our suicide rate has still not be published due to the absence of a local Minister. We agree to write to the Secretary of State to emphasis to her that the current situation is unacceptable and urge her to intervene to secure the immediate publication of this strategy.
16.7 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor T Smith & Councillor Kennedy
This Council condemns SF/IRA's ongoing celebration and veneration of terrorists who engaged in a bloody sectarian campaign which saw thousands murdered and many more maimed and injured. This Council believes that such commemoration events are hate crimes and provide nothing more than an opportunity for those who still despise those who are British, Protestant and Unionist to revel in the slaughter of innocent people. We call on the Secretary of State to take action to ban these gruesome and vile events which have no part in any civilised society.
16.8 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Douglas
That this Council agrees to write to the Department of Education to ask that they consider providing sanitary products within local schools and colleges, free of charge, given the impact period poverty can have on the lives of girls and young women.
16.9 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Douglas
That this Council recognises that period poverty is a very real issue for many girls and women and as such agrees to bring back a report, including associated costs, as to how Council could make sanitary products available free of charge within Council facilities. The report to explore where this initiative has been introduced in other facilities in GB and ROI for an evidence-based approach, and also consider pilot sites.
16.10 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Muir
That this Council agrees, in the spirit of openness and transparency, to publish on the Council's website individual Councillor expense claim forms on an on-going basis and back to 1 April 2015 (or a later date from which records exist if claim forms not retained back to 1 April 2015) with redaction of relevant information to ensure compliance with relevant legislative obligations.
16.11 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Muir
That this Council agrees that Climate Change is one of the biggest global challenges of our time, affirms that Council has an important leadership role in creating a low carbon future and accordingly requests that officers bring back a report on the possibilities of Ards and North Down Borough Council becoming a Carbon Neutral Council including possible timescales for achieving carbon neutrality.
ITEMS – 17-25 ***IN CONFIDENCE***
17. Request to purchase land to the rear of 24 Penrhyn Park, Newtownards (Report attached)
18. Request from Choice Housing to accept a gift of a playpark at Old Belfast Road (Report attached)
19. Request from Ards Football Club (Report attached)
20. Request for Lease at Cook Street Jetty, Portaferry (Report attached)
21. Request from Portaferry Rovers Football Club to renew Licence Agreement - Lands at Cloughey Road, Portaferry. (Report attached)
22. Renewal of Royal Ulster Yacht Club Battery Lease on Seacliff Road, Bangor (Report attached)
23. Request from Brian Meharg to renew operating Licence at Pickie Pontoon (Report attached)
24. Absence Report – Quarter 2 2018-2017 (Report attached)
25. Civic Awards (Report attached)
26. Any Other Notified Business. Circulated for Information
(i) Copy letter from Post Office – Donaghadee Post Office (Correspondence attached)
MEMBERSHIP OF CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE (14 Members)
Alderman Carson (Vice Chairman) Councillor Gilmour (Chairman) Alderman Gibson Councillor Hunter Alderman Girvan Councillor Kennedy Alderman Graham Councillor Muir Alderman Keery Councillor McIlveen Councillor Brooks Councillor Smart Councillor Chambers Councillor Smith
Unclassified
ITEM 4
Ards and North Down Borough Council
Report Classification Unclassified
Council/Committee Corporate Services
Date of Meeting 13 November 2018
Responsible Director Chief Executive
Responsible Head of Head of Finance Service
Date of Report 24 October 2018
File Reference FIN45
Legislation Section 5 Local Government Finance Act (NI) 2011
Section 75 Compliant Yes ☐ No ☐ Not Applicable ☒
Subject Budgetary Control Report – September 2018
Attachments
This Budgetary Control Report covers the 6-month period 1 April to 30 September 2018 and the Revenue Budgetary Control Report by Directorate is set out on page 2.
The Council has a full surplus at the end of September of £1,133,410 (box A) compared with a budgeted surplus for the same period of £40,700 (box B) resulting in a favourable variance on expected surplus of £1,092,710 (box E).
This is analysed as:
• Net Cost of Services showing an under spend of £550,165 (2.5%) (box C); and • Non-service income and expenditure showing a favourable variance of £542,545 (box D).
Explanations for the Finance & Performance, Organisational Development & Administration and Chief Executive Directorates and Non-Service Income and Expenditure follow on pages 4 to 6. The detailed Budgetary Control reports for the Environment, Regeneration Development and Planning and Community and Wellbeing Directorates have been reported to the appropriate Committee.
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Unclassified
BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT By Directorate and Service Period 6 - September 2018 Note Year to Date Year to Date Variance Annual Variance Actual Budget Budget £ £ £ £ % Community & Wellbeing 100 Community & Wellbeing HQ 73,806 76,000 (2,194) 160,500 2.9 110 Environmental Health 711,401 773,900 (62,499) 1,723,700 8.1 120 Community and Culture 1,023,638 1,083,800 (60,162) 1,937,800 5.6 130 Leisure and Amenities 2,746,290 2,799,700 (53,410) 5,603,900 1.9 Totals 4,555,134 4,733,400 (178,266) 9,425,900 3.8
Environment 200 Environment HQ 72,674 73,400 (727) 147,900 1.0 210 Waste and Cleansing Services 6,384,796 6,357,300 27,496 12,608,600 0.4 220 Assets and Property Services 3,060,711 2,961,200 99,511 6,554,900 3.4 230 Regulatory Services 79,555 94,500 (14,945) 344,400 15.8 Totals 9,597,735 9,486,400 111,335 19,655,800 1.2
Regen, Development & Planning 300 Regen, Dev & Planning HQ 78,160 77,800 360 458,600 0.5 310 Regeneration 369,997 424,900 (54,903) 1,170,900 12.9 320 Econ Dev & Tourism 416,762 457,800 (41,038) 1,167,500 9.0 330 Planning 441,794 512,400 (70,606) 1,065,900 13.8 340 Tourism 1,055,161 1,070,700 (15,539) 1,980,200 1.5 Totals 2,361,875 2,543,600 (181,726) 5,843,100 7.1
Finance & Performance 400 Finance & Performance HQ 1,633 52,900 (51,267) 105,800 96.9 410 Internal Audit 31,200 31,200 - 62,000 - 420 Finance 704,913 748,300 (43,387) 1,353,500 5.8 430 Performance & Projects 1,262,731 1,297,200 (34,469) 2,240,400 2.7 Totals 2,000,476 2,129,600 (129,124) 3,761,700 6.1
Org Development & Administration 500 OD & Admin HQ 90,938 87,500 3,438 174,300 3.9 510 HR & OD 449,057 470,800 (21,743) 968,400 4.6 520 Administration & Customer Svcs 1,563,529 1,667,400 (103,871) 3,401,000 6.2 Totals 2,103,524 2,225,700 (122,176) 4,543,700 5.5
Chief Executive 600 Chief Executive 196,778 215,700 (18,922) 555,300 8.8 610 Community Planning 79,411 86,700 (7,289) 186,100 8.4 620 Corporate Communications 192,801 216,800 (23,999) 503,400 11.1 Totals 468,991 519,200 (50,209) 1,244,800 9.7
NET COST OF SERVICES 21,087,735 21,637,900 C (550,165) 44,475,000 2.5
Non Service Income and Expenditure 910 Capital Financing 2,671,264 2,751,100 (79,836) (3,879,800) 2.9 920 Bank Interest (46,947) (38,300) (8,647) (54,200) (22.6) 930 Year End Transactions 38,374 32,500 5,874 - 18.1 940 District Rates & Grants (24,883,836) (24,423,900) (459,936) (48,847,900) (1.9) Non Service Income and Expenditure (22,221,145) (21,678,600) D (542,545) (52,781,900) (2.5)
Grand Totals A (1,133,410) B (40,700) E (1,092,710) (8,306,900) (2684.8)
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Unclassified BUDGETARY CONTROL REPORT By Income and Expenditure Period 6 - September 2018 Expenditure Income Note Actual Budget Variance Actual Budget Variance £ £ £
Community & Wellbeing 100 Community & Wellbeing HQ 73,806 76,000 (2,194) - - - 110 Environmental Health 976,443 1,017,900 (41,457) (265,042) (244,000) (21,042) 120 Community and Culture 1,519,447 1,872,300 (352,853) (495,809) (788,500) 292,691 130 Leisure and Amenities 4,050,071 4,118,300 (68,229) (1,303,781) (1,318,600) 14,819 Totals 6,619,766 7,084,500 (464,734) (2,064,632) (2,351,100) 286,468
Environment 200 Environment HQ 72,674 73,400 (727) - - - 210 Waste and Cleansing Services 7,336,730 7,377,700 (40,970) (951,934) (1,020,400) 68,466 220 Assets and Property Services 3,141,577 3,031,900 109,677 (80,866) (70,700) (10,166) 230 Regulatory Services 1,234,393 1,286,700 (52,307) (1,154,838) (1,192,200) 37,362 ------Totals 11,785,373 11,769,700 15,673 (2,187,639) (2,283,300) 95,661
Regen, Development & Planning 300 Regen, Dev & Planning HQ 78,785 77,800 985 (625) - (625) 310 Regeneration 579,817 548,000 31,817 (209,820) (123,100) (86,720) 320 Econ Dev 591,439 612,900 (21,461) (174,678) (155,100) (19,578) 330 Planning 958,050 1,025,000 (66,950) (516,256) (512,600) (3,656) 340 Tourism 1,112,128 1,114,300 (2,172) (56,966) (43,600) (13,366) Totals 3,320,220 3,378,000 (57,780) (958,345) (834,400) (123,945)
Finance & Performance 400 Finance & Performance HQ 1,633 52,900 (51,267) - - - 410 Internal Audit 31,200 31,200 - - - - 420 Finance 704,702 748,300 (43,598) 211 - 211 430 Performance & Projects 1,264,636 1,297,200 (32,564) (1,905) - (1,905) Totals 2,002,170 2,129,600 (127,430) (1,694) - (1,694)
Org Development & Administration 500 OD & Admin HQ 90,938 87,500 3,438 - - - 510 HR & OD 459,057 470,800 (11,743) (10,000) - (10,000) 520 Administration & Customer Svcs 1,725,390 1,830,000 (104,610) (161,860) (162,600) 740 Totals 2,275,384 2,388,300 (112,916) (171,860) (162,600) (9,260)
Chief Executive 600 Chief Executive 196,778 215,700 (18,922) - - - 610 Community Planning 79,411 86,700 (7,289) - - - 620 Corporate Communications 192,801 216,800 (23,999) - - - Totals 468,991 519,200 (50,209) - - -
NET COST OF SERVICES 26,471,904 27,269,300 (797,396) (5,384,170) (5,631,400) 247,231
Non Service Income and Expenditure 910 Capital Financing 2,671,264 2,751,100 (79,836) - - - 920 Bank Interest - - - (46,947) (38,300) (8,647) 930 Year End Transactions 38,374 32,500 5,874 - - - 940 District Rates & Grants - - - (24,883,836) (24,423,900) (459,936) Non Service Income and Expenditure 2,709,638 2,783,600 (73,962) (24,930,783) (24,462,200) (468,583)
Grand Totals 29,181,542 30,052,900 F (871,358) (30,314,953) (30,093,600) G (221,353)
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Unclassified Explanation of Variance
A Budgetary Control Report by Income and Expenditure by Directorate is shown on page 3 which analyses the overall favourable variance (£1,092,710 – box E on page 2) as expenditure (£871,358 favourable – box F) and income (£221,353 favourable – box G).
The overall Council favourable variance (£1,092,710 – box E) can be summarised by the following table: -
Type Variance Comment £’000 This is mainly due to a number of vacant posts Salary Costs (526.9) which either are to be filled or are in the process of being filled. Rates Income (485.6) Based on Q2 information from LPS
Other Variances (80.2) Combined effect of other expenditure & income
Total (1,092.7) Box E
Finance & Performance
Expenditure - £127.4k (6.0%) better than budget to date.
1. Finance & Performance HQ - £51.3k under budget. This is due to a vacant post which is in the process of being filled. 2. Finance - £43.6k under budget. Payroll costs are £40.6k under budget to date due to a delay in resourcing the software implementation projects. Some of this under spend may be carried into the next financial year should this be necessary. 3. Performance & Projects - £32.6k favourable. Payroll costs are £15.9k under budget to date due to a vacant post which is now being covered by agency. Business Technology running costs are £11.2k under budget to date and Capital Projects consultancy costs are £6.9k are underspent to date.
Organisational Development & Administration
Expenditure - £112.9k (4.7%) better than budget to date. This favourable variance is mainly made up of the following: -
4. Human Resources and Organisational Development - £11.7k favourable which mainly consists of: - a. Payroll is £30.0k favourable. One post is being covered at no cost to Council and 2 administration posts have now been filled.
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Unclassified b. Recruitment costs are £20.8k adverse. Two assessment centres have been required so far this year which were not budgeted for. 5. Administration & Customer Services - £104.6k favourable which mainly consists of: - a. Payroll is £71.8k favourable due to vacancies within Compliance (£49.5k) and Risk Management (£26.0k) which are in the process of being filled. b. Customer Services running costs are £15.2k better than budget to date mainly due to stationary, postage and training spend being less than expected to date.
Chief Executive
Expenditure - £50.2k (9.7%) better than budget to date. This favourable variance is mainly due to payroll costs being £41.1k less than budget to date due to vacant posts in Chief Executive’s Office and Corporate Communications. Most of Corporate Communications vacant posts are being covered by agency staff.
Non-Service Income and Expenditure
Expenditure - £74.0k (2.6%) better than budget to date. 6. This favourable variance is mainly due to interest payable and MRP being under budget (£79.8k) as a result of a lag in capital expenditure delaying the need to borrow.
Income - £468.6k (1.9%) better than budget to date.
7. The Council has been advised by LPS that, based on Quarter 2 information, the 2018/19 rates outturn may result in a positive finalisation of £485.6k. This is higher than expected so Officers are checking this with LPS. The graph, below, illustrates the trend of previous years APP estimates and finalisations.
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Unclassified
In addition, the Council’s estimated Quarter 2 2018/19 De-Rating Grant finalisation is indicating a clawback of £25.7k.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Committee notes this report.
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Unclassified
ITEM 6
Ards and North Down Borough Council
Report Classification Unclassified
Council/Committee Corporate Services
Date of Meeting 13 November 2018
Responsible Director Director of Finance and Performance
Responsible Head of Head of Performance and Projects Service
Date of Report 02 November 2018
File Reference N/A
Legislation Local Government Act 2014
Section 75 Compliant Yes ☒ No ☐ Other ☐ If other, please add comment below:
Subject Updated Corporate Plan 2015-20
Attachments Corporate Plan
In June 2018, Council agreed that the current Corporate Plan 2015-2019 should be extended to March 2020 to allow for better alignment between election and corporate planning cycles, thus giving opportunity for any newly elected Council to shape the direction during their term.
It was also agreed the opportunity should be taken to make minor amendments to the existing plan to reflect the Big Plan (community plan) which had been developed after the current Corporate Plan was published. This work has now been completed and a draft revised plan is attached. As this is a minor amendment to the existing plan it is not considered that wider consultation is required.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the attached Corporate Plan 2015-20 is adopted.
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Unclassified
ITEM 7
Ards and North Down Borough Council
Report Classification Unclassified
Council/Committee Corporate Services
Date of Meeting 13 November 2018
Responsible Director Director of Organisational Development and Administration
Responsible Head of Head of Administration Service
Date of Report 22 October 2018
File Reference LP37
Legislation
Section 75 Compliant Yes ☒ No ☐ Not Applicable ☐
Subject Request to light up Council Buildings by NSPCC
Attachments
The Council has received a request from the NSPCC to light up Council buildings the colour green on 7th December 2018 as part of their Christmas “Light for Every Childhood” Campaign.
The NSPCC is a national charity which specialises in child protection and is dedicated to the fight for every childhood. The charity has statutory powers and can take action to safeguard children at risk of abuse. It is an independent charity and relies on public funding to carry out its work.
The key messaging from the Christmas campaign is highlighted below:
“This year at Christmas we will be raising vital funds for the NSPCC Helpline and children suffering neglect. Neglect can make children feel invisible – especially at Christmas time. And while they may be living in cold, dark homes, going hungry, or not being given the care they need – they may not even realise that the neglect they are experiencing is wrong. Last year, nearly a third of all calls to NSPCC Helpline related to neglect, a figure that’s even higher at Christmas time.
This Christmas, help us shine a light on more children so together we can get help to children who need it, right now. Page 1 of 2
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When you think a child or young person needs your help talk it over with NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000.”
This application is compliant with the policy and so is recommended for approval.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council accedes to the request and lights the buildings green on 7 December 2018.
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Unclassified
ITEM 8
Ards and North Down Borough Council
Report Classification Unclassified
Council/Committee Corporate Services
Date of Meeting 13 November 2018
Responsible Director Director of Organisational Development and Administration
Responsible Head of Head of Administration Service
Date of Report 31 October 2018
File Reference LP37
Legislation
Section 75 Compliant Yes ☒ No ☐ Other ☐ If other, please add comment below:
Subject Request from the Rainbow Project to light up Ards Town Hall
Attachments Email from John O'Doherty, Director, Rainbow Project
The Council has received a request from the Rainbow Project to light up Ards Town Hall in rainbow colours to mark the launch of Northern Ireland LGBT Awareness Week 2019 on Monday 13th May 2019 and to be marked as an annual re-occurring event. A copy of an email from John O’Doherty, Director of the Rainbow Project, is attached.
It was agreed by Council in May 2017 to review the criteria and procedures for processing requests to light up Council buildings. The procedure now includes the caveat
“requests…considered to be of a political or potentially controversial nature would require the consideration and approval of the Council”
Members will be aware of the recent Notice of Motion proposed by Councillor Muir
“That this Council acknowledges the positive contribution that diversity brings to our communities and accordingly affirms that all lesbian, gay,
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Unclassified
bisexual and trans people living, working or visiting our Borough should be accepted and valued as equal citizens as part of a safe, welcoming inclusive society. Council consequently requests that officers bring back a report on how we can positively fulfil this pledge including lighting of Ards Town Hall in Rainbow Colours to coincide with Pride Day each year on the first Saturday of August.
The Motion was subsequently amended and approved by the Council removing the request for Officers to bring back a report “……including the lighting of Ards Town Hall in Rainbow Colours to coincide with Pride Day each year on the first Saturday of August.
This Notice of Motion provoked intense debate in Council and led to extensive media coverage and, therefore, Officers believe the request from the Rainbow Project to be “of a political or potentially controversial nature” and are referring the matter to the Committee and Council for a decision.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council considers if it wishes to support the above request from John O’Doherty, Director, Rainbow Project.
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Unclassified
ITEM 9
Ards and North Down Borough Council
Report Classification Unclassified
Council/Committee Corporate Services Committee
Date of Meeting 13 November 2018
Responsible Director Director of Organisational Development and Administration
Responsible Head of Head of Administration Service
Date of Report 29 October 2018
File Reference DIS 15/NOM 65
Legislation Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and Disability Discrimination (NI) Order 2006
Section 75 Compliant Yes ☒ No ☐ Other ☐ If other, please add comment below:
Subject Accessible Transport within Ards and North Down Borough Council area.
Attachments N/A
Background and Purpose of Report On 29 August 2018, the Council agreed: “to undertake to write to the other ten Councils requesting support in lobbying central government in relation to financial cuts introduced since 2015 in the provision of community transport for individuals isolated due to physical and mental health needs, rural location and those who are vulnerable due to personal circumstances and identifies the urgency to deal with as these individuals are very limited in opportunities to engage with others. A request will be made to meet the Secretary of State along with service users to highlight the range of concerns. It also calls upon officers to bring back a report detailing the current service provision and the known effect of the service reductions across the Borough.”
The requested correspondence has since been issued and responses are awaited. Once received, they will be included in a future report.
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Unclassified
The purpose of this report is to address the request for details on current community transport provision and the known effect of service reductions across the Borough.
Information on Current Community Transport Provision At the meeting of the Ards and North Down Borough Council Disability Forum of 19 June 2018 members raised their concerns about the reduction in services to those with a disability and particularly the removal of evening services. These were stated to be the result of budget reductions on funding.
Accessible Transport is provided in most areas of the Borough by Disability Action which provides services to the main urban areas in the Borough and by Down Community Transport which provides services to the Newtownards area and the Ards Peninsula. Pockets within the Borough are not covered by either service and these include Comber and Groomsport. Disability Action Transport Scheme (DATS) is a local specialist transport service for people living in towns or cities who find it difficult to use public transport.
Prior to 2015, users of the DATS could book services between the hours of 8.00am and 11.00pm. This service replaced the familiar service known as Door-2-Door. From 2015 annual funding cuts have reduced the service significantly and, with effect from 16 July 2018, it is now operational Monday - Friday 8.00am to 6.00pm and at weekends from 9.00am until 1.00pm. The cumulative reduction in service funding from 2015 has been 28%. These services are funded by Department for Infrastructure. The most recent reduction in funding has led to the voluntary redundancy of two drivers, thus losing invaluable experience and knowledge of routes and clients.
The Down Community Transport Service (DCTS) is grant funded and provides an affordable and accessible service to individuals who would otherwise be isolated either for health reasons or because of the rural location of their home. The DCTS contract arrangements do not permit it to cover urban areas or the town centres of Newtownards and Bangor. The service is provided by trained drivers and operates Monday to Friday between the hours of 8.00am and 6.00pm. The hours of provision for both services include time for vehicle checks and return to the respective depot by finishing time. The lack of ability to provide evening services significantly contributes to the social isolation for these individuals. This service has also lost drivers to redundancy and alternative employment because of the reduction in annual budgets.
The services are meant to complement public transport and are the sole means of transport for many with accessibility limitations either based on their rural location or due to health or disability needs. Neither service replaces public transport services. They take individuals from home to their requested set down point and are booked up to 7 days in advance. Data collected shows the majority of trips undertaken measure less than 3 miles within designated areas. Drivers get to know the needs of their clients and no regular bookings are held. Users who meet the criteria and are registered with the service provider generally access this service to take them to work, local shops or shopping centre, hairdressers, or to visit family or friends. Neither service is available for hospital appointments. DCTS also covers hospital and health appointments with a volunteer driver arrangement.
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Continual reduction in service from 2015 cannot be reversed in the short term due to a lack of trained employees. New employees would require to be suitably recruited and trained. Private taxi services have always been available for those who wish to use them. However, with the introduction of revised taxi legislation and specific modifications to vehicles to facilitate passengers in wheelchairs and other specific needs there are fewer accessible taxis available. Many that are available are now on a contract arrangement with a Health Trust or the Education Authority to provide regular services that are no longer provided in house. An increase in the number of disabled individuals living in their own homes has increased the requirement for transport to and from appointments.
The review and upgrading arrangements for drivers of minibus type vehicles to have a Full D1 Licence, which is the category required to legally drive a minibus that carries between 9 and 16 passengers on the public highway, has increased costs of service provision and left vacancies difficult to fill due to a training deficit. The Drivers Working Time Directive has also introduced a range of additional costs and new restrictions for service providers, exacerbated by the cumulative reduction in funding. The cost of the new legislation and modifications to vehicles is inevitably passed on to passengers, many of whom have low incomes or are in receipt of benefits.
Any financial gains from the service offered by these providers is reinvested into the scheme (to improve services of upgrade vehicles) and no profit is made.
Following meetings with The Mayor, Elected Member Champions of Diversity and Mental Health and the management of DATS and DCTS it has been identified that the effect of these service reductions has significantly reduced this vital service across the province. The current service is not adequate for current demands and as the needs of the ageing and rural population are increasing the demand will always be greater than provision. This is predominately because continual reduction in annual funding contributes to an inability to forward plan, train drivers, increase routes or maintain stock.
Consideration is currently being given as to how the Community Planning Partnership can assist in ensuring service provision to the areas and individuals who rely on it as their only means to access services outside their home, thus reducing social isolation and improving mental health.
The Ards and North Down Borough Council Community Plan identifies four priority issues – two of which are directly linked to the service and reduction in transport services. They are Priority issue 2 Develop programmes and support services that reduce social isolation and loneliness and Priority Issue 4 Co-ordination of Take 5 initiative (Mental Health). A meeting has been arranged with the two local transport providers to discuss with them how the Council and the Community Planning Partnership could work together to address the needs of a large population of the Borough and encourage the other Council areas to take similar action locally.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that this report is noted.
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Unclassified
ITEM 10
Ards and North Down Borough Council
Report Classification Unclassified
Council/Committee Corporate Services Committee
Date of Meeting 13 November 2018
Responsible Director Director of Organisational Development and Administration
Responsible Head of Head of Administration Service
Date of Report 16 October 2018
File Reference SG 17
Legislation Safeguarding Board Act (Northern ireland) 2011 Section 1 Children's Services Co-operation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015
Section 75 Compliant Yes ☒ No ☐ Other ☐ If other, please add comment below:
Subject ANDBC Neglect Strategy from Safeguarding Board NI Multi-agency Neglect Strategy for Northern Ireland 2018 - 2022
Attachments Ards and North Down Borough Council Neglect Strategy Action Plan
As a partner organisation on the Safeguarding Board Northern Ireland (SBNI) South Eastern Safeguarding Panel, the Council has received correspondence requesting it to make its staff aware of the SBNI’s Neglect Strategy and how it can be accessed. The Council has also been requested to prepare an Action Plan of its own which aligns with that strategy.
The Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) Multi-agency Neglect Strategy for Northern Ireland 2018-2022 has been published and issued to a broad range of organisations and is available on the SBNI website.
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Unclassified
The Ards and North Down Borough Council Neglect Strategy Action Plan is appended to this report for consideration and is to be forwarded to SBNI.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Action Plan is adopted and forwarded to SBNI.
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ITEM 11
Ards and North Down Borough Council
Report Classification Unclassified
Council/Committee Corporate Services Committee
Date of Meeting 13 November 2018
Responsible Director Director of Organisational Development and Administration
Responsible Head of Head of Administration Service
Date of Report 31 October 2018
File Reference NOM 66
Legislation Local Government Act (NI) 2014
Section 75 Compliant Yes ☒ No ☐ Not Applicable ☐
Subject Attendance of Elected Members at Meetings
Attachments
Since 1 April 2015 statistics have been gathered by Democratic Services in respect of Members’ attendance at Council and Committee meetings. This information has not been reported but is available for inspection.
The information is displayed in an Excel spreadsheet with a “1” indicating attendance and a “0” indicating absence. To date Members have not informed Democratic Services if, for instance, their absence is due to being on other Council business. If such information was provided this could be included in future statistics. The onus however would lie with the Member to inform Democratic Services of this accurately.
At a recent Corporate Services Committee, a Notice of Motion was agreed and subsequently ratified by Council:-
That this Council agrees that officers should collate and publish on the Council website in a simple and easy to understand manner member attendance statistics for Full Council and all Standing Committee meetings. Statistics to be updated on a quarterly basis with historical attendance information from 1 April 2015 included.
In light of the recent Notice of Motion, attendance information has been placed on the Council’s website. Historical information dating back to 1 April 2015 has been included with current information to be updated on a quarterly basis.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Committee agrees that “absent on Council Business” is included on the attendance information published on the Council’s website.
Unclassified
ITEM 12
Ards and North Down Borough Council
Report Classification Unclassified
Council/Committee Corporate Services Committee
Date of Meeting 13 November 2018
Responsible Director Director of Organisational Development and Administration
Responsible Head of Head of Administration Service
Date of Report 02 November 2018
File Reference CG 11911
Legislation Section 75 of the NI Act 1998
Section 75 Compliant Yes ☐ No ☐ Other ☒ If other, please add comment below: Awaiting outcome of EQIA
Subject Operation Lion - Request by Ulster Scots Agency to Erect Plaques - Update
Attachments
At the meeting of the Corporate Services Committee on 11 September 2018, a report was tabled in relation to a request from the Ulster Scots Agency to erect plaques to mark Operation Lion at Bangor and Donaghadee Harbours. The report, following equality screening and internal and external consultation, recommended that:
“in light of concerns raised through the screening process, the Council reverts to the Ulster Scots Agency stating that it would only be prepared to accept the plaques if they could be produced with amended wording which mitigated against the concerns…”
The Committee agreed an amendment which was to recommend that the original wording be used on the plaques.
Prior to ratification by Council, the Council’s Internal Screening Panel met and screened this amendment. The conclusions of the Panel were contained in a report which was tabled at the Council meeting on 26 September 2018. The report stated
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Unclassified that the Panel had acknowledged that the original screening had identified a potential adverse impact, due to the wording used on the plaques. It had been noted in the report that, should the Council decide to permit the erection of the plaques in their current form, an EQIA may be required. It was agreed by the Panel, after discussion that, if the Council upheld the Committee decision, an Equality Impact Assessment would be required for the reasons stated in the original report. It was therefore recommended that, if the Council agreed to erect the Ulster Scots Agency plaques with their existing wording, it be subject to the outcome of an Equality Impact Assessment which would be undertaken.
Following debate, this recommendation was adopted.
The plaques and the wording displayed on them is owned by the Ulster Scots Agency and therefore, to enable the Council to commence the EQIA process, a letter was issued to the Ulster Scots Agency on 12 October 2018 seeking copies of the Agency’s Section 75 Screening Forms and associated documentation in relation to the wording on the plaques.
A further reminder email was sent to the Ulster Scots Agency on 30 October 2018. The Ulster Scots Agency replied that a response would be issued soon.
At the time of writing, no response has been received.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that this update be noted.
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ITEM 13
Ards and North Down Borough Council
Report Classification Unclassified
Council/Committee Corporate Services
Date of Meeting 13 November 2018
Responsible Director Director of Organisational Development and Administration
Responsible Head of Head of Administration Service
Date of Report 30 October 2018
File Reference
Legislation
Section 75 Compliant Yes X No ☐ Other ☐ If other, please add comment below:
Subject Response to Notice of Motion re Maternity Services
Attachments Letter from South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust
The following Notice of Motion was agreed by the Council in September 2018 :
“That in 2015-16 over 4,000 babies were delivered in our local maternity unit at the Ulster Hospital (the 2nd highest in Northern Ireland) literally bringing new life to this and other Boroughs. Council wishes to underscore that Healthcare exists to support and nurture life and not to end it deliberately. In this context, Council warmly welcomes the excellent work which our Doctors and Midwives carry out for the overall health, life and wellbeing of women, unborn children, families and our wider community. It writes to the Chief Executive of the South Eastern Regional Trust to emphasis these sentiments.”
The attached response was received from Hugh McCaughey, Chief Executive of the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that this report is noted. Unclassified
ITEM
Ards and North Down Borough Council
Report Classification Unclassified
Council/Committee Corporate Services Committee
Date of Meeting 13 November 2018
Responsible Director Director of Organisational Development and Administration
Responsible Head of Head of Administration Service
Date of Report 19 October 2018
File Reference EQ 33
Legislation Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and Disability Discrimination (NI) Order 2006
Section 75 Compliant Yes ☒ No ☐ Other ☐ If other, please add comment below:
Subject Update on ECNI Mental Health Charter implementation across Ards and North Down Borough Council
Attachments Mental Health Charter Action Plan
In April 2017 Ards and North Down Borough Council agreed to adopt and implement the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland’s (ECNI) Mental Health Charter for employees and service providers. This Charter provides for working towards mentally healthy workplaces.
The five charter commitments are:
1. Create an open and inclusive workplace culture which displays respect for those with mental health; 2. To promote equality of opportunity and challenge discrimination in the workplace; 3. To promote equality of opportunity in recruitment and selection for those with mental ill health; 4. To identify and provide sources of information and support regarding mental ill health;
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Unclassified
5. To adopt ’Every Customer Counts – promoting accessible services’ recommendations.
The Environmental Health Manager (Health and Wellbeing), Head of Human Resources and the Compliance Officer (Equality and Safeguarding) have worked in partnership to drive this initiative forward building on existing good practice across the Council services to the benefit of employees, Elected Members and those receiving Council services.
In the initial stages, support materials have been made available to staff alongside opportunities to attend a range of stress management workshops. The Employee Health and Wellbeing programme follows the Public Health Agency’s recommended “Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing” theme which is designed to support good mental health and a full and varied programme of activities continues to be delivered.
Exploratory talks have been held with Samaritans and Action Mental Health to consider what focussed mental health training options are available and most suitable for staff and these have been commissioned.
Engagement with the ECNI has also ensured that policies are aligned with the required standards and a review of these will take place to ensure that mental health has been given specific consideration, as required by the Charter.
Customer Services continue to be delivered in line with the ECNI’s policies and will ensure that any future recommendations are adhered to as policies, training and monitoring requirements are continually reviewed.
In order to formalise the commitment to delivering the Charter in a timely manner across the Council, an Action Plan has now been developed that identifies the evidence required for each action, the Lead Officer and an agreed target date. The Action Plan includes a quarterly review by Corporate Leadership Team to demonstrate Senior Management support.
In recognition of the steps taken to date to progress this work and with the production of an Action Plan, it would be timely to undertake a formal signing of the Mental Health Charter with the ECNI to publicly demonstrate the Council’s support and commitment to the Standard.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Action Plan is adopted and a formal signing of the Mental Health Charter by the Mayor and the Equality Commission Northern Ireland, to demonstrate the Council’s support and commitment to the Standard.
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Unclassified
ITEM 15
Ards and North Down Borough Council
Report Classification Unclassified
Council/Committee Corporate Services Committee
Date of Meeting 13 November 2018
Responsible Director Director of Organisational Development and Administration
Responsible Head of Head of Administration Service
Date of Report 17 October 2018
File Reference EQ 2
Legislation Section 75 The Northern Ireland Act 1998
Section 75 Compliant Yes ☒ No ☐ Other ☐ If other, please add comment below:
Subject Revised and Extended Equality Action Plan
Attachments N/A
Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Equality Scheme was approved on 25 March 2015 and runs for 5 years. An integral part of the Equality Scheme is the Equality Action Plan that sets out how the Council will address inequalities and will work to ensure the promotion of equality of opportunity and good relations. The Council’s first Equality Action Plan was for the3 year period 2015 until 2018.
This Plan has been monitored and reviewed annually in the Council’s annual report to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland (ECNI) each August.
As there are two years until the revised Equality Scheme will be written and consulted upon, the Equality Action Plan needs to be extended out for a further 2 years. This will also then mirror the development of the new Corporate Plan for the Council. As the Council consults regularly with the Consultative Panel on Equality and Good Relations the issues identified have been included in the revised Action Plan, along with other issues identified by service users and through the Internal Screening Group.
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Unclassified
It is considered that, as the issues identified in April 2015 are still included in the Plan, there is no requirement to consult for the 12 week period as detailed in the Council’s Equality Scheme. There will be a full consultation with the new draft Equality Scheme and new Equality Action Plan that will be developed for April 2020 and beyond.
The extended Equality Action Plan identifies the actions to be addressed that have been completed, are on-going and are yet to be completed within the original Equality Action Plan. The layout of the template is to reflect the Administration Service Plan on which the outcomes of the Equality Action Plan are also reported.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council’s existing Equality Action Plan is extended to March 2020.
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