ARDS AND NORTH BOROUGH COUNCIL

16 September 2015

Dear Sir/Madam

You are hereby invited to attend a meeting of the Ards and North Down Borough Council which will be held in the Council Chamber, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor on Wednesday, 23 September 2015 commencing at 7.00pm.

Yours faithfully

Stephen Reid Chief Executive Ards and North Down Borough Council

A G E N D A

1. Prayer

2. Apologies

3. Declarations of Interest

4. Mayor’s Business

5. Mayor and Deputy Mayor Engagements for the Month (To be tabled)

6. Minutes of Meeting of 26 August 2015 (Copy attached)

7. Minutes of Committees (Copies attached)

7.1. Planning Committee dated 1 September 2015

7.2. Environment Committee dated 2 September 2015

7.3. Regeneration and Development Committee dated 3 September 2015

7.4. Corporate Services Committee dated 8 September 2015

7.5. Community and Wellbeing Committee dated 9 September 2015

7.5.1. Matters Arising – Antisocial Behaviour at Playpark (Copy report attached)

8. Requests for Deputation

8.1. The Rowan (Correspondence attached) 8.2. Include Youth (Correspondence attached)

9. Consultation Documents

9.1. Department of Justice – Code of Practice Issued Under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 – Comments to be submitted by 2 November 2015 (Copy information attached) 9.2. Assembly, Committee for Social Development – Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Bill – Comments to be submitted by 6 October 2015 (Copy information and report attached) 9.3. Department for Employment and Learning – New Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland - Comments to be submitted by 2 October 2015 (Copy information attached)

10. Setting Budgets and District Rates for 2016/17 (Copy report attached)

11. Community Planning - The Big Conversation (Copy report attached)

12. Bangor Shared Space - A Request for Support (Copy report attached)

13. Conferences, Invitations etc.

13.1. NILGA/APSE Regional Elected Member Development ‘ The New General Power of Competence’ 28 and 29 October 2015 (Copy information attached) 13.2. Meet-the Buyer Event – CityWest Hotel, Dublin 21 October 2015 (Copy report attached) 13.3. Social Enterprise NI Conference and Awards 2015 (Copy report attached)

14. Transfers of Rights of Burial

15. Sealing Documents

16. Notices of Motion

16.1. Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor T Smith

"The haunting pictures of Alan Kurdi have shocked the world and focused attention on the growing EU refugee crisis. We must make sure that , as a country, we fulfil not only our legal obligations but also our moral obligations to those in need. While this council welcomes recent moves by the Government to do more to assist those fleeing in fear of their lives, we will write to the Foreign Secretary calling on Westminster to take a leading role in addressing this humanitarian disaster. We also as a Council must stand ready to work with Government and play whatever part we can to ensure refugees who come to our Borough will have the support and assistance they need. And finally, as a community we must be prepared, by word and by deed, to welcome those who may come to Ards and North Down - so they can be helped to rebuild their lives in safety and security."

16.2. Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Cummings

“That this Council acknowledges the endeavours of the newly formed Edmund De Wind VC Centenary Committee who are raising funds to purchase a WW1 Field Gun, identical to that which was gifted to the people of post WW1 and was subsequently removed during the governments WW2 scrap iron appeal. Further, the Council tasks an officer to complete a report into the feasibility of permanently positioning the Field Gun back in the Memorial Garden, The Square, Comber in time to coincide with and to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Second Lieutenant Edmund De Wind, VC of the Royal Irish Rifles who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for acts of gallantry at Thiepval, France in 1918.”

16.3. Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Cooper

“That this council recognises the startling level of suicides in N.I. and asks officers to bring back a report outlining all aspects of suicide prevention adopted by other UK councils with a view to producing and adopting a policy specifically aimed at reducing the risk of further suicides in our borough.”

16.4. Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Martin

“That this Council requests a report on the feasibility of rolling out a pilot scheme to local Primary schools in our Council area which would provide the opportunity for school children to learn basic computer programming techniques.”

***IN CONFIDENCE***

17. Business Case – Voluntary Severance (Item Withdrawn)

18. Bangor Sportsplex Ground Settlement – Legal Case (Copy report attached)

19. Tender for the purchase of 2 No. Replacement 8x4 Hook Loader Skip Collection Vehicles (Copy report attached)

19.1. Ards and North Down Village Plans (Copy report attached)

20. Exploris – Update on Operational Agreement (Copy report to follow)

21. Land at Lough Cowey (Copy report attached)

22. Land at Former Bus Station, (Copy report to follow)

Circulated for Information

(a) Notification of New PSNI Postholders (Correspondence attached) (b) Woodland Trust – Letter of Thanks (Correspondence attached) (c) Debt Management Advice Service (Correspondence attached) (d) Minutes of Meeting of South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust 24 June 2015 (Correspondence attached) (e) Housing Executive 44th Annual Report (Correspondence attached) (f) DVA – Introduction of the new Commercial Bus Service Permit System (Correspondence attached) (g) Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure – Appointments to Arts Council NI & Sport NI (Copy correspondence attached) (h) Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment – Appointment of Five New Board Members to the Board of the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland (Copy correspondence attached) (i) Birthday Honours 2016 (Copy correspondence attached)

MEMBERSHIP OF ARDS AND NORTH DOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

Alderman Angus Carson Councillor Cummings Alderman Alan Chambers Councillor Dunne Alderman Robert Gibson Councillor Edmund Alderman Deborah Girvan Councillor Ferguson Alderman Alan Graham (Mayor) Councillor Fletcher Alderman Ian Henry Councillor Gilmour Alderman Wesley Irvine Councillor Kennedy Alderman Bill Keery Councillor Leslie Alderman Alan McDowell Councillor Martin Alderman Marion Smith Councillor McClean (Deputy Mayor) Councillor Adair Councillor McIlveen Councillor Allen Councillor Menagh Councillor Anderson Councillor Muir Councillor Armstrong Councillor Roberts Councillor Armstrong-Cotter Councillor Robinson Councillor Barry Councillor Smart Councillor Boyle Councillor T Smith Councillor Brooks Councillor Thompson Councillor Cathcart Councillor Walker Councillor Cooper Councillor Wilson

ITEM 6

ARDS AND NORTH DOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

A meeting of the Ards and North Down Borough Council was held in the Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor on Wednesday, 26 August 2015 commencing at 7.00 pm.

PRESENT:

In the Chair: The Mayor Alderman Graham

Other Members: Deputy Mayor Councillor McClean Aldermen Carson Chambers Gibson Girvan Irvine Keery McDowell M Smith

Councillors

Adair Dunne Muir Anderson (7.30pm) Edmund Roberts Armstrong Ferguson Robinson Armstrong-Cotter Fletcher Smart Barry Gilmour T Smith Boyle Leslie Thompson Brooks Martin Walker Cathcart McIlveen Wilson Cooper Menagh

Officers: Chief Executive, Director of Community and Wellbeing, Director of Environment, Director of Organisational Development and Administration, Director of Regeneration, Planning and Development, Head of Regeneration, Procurement Officer, Corporate Communications Manager, Democratic Services Manager and Democratic Services Officer.

1. PRAYER

The Chief Executive commenced the meeting by reading the Council prayer.

NOTED.

2. APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Alderman Henry and Councillor Cummings. Apologies for lateness were received from Councillor Anderson.

NOTED.

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3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

The Mayor (Alderman Graham) asked for any declarations of interest.

Councillor Muir declared an Interest in Item 29.4 – Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Roberts as he was an employee of Translink.

NOTED.

4. MAYOR’S BUSINESS

The Mayor offered his condolences to Alderman McDowell on the passing of his sister Laura the previous week. Continuing, he then offered his congratulations to Councillor Anderson on the birth of his baby boy and indicated that perhaps a letter of congratulations could be sent to the family. The Mayor then noted that Councillor Fletcher was in attendance with the aid of crutches and indicated that if at any point he wished to speak during the meeting he would waive the requirement for him to stand to address the Council.

NOTED.

Referring to the Council’s Schedule of Meetings, the Mayor informed members that the October meeting of the Regeneration and Development Committee scheduled to meet on 8 October 2015 coincided with the Bangor Business Awards. Therefore permission was sought to reschedule the committee meeting to 15 October 2015.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Adair, seconded by Alderman Keery, that the October meeting of the Regeneration and Development Committee be rescheduled to take place on 15 October 2015.

The Mayor informed members that correspondence had been received from the ABF Soldiers Charity detailing an event to take place on Saturday, 19 September 2015 at 7.00pm. Tickets for the event were priced at £35 per person, with a Beating of the Retreat to take place at 8.15pm followed by an official ceremony at 9.30pm.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Keery, seconded by Councillor Barry, that up to two representatives of the Council attend the event.

5. MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR ENGAGEMENTS FOR THE MONTH (Appendix I)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- List of Mayor and Deputy Mayor engagements for the month of August 2015.

RESOLVED that the information be noted.

(Councillor Roberts left the meeting at this stage – 7.15pm)

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6. PRESENTATION

6.1. Damian Mulholland DSD – Queen’s Parade

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 19 August 2015 from Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning stating that following the presentation from DSD, members would be aware that the following issues required Council attention:

1. Impact of Transferring Functions legislation. 2. Development of the concept for the ‘Destination Building’ 3. Future development of the Marine Gardens.

In order to address those in a timely manner it was recommended that a special workshop supported by DSD be held for all Elected Members which would specifically address the issues above.

RECOMMENDED that approval is given to hold a workshop supported by DSD for all Elected Members to consider the Queen’s Parade and Marine Gardens project from a Council perspective.

The Mayor welcomed Mr Damian Mulholland from the Department of Social Development (DSD) to the meeting, and invited him to make his presentation.

(Councillor Roberts entered the meeting at this stage – 7.16pm)

Mr Mulholland thanked members for the opportunity to address them and referred to his previous presentation made to the Regeneration and Development Committee in May 2015 and provided a brief overview of the history of the Queen’s Parade site and to the report which had been circulated to members.

The site at Queen’s Parade had been vacant for approximately twenty years and in 2003 had been purchased by a private developer. Some years later additional land had been acquired for a much larger development following which the Department had become involved in 2008. In 2012 the Masterplan had been published which included plans for Queen’s Parade to be developed further. In 2013 DSD became involved and purchased the Queen’s Parade site with two aims in mind, those being to obtain Planning Permission within two years and commence site assembly.

Continuing, Mr Mulholland stated that in 2013 a team of consultants had been appointed and in the two years since then, intense negotiations had been undertaken in respect of the eleven properties required for the scheme. In October 2014 a Development Scheme for the site had been published which offered opportune benefits to the town centre. He reported that two objections to the scheme had been received and representatives had met with those objectors, following which the Department had made its decision on how to progress the scheme forward. On 17 August 2015 the Department had issued a Notice to Vest which had appeared in the local press giving all interested parties one month to respond. He added that if objections were lodged representatives of the Department would meet with those objectors to see if they would be prepared to withdraw and a Public Inquiry would

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C.26.8.15 also be undertaken. It was noted that responsibility for the scheme would transfer to the Council in April 2016.

Mr Mulholland commented that the Department was keen to ensure that mistakes made in the past would not be repeated adding that the scheme would be phased. Plans were also underway to involve elected representatives by way of workshops. It was also planned that by June 2016 development proposals could be put to the Council for consideration, following which contractors could be appointed in September 2016. He added that the scheme had the potential to be a huge asset.

That concluded the presentation.

Members were then invited to raise any queries and the following responses were received as a result:-

 Overall responsibility for the scheme would transfer to the Council subject to the passing of legislation in April 2016 and the Minister was keen for that to take place.  Legal advice had been sought and consultants put into place to ensure the mistakes made in other projects would not be repeated.  Land and Property Services (LPS) were the agents appointed on behalf of the Department who would be responsible for carrying out negotiations with property owners.  A Public Inquiry would take two to three days and provide objectors with an opportunity to respond to the scheme proposals.  Mr Mulholland confirmed there was interest in the site.  Four properties still needed to be acquired for the scheme and of those four, two objections had been received.  No changes were anticipated to the plans at this stage and two years had been allocated for site assembly to be undertaken and completed.

(Councillor Anderson entered the meeting at this stage – 7.30pm)

 The Department’s intention to vest was published on17 August 2015 and following the Public Inquiry the Department would either make changes to its plans or assume that it had made the right decision in respect of its plans.

(Councillor Dunne left the meeting at this stage – 7.31pm)

 The Department would fully consider any commercial interests in respect of any properties it wished to acquire.

(Councillor Dunne entered the meeting at this stage – 7.32pm)

 Mr Mulholland acknowledged that the Department’s plans needed to be viable with Planning Permission already secured. He added that he was confident what was planned would appeal to those in the private sector.

(Councillor Muir entered the meeting at this stage – 7.35pm)

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 Mr Mulholland undertook to provide members with a one page summary of the plans for Queen’s Parade from this point onwards.  Plans for the development of a ‘Destination Building’ would be considered fully as part of the proposed workshops for elected members.

The Mayor thanked Mr Mulholland for his presentation and subsequent remarks.

Alderman Chambers proposed, seconded by Alderman Keery, that the recommendation in the report be adopted.

At this stage the Mayor advised that it was proposed to hold the workshop on 28 September 2015 at Signal Business Centre, Bangor.

Members were asked to indicate their preference for a daytime or evening workshop and the majority indicated their preference for an evening workshop.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Chambers, seconded by Alderman Keery, that the recommendation be adopted.

7. MINUTES OF MEETING OF 22 JULY 2015

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy of the above minutes.

Item 21- Members’ Robes

Councillor Roberts referred to Item 21 Members’ Robes and expressed the view that the opposition to the purchase of the robes had not been accurately reflected in the minutes.

Councillor Roberts proposed an amendment, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the opposition of the Green Party to Borough Status and the proposed purchase of the members’ robes in the current financial climate had not been accurately reflected in the minutes.

The amendment was put to the vote and with 2 voting For and 27 voting Against, the amendment Fell.

NOTED.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Keery, seconded by Councillor Thompson, that the minutes be agreed as a correct record.

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8. MINUTES OF COMMITTEE

8.1. Planning Committee dated 4 August 2015

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy of the above minutes.

Alderman Gibson proposed, seconded by Councillor T Smith, that the minutes be agreed as a correct record.

Alderman Chambers referred to the list of officers in attendance at the meeting and suggested that officers’ names be listed rather than their titles, particularly those of the Democratic Services Officers. He suggested that the matter was sent to the appropriate committee for consideration.

Alderman Chambers proposed, seconded by Councillor Boyle, that the matter of officers’ names being listed in minutes be referred to the Corporate Committee for consideration.

Item 4.1 – W/2015/0060/F – Single and two storey rear extension to dwelling house with balcony area at first floor to rear

Alderman Chambers wished to be recorded as being against the decision to grant planning permission.

NOTED.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Gibson, seconded by Councillor T Smith, that the minutes be noted.

FURTHER RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Chambers, seconded by Councillor Boyle, that the matter of officers’ names being listed in minutes be referred to the Corporate Committee for consideration.

9. CONSULTATION DOCUMENTS

9.1. Northern Ireland Assembly – Justice (No 2) Bill: Future Amendments

(Comments to be submitted no later than 18 September 2015)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Consultation details from the Northern Ireland Assembly about the Justice No.2 Bill from the Department of Justice and four likely amendments to be brought forward.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Muir, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the Consultation Document be noted.

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9.2. House of Lords Select Committee on Social Mobility – Call for Evidence

(Comments to be submitted no later than 14 September 2015)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Consultation details from the House of Lords Select Committee on Social Mobility inviting the submission of evidence to this inquiry.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Muir, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the Consultation Document be noted.

9.3. Proposal for Secondary Legislation under the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 and the Modern Slavery Act 2015

(Comments to be submitted no later than 22 October 2015)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Consultation details from the Department of Justice in respect of secondary legislation under the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 and the Modern Slavery Act 2015).

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Muir, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the Consultation Document be noted.

(Councillor Cathcart left the meeting at this stage – 7.51pm)

9.4. Northern Ireland Information Sharing Agreement for Safeguarding Children (Appendix II)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 11 August 2015 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration stating that the Council had received a consultation document from the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland on an Information Sharing Agreement for Northern Ireland (‘The Agreement’).

The purpose of the Agreement was to provide clarity on the procedures for the lawful, secure and effective exchange of information between named partners. It had been recognised that it was only when relevant information from a number of sources was put together that it became clear that a child was at risk of, or was suffering significant harm, or was in need of support. The Agreement provided a formal arrangement between the named partners, and set out the framework and minimum standards required to implement an effective and consistent approach to information sharing.

A response to the consultation was attached at Appendix A.

RECOMMENDED that the Council agrees the consultation response in Appendix A and submits it to the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Boyle, that the response to the Consultation Document be approved.

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9.5. Department of the Environment – Proposed Changes to the Unladen Weight for Mobility Scooters and Power Wheelchairs

(Comments to be submitted no later than 16 September 2015)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Consultation details from the Department of the Environment detailing the launch of its consultation on a proposal to increase the unladen weight for mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs (mobility vehicles).

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Muir, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the Consultation Document be noted.

9.6. Department of Justice – Proposals for the Mines Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015

(Comments to be submitted no later than 4 November 2015)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Consultation details from the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland in association with the Department of Justice detailing its proposals of the “The Mines Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015”.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Muir, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the Consultation Document be noted.

9.7. NIHE Community Cohesion Strategy 2015-2020 (Appendix III)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 12 August 2015 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing stating that the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) was currently undergoing an eight week consultation exercise on their Community Cohesion Strategy 2015-2020.

A copy of the strategy could be accessed at: http://www.nihe.gov.uk/index/corporate/consultation.htm

The strategy detailed how the NIHE aimed to contribute to a more peaceful society, by supporting local people and communities to take action and work with others in a spirit of neighbourliness, thus promoting strong, vibrant and united communities’.

In response to the consultation exercise it was recommended that the attached letter from Council was submitted by the closing date of 4 September 2015.

RECOMMENDED that that the Council approves the attached consultation response, which will be submitted to the Community Cohesion Unit by the closing date of 4 September 2015.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Muir, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the response to the Consultation Document be approved.

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9.8. Government Proposal to Cap Severance Costs (Appendix IV)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 12 August 2015 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration stating that HM Treasury issued a consultation on 31 July 2015 proposing legislation to cap the total value on exit payments in public sector employment at £95,000

The proposal was the cap would cover payments made in relation to leaving employment, including:

 voluntary and compulsory exits  other voluntary exits with compensation packages  ex gratia payments and special severance payments  monetary value of any extra leave, allowances or other benefits granted as part of the exit process which are not payments in relation to employment  payments or compensation in lieu of notice and payments relating to the cashing up of outstanding entitlements (such as outstanding leave or allowances that are cashed up and added to the value of the sum)

The consultation document was available at www.gov.uk/government/consultation- on-a-public-sector-exit-payment-cap

There were twelve questions and the response was largely political, so there was no officer response proposed other than to Question 10 : Do you agree with the proposed approach for waivers to the cap on exit payments?

It was proposed that the Council responded to say that the agreed Local Government Reform Voluntary Severance Scheme should be honoured until December 2019 with waivers automatically approved until that time to allow for the reorganisation and transformation of services required.

The twelve questions in full were as follows:

 Question 1: What other forms of exit costs do you think are relevant in this context?  Question 2: Do you agree that the government should introduce a cap on the value of public sector exit payments on the basis set out above?  Question 3: Do you agree that the payments listed above should be subject to a cap on exit payments under the terms set out above? If you believe certain payment types should be excluded please provide a rationale and examples.  Question 4: Are there further payments that the government should include?  Question 5: Do you agree that a cap on exit payments should be set at £95,000? If you think an alternative level would be more appropriate, please provide evidence and analysis to support your proposal.  Question 6: Are there other ways to ensure such arrangements are consistent with the cap on lump sum payments?  Question 7: Do you agree with the proposed approach of limiting early retirement benefits with reference to the cost for the employer? What alternative approaches would you suggest and why?

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 Question 8: Do you agree that the government has established the correct scope for the implementation of this policy?  Question 9: How do you think the government should approach the question of employees who are subject to different capping and recovery provisions under TUPE rules following a transfer to (or from) the private sector and whether there should be consistency with public sector employees in general?  Question 10: Do you agree with the proposed approach for waivers to the cap on exit payments?  Question 11: Are there other impacts not covered above which you would highlight in relation to the proposals in this consultation document?  Question 12: Are you able to provide information and data in relation to the impacts set out above?

A copy of a letter from NILGOSC in relation to the matter was attached.

RECOMMENDED that the consultation is noted and that the council makes the comment above in relation to waiving of payments but that any other comments are made by political parties and/or individual elected members.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Muir, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the recommendation be adopted.

10. PROPOSED EXTENSION TO SHARED PEDESTRIAN FOOTWAY/CYCLE TRACK AT GRANSHA ROAD, BANGOR

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 5 August 2015 from the Chief Executive stating that correspondence has been received from Transport NI regarding a proposed extension to the shared Pedestrian Footway/Cycle Track at Gransha Road, Bangor.

Members’ comments were sought on this issue.

RECOMMENDED that Council considers the proposals from Transport NI and prepares a response.

Alderman Irvine expressed his support for the proposals adding that work was already underway at the Gransha Road roundabout in respect of safety improvements.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Irvine, seconded by Councillor Roberts, that the recommendation be adopted.

11. NAC CERTIFICATE FOR COUNCILLORS COURSE

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Correspondence dated 17 June 2015 from the National Association of Councillors (NAC) detailing its intention for a further intake of students for the Certificate for Councillors course in conjunction with Sunderland University. The Council was invited to nominate Councillors/students to participate.

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A recently completed intake would shortly be attending their graduation ceremony to receive their certificates. This was a major step forward in training for Councillors which had been well received across the UK and Europe. The programme leader was Dr Simon Heing.

The dates for the first sessions were 19 and 20 September 2015 and would be held at Hartlepool Civic Centre.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor T Smith, seconded by Councillor Thompson, that the correspondence be noted.

12. NILGA GROWING FRAGILITY OF THE LOCAL DAIRY AND RELATED MILK PRODUCTION INDUSTRY

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Correspondence dated 30 July 2015 from NILGA referring to the fragility of the local dairy and related milk production industry, worth £1billion to Northern Ireland’s economy.

Following consideration by NILGA, including elected members participating in the Association’s Rural Development Working Group, it had been requested that NILGA wrote to all Northern Ireland Councils so that each may consider the following proposal.

“This Council supports all creative, political and practical efforts to sustain the 3,000 plus jobs, community wellbeing and over £1 billion economic gain provided by the Dairy Farm and Milk Production industry. We support the development of dynamic research to consider the viability of intervention:

(i) Legislative regulation of retailers for milk supplier and consumer protections such as that which prevails in other EU nations, and (ii) Price branding to provide commodity security for dairy farms together with the fair and transparent transfer of any resulting benefits to farmers.”

The Council’s response was sought as soon as possible in view of the all Council, socio-economic importance of the matter.

NILGA’s Rural Development Working Group would convene in August and take cognisance of the views of all responding local authorities.

Alderman Gibson rose in support of the comments adding that the dairy industry was the backbone of the agricultural industry, operating seven days a week. He acknowledged the huge losses currently being sustained by dairy farmers who were largely the only full time farmers remaining, therefore support for them at this time was crucial.

Alderman Gibson proposed, seconded by Councillor Adair, that Council support NILGA’s stance in respect of the fragility of the local dairy and related milk production industry.

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(Councillor Cathcart entered the meeting at this stage – 7.56pm)

Councillor Fletcher commented that it was not only the dairy industry which was suffering but also the beef, sheep and agricultural machinery industries. Therefore he asked the proposer to consider the inclusion of the words ‘and other sectors of the industry’.

(Councillor T Smith left the meeting at this stage – 7.57pm)

At this stage the seconder, Councillor Adair, expressed his concern particularly given the large numbers of dairy farmers residing on the . He acknowledged that farmers were being paid a lower price for milk than what it actually cost and therefore he encouraged the Council to support NILGA’s stance on this matter.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Gibson, seconded by Councillor Adair, that Council supported NILGA’s stance in respect of the fragility of the local dairy and related milk production industry and those other sectors of the industry.

13. SAFEGUARDING BOARD FOR NORTHERN IRELAND – COUNCIL REPRESENATION ON LOCAL SAFEGUARDING PANEL

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 5 August 2015 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration stating that the Council had received correspondence dated 24 July 2015 from the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland seeking the nomination of an officer to sit on the local Safeguarding Panel by the end of August 2015.

The Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI) was established by the Safeguarding Boards (NI) Act 2011 (the Act). The duties placed on the SBNI were stipulated in the Act.

Section 1(2) of the Act outlined the prescribed membership of the Board which included representation at Chief Executive Levels from the Councils in Northern Ireland (currently Theresa Donaldson from and Castlereagh and Liam Hannaway from & , with remaining Chief Executives receiving regular briefings).

In addition to membership of the Board, Section 7(5) of the Act stated that each Safeguarding Panel shall include an appropriate manager from the Councils on the Panels. The SBNI was seeking the nomination of a manager, who had overall responsibility for Safeguarding and who could make decisions on behalf of the Council, to sit on the local panel. There were currently five local panels which were co-terminus with the Health and Social Care Trusts. Representation on those panels was at Assistant Director level within the Trust.

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RECOMMENDED that the Council’s Policy Officer be nominated to sit on the local Safeguarding Panel as she has responsibility for Safeguarding across the Council, as well as considerable experience in this area.

RESOLVED on the proposal of Alderman Carson, seconded by Councillor Armstrong, that the recommendation be adopted.

14. ARDS AND NORTH DOWN SPORTS ADVISORY PANEL

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 6 August 2015 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing stating that at the meeting of the Strategic and Services Committee on the 9 March 2015 it was agreed that the Council would support the development of a new sports partnership body within the Borough and part of its remit would be to assist the Council in the administration of sports grant funding. This budget was to remain within Council its disbursement would adhere to the Council’s financial governance arrangements. £25,000 had been allocated to the sports development budget for 2015/2016.

The approved name of the body was the Ards and North Down Sports Advisory Panel. Officers believed that the name ‘Sports Forum’ was more in line with its conceived ethos, in that it suggested to potential affiliates true partnership, and not just a group that would provide advice to the Council.

Council recognised the important part a vibrant sports and leisure environment played in the wellbeing of the community and the need for strong communication and partnerships between sports clubs and organisations and the Council. The development of the Ards and North Down Sports Forum potentially provided an excellent platform to achieve that. The forum would be set up as a voluntary organisation, supported by the sports development officer with representation from six elected members (appointed at the March General Meeting of the Council).

An already approved core function of the forum would be to support the administration of a comprehensive grants programme on offer to any affiliated sports clubs, organisations and athletes within the Borough. Officers believed that this would encourage sports clubs organisations and individuals to affiliate to the forum and assist Council in delivering some of its key Sports and Leisure Service objectives, such as the on-going development of self-sustaining, quality clubs. The grant programme would be open all year round and grant categories would include the following:

 Coaching,  Sports events,  Travel assistance to competitions (individuals and club),  Equipment purchase,  Seeding funds,  Gold card (use of Leisure Facilities by Elite Athletes) and  Sports club special anniversary celebrations.

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The list was not exhaustive and Council would reserve the right not to fund any project which it deemed unsuitable. Clubs and organisations who wished to join the forum would be required to complete an affiliation application and pay a fee of £25 per annum. The fee would be retained within the Council within the sports development budget in order to support the administration of the forum. Clubs or sporting organisations must be affiliated for a minimum of three months before applying for funding. Application forms, information on the forum, and grant information would be available on the Councils website.

The Forum would have a working group which would include elected members, the sports development officer, volunteers and administrative support. It would be that working group that would deal with grant applications. The working group would meet on at least on a monthly basis, and sought authority to award grants of up to £250, based on approved criteria. All grants awarded would be tabled to the Community and Well Being Committee for notification on a quarterly basis. Grants above £250 would be recommended, and only awarded following Council approval. The Forum would at all times adhere to the Councils financial and governance procedures. In addition, Council should be reassured that if there was a conflict of interest between any individual on the forum or working group, they would have no voting powers or any right to contribute to any debate on a related application, except to be called upon to inform the Forum on level or status of any competition under consideration.

It was envisaged an AGM would be held in September 2015, Office Bearers, Volunteers and Elected Members already elected to sit on both the Forum would be appointment to the working group. It was proposed that in the first year an Elected Member would be Chair of the forum and a vice chair would be appointed from a sport club. A draft grant policy, criteria, cash limits and application forms had been developed and would be considered by the forum at the AGM in September and equality screened in advance. Officers would be actively raising the profile of the new forum via social media, press release, public notices and email notification to all sports clubs and organisations over the next few months.

RECOMMENDED that Council approves the name ‘Ards and North Down Sports Forum’ and the proposed operating model for grant allocation as identified within this report.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Boyle, seconded by Councillor Menagh, that the recommendation be adopted.

(Councillor T Smith entered the meeting at this stage – 7.58pm)

15. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE REQUESTS (Appendix V)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 4 August 2015 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing and Head of Leisure and Amenities stating that it was previously agreed that a new sports body would be formed with a remit of administering small sports grants on behalf of Ards and North Down Borough Council. The body was in the early stages of formation, however in the interim

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Council had continued to receive requests for financial assistance to attend sports competitions.

So as not to compound the financial burden for athletes travelling to competitions, officers had continued to process grant applications with Council approval in keeping with previous legacy arrangements (procedures & criteria) until new arrangements were in place. During July 2015, 19 grant applications were received and seven applications failed to meet the specified criteria. A summary of the grant applications were detailed in Appendix 1. The reasons for the unsuccessful applications were listed below.

1. Michael Robson (Hockey) applied for assistance in covering costs to attend the Four Nations Tournament in Glasgow, Scotland from 10 – 12 July 2015. Michael Robson’s application did not meet all the necessary criteria as his application form was received after the event took place and grant funding was not paid retrospectively.

2. Bailey Hunter, Luke Hunter, Ryan Tedford, Kris Leckey, Jack Cairnduff and Gail O’Neill (Trampolining) applied for assistance in covering costs to attend the National Development Pathway Trampoline and Tumbling Finals at the Telford International Centre, West Midlands from 20 – 24 June 2015. Bailey Hunter, Luke Hunter, Ryan Tedford, Kris Leckey, Jack Cairnduff and Gail O’Neill’s applications do not meet all the necessary criteria as they were not representing Ulster, Ireland or GB.

The annual Representative Honours budget amounts to £14,000.00. Spend to date totals £5,735.00, with a remaining budget of £8,265.00.

RECOMMENDED that as the criteria for financial assistance for sporting purposes has been fulfilled, the sports grants outlined within this report are approved by Council.

Councillor Boyle referred to the unsuccessful applications submitted by the trampolinists and sought clarification on why they had not obtained funding.

The Director of Community and Wellbeing advised that there was criteria to be followed in respect of the award of grants and one of those was the requirement for applicants to represent a country. In this case they had only represented their club as opposed to their country hence their unsuccessful bid.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Menagh, seconded by Councillor Armstrong, that the recommendation be adopted.

16. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICE DELIVERY (Appendix VI)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 31 July 2015 from the Director of Community and Wellbeing stating that in May 2015 members were provided with an update on progress regarding the development of a report detailing the

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C.26.8.15 recommended approach for the delivery of the Council’s Community Development Services.

Members would recall that Community Places were appointed to facilitate a process of community consultation and engagement initially with the three main Networks operating within Ards and North Down; Ards Community Network, Rural Community Network and North Down Community Network.

Five workshops had been held, along with a number of meetings, which resulted in the attached recommended approach to Community Development Service Delivery, for 2015-2016. All parties, Council’s Community Development Officers and Network staff (including one board member) co-authored and agreed the attached delivery approach.

Following consideration by Members, the delivery approach would be subject to an eight week period of community consultation commencing in September 2015, following which the delivery approach would be reviewed and presented to Council for approval

RECOMMENDED that following consideration by Members, the Council approves the eight weeks consultation process, commencing in September 2015.

Councillor Robinson sought clarification on the length of the consultation process.

The Director of Community and Wellbeing confirmed that the consultation would be undertaken over an eight week period.

Councillor Robinson then asked what methodology would be used as part of that process.

In response the Director of Community and Wellbeing confirmed that a range of methods would be used including surveys and online questionnaires as well as face to face meetings held with individuals and groups.

Councillor Robinson expressed concern that community services were being kept separate from other parts of Council business and suggested that a more joined up approach needed to be adopted.

In response the Director of Community and Wellbeing agreed that should be the case going forward.

Councillor Barry acknowledged that consultation would be undertaken online however he encouraged officers to go out to the community and have one to one meetings with individuals and groups.

Councillor Muir sought clarification that the outcome of the consultation process would be reported back to Council.

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The Director of Community and Wellbeing commented that the language used throughout the consultation process was vital to encourage people to discuss all issues. He confirmed that a report would be brought back to Council in due course.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Carson, seconded by Councillor Armstrong, that the recommendation be adopted.

17. SOCIAL ENTERPRISE SATURDAY 2015

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 12 August 2015 from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning stating that in May 2015, Council ratified a request from the Regeneration and Development Committee that officers sought ways to support the increasing numbers of Social Enterprises within the Borough.

Officers had subsequently identified an opportunity for the Borough to participate in a nationwide campaign which highlighted the range of social enterprise organisations.

The aim of Social Saturday 2015 was to raise awareness of just how easy it was to support businesses that trade quality items and services and invest profits in projects supporting the local community, international development, the environment, charities and a wealth of other progressive schemes. Otherwise known as Social Enterprises.

Social enterprises operated in and support ed a variety of sectors. In Ards and North Down that ranged from training for people with learning difficulties to brewing companies to electrical appliance refurbishment and resale and more.

The inaugural Social Saturday took place in 2014 across the UK and was deemed a success consequently, 10 October 2015 had been nominated as Social Saturday 2015. The day would demonstrate the strengths and influence of the social enterprise movement. The aim was to create a more physical presence throughout the UK, and promote individual areas through activities, engagement, use of media so that the general public could identify social enterprises operating in their area and buy the products and services they provided.

The 2013 State of Social Enterprise Survey showed that social enterprises primarily traded with the general public and whilst three quarters of the public supported the idea of social enterprise, awareness remained low.

Ards and North Down Borough Council had been invited to become involved and support Social Saturday through a sponsorship package which would:

•Support the Growth of Social Enterprise in the Borough •Assist the creation of sustainable jobs •Raise the profile of Council support •Help to build resilient communities that retain wealth locally and tackle social inequality ••Develop Stakeholder Engagement •Provide media coverage

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•Offer a dedicated social media campaign •Create staff engagement and support •Demonstrate leadership in a fast growing and vital sector

The cost of participating as a sponsor was £2,500 which could be met from existing budgets.

RECOMMENDED that Council approves support and participation in the Social Saturday 2015 initiative.

Alderman Girvan requested a list of social enterprises currently across the Ards and North Down Borough.

The Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning confirmed that such a list would be made available to members at the September meeting of the Regeneration and Development Committee the following week.

In response to a query from Councillor Leslie about the sponsorship of £2,500, the Director confirmed that was the national level of sponsorship which was required and that it had been accounted for in budgets.

Councillor Leslie then asked for an explanation of how Social Enterprises could be encouraged.

The Director stated that help would be provided in the following areas:-

- Completion of application forms - Marketing - Finance - Procurement

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Thompson, seconded by Alderman Girvan, that the recommendation be adopted.

18. REDEVELOPMENT OF LAND ADJACENT TO HIBERNIA STREET, (Appendix VII)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 11 August 2015 from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning stating that the Council had been advised by the Department for Social Development (DSD), in conjunction with Transport NI, that it had been working with a local developer to redevelop the land mentioned above for a mixed use site. The land in question was partly owned by the developer, with the remainder being under the control of Transport NI and used as public carparks. From discussing the proposal with DSD officials, a summary would be that following lengthy negotiations with the developer and Transport NI an agreement was reached which would see the redevelopment of the entire site, but with Transport NI retaining land which accommodated 140 car parking spaces, which was approximately the number currently present. However, the process took much longer than expected and the agreement was never completed. In April 2015 the

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C.26.8.15 land in question was transferred to the Council and therefore the former agreement was no longer applicable. However, there was still planning permission in place for that scheme. The area, which was still used as public car parks, was now under the Council’s control and was shown highlighted on the attached map marked Appendix One.

The Masterplan for Holywood, which was launched some months ago, showed this area as a prime site for redevelopment. In recent discussions with the representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, it became clear that at present there were no vacant units available for renting in the Town centre. That was excellent for Holywood, but it also clearly demonstrated that there was a need for additional units for retail. The redevelopment of the site could help deliver this.

DSD officials had been in discussions with the Council’s officers to ascertain whether the Council would be keen to work in association with DSD and prepare a Development Brief for the area. This could then be put to the market to ascertain what interest there may be. In discussing the proposal in general with colleagues from the Environmental Services Department, it was clear that any redevelopment would need to include public car parking, with at least the same number of spaces and the replacement of the amenity block.

It was believed that if the Council agreed to offer the land for redevelopment, it should do so in association with DSD as it had experience of delivering those types of large scale mixed use developments and it also had specific knowledge of the site. The fact that the land would be offered to the open market would satisfy the Council’s statutory requirements. Land and Property Services would also comment on and be part of overseeing the market testing exercise, which would then ensure the Council’s assessment of ‘Best Value’ was being achieved.

If the Council agreed to offer the land to the market for redevelopment with mixed site usage, it would show a clear intention of continuing with the delivery of the Holywood Masterplan, but at the same time keeping and enhancing local amenities.

If the Council now agreed in principle to the proposal, a Development Brief would be prepared which would be in keeping with the aspirations contained within the Masterplan, but also ensured the public amenities were retained. Once that was agreed it would be issued to the market. It was anticipated that the process would be concluded by December and the costs of undertaking this, which would be no more than £8,000, would be borne by the Council and could be accommodated from existing budgets.

It was indeed timely that the Council considered the proposal as it was about to start the concept plan development stage of phase two of the Holywood Public Realm works, which was in the vicinity of Redburn Square and Hibernia Street.

RECOMMENDED that after considering the above and the aspirations contained with the Holywood Masterplan for this area, it was recommended that the Council agrees to:

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1. prepare a Development Brief and tests the market to seek proposals for the redevelopment of the land identified in Appendix One, but in doing so requires a similar level of public amenities which are currently present to be replaced. This would only be actioned once the Council had undertaken a title audit to the land in question and no legal impediments had been identified and 2. work in conjunction with the Department for Social Development in the issuing the Development Brief and the assessment of any proposals. Land and Property Services would also be tasked with assisting with this.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Dunne, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the recommendation be adopted.

19. NORTHERN IRELAND RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2014-2020 (Appendix VIII)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 11 August 2015 from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning stating that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) acted as the managing authority for the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme and was responsible for its implementation. The Rural Development Programme was jointly funded through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and DARD.

DARD had invited the approved Ards and North Down Local Action Group (LAG) to develop an Interim Local Rural Development Strategy for the delivery of the LEADER schemes of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014- 2020 across all the rural areas of the Ards and North Down Borough Council area.

The purpose of the attached Service Level Agreement (SLA), Appendix 1, was to formalise the arrangement between DARD and Ards and North Down Borough Council to deliver administration services and advisory support services to Ards and North Down Local Action Group. A budget of £55,000 had been allocated by DARD to commence the process and further details were contained within the SLA. It was envisaged that the work would be undertaken by staff from the current Down Rural Area Partnership, assisted by a consultant.

The SLA would cover the period of strategy development and application animation prior to the signing of a formal programme contract.

RECOMMENDED that the Council agrees to deliver administration services and advisory support service to Ards and North Down Local Action Group as outlined in the attached LEADER Animation Service Level Agreement.

Councillor Adair welcomed the recommendation contained in the report as it would enable funding to be awarded to rural communities.

Alderman Gibson advised that the Minister had allocated £23.5M to the programme for the period 2015-2020.

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RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Adair, seconded by Alderman Gibson, that the recommendation be adopted.

20. USE OF BANGOR CASTLE LEISURE CENTRE FOR FILMING

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 14 August 2015 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration stating that the Council had received a request from Mr Andrew Wilson, Location Manager for a new film called “The Lost City of Z”. Mr Wilson was seeking permission to use the former diving pool in Bangor Castle Leisure Centre on 13 September for filming (there would be set up time prior to this.)

Whilst the centre and diving pool had been used in the past for filming, a building condition review was currently being undertaken by Council staff, and any agreement to proceed should be subject to the outcome of this review and any exemptions or conditions recommended by this review.

RECOMMENDED that the Council grants permission to Mr Wilson subject to the following conditions:

 LPS determining a suitable consideration for filming and set up time.  A suitable location agreement being drawn up.  All electricity and water charges being met by Mr Wilson.

The organiser also agreeing to:

 Provide evidence of relevant insurances and fully indemnify Council against all risks associated with the use of land or property.  Make good any damage caused during the use.  Arrange for the collection and subsequent removal of all litter and other debris from the main event and adjacent areas during the event, as well as once the event had concluded. Also, should the Council have to do any additional cleaning the costs would be recovered from the Organiser.  Arrange for the prompt removal of any items used in connection with the usage  Agree to provide site maps or any other document deemed appropriate by Council officers.  Provide evidence of permits/licences/registrations and approvals where relevant.  Indemnify the Council against all and any claims which may result from the event or use of the area, and provide the Council with a copy of the relevant insurance policy.  Ensure that only the designated area, or areas specified by Council officers are used for the event.  Comply with any other relevant legislative provision.  No petrol generators were to be used.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Gilmour, seconded by Councillor Muir, that the recommendation be adopted.

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21. LAND FOR DISPOSAL UNDER D1 PROCESS (Appendix IX)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 11 August 2015 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration stating that the Council had received correspondence from LPS advising that the following pieces of land (as shown on the attached maps) were currently being disposed of through the D1 process. LPS had asked for expressions of interest in any of those pieces of land by 1 September 2015.

 87 Moat Street, Donaghadee  5 Ballymullan Road  Craigdarragh Road

Council officers had been consulted and no strategic use for any of those portions of land had been identified.

RECOMMENDED that the Council advises LPS that it has no interest in the purchase of any of the above portions of land.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Smart, seconded by Councillor Edmund, that the recommendation be adopted.

22. RESCHEDULING OF COUNCIL MEETING – JANUARY 2016

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 14 August 2015 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration stating that a request had been received for the Council Meeting to be rescheduled in January 2016, from Wednesday, 27 January to Tuesday, 26 January. This was to facilitate a Holocaust event to be held in the Council Chamber on Wednesday 27, January.

RECOMMENDED that the Council agrees to set aside Standing Orders and reschedule the Council Meeting from Wednesday, 27 January to Tuesday, 26 January 2016.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the recommendation be adopted.

23. COMMUNITY PLANNING (Appendix X)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 20 July 2015 from the Chief Executive detailing Community Planning throughout Ards and North Down.

RECOMMENDED the Council

1. Approved the initial plans as set out in this report for the management and delivery of the Ards and North Down Community Plan

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2. Nominated four Members, preferably from the Council Corporate Services Committee to join the Strategic Community Planning Partnership

3. Approved, in principle, participation in the data hub

4. Supported the launch of the BIG CONVERSATION

Councillor Irvine proposed, seconded by Councillor Muir, that the recommendation be adopted.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Irvine, seconded by Councillor Muir, that the recommendation be adopted.

Nominations were then sought to join the Strategic Community Planning Partnership and the following nominations were made.

Councillor Adair proposed, seconded by Councillor Muir, that Alderman Girvan be appointed.

Councillor Armstrong-Cotter proposed, seconded by Councillor T Smith, that Councillor McIlveen be appointed.

Councillor Roberts proposed, seconded by Councillor Robinson, that Councillor Barry be appointed.

Alderman Carson proposed, seconded by Councillor Smart, that Alderman Henry be appointed.

Councillor Cooper proposed, seconded by Councillor Menagh, that Councillor Robinson be appointed.

Councillor Menagh proposed, seconded by Councillor Robinson, that Councillor Boyle be appointed.

(Alderman Carson left the meeting at this stage – 8.20pm)

As there were six nominations for four places a paper vote was undertaken at this stage.

The result of the vote saw Aldermen Girvan and Henry and Councillors McIlveen and Robinson appointed to the Strategic Community Planning Partnership.

RESOLVED that Aldermen Girvan and Henry and Councillors McIlveen and Robinson be appointed to the Strategic Community Planning Partnership.

24. ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AT PLAYPARK AND DAMAGE TO PRIVATE PROPERTY

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 17 August 2015 from Director of Community and Wellbeing stating that over a period of time, the Councils playpark at 23

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Ballygowan had been attracting youths, usually at night, resulting in general disturbance and other forms of antisocial behaviour. Part of the playpark tapered off into a small ‘triangle’ of land to the rear of houses at Prospect Cottages. When antisocial behaviour took place in that hidden area the impact was particularly detrimental to the individual occupants of some houses at Prospect Cottages. This included damage to property and youths gathering at night playing music.

The Antisocial behaviour team had been investigating the matter for a period of time, but had been unsuccessful in abating the problem through the enforcement route. Consequently, the feasibility of erecting a fence was undertaken. This work if carried out would isolate access to the small area under question and prevent individuals engaging in antisocial behaviour directly behind the complainant’s homes and from causing further nuisance or damage. Approximate cost for supply and installation was £2,700 plus VAT.

RECOMMENDED that given that antisocial behaviour had been witnessed and recorded in this location, that a fence was erected at the back of the Ballygowan Playpark to prohibit individuals using the small area of land to the rear of No. 2 Prospect Cottages and from causing further damage and general antisocial behaviour in this location.

Councillor Cooper noted that antisocial behaviour at this location had been an ongoing problem for a considerable length of time and expressed his thanks to officers for their prompt action and liaising with the local residents.

(Councillor Dunne left the meeting at this stage – 8.21pm)

Councillor Fletcher remarked that antisocial behaviour had been ongoing since the redesign of the playpark and recalled that following previous site meetings it had been agreed that thorny bushes would be planted in an attempt to act as a deterrent. However he noted that had yet to take place and therefore agreed that action needed to be taken.

Alderman Chambers while appreciative of the problems which were occurring at that location noted that it was the policy of the former North Down Borough Council not to erect fences between Council and privately owned property. Therefore he urged caution with the recommendation contained in the report as it could be seen to be setting a precedent.

(Alderman Keery and Councillors Carson & Dunne entered the meeting at this stage – 8.26pm)

Alderman Gibson commented that he knew the area very well, adding that the playpark had been there long before the residential dwellings. He added that he had visited the area in question on many occasions and acknowledged and agreed with the concerns raised by Alderman Chambers. He expressed the view that the real problem for the Council was how to deal with vandalism and questioned the effectiveness of the Council’s own Antisocial Behaviour Team(ASBT).

(Councillor Leslie left the meeting at this stage – 8.27pm)

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(Councillor Muir entered the meeting at this stage – 8.27pm)

Councillor Adair referred to a number of playparks throughout the Ards Peninsula which had recently been targeted by vandals and suggested that the Council was too reactive rather than proactive in respect of dealing with vandalism. He too questioned the effectiveness of the ASBT and suggested that a more joined up approach was required with the PSNI.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Cooper, seconded by Councillor Fletcher, that the recommendation be adopted.

25. REQUEST FOR DELEGATED POWERS

25.1. Corporate Services Committee – 8 September 2015 – Award of Tender for Provision of Corporate Uniform, Casual Uniform and Protective Workwear

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 19 August 2015 from the Director of Finance and Performance stating that a tendering opportunity was advertised in the Telegraph, on the Council website, Official Journal of the European Union and on the eSourcingNI website with a closing date of 19 August 2015.

The evaluation of the tender would take place on Monday 24 August and Tuesday 25 August therefore delegation of powers to Corporate Services Committee on 8 September to award the tender for Provision of Corporate Uniform, Casual Uniform and Protective Workwear was requested.

RECOMMENED that powers were delegated to Corporate Services Committee on 8 September to award the tender for Provision of Corporate Uniform, Casual Uniform and Protective Workwear.

Councillor Smart sought clarification on the reasoning behind the report.

In response the Chief Executive stated that following the review of public administration it had been necessary to undertake a rebranding exercise and part of that involved the provision of corporate uniforms, casual uniform and protective workwear. He added that provision had already been made within budgets for this expenditure.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Chambers, seconded by Councillor Smart, that the recommendation be adopted.

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26. CONFERENCES, INVITATIONS ETC

26.1. AGE NI /ARK Conference – 22 October 2015

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy correspondence dated 2 July 2015 from AGE NI and ARK providing details of its conference to be held at Riddel Hall, Queen’s University, Belfast on Thursday, 22 October 2015 at 9.30am.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Anderson, seconded by Councillor Muir, that Councillor Armstrong be appointed to attend.

(Councillor Boyle entered the meeting at this stage – 8.31pm)

26.2. Planning for Climate Change Conference Series 21 December 2015 London and 28 October 2015 Dublin

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy correspondence detailing the two conferences to take place in Dublin and London.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Carson, seconded by Councillor Boyle, that the conference be noted.

26.3. Street Pastors Initiative - 12 September 2015

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy correspondence from Jim Shannon MP detailing the Street Pastors Initiative to take place on 12 September 2015 at 7.00pm in the Queen’s Hall, . Street Pastors was an initiative in the Ards and North Down area which aimed to take care of those leaving clubs and bars at the weekends who were a bit under the influence of alcohol and required assistance.

RESOLVED that the event be noted.

26.4. Assisi Animal Sanctuary – Artworks for Assisi

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy invitation from Assisi Animal Sanctuary to its launch of its Artworks for Assisi, an exhibition and sale of artwork by local artists in aid of the sanctuary to be held at North Down Museum, Bangor Castle, Thursday 1 October 2015 at 7pm.

RESOLVED that the event be noted.

26.5.Ards Battalion The Boy’s Brigade – Annual Church Service and Parade

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy letter dated 7 August 2015 from the Ards Battalion Boys Brigade inviting members of the Council to attend its annual Church Service and Parade on Sunday, 4 October 2015 to 1 Newtownards Presbyterian Church for 3.30pm. It was also customary for the Mayor to “take the salute”.

RESOLVED that the event be noted.

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26.6. NILGA LGA Workforce Team to consider the Trade Unions Side Pay Claim for 2016

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 5 August 2015 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration stating that NILGA had organised a consultative session with the LGA Workforce Team for Elected Members and Officers in Northern Ireland to consider the Trade Unions Side pay claim for 2016. Details of the claim were included in the attached letter from NILGA.

The meeting would take place on Monday 21 September 2015 at 11.30am in Antrim Civic Centre.

The Director of Organisational Development and Administration would be attending and up to two Elected Members were also invited in order to set out the Council’s views. Nominated representatives’ names must be forwarded to NILGA by 11 September.

RECOMMENDED up to two Elected members were nominated to attend the consultation session on 21 September 2015 and noted that this Northern Ireland consultation event was a very small element of the UK wide consultation and that a formal view from Ards and North Down Borough Council was deferred pending feedback from the overall consultation across the .

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor T Smith, seconded by Councillor Dunne, that Alderman Keery be appointed to attend.

27. TRANSFERS OF RIGHTS OF BURIAL

The Chief Executive advised members there were no transfers of rights of burial.

NOTED.

28. SEALING DOCUMENTS

RESOLVED: - (On the proposal of Alderman Carson, seconded by Councillor Thompson)

THAT the Seal of the Council be affixed to the following documents:-

(a) Car Loan Agreement – Samuel Jordan (b) Lease between Ards and North Down Borough Council –and- Mr and Mrs MacDougall, 34 Harbour Road, (c) Licence with FP McCann to Use Part of Marina Car Park, Donaghadee

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(d) Licence with the Diocese of Down and Connor Trustee re Access over lands at Parkway, Comber, Co Down (e) Grant of Right of Burials – 11817 to 11834 inclusive and 19982, 19984,19987,19992, 19993, 19996, 19997,20010, 20011, 20012, 20017 and 20021 (f) Grant of Easement at Castle Park Road, Bangor with Education Authority (g) Grave Transfer – Cemetery AP5068

29. NOTICES OF MOTION

29.1. Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Barry (Referred from Council meeting on 29 April 2015)

"To ask officers to draft a Community Charter for the new council setting out the value basis upon which council-community relations can be built. This Charter should be based on extensive community participation, given the process by which such a document is developed is as important as the final product".

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Barry, seconded by Councillor Roberts, that officers draft a Community Charter for the new council setting out the value basis upon which council-community relations can be built. This Charter should be based on extensive community participation, given the process by which such a document is developed is as important as the final product.

(Councillor McClean left the meeting at this stage – 8.36pm)

29.2. Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Martin and Councillor Cathcart

Councillor Cathcart proposed, seconded by Councillor Martin, that this Council notes the important role that the community and voluntary sector plays across the Borough in providing effective, efficient and value for money frontline services to address educational underachievement. It is however disappointed at the poor management of the recent European Social Fund Programme by the Department of Employment & Learning. It further notes the DEL Ministers own recent admission of the "poor performance" of his Department and that these failings have caused "a lot of pain and grief". It requests that the DEL Minister comprehensively details in writing to this Council exactly what impact (if any) these failings have had on any applicants to the recent tranche of the ESF in the Ards and North Down Council area and what he is doing to ensure these failings are now rectified.

Councillor Cathcart explained that the aim of the European Social Fund (ESF) was to help reduce economic inactivity and increase workforce skills. The fund was a mixture of European, Stormont and private and charitable funding which was managed in Northern Ireland by the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) and Minister Farry. ESF projects received 40% European funding, 25% DEL and

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C.26.8.15 match funding from public/private sources totalling 35%. ESF was divided into a number of priorities.

Priority one was provided mainly by voluntary and community groups and sought to improve the employment opportunities for those unemployed by addressing under lying causes of their unemployment. ESF to date had made real and sustained changes to people’s lives, while at the same time contributing to the growth of the local economy.

Continuing Councillor Cathcart commented that the statistics were considered for the new council area, it scored well on employment, earnings and life expectancy, however one figure which stood out and gave cause for concern was the shortfall in educational attainment. Just 59.6% of Year 12 pupils achieved five or more A*-C grades (including English and maths) coming second last out of the 11 council areas. Therefore educational underachievement and a lack of skills were a considerable barrier to employment for many in our Borough. Voluntary and community organisations were well placed to engage people who were excluded from or at a disadvantage in the labour market. ESF should provide the funding to allow those groups to tackle the issue. However the ESF process had been plagued with problems both with the 2007-13 and 2014-2020 programmes for which Minister Farry had since apologised. Councillor Cathcart commented that he would deal with each in turn.

Firstly regarding the 2007-13 ESF, after a number of temporary interruptions in February 2015 the European Commission stopped the payments to the ESF due to audit concerns related to the management and control of project expenditure under the programme’s priority one call for applications from voluntary and community sectors. He stated that he understood that was because the Department’s procurement monitoring was not robust enough and also due to issues with staff knowledge and handling times. No further priority one expenditure could be included in claims to the commission.

In order to address this the Minister planned to switch some of the departmental spending to ESF and use departmental funds to reimburse all outstanding eligible priority 1 expenditure. It remained unclear at this stage whether the commission would accept that or not. What was clear was that the mismanagement and the delays in payments had resulted in considerable difficulties for organisations across the community, voluntary and women’s sectors that had faithfully carried out ESF funded project. Those groups had not received a penny of the money owed to them in many months or longer in some circumstances. Staff had not been paid, indeed redundancy procedures had begun in some cases nor had the resources been provided to allow projects to close up on time. The latest figures from DEL was that £5.7M was still owed to voluntary groups, with some claims dating back to the 2013- 2014 financial year (although that was disputed by some as they believed it was much higher).

Although Minister Farry had not accepted full responsibility for his departmental mess, his apology had been welcome. It was also critical that he explored every avenue of possibility to alleviate the extreme pressures now placed upon those organisations through no fault of their own.

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Turning to the new ESF, Councillor Cathcart stated that many community and voluntary groups had found the 2014-2020 ESF Programme application process difficult and confusing as well as restrictive to what programmes they could offer.

Firstly applicants must have 10% cashflow and many organisations would not have that as they were likely to be running on a not for profit basis. Secondly applicants must get 35% match funding from another source. That was extremely difficult in today’s funding climate and those that could not, would not be legible. However, DEL had over the years match funded ESF projects themselves alongside its 25% contribution. He stated that was however only open to a select group of organisations. It was estimated that around £6M had been allocated this way. Thirdly, the ESF guidelines stated that only level one projects could be supported. Level one was grade D GCSE and students achieved grade C or above (level two grades) they may not be funded. That was penalising those who achieved higher and contradicted the purpose of the ESF since most places of work required a C grade or above for maths and English. Fourthly, confusion around what information was required when submitting managing accounts. 43 organisations which applied were rejected due to failure to submit the correct information. The organisations sighted the lack of clarity in the guidance notes concerning what constituted management accounts. Even a body such as the SEHSCT was rejected which showed the confusion around the process. As a result DEL had allowed those organisations an opportunity to submit those documents. However that had caused considerable delay of up to four months to the start of the programme. There was concern amongst community and voluntary groups that they would face financial penalties for failure to meet targets as they were starting four months behind schedule. The Minister must ensure that voluntary and community groups were not penalised for that delay.

Lastly, despite there being more money available in the latest ESF, there were some 40 fewer approved projects and he questioned why that had been the case. Whilst DEL had not been forthcoming, it was estimated that around 27 projects had switched from full departmental funding to ESF funding. Previously funded projects including those in Ards and North Down despite having successful projects and meeting all of the criteria had missed out as a result.

(Alderman Gibson left the meeting at this stage – 8.41pm)

Councillor Martin indicated that he was happy to support his colleague as it was an issue which directly affected the residents of the Ards and North Down Borough and other communities throughout Northern Ireland. He stated that educational under achievement was a real issue and one group in particular which needed help were young mothers who perhaps had childcare responsibilities. Training for Woman’s Network worked across Northern Ireland and was the umbrella for a range of excellent community groups which helped disadvantaged women and minority groups. One such group was Kilcooley Women’s Centre (KWC) based exclusively in the Council’s own Borough. They had applied for ESF, met the qualifying score but because ESF was ‘oversubscribed’ the score was raised and they were excluded. Councillor Martin commented that the reasonable thing to have done would have

30

C.26.8.15 been to slice a couple of percent off all the projects and funded all that met the original qualifying score.

(Alderman Gibson entered the meeting at this stage – 8.46pm)

On 1 July 2015 the DEL Minister had admitted that past and current ESF tranches had their problems and challenges. However the harsh reality was that for those groups who had not yet received the money owed to them by DEL, were having to let staff go because of the mess. Councillor Martin indicated that it was his understanding that KWC was owed £100,000 by DEL. It had entered 48 women into GCSEs and 43 had passed. They also provided the only childcare supported training programme in the whole of County Down and provided 2,585 childcare slots during 2014/2015,whilst the child’s parent was being taught or trained.

It was noted that Peter Weir, MLA had facilitated a meeting with the DEL Minister Stephen Farry which had been unsuccessful in resolving the issue. Councillor Martin stated that it was also his understanding that the Minister was now refusing to meet representatives from KWC. He added that it was imperative to address the issue of educational underachievement within the Borough.

Councillor Walker commented that the Council had no say over educational matters and suggested that Stormont was where the matter should be debated, not the Council chamber. He added that it was a nonsense for it to be discussed in this manner.

Alderman Smith stated she was pleased the matter had been brought forward for discussion and questioned whether or not the Minister could refuse to meet with representatives.

Alderman Smith proposed, seconded by Councillor Boyle that the Council wrote to the Minister expressing his support for KWC and requesting a meeting with him.

Councillor Boyle expressed shock on learning that up to £100,000 of funding remained outstanding. He agreed that the Council should write to the Minister in order to establish what the problems were and how they could be addressed.

Councillor Cathcart indicated that he was content to add that into his proposal.

Councillor Muir noted how £1/2M of funding had been sent back to the Treasury because it could not be spent and also reminded members that it had been the First and Deputy First Ministers who had agreed the operational plan for the ESF funding programme. He also referred to the continual delays in respect of peace programme monies by the DUP Minister. Continuing, Councillor Muir stated that the issue was the Notice of Motion and the fact that KWC had not even submitted an application for funding. He acknowledged that not all projects could be funded and proceeded to detail a number of projects which had been successful including GEMS, Ards Mental Health, the Princes Trust and Women in Business.

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Councillor Menagh stated that the Minister should be meeting those people who elected members worked with on the ground in local communities. He acknowledged the good work carried out to date by KWC.

Councillor T Smith concurred with those comments adding that the matter should not be made into a political issue as some members had tried to do and instead encouraged members to consider and support those people in the community who were carrying out such valuable work.

Several members agreed with those comments and welcomed the proposal for a meeting with the Minister to consider the matter further.

Supporting the motion, Alderman Chambers expressed disappointment with how the matter had been managed by the Executive and the Minister, particularly as the largest party on the Council was having to go about having the issue addressed and heard by the Minister in this manner.

Councillor Armstrong indicated that she could not support the motion and asked how many applicants had applied for funding. She acknowledged that the Civil Service was currently struggling and the Department had done its best and therefore the proposal would only serve to tie up already stretched civil servants who could otherwise be getting on with the job of dealing with ESF applications.

In summing up Councillor Cathcart thanked all of the speakers for their comments particularly as educational underachievement was such a major issue and a barrier to employment for so many. He did however express disappointment with those Alliance Party members who had referred to the proposal as a nonsense as it was the duty of elected members to represent those organisations which were making a real difference in the Borough. At this stage he also referred Councillor Walker to Standing Order 17(II) which dealt with Notices of Motion. He stated that this funding could make a real difference to people’s lives and while disappointed with the current situation he felt it was reflective of mis-management and therefore the Council was doing the right thing pursuing this course of action.

On the proposal being put to the meeting, with 29 voting For, 7 voting Against, 0 Abstaining and 4 Absent, it was DECLARED CARRIED.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Cathcart, seconded by Councillor Martin, that this Council notes the important role that the community and voluntary sector plays across the Borough in providing effective, efficient and value for money frontline services to address educational underachievement. It is however disappointed at the poor management of the recent European Social Fund Programme by the Department of Employment & Learning. It further notes the DEL Ministers own recent admission of the "poor performance" of his Department and that these failings have caused "a lot of pain and grief". It requests that the DEL Minister comprehensively details in writing to this Council exactly what impact (if any) these failings have had on any applicants to the recent tranche of the ESF in the Ards and North Down Council area and what he is doing to ensure these failings are now rectified.

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Furthermore that the Council wrote to the Minister expressing its support for KWC and requesting a meeting with him.

Councillor Cathcart having requested a recorded vote, the voting was as follows:-

FOR (29) AGAINST (7) ABSTAINING (0) ABSENT (4) Aldermen Alderman Alderman Graham (Mayor) Girvan Henry Carson McDowell Councillors Chambers Councillors Allen Gibson Anderson Cummings Irvine Armstrong Kennedy Keery Muir Smith M Walker Councillors Wilson Adair Armstrong-Cotter Barry Boyle Brooks Cathcart Cooper Dunne Edmund Ferguson Fletcher Gilmour Leslie Martin McIlveen McClean Menagh Roberts Robinson Smart Smith T Thompson

COMFORT BREAK

The meeting stopped at this stage for a comfort break and recommenced at 9.30pm.

(Councillors Fletcher and T Smith left the meeting at this stage – 9.30pm)

29.3. Notice of Motion Submitted by Alderman Irvine

“That this Council notes with concern the ongoing anti-social behaviour at Conlig playpark and asks for officers to bring back a report to include costings for potential fencing to be erected along properties adjoining the Conlig playpark.”

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RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Irvine, seconded by Councillor Dunne, that the Notice of Motion be referred to the appropriate Committee.

(Councillor Muir left the meeting at this stage – 9.34pm)

29.4. Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Roberts

“That Council notes the high number of complaints of anti-social behaviour in Windsor Gardens / Railwayview Street area of Bangor due to the congregation of groups of young people at the wooded area at the bottom of these two streets and asks that a report be brought back to assess the cost and effectiveness of:

1. clearing the dense conifers and replacing with native broad leave trees to improve visibility whilst also enhancing biodiversity, and 2. fencing the area off to prevent groups from congregating in the area."

Councillor Roberts proposed, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the Notice of Motion be referred to the appropriate Committee.

Alderman Leslie sought clarification on whether or not the Council owned the land in question.

The Mayor indicated that information was not available at this time and instead it would be considered by the appropriate Committee.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Roberts, seconded by Councillor Barry, with 13 voting For and 10 voting Against, that the Notice of Motion be referred to the appropriate Committee.

(Councillor Muir entered the meeting at this stage – 9.37pm)

29.5. Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Boyle and Councillor Menagh

Councillor Boyle proposed, seconded by Councillor Menagh, that this Council recognises the tremendous success of the Portavogie Pipe Band at the recent World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow – World Champions – Winning 1st Place in Grade 4B.

At this stage the Mayor commented that this was the type of event which the Mayor would normally host a reception for in the Town Hall.

Councillor Boyle stated that it gave him great pleasure in bringing forward the motion for something which had brought great pride and honour to the community of Portavogie and indeed the wider Ards Peninsula. At this stage he referred to the recent adverse publicity in the local press which had highlighted Portavogie and while he had his own views on press releases he was of the opinion that a continuous chain of supply of negative publicity ran the risk of even further damaging a community.

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Therefore he believed that the recent success of Portavogie Pipe Band winning a World Championship title was a timely positive boost for everyone within the Portavogie community and indeed throughout the Ards Peninsula and across the entire Ards and North Down Borough. Having had conversations with those associated with the band along with the benefit of social media, he was aware members of the band were a dedicated and committed group who aspired to be the best that they could. Practising up to five hours a week was certainly testimony to their commitment and no doubt to their ongoing success.

It had been within the past year or so that Portavogie Pipe Band had excelled having won many awards including Ulster Champions 2015, All Ireland Champions 2015, Champions of Champions as a Band 2015, Champions of Champions Drum Corps 2015 and their ultimate achievement of becoming World Champions.

Councillor Boyle believed that the Portavogie Pipe Band should be recognised by the Council in some way, perhaps a suggestive report could be brought back by officers on the way forward or perhaps the Mayor would like to do something. Either way for such achievements throughout the last year and in particular this year becoming World Champions on 15 August 2015 at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, it was his firm opinion that as a Council their success should be acknowledged.

The seconder indicated that he concurred with all of the comments which had been made by the proposer.

At this stage the Mayor stated that he would be happy to host a reception for Portavogie Pipe Band in order to acknowledge their success.

Councillor Ferguson welcomed that adding that she knew many members of Portavogie Pipe Band and was aware of the amount of effort which had gone in to making it the success it was.

Councillor Adair noted that Portavogie Pipe Band had been reformed approximately two years ago and acknowledged that through sheer hard work and dedication they had achieved World Champion status. He added that both Malcolm and Louise Wallace had been instrumental in making the band the success it was.

Concurring with those comments, Councillor Edmund agreed that the band’s success was testament to the dedication of all of its members and in particular Malcolm Wallace.

(Councillor Gilmour left the meeting at this stage – 9.43pm)

Echoing all of the previous comments, Alderman Carson recalled how the band in its early days had met in Portavogie Community Hall with six members. He added that its current success was richly deserved and a fantastic achievement for all of those involved.

Councillor Thompson welcomed the Motion and endorsed all of the comments previously made. He added that he was also aware that last week the band had

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C.26.8.15 been successful at a further competition held in Portrush and he offered his congratulations to all of those involved.

Alderman Irvine added his congratulations to the band and noted its connection with Cottown Pipe Band.

The Mayor took the opportunity to comment that it had been a great achievement for the band and an excellent social aspect of many people’s lives which provided them with a very disciplined pastime.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Boyle, seconded by Councillor Menagh, that this Council recognises the tremendous success of the Portavogie Pipe Band at the recent World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow – World Champions – Winning 1st Place in Grade 4B.

30. EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS

AGREED on the proposal of Councillor Barry, seconded by Alderman Carson, that the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the undernoted items of business.

The Mayor stated that as the meeting was going into committee and the public and press were being excluded from the meeting, in line with Section 47 (1) of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, the audio recording would be stopped.

30.1. OFFICIAL OPENING OF LONDONDERRY PARK

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

(Alderman Keery left the meeting at this stage – 9.49pm)

(Councillor T Smith entered the meeting at this stage – 9.49pm)

31. EXPLORIS – PRESENTATION FROM STEVE LAIRD V4 (Appendix XI)

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

(Councillor Martin entered the meeting at this stage – 10.23pm)

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32. TENDER FOR PROVISION OF MOBILE TELEPHONY

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

33. LOUGH COWEY

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

33.1. RE-ADMITTANCE OF PUBLIC AND PRESS

AGREED, on the proposal of Councillor Adair, seconded by Councillor Cathcart, that the public and press be re-admitted to the meeting.

Members were advised that in line with Section 47 (1) of the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 the audio recording would now recommence.

Circulated for Information

(a) Entrust Annual Report 2014-2015 (Copy attached)

(b) BBC Northern Ireland Annual Review 2014/15 (Copy attached)

(c) NILGA and APSE – Emerging Issues from Events, Moving Beyond the First Hundred Days (Copy attached)

(d) Translink Annual Review 2014/15 (Copy attached)

(e) Housing Market Review and Perspectives 2015-2018 (Copy attached)

(f) Post Office – Changes to Lisbane Post Office (Copy attached)

(g) Post Office – Update on West Winds Post Office (Copy attached)

NOTED.

34. TERMINATION OF MEETING

The meeting terminated at 10.56pm

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ITEM 7.1

ARDS AND NORTH DOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

A meeting of the Planning Committee was held in the Council Chamber, 2 Church Street, Newtownards on Tuesday, 1 September 2015 at 7.00pm.

PRESENT:-

In the Chair: Alderman Gibson

Aldermen: Carson Keery Girvan McDowell Graham Smith Irvine

Councillors: Barry McIlveen Dunne Thompson Fletcher Walker McClean

Officers: Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning (C Mahon), Head of Planning (A McCullough), Principal Professional and Technical Officer (G Kerr), Senior Planner Ards (C Smyth), Senior Planner North Down (A Todd), Democratic Services Manager (J Wilson) and Democratic Services Officer (E Erwin)

WELCOME

The Chairman (Alderman Gibson) welcomed everyone to the September meeting of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Planning Committee. For the benefit of those present in the Public Gallery the Chairman introduced the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning, Head of Planning, Principal Professional and Technical Officer, Senior Planning Officers and Democratic Services Officers in attendance.

NOTED.

1. APOLOGIES

The Chairman (Alderman Gibson) welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted that there were no apologies.

NOTED.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

The Chairman (Alderman Gibson) requested Members to advise of any declarations of interest.

P.C.01.09.15

Alderman Gibson declared an interest in Planning Application Item 4.3 - X/2013/0259/F – Lands 322m SE of 7 Lough Cowey Road, – Full permission was sought for the erection of a single wind turbine.

Alderman Smith declared an interest in Planning Application Item 4.1 - W/2014/0432/F – Lands to rear of 9 and 11 Raglan Road, Bangor – Full permission was sought for 2 detached dwellings.

NOTED.

3. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING DATED 4 AUGUST 2015

The Chairman (Alderman Gibson) advised that the Minutes of the above meeting had been noted by the Council on 26 August 2015, however, this item was on the Agenda to provide an opportunity for Members to raise any outstanding issues.

Members indicated that there were no matters arising from the previous meeting of the Planning Committee held on 4 August 2015.

NOTED.

4. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

4.1 Application No. W/2014/0432/F – Lands to rear of 9 and 11 Raglan Road, Bangor – Full permission is sought for 2 detached dwellings

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy overview of application, location maps of the site and copy drawings of proposed elevations. (Appendix I).

The Senior Planning Officer guided Members through a PowerPoint presentation which included a detailed summary of the application and location maps of the site:

 DEA: Newtownards.  Committee Interest: Application had six or more separate objections.  Proposal: Full permission is sought for two detached dwellings.  Site Location: Lands to rear of 9 and 11 Raglan Road, Bangor.  Recommendation: Grant Planning Permission.

The Senior Planning Officer provided a detailed overview of the planning application as detailed below.

Aerial View – the aerial view showed the site in its central context. The site occupied the large rear garden areas of two existing semi-detached dwellings at 9 and 11 Raglan Road. The area was an attractive, long established low density residential area which had been designated as Bangor West ATC in BMAP. As well as usual evaluation of planning permission for residential development, the proposal had also been assessed against Addendum PPS6 which stated that proposals must maintain the existing character of the area. 2

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Site Location Plan – the SLP identified the extent of the site and gave a good indication of the existing pattern of development within the immediate area and context in which the proposal must be assessed. The area had some examples of large detached dwellings set in large plots, however, there were also examples of smaller dwellings in smaller plots as well as a number of examples of back-land development.

Photographs – a series of slides showed views of the entrance to the site on Raglan Road approaching from both directions, one to the location of the site to the rear and the significant reduction in ground levels to the rear. The development would not be visible from Raglan Road or indeed any other public viewpoint within the ATC. The proposal would have minimal impact on the character and appearance of the ATC as a whole. The underlying aim of both the relevant policies PPS7 and Addendum to PPS6 was to ensure that new developments would not harm the character or appearance of an ATC and in this case for the reasons outlined, it was considered that the two detached dwellings proposed would cause no demonstrable harm. Whilst the proposal involved back-land development that was not at odds with the existing pattern of existing development in the area. The plot sizes and density of the development was comparable with other existing dwellings within the area. The separation distances between existing and proposed dwellings and amount of private amenity space provided were in accordance with guidelines and the statutory consultees had raised no objections in terms of road safety or sewerage infrastructure.

The Senior Planner concluded that having carried out a very careful assessment of the proposal against all the relevant planning policies, on balance it was considered that the proposal would result in no demonstrable harm to the character of the ATC.

The Chairman (Alderman Gibson) invited Mr Stephen Robinson to speak for five minutes on behalf of the residents in objection to the application.

Mr Robinson advised that he was a local resident and his concerns with the application related to road safety issues as there was only a single footpath and it was already difficult to exit from Raglan Road, Bangor. Mr Robinson drew attention to existing sewerage and drainage issues, also the loss of green space and increased housing density in the area as a result of this planning proposal. Mr Robinson explained that the residents had a difference of opinion in regard to BMAP of the impact of development on this Area of Townscape Character. Mr Robinson referred to regional targets for housing on brown-field sites; Paragraphs 6, 2.7, 2.8 of Planning Policy Statement PPS6 and ATC protection for this established residential area, which could be affected by this application. Mr Robinson indicated that there had been a recent pattern of overdevelopment with twelve houses built in former garden space within the previous ten years and permission for a few more in the pipeline. Mr Robinson concluded that this application should be overturned due to the proposal not meeting at least three essential planning criteria as he had detailed above.

In response to queries from Councillor McIlveen, Mr Robinson advised that in his opinion recent gradual development had impacted on the townscape character of the area as BMAP 2004 did not provide adequate protection. Also the loss of private 3

P.C.01.09.15 green space had an impact on wildlife and natural flora. Mr Robinson provided clarification that Raglan Road was an adopted road.

Alderman Smith declared an interest in the above Planning Application and left at this stage of the meeting (7.20pm).

In respect of queries from Alderman Girvan, Mr Robinson responded that although a traffic survey had been conducted by Transport NI, normally cars were parked on a bend which would make it difficult to exit from 9/11 Raglan Road and although car parking was made available for five cars, a total number of seven cars would be expected. Mr Robinson outlined that the vast majority of objections were from the residents of Downshire Road due to the potential visual impact to the rear of those properties. Mr Robinson indicated that in his opinion the most critical aspect of the application was the increased over-intensification of the area due to the gradual increase of a number of houses being built in recent years and plans for at least four more in the near future.

In response to queries from Councillor Fletcher, Mr Robinson outlined that as a resident of No. 15 Raglan Road, he had personally lost his sea view as well as losing the amenity of being able to sit in his back garden due to exacerbated drainage and sewerage problems. He continued that nature and wildlife had been lost due to the reduction in the amount of green space and trees, which had previously added a great deal to the amenity and beauty of the area.

In respect of queries from Alderman Carson, Mr Robinson responded that he had resided at Raglan Road since 2003 and seven planning applications had been subsequently approved despite in his opinion not meeting BMAP, PPS 6 and 7. Mr Robinson advised that although No.15a had been built at a lower level similar to the current application that property could still be seen from the road.

In response to a query from Councillor McClean regarding the assessment of density of development within the Area of Townscape Character, the Senior Planning Officer advised that the policy test of the Addendum to PPS7 was whether or not the density of the development would be significantly higher than that found within the Established Residential Area. The Officer explained that when assessing density, the density of different developments and areas of existing housing within the area was considered rather than the overall density of the whole Area of Townscape Character. In this case, the density of the proposed development would be comparable with or even less than the density of some existing areas/developments within the ATC. The Officer went on to advise that while a number of permissions had been granted in recent years, they did not have a detrimental cumulative impact on the character of the area. The current planning proposals met the criteria of Addendum to PPS6 in respect of the character of the area being maintained. Mr Robinson indicated that harm had already been allowed to happen and it was his belief that the current planning application would only cause further damage to the local area.

The Chairman (Alderman Gibson) invited Mr David Donaldson to speak for 5 minutes on behalf of the applicant in favour of the application.

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Mr Donaldson referred to the concise report from the Council’s Planning Officer and the recommendation for approval, which his client supported as the correct decision. Mr Donaldson provided background information that planning permission was already in place for a new dwelling at 9 Raglan Road, therefore only one additional dwelling was currently being dealt with rather than two dwellings. Mr Donaldson detailed how the current proposal fitted in with Regional Policy as detailed in PPS6 Addendum and BMAP 2015. Mr Donaldson pointed out that this was not a proposal to demolish existing properties for the purposes of erecting a number of apartments therefore it was not a case of overdevelopment. Mr Donaldson concluded that the current proposal met planning requirements and in his view one additional dwelling was not potentially harmful to the area.

In response to a query from Alderman Irvine, Mr Robinson gave an overview of how the amended proposal for No.9 Raglan Road dealt with potential overlooking onto 5 Downshire Road in respect of site elevation, no gable windows, boundary planting, and also ensuring that separation distances had been met in the current proposal. In response to a query from Councillor Barry, Mr Robinson outlined the detailed landscaping proposal including reinstatement of the existing hedge boundary, and planting of mature trees and shrubs.

Proposed by Alderman Irvine, seconded by Councillor McIlveen, that consideration of the application be deferred to allow a site visit to be arranged.

Councillor McIlveen pointed out that road safety was a key aspect on the adopted Raglan Road which should be investigated further by Transport NI. In respect of queries from Councillor Fletcher, the Senior Planning Officer provided examples of housing density in the area being measured against a detailed analysis and advising that the current proposal met planning criteria. Councillor Barry indicated his support for the proposed site meeting being expedited as soon as possible and that Transport NI and NI Water should be represented for discussion of existing drainage and sewerage issues. Councillor Walker expressed that a site meeting was an unnecessary waste of Council Officers time and that he was satisfied with the Senior Planning Officer’s concise report.

In response to a query from Alderman McDowell, the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning (C Mahon) advised that it was an appropriate protocol for Members to request a site meeting and a subsequent vote should be conducted in order to proceed.

Alderman Graham indicated his support for a site meeting in order for Members to have the opportunity of gaining further knowledge of the area. Councillor McClean advised that he was familiar with the area concerned and indicated that he concurred with Councillor Walker that he was satisfied with the information provided. In respect of a query from Councillor McClean, the Senior Planning Officer responded that in regard to the potential effect of the application on the Area of Townscape Character (ATC), case law had been established through previous Planning Appeals. It was the impact of a development on the character of the ATC as a whole that must be assessed and not the impact of the development on individual streets or areas.

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RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Irvine, seconded by Councillor McIlveen, with 12 voting For and 1 voting Against, 1 Abstaining and 1 Absent that the planning application be deferred for a Site Meeting. The voting was as follows:-

FOR 12 AGAINST 1 ABSTAINED 1 ABSENT 1 Aldermen Councillor Alderman Alderman Carson Walker Gibson Smith Graham Girvan Irvine Keery McDowell Councillors Barry Dunne Fletcher McClean McIlveen Thompson

(Alderman Smith entered the meeting at this stage – 7.50pm)

4.2 Application No. X/2014/0128/F – 173m SE of 11 Balligan Road, Kircubbin – A single wind turbine

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy Addendum to Deferral Report for application and location maps of the site. Also copy additional Addendum to application dated 25.08.15 (Appendix II).

The Senior Planner (Ards) provided a PowerPoint presentation that included a detailed summary of the application along with maps and drawings of the existing site and proposed plans:

 DEA: Ards Peninsula.  Committee Interest: Application has more than 6 objections – 22 objections received.  Proposal: A single wind turbine with a hub height of 40m and a blade length of 19.5m.  Site Location: 173m South East of 11 Balligan Road, Kircubbin  Recommendation: Grant Planning Permission.

The Senior Planning Officer provided an overview of the planning application as detailed below.

This application sought permission for a single turbine with a hub height of 40m and an overall height of 59.5m on lands 173m south-east of 11 Balligan Road, Kircubbin. The application was appearing before the Committee as 22 objections had been received contrary to the recommendation to grant planning permission. 6

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Members would have already read the PCOR in respect of this application along with the benefit of viewing the site on Friday, 28 August 2015. The site location plan and google earth image showed the location of the site in relation to surrounding public roads: Ballyhemlin Road to the South, Balligan Road to the east and the location of the listed Church was to the south-east. Wind turbines were highly visible and would introduce a new and distinctive feature into any landscape. However, it was considered that the site had the capacity to accommodate the proposed turbine without causing an unacceptable adverse impact on landscape character or visual amenity. In terms of cumulative impact, greater weight had been given to previously approved applications and those made valid prior to the submission of this application. It was considered that the proposed site was located a significant distance away and was visually separate to other sites for wind energy development in the area. It was important to highlight that NIEA Historic Buildings Unit had advised that the proposed turbine would impact the setting of Ballyhemlin Church due to its scale, height and proximity to the listed building. The Council’s Planning Section had special regard to that potential impact and numerous site visits had been carried out by a number of professional Officers. It should be noted that the weight attached to advice from a consultee was a matter of planning judgement which rested with the Council. The site was located on farm land on the opposite side and approximately 300m from the grounds of Ballyhemlin Church.

The slides showed the main critical viewpoints of the turbine in relation to the listed building along Nursery Road and Ballyhemlin Road:-

Photo 1 – when travelling north towards the Church along Nursery Road views of the turbine would be largely screened by intervening vegetation and the presence of the Church itself. Photo 2 showed glimpsed views of the turbine, filtered through roadside vegetation and would be apparent from Nursery Road close to the junction with Ballyhemlin Road. Due to the fleeting nature of that view and the separation distance it was not considered that the proposal would cause any harm to the setting of the listed building. Photos 3 and 4 showed views along Ballyhemlin Road. Significant roadside vegetation, and the winding nature of the road restricted long range views of the listed building. When travelling north-east, views of the listed building became apparent on immediate approach. When travelling south-west views of the Church opened up along the section of the road immediately north-east of the site. Whilst views of the turbine would also be apparent at those points, due to the separation distance, it would appear visually separate in the landscape on the opposite site of the road. It was considered that the proposal would not directly impinge on views of the Church. Views of the turbine would also be evident from the front of the listed building. From that viewpoint and others, the proposal would not be seen in isolation and would be closely associated with a group of large agricultural buildings. Those man-made structures already broke the skyline, helping to absorb the turbine into the landscape. It was not considered that a single vertical element to the foreground of those buildings would cause any additional harm to the setting of the listed building. PPS18 – SPG indicated that a relationship between a turbine and farm buildings helped to reduce visual impact. Moreover it was not considered that the proposal would appear as a dominant or overbearing structure when viewed from the grounds of the Church or surrounding viewpoints.

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In terms of residential amenity, a shadow flicker assessment had demonstrated that the proposed turbine would not cause unacceptable adverse impacts on residential amenity, in terms of shadow flicker, as levels fell within the limits recommended in PPS18 BPG. A noise impact assessment, including a cumulative assessment, had been submitted in respect of this application and had been reviewed by the Council’s Environmental Health Section with no objections being provided, subject to a number of conditions to protect the noise amenity of nearby residential properties. NIEA Natural Heritage had provided no objection in relation to nature conservation interests.

The Council’s Planning Officers consulted widely to assess the potential impact of the proposal in relation to telecommunications and aircraft safety and were content that the proposal would not result in any unacceptable adverse impacts. A condition requiring the turbine to be fitted with a red hazard warning light would be attached to any approval of this application. Concern had been expressed in relation to potential health impacts, however the Public Health Agency had advised that provided turbines were sited in accordance with published guidance there was minimal to no risk to the health of the population. PPS18 required Planning Officers to support renewable energy proposals unless they had an unacceptable level of adverse impacts that were not outweighed by wider environmental, economic and social benefits that must be given significant weight. Such benefits included the contribution to renewable energy targets and reduction in greenhouse gases.

The Senior Planner concluded that taking account of all material planning considerations, on balance it was considered that this proposal should proceed by way of approval by the Planning Committee.

The Chairman (Alderman Gibson) invited Mr Billy Carlisle to speak for 5 minutes on behalf of Residents Association in objection to the application.

Mr Carlisle advised that he was representing over fifty-five objectors including the congregation of Ballyhemlin Church which had the same listed architectural/historic building status as Scrabo Tower, Newtownards and had no water or electricity. Mr Carlisle outlined that the wind turbine did not fit in with the character of the area, which was also the opinion of the NIEA. The proposal was also contrary to BH11 PPS6 in detracting from the historic nature of the area and being in close proximity to the Church. Mr Carlisle indicated that the proposal was contrary to draft PPS18 and LC100 in being pre-dominant, overwhelming and intrusive to the landscape of the local farming area. Mr Carlisle added that the final version of PPS18 had subsequently been withdrawn by the NI Assembly Environmental Committee and the new ethos of community planning was to implement cycling routes and encourage the tourist and film industry. Also as a parent, Mr Carlisle voiced his concerns regarding potential health implications of wind turbines on autistic children. Mr Carlisle reiterated NIEA’s concerns regarding the listed Church building and referred to the Council ethos of Ards and North Down being a great place to live and visit.

The Senior Planning Officer advised that the section to which he referred was not carried forward from draft PPS 18 BPG into the final adopted version and therefore was not a material consideration.

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In respect of a query from Councillor Barry, Mr Carlisle responded that existing farm buildings on a nearby hill had been there for a long time and the location of the wind turbine was on a flat field which would make it a more dominant feature.

In response to a query from Alderman Carson, the Senior Planning Officer detailed that LCA 99 and 100 had been applied to the proposal, which were available on the planning website. Mr Carlisle advised that Ballyhalbert Residents Association in general was not opposed to renewable energy.

In response to queries from Alderman Girvan, Mr Carlisle advised the church was only open for services twice a month and that the Church had been built in 1834. A lot of tourists visited this unique setting from as far away as New Zealand and Canada but statistics of exact numbers of people visiting were not kept by the Church. Mr Carlisle indicated that there was one visible wind turbine in the area, adding that he did not object to domestic turbines but had issues regarding wind farms and future plans for nine more in the area.

The Chairman (Alderman Gibson) reminded that this application required to be considered on its own merit. The Chairman invited Ms Cliona Gormley (Renewables NI) to speak for 5 minutes on behalf of the applicant in favour of the application.

Ms Gormley advised that there had been extensive pre-planning works and the proposal complied with relevant guidance including correct distances being met in compliance with NIEA Natural Heritage. Also there was no loss of local amenity and all concerns raised, including noise levels and shadow flicker had been seriously considered. Ms Gormley concluded that there had already been a number of site visits with Planning Officers and this was the fourth application since deferral of the first proposal in October 2014.

In response to a query from Alderman Irvine, Ms Gormley advised of a number of contributing factors for the appropriate location of the wind turbine. In respect of queries from Councillor Barry, Ms Gormley responded that it was up to objectors to directly contact Renewables NI. Ms Gormley explained the intention for the temporary turbine to be removed in 25 years time or if wind generation ceased for a period of six months, then the structure would be removed. Ms Gormley advised that OFTEL regulations applied legally binding planning conditions which required to be adhered to and due to wind speeds available, Renewables NI was committed to resourcing that energy.

In respect of queries from Councillor McClean, Ms Gormley responded that the character of the area was protected as full visuals had been taken and the Church and wind turbine could not be viewed together. The previous planning proposals had been amended in order to maximise the potential wind energy and reach a solution for future resourcing of renewable energy which was more acceptable than alternative fracking methods.

In response to a query from Alderman Smith, Ms Gormley detailed potential wind speed statistics which would power 192 houses per year, which met PPS18 RE1.

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The Head of Planning provided clarification with regard to the existing farm buildings advising that they were built under agricultural PD and that the proposal would be seen as a vertical element against the backdrop of those agricultural buildings and all material considerations had been taken on board by Planning Officers.

In respect of queries from Councillor McIlveen, the Senior Planning Officer explained the process in balancing all material considerations stressing that it was the professional planning judgment that the proposal would not have an adverse visual impact or cause harm to the setting of the listed building and that views of the turbine would not directly impinge upon views of the Church. Councillor McIlveen indicated that that was professional planning judgement and the role of the Planning Committee was to assess the overall proposal. In response to feedback from Councillor Barry, Ms Gormley advised that PPS6 had been met with regard to skyline views. Alderman Graham pointed out that the proposal was not for a domestic wind turbine as it was a commercial generating facility in the countryside. Alderman Graham advised that he had found the recent tour of wind turbines useful, however, he was unsure that adequate policies were in place for the protection of rural areas such as Ballyhalbert and he would veer towards refusing this application.

In respect of queries from Alderman Carson, the Senior Planning Officer responded that the role of the consultees was to provide advice on planning applications but that the weight to be attached to this advice was a matter of planning judgment which rested entirely with the planning authority. The Head of Planning reiterated that Planning Officers initially considered PPS1 General Principles in weighing up this proposal and PPS 18 which was permissible policy in terms of renewable energy instead of fossil fuel. The Planning Officer could provide NIEA advice to the PAC including PSE in terms of impact, historic and listed building regarding this application. In respect of further queries from Alderman Carson, the Senior Planning Officer advised that all seven conditions of this application required to be complied with including time limit of the temporary structure. Any noise complaints would be addressed by the Council’s Environmental Health Section.

Proposed by Councillor Barry, seconded by Councillor Fletcher, that the recommendation to approve the application be adopted.

With 6 voting For, 8 voting Against, 1 Abstaining and 0 Absent the proposal FELL.

FOR 6 AGAINST 8 ABSTAINED 1 ABSENT 0 Aldermen Aldermen Alderman Irvine Carson Gibson Keery Graham McDowell Girvan Smith Councillors Councillors Barry Dunne Fletcher McClean Walker McIlveen Thompson

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The Chairman (Alderman Gibson) sought comment from Council Officers. The Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning advised that if the Planning Committee rejected the application there was a risk that it could be overturned by the PAC and the Council would be responsible for associated costs of the appeal. The Head of Planning outlined that the appeal could be made on the basis of comments from NIEA on the potential impact of the listed Church building. Alderman Graham referred to planning consideration for the benefit of the rural area being taken on board in conjunction with this proposal for a commercial enterprise.

Councillor Barry voiced his opinion that it was regrettable for the application to be denied on the basis of one material concern being brought to the PAC. In response to feedback and queries from Alderman McDowell and Alderman Gibson, the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning suggested that a ‘cooling off’ period could be implemented by the Committee and legal advice could be sought on the decision to defer this application. In respect of a query from Alderman Irvine, the Head of Planning indicated the impact of the application if taken before PAC.

Proposed by Alderman McDowell, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the recommendation to approve the application be deferred and that a cooling off period be implemented until legal advice was sought on the matter of deferral.

In respect of feedback and queries from Councillors McIlveen and Barry, the Head of Planning indicated that the potential outcome of legal advice could be to proceed to PAC and it was impossible to predict the outcome of any planning appeal.

RESOLVED, with 10 voting For, 2 voting Against, 3 Abstaining and 0 Absent that the recommendation to approve the planning application be deferred and that a cooling off period would be implemented until legal advice was sought on the matter of deferral. The voting was as follows:

FOR 10 AGAINST 2 ABSTAINED 3 ABSENT 0 Aldermen Councillors Aldermen Girvan McIlveen Carson Irvine Thompson Gibson Keery Graham McDowell Smith Councillors Barry Dunne Fletcher McClean Walker

The Chairman (Alderman Gibson) adjourned the meeting at 8.55pm for refreshments.

The Chairman reconvened the meeting at 9.15pm.

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Alderman Gibson declared an interest in the next Planning Application and left at this stage of the meeting (9.15pm). The Deputy Chairman (Councillor Dunne) assumed the Chair.

4.3 Application No. X/2013/0259/F – Lands 322m SE of 7 Lough Cowey Road, Portaferry – Full permission is sought for the erection of a single wind turbine

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy overview of application, location maps of the site and copy drawings including existing and proposed elevations. (Appendix III)

The Senior Planning Officer guided Members through a powerpoint presentation which included a detailed summary of the application and location maps with accompanying drawings of the existing site and proposed plans:

 DEA: Ards Peninsula  Committee Interest: More than 6 objections received  Proposal: Proposed Installation of a Wind Turbine on a tubular tower of 41.5m height with blades up to 55m to tip height  Site Location: Lands 322m South East of 7 Lough Cowey Road, Portaferry  Recommendation: Approve Planning Permission

The Senior Planning Officer advised Members of the undernoted detail.

The application sought permission for a single turbine with a 41.5m hub height and an overall height of 55m to blade tip on lands 322m south-east of 7 Lough Cowey Road, Portaferry. The application was appearing before the Committee as a total of forty-seven (47) objections had been received.

Members had had the opportunity to read the PCOR in respect of this application and had viewed the site as part of a capacity building exercise on Friday, 28 August 2015.

The site location plan and Google earth image showed the location of the site in relation to surrounding roads including Mountain Road – West, Lough Cowey Road – North, and Deer Park Road – East. The photographic images showed the position of a number of critical viewpoints of the proposal.

The site was located in an Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) and the overall sensitivity of that area to wind energy development was considered high. Consequently considerable time had been spent in assessing the potential impact of the proposal on visual amenity and landscape character particularly in relation to what was considered the most sensitive features of the AONB.

The first photomontage depicted the turbine from the junction between Deer Park Road and Lough Cowey Road. The turbine would also be visible from a greater distance to the north of that junction. When travelling further south, views would be largely restricted by strong roadside vegetation. The second viewpoint looked west along Deer Park Road. Whilst clearly visible along significant sections of this part of the road it was important to note that the turbine would not be viewed at that point, in

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P.C.01.09.15 conjunction with the highly sensitive coastline. Along the southern section of Mountain Road, mature dense trees and vegetation would serve to restrict views of the proposal and the third viewpoint looked north-east along Mountain Road. Members noted an old windmill stump in close proximity to the site. NIEA Historic Monuments Unit had been consulted and provided no objection to the application. Beyond that point a highly sensitive view of the coastline opened up, however, the turbine could only be seen for a short time to the far right and would not interrupt views across the fields towards the coast. The fifth viewpoint showed the turbine looking south-east along the lower section of Mountain Road. The final viewpoint was from Lough Cowey Road. Views of the turbine would be largely screened along much of that road due to intervening vegetation and undulations.

In terms of the wider landscape whilst additional views of the turbine might at times be apparent, the prominence of the turbine would diminish at greater distances from the site. From the highly sensitive Lough Shore Road intervening higher drumlin topography, roadside trees and vegetation would restrict views. From the west across the lough, long distance views in clear visibility might be apparent, however, it was considered that the turbine would not appear as a prominent feature from that distance and could be readily absorbed into the landscape. To the south, across the lough, the turbine would be largely screened by higher drumlin topography and clumps of dense vegetation. That area was explored in detail by the Principal Planning Officer and Officers were satisfied that the proposal would not cause an unacceptable adverse impact from that location. The site was located in a highly sensitive area, however, that in itself did not preclude wind energy development. Planning Officers considered that there would be no significant views in relation to the most sensitive features of the AONB, namely the coastline.

In terms of residential amenity, PPS18 Best Practice Guide stated that problems relating to shadow flicker were rare and beyond 10 times rotor diameter, the potential for shadow flicker was very low. There were no neighbouring dwellings within 10 times rotor diameter of the turbine, which was 270m. The nearest property was located 328m from the site. A noise impact assessment had been submitted in respect of the application and had been reviewed by the Council’s Environmental Health Section who had provided no objection to the proposal, subject to a number of conditions to protect the noise amenity of nearby residential properties. NIEA Natural Heritage had provided no objection to the proposal in terms of local nature conservation interests. Planning Officers had consulted widely to assess the potential impact of the proposal in relation to telecommunications and aircraft safety and were content that the proposal would not result in any unacceptable adverse impacts. A condition requiring the turbine to be fitted with a red hazard warning light would be attached to any approval of this application. PPS18 required Planning Officers to support renewable energy proposals unless they would have adverse impacts that were not outweighed by wider environmental, economic and social benefits that must be given significant weight. Such benefits included the contribution to renewable energy targets and reduction in greenhouse gases.

The Senior Planner concluded that in taking all material planning considerations into account, on balance, it was considered that this proposal should proceed by way of an approval.

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The Chairman (Alderman Gibson) invited Councillor Adair to speak for 5 minutes in objection to the application.

On behalf of local constituents, Councillor Adair advised that the two main issues of concern were the total number of 47 objections and the visual impact of the above application. Councillor Adair outlined that Lough Cowey was an unspoilt beautiful area and was situated on relatively high ground. The proposal for a wind turbine was located in close proximity to Abbacy Church. Also the proposal was detrimental to the tourist industry which the Legacy Council had heavily invested in the area including implementation of Christian Heritage and the Mourne routes. Councillor Adair requested the Planning Committee to consider the visual impact as a wind turbine would not be in keeping with the local area.

In respect of feedback and comment from Councillor Barry, Councillor Adair reiterated that the proposal could have a visual impact in changing the whole character of the area, as well as a potential impact on tourists visiting this unspoilt natural landscape. Councillor McIlveen concurred with Councillor Adair that the area had been designated as an area of natural beauty which should not be spoilt by a wind turbine.

Proposed by Alderman Carson, seconded by Councillor McClean, that the recommendation to approve the application be deferred to enable an enhanced visual impact assessment to be carried out.

Alderman Carson provided feedback on the recent tour of wind turbines, stressing the importance of the topography and visual impact of the area being taken into consideration and including the tourism impact on views across Lough. Alderman McDowell indicated that he was not in favour of a deferral of the application. In respect of Members feedback, the Senior Planning Officer pointed out that although it was a sensitive site there was no specific planning policy precluding wind turbines being located in areas of natural beauty and there were numerous turbines erected across Northern Ireland.

Alderman Graham referred to the amount of pre-application work conducted and suggested that visual impact assessment of wind turbines could be conducted by way of assessment by use of a hot air balloon being located in place with a light on top. Councillor Walker indicated that although he understood the reasons for deferring the application, it was frustrating for everyone. Alderman Irvine responded that forty-seven objections required consideration.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Carson, seconded by Councillor McClean, with 10 voting For, 3 voting Against, 1 Abstaining and 1 Absent that the recommendation to grant approval for the planning application be deferred to enable an enhanced visual impact assessment to be carried out. The voting was as follows:

FOR 10 AGAINST 3 ABSTAINED 1 ABSENT 1 Aldermen Aldermen Alderman Carson Girvan Gibson Graham McDowell 14

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Irvine Keery Smith Councillors Councillor Councillor Barry Walker Dunne Fletcher McClean McIlveen Thompson

Alderman Gibson entered the meeting at this stage 9.40pm and re-assumed the Chair.

4.4 Application No. W/2013/0458/DCA and No. W/2013/0459/F – 16 and 18 Victoria Road, Holywood

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy overview of application and location maps of the site. (Appendix IV)

The Senior Planning Officer had previously provided a powerpoint presentation that included a detailed summary of the application, accompanying maps and drawings of the existing site and proposed plans:

 DEA: Holywood & Clandeboye  Committee Interest: Applications have 6 or more separate objections  Proposal: Demolition of existing dwellings and erection of 5 no. detached dwellings, landscaping and associated site and access works  Site Location: Lands at 16 - 18 Victoria Road, Holywood  Recommendation: Grant Planning Permission and Conservation Area Consent

The Head of Planning provided an overview of the Victoria Road Application as detailed below.

Item 4.2 had been deferred from 4 August 2015 Planning Committee Meeting:- W/2013/0458/DCA and W/2013/0459/F (Same address) – Demolition of existing properties on site. Demolition of existing dwellings and erection of 5 no. detached dwellings, landscaping and associated site works.

At the Planning Committee Meeting on 4 August 2015, concerns had been raised that the proposal was contrary to the ‘exceptional circumstances test’ contained in paragraph 3 of Policy QD1 within PPS 7: Quality Residential Environments which stated that, in the primarily residential parts of designated areas, proposals involving intensification of site usage or site coverage would only be permitted in exceptional circumstances. It had been argued that the approval of the above applications would set a dangerous precedent for similar developments within the Conservation Area.

Also highlighted by objectors was that pre-1 April 2015, the test was only that of ‘no harm’ and that the Planning Act had introduced a further test in addition to that since then. Particular reference was made to the test introduced in April 2015 under 15

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Section 104 of the Planning Act which stated that within Conservations Areas, special regard must be had, with respect to any buildings or other land in that area, to the desirability of: a) Preserving the character or appearance of that area in cases where an opportunity for enhancing its character or appearance did not arise; b) Enhancing the character or appearance of that area in cases where an opportunity to do so did not arise.

While the Council’s Planning Section was satisfied that the proposed development had been assessed rigidly against the legislative tests and prevailing policy and in Officer’s planning judgement, would not only preserve but enhance the character of the area, Planning Committee Members had resolved that consideration of the application be deferred to allow legal advice to be sought in order to establish whether appropriate tests had been applied in the assessment of the application.

The Head of Planning updated that Council had sought legal advice from its appointed legal firm (Carson McDowell) who had confirmed contentment that the legislative requirements as set out in the Planning Act (NI) 2011 and Planning Policy had been adequately addressed by the Planning Officers.

Furthermore it advised that as regards the exceptional circumstances test, it was a material consideration; however, it was a long established principle of planning law that a material consideration could be outweighed by other material considerations in the exercise of planning judgment by a decision maker when determining an application. As Girvan J (as he then was) stated in the Bow Street Mall case:

“In relation to statements of planning policy they are to be regarded as guidance on the general approach. They are not designed to provide a set of immutable rules. The task of formulating, co-ordinating and implementing policy for the orderly and consistent development of land may require the resolution of complex problems produced by competing policies and their conflicting interests. Planning policies are but some of the material considerations that must be taken into account by the planning authority.”

Additional request from objectors:

Further to the meeting of 4 August 2015, a further request had been received from the Objectors to the scheme that Planning Officers seek an independent view from a qualified Conservation Architect. The legal response was that: as regards the issue of seeking the opinion of a Conservation Architect, the acquisition of such advices would assist in making the decision more robust in the event of a challenge especially in circumstances in which the architectural merit of the proposed new buildings were in dispute together with their impact on the conservation area.

In response to that the Head of Planning advised that the professional/technical staff in the Historic Buildings Unit were all qualified registered architects with post graduate qualifications in building conservation. The Unit’s consideration of the

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P.C.01.09.15 application W/2013/0459 was managed by a senior conservation architect from receipt to ‘sign off’ following revisions to the original proposals in October 2014.

Following a re-consultation by Planning Service in March 2015, which had drawn attention to the objections raised, the assessment and consultation responses were reviewed by senior architectural staff. The review concluded that the opinion stated in its response dated October 2014 should stand, that is that the proposal, as amended, was compliant with policy BH11 (Development affecting the setting of a listed building) of PPS6 and a response was sent to that effect on 15 April 2015.

Prior to formal submission of the amended scheme an independent report was prepared and submitted by a well renowned architect Alan Jones, a Senior Lecturer within the School of Planning and Architecture at Queens University. He had been in practice since 1989 and had received a number of RIBA and RSUA awards for architectural design including schemes adjacent to listed buildings in Conservation Areas. He was President of the RSUA from May 2012 to May 2014 and had been an expert adviser to the Ministerial Advisory Group since 2007.

As such the Planning Section saw no merit in seeking another opinion and was satisfied that its judgement in respect of application of the relevant legislative and policy tests was robust. Therefore the opinion to approve remained unchanged.

Proposed by Councillor Walker, seconded by Councillor Thompson, that the recommendation to grant approval of planning permission for the above application be adopted.

Councillor Walker stated his appreciation of the above report and Councillor Thompson encouraged Members to grant approval of this planning application.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Councillor Walker, seconded by Councillor Thompson, that the recommendation to approve the planning application be adopted.

5. UPDATE ON LEGAL SERVICES (Appendix V, Annex 1)

It was noted that the above item would be considered later in the meeting in committee.

NOTED.

6.1 PLANNING COMMITTEE WORKSHOP AND PRESENTATION BY LEGAL SERVICES

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 25 August 2015 from the Head of Planning stating the undernoted detail.

1. The purpose of this paper was to outline proposed arrangements for a training/capacity building event that would take place in September 2015 to

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provide refresher training on processes associated with the operation of the Planning Committee.

Background

2. We were now nearly six months past 1 April 2015 having successfully held six Planning Committee meetings (including September’s). Ahead of information events proposed under Item 6.1, it would be beneficial to revisit the operating parameters of the Planning Committee to include: o Scheme of Delegation; o Speaking Rights; o Deferrals; with a view to finally agreeing a Protocol for the Operation of the Planning Committee which could then be published on the Council website for public access.

3. Such a workshop would be useful to assess what was working well and what could feasibly be improved. It was then intended to include training/capacity building on the other elements of planning which were proposed to be delivered within the public events to take place in October 2015, subject to Planning Committee agreement.

Presentation by Legal Services

4. Now that the Council had awarded a legal tender for provision of advice on legal matters, it was intended to also provide a presentation from Carson McDowell Solicitor’s to Planning Committee Members and other elected Members within the Council to recap on Member responsibilities vis a vis planning, and to include a planning law update.

RECOMMENDED that Members note the report and agree a date/time to suit regarding both proposals.

The Head of Planning outlined the details of the above report.

Proposed by Alderman Graham, seconded by Councillor Fletcher, that the recommendation be adopted.

Alderman Girvan welcomed the above and sought feedback that it would not place an undue additional workload on Planning Officers. In response to feedback from Councillor McIlveen, the Head of Planning recognised that Members could not be expected to have knowledge of planning law but some training could be provided on implementation of planning policy. Councillor Barry suggested that Members could benefit from learning resources rather than a series of workshops. Alderman McDowell welcomed any training pointing out that workshops should be utilised as a method of generating ideas, and any decisions required should be subsequently reported to the Planning Committee. The Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning assured Members that any decisions would be brought back to the Committee. Councillor McClean indicated that he concurred with Councillors Barry and McIlveen that the Committee required some knowledge in order to deal with 18

P.C.01.09.15 planning applications. Alderman Graham recommended that training on renewable energy and area planning was required to be taken on board. Councillor Barry suggested that fracking also required consideration. The Chairman (Alderman Gibson) responded that current policies were being adhered to and area planning could be taken on board in regard to a new plan being implemented in the next few years. Alderman Keery supported the provision of training which should be made available to all Council Members as a new Planning Committee would be put in place at subsequent Annual Meetings.

The Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning responded that all Elected Members would be invited to avail of training on planning policy and workshop sessions would be organised in tandem with developing the new Area Plan. The Director assured Alderman Carson that regular updates covering all aspects of the Area Plan would be reported to the Planning Committee. The Director outlined the process for implementation of Area and Community Planning which was due to commence following the recent appointment of the Council’s Community Planning Manager. The Director concluded that a potential date for a workshop would be forwarded to Members.

RESOLVED, on the proposal of Alderman Graham, seconded by Councillor Fletcher, that the recommendation be adopted.

6.2 PROPOSED PLANNING WORKSHOP – ENGAGEMENT WITH AGENTS, DEVELOPERS AND THE PUBLIC (Appendix VI, Annex 1 and Annex 2).

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy Schedule of Top 50 Agents and Indicative Agent Event Programme with covering report dated 25 August 2015 from the Head of Planning stating the undernoted detail.

1. The purpose of this paper was to outline proposed arrangements for a number of events that would take place in late September, early October 2015 to encourage engagement with the Council following transfer of planning powers.

Background

2. Planning functions transferred from central government to local government on 1 April 2015. Councils were now responsible for drawing up local development plans, making the majority of planning decisions, and shaping how their area grows and develops in ways that respond to the needs of the communities they serve.

3. Now that the planning function was beginning to bed down within the Council, it was considered that, in order to further facilitate the smooth transition of the planning function, it would be most beneficial to arrange a number of workshops targeted at particular groups to better encourage and enable effective participation within the planning process. Such workshops would provide an opportunity for focussing on relevant topics including rural planning,

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renewable applications (turbine, solar), and urban development type applications.

4. The following groups had been identified as contributing to the planning process and who would most likely benefit from such workshops:

a. Agents who submit planning applications on behalf of applicants; b. Applicants submitting small scale applications e.g. Domestic extensions; c. Local Farmers d. Objectors to both Rural applications and Urban applications

5. A new planning performance management framework for Councils would come into effect following the transfer of planning powers in April 2015. Three statutory standards had been proposed in respect of processing times for major and local applications, and enforcement cases. Those were included within the Draft Local Government (Performance Indicators and Standards) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015 which was currently out to consultation.

6. In order to comply with those, as yet, draft processing times, it was critical that staff were in full possession of all relevant information prior to making a recommendation on a planning application. It was envisaged that workshops which explain the change in the planning process and the new requirements brought about by the enactment of the Planning Act (NI) 2011 and subordinate legislation, would therefore contribute to a smoother system, which would facilitate investment within the Borough as well as protect the environment from inappropriate development.

7. The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) promoted planning as a profession and built links with other built environment professions and Organisations throughout the United Kingdom. Over 500 planners from central and local government, private consultancies, community, education and voluntary sectors and other Organisations were chartered members of the RTPI Northern Ireland.

8. Whilst the Council’s Planning Officers would be developing the content and delivering the events, the RTPI had offered to assist in developing those and assist in identifying relevant speakers on particular topics, if required.

Agents

9. Applications were often submitted by an agent on behalf of an applicant, and it was normally the agent that the Planning Officer would liaise with on any proposal.

10. For the purposes of the Agent event, it was proposed that the top 50 Agents (ranked in accordance with the number of applications submitted) would be invited to attend the event. A list of Agents to be invited was set out in the attached Annex 1.

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Applicants – Rural

11. A large number of smaller applications, such as proposals for domestic extensions, were submitted by applicants without an agent.

12. A large volume of applications within the new Borough Council area were situated within the countryside and fell to be determined under Planning Policy Statement 21: Sustainable Development in the Countryside.

Applicants – Urban

13. Within the larger settlements in the Borough a large number of proposals were submitted, including applications for domestic extensions which could be controversial, and fell to be considered under Planning Policy Statement 7: Quality Residential Environments amongst other policies and design guidance.

Objectors

14. Representations were invited in respect of any planning application, but often did not focus on matters which constitute material planning considerations and therefore could not be taken into account. Many people were also unaware of what development could be undertaken without the need for planning permission.

Building Control

15. Given that the new arrangements within the Council offer a joined up approach between Planning and Building Control Sections, colleagues from Building Control would also attend the events to present an overview and advice on how building regulations applied and the processes involved.

Date/Timing of Event

16. In order to attract and communicate key messages to as many agents as possible, a lunchtime and late afternoon event would be organised. It was considered that the other workshops should be run early evening to facilitate as many people as possible, but an afternoon session could also be facilitated.

17. It was proposed that the events would take place in Signal, Bangor, the Londonderry Room in Newtownards Town Hall, and the Market House in Portaferry. Events would be scheduled to run for approximately 1 and 1/2 hrs.

18. It was considered that the events could also be tailored to provide further training for Planning Committee Members particularly in the context of policy and planning guidance.

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Event Structure

19. It was envisaged that the Agent Event would provide the Council with an opportunity to outline its key expectations for planning going forward. It would also enable it to highlight its renewed efforts and focus on the active management of caseloads with the view to improving the efficiency of the process and provide greater certainty about timescales in order to meet the challenging performance management standards included within legislation.

20. Participating agents would be reminded of the important role that they would play in helping the Council to deliver the quality, sustainable development needed to support economic growth within the wider Council area.

21. The other events would focus on the reformed planning system to include an overview of the Scheme of Delegation, the role of the Planning Committee, differentiate between major and local applications, provide guidance on requirements within the process, and provide a detailed overview of how recommendations were made, balancing material planning considerations in the context of planning policy and guidance. Particular focus on relevant policies would be applied in relation to urban and rural proposals.

22. An indicative event programme, based on an Agent audience was set out in the attached Annex 2. The content would obviously be tailored to the appropriate audience.

23. Letters would be posted to agents and adverts inviting interest for the other events would be placed in the Newtownards Chronicle and Bangor Spectator in the week beginning 31 August 2015 pending agreement from the Planning Committee.

RECOMMENDED that Members note the content of the report and

(1) Agree:

(a) Parties identified as target audience; (b) Proposed locations; (c) Date/timing of event; (d) Event structure.

(2) Advise:

(a) on any changes required to proposed arrangements; (b) appropriate date for further Planning Committee training.

The Head of Planning outlined the details of the above report.

Alderman McDowell welcomed the planning workshop events suggesting that information should also be posted on the Council’s website in order for everyone to have a better understanding of the planning process in anticipation of creating fewer problems in the longer term. Councillor McIlveen indicated his support for Council 22

P.C.01.09.15

Officers to engage with agents, developers and the public. The Head of Planning confirmed that the above matters would be taken on board. Councillor Fletcher suggested that planning limitations on solar panels and wind turbines should also be specified in order not to raise public expectations.

RESOLVED that the recommendations be adopted.

7.1 EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS

AGREED, on the proposal of Alderman Graham, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the undernoted Items be taken in the exclusion of the public and press.

(Councillors Dunne, McIlveen and McClean left the meeting at this stage – 10.17pm).

7. UPDATE ON PLANNING APPEALS AND ASSOCIATED ENFORCEMENT CASE

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

PAC APPEAL DECISION

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

5. UPDATE ON LEGAL SERVICES (Appendix V, Annex 1)

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

7.2 RE-ADMITTANCE OF PUBLIC AND PRESS

AGREED, on the proposal of Alderman Graham, seconded by Councillor Dunne, that the public and press be re-admitted to the meeting.

Circulated for Information

COUNCIL PLANNING OFFICERS

On behalf of Members, Councillor Barry thanked the Planning Officers for provision of all their presentations and reports.

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8. TERMINATION OF MEETING

The meeting terminated at 10.36pm.

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ITEM 7.2

ARDS AND NORTH DOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

A meeting of the Environment Committee was held in the Council Chamber, 2 Church Street, Newtownards on Wednesday, 2 September 2015 at 7.00 pm.

PRESENT:

In the Chair: Councillor Boyle

Councillors: Armstrong Fletcher Armstrong-Cotter Leslie Barry Martin Cathcart Muir (7.20 pm) Cummings Roberts Edmund (7.49 pm) Smart Ferguson Wilson

Others: Councillor Brooks

Officers: Director of Environment, Head of Building Control, Licensing and Neighbourhood Environment, Head of Waste and Cleansing Services, Head of Assets and Property Services, Building Control Services Manager, Neighbourhood Environment Services Manager and Member Services Officer

WELCOME

The Chairman (Councillor Boyle) extended a warm welcome to everyone in attendance, particularly the team of officers present and members of the public seated in the gallery.

1. APOLOGIES

An apology for inability to attend was received from Alderman Henry.

Apologies for lateness were recorded for Councillors Edmund and Muir.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

The Chairman asked Members to advise of any declarations of interest.

No declarations were made.

NOTED.

EC.2.9.15

3. PRESENTATION – RICHARD BRITTAIN – THE ROLE OF THE BUILDING CONTROL, LICENSING AND NEIGHBOURHOOD ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT (Appendix I)

ATTACHED:- Copy of Powerpoint presentation.

The Head of Building Control, Licensing and Neighbourhood Environment thanked the Chairman (Councillor Boyle) for affording him the opportunity to provide a summary of the three service units encompassed within his section. He introduced the Building Control, Licensing and Neighbourhood Environment team in attendance and following his Powerpoint presentation, invited questions from Members.

Councillor Fletcher expressed his interest in the licensing and regulatory role undertaken by Council and noted the healthy surplus pertaining to that budget. To that end, he enquired about the implementation of a car park strategy and emphasised the importance of that issue for town centres. He suggested that Officers examine possible approaches to reducing parking tariffs for the public, perhaps with no charges at weekends, as he believed that would draw increased visitors into the towns and increase business for local traders. As an example he referred to the car park in Newtownards situated behind Wardens, which at times, could be empty of cars. Consideration needed to be given on how best to utilise that space to encourage shoppers and a reinvigoration of Ards town centre.

The Head of Building Control, Licensing and Neighbourhood Environment gave an assurance that that aspect would be part of the consultation process as the strategy developed.

Councillor Cathcart made reference to the high hedges legislation and wondered if Officers had found that to be effective in an operational context.

The Head of Service advised that when the weather was good, there appeared to be an upsurge in complaints. In the first instance, he stated that any grievances regarding hedges should be addressed by the parties involved, as this often helped to reduce the height of hedges and resolve the matter. There had been no formal complaints lodged with Council recently as the associated costs did tend to dissuade people from taking such action.

In relation to a query raised by Councillor Cathcart about Animal Welfare Officers, the Head of Service confirmed that one Officer was authorised to work in this Borough but a total of nine were employed throughout Northern Ireland. If a difficult situation was encountered, additional Animal Welfare Officers could therefore be called upon to lend assistance. However, he reported that on a day to day basis, Council’s Neighbourhood Environment Team could undertake an initial inspection. The Animal Welfare Officer would be contacted should that level of expertise be required.

With regard to Building Control fees, Councillor Cathcart queried if those were set by Council. He also highlighted that whenever he had had a requirement to raise an issue with that section it had always been handled promptly and effectively.

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The Head of Service explained that the majority of fees were set by statute legislation.

Bearing in mind the new configuration of Councils, Councillor Barry was of the view that attention should be given to holding joint workshops for Officers and Members. He felt that that arrangement would permit the opportunity for everyone to offer input and work together as colleagues to tackle significant issues such as car parking and the regeneration of town centres. The Member also pointed out that despite the massive changes and anxiety experienced by employees; they had consistently delivered a high level of service. He commended the good team in place and wished them continued success.

The Head of Service agreed that there was indeed value in holding such workshops

Councillor Smart mentioned Minister Kennedy implementing the £1 parking charge for five hours, which he had observed as being very successful for Ards town centre having gained good feedback from ratepayers. In light of that, he wondered if that practice would remain unchanged.

The Head of Service hoped that that would be the case but clarified that budget reports were currently being progressed. A further report would be presented to the Committee once income trends had been identified.

That concluded the presentation.

The Chairman (Councillor Boyle) thanked the Head of Building Control, Licensing and Neighbourhood Environment for his interesting presentation and informative responses.

4. PLANNED ELECTED MEMBER WORKSHOP OF A FUTURE STRATEGY FOR WASTE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT – FILE 40001

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Environmental detailing that Members would recall from the June 2015 Environment Committee meeting that an undertaking was given to move forward with the process of developing a more sustainable waste management model for the new Borough, focussed upon maximising the important resource value of our municipal waste.

Officers had been researching key aspects of the subject and a workshop for all Elected Members was planned in the near future, details to be advised. It was proposed to use the workshop to facilitate an interactive discussion of this highly significant service area between officers and Members, with the aim of moving towards a model for future service delivery that could then be formally agreed and adopted by Council.

RECOMMENDED that members note the report.

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The Chairman (Councillor Boyle) informed Members that the above workshop had now been scheduled for Thursday, 17 September 2015 commencing at 6.00 pm in the Signal Centre of Business Excellence.

The Director of Environment indicated that the event should last approximately two hours and an invitation would be extended to all Members.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Barry, seconded by Councillor Fletcher, that the recommendation be adopted.

5. ENERGY SAVING INITIATIVES – FILE 50002

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Environment detailing that the estimated annual utilities consumption of the new Council was expected to be in the region of £2M. Part of the remit of the Property Services team was to monitor that consumption and actively seek out poorly performing properties and identify options for improved efficiency. Members would be aware that £30,000 was included in this year’s Capital budget for those energy saving initiatives.

Potential projects were highlighted during our routine condition surveys, then shortlisted based on their feasibility and potential payback period.

Projects were then prioritised and scheduled for completion. Previous projects under this scheme include LED lighting at Depots and a solar PV array at Comber Leisure Centre.

The next potential project was the replacement of electric heaters with gas fired combination boilers at a number of sites. Electricity was an inefficient and expensive method of heating. By introducing gas fired boilers for heating and hot water we expected to realise a number of benefits:

. Lower running costs . Greater control (avoid over/under heating) . Safer environment (reduced fire risk) . A reduction in the Council’s CO2 footprint

We intended to seek quotations for installing those boilers at 3 sites – North Road Depot Portacabin, West Winds Community Centre and The Glen Community Centre. By grouping three sites together in that way we hoped to avail of economies of scale and secure very competitive rates. However, due to the nature of this project it was quite difficult to ascertain exact costs. We estimated £10k per site but that would vary depending on the location of nearby gas mains and the ease of installation. We were confident however that £35k would be the maximum spend for the project and that any spend over the £30k budget could be met by utilising unspent monies for Capital projects that did not proceed as planned this year.

The expected reduction in electricity consumption should mean payback was achieved in around 4.5 years (subject to weather conditions and Centre utilisation). It should also result in a marked improvement in the sites’ performance rating under the “Energy Performance of Buildings – European Directive 2002”, meaning the sites

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EC.2.9.15 must display a Display Energy Certificate (DEC) highlighting their energy performance, to be assessed every year.

It was anticipated that following this year’s condition surveys, more sites across the new Borough would be highlighted for similar projects next year.

RECOMMENDED that Council approves the expenditure of a maximum of £35k for energy saving initiatives in the form of 3 no. gas fired combi boilers for the aforementioned locations.

Councillor Armstrong-Cotter proposed, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the recommendation be adopted.

Councillor Armstrong referred to the proposal to introduce gas boilers at the three above-mentioned sites and wondered if other energy alternatives had been investigated.

In response, the Technical Operations Manager indicated that other possibilities such as Solar PV had been examined but gas was selected as the primary option at this point in time.

Councillor Armstrong maintained that the replacement of boilers would cause disruption and a potential loss of income for the centres and asked that local communities be kept updated as those works progressed.

In connection with issues raised by Councillor Roberts about the use of greener wood pellet boilers, the Technical Operations Manager outlined that such boilers required additional maintenance as a dedicated employee was required on site to remove the build-up of ash.

Councillor Roberts proposed an amendment, seconded by Councillor Barry, that a report be brought back to the Committee regarding the utilisation of wood pellet boilers.

Responding to queries from Councillors Cathcart and Leslie, the Technical Operations Manager highlighted that condition surveys had shown there remained several facilities in both the former Ards and North Down estates which were heated by electric boilers. However, he was keen to point out that it was the intention to phase in gas boilers. In view of the expected reduction in electricity consumption, it was anticipated that payback would be achievable in approximately 4.5 years. Once 12 months data of costs was available, a further analysis report would be brought to the Committee.

The Director of Environment reiterated that Officers would furnish Members with the relevant empirical data once obtained, the outcome of which would help inform Council’s future energy related decisions. He gave an assurance that the objective was to incorporate ‘green’ technology to provide an effective and sustainable energy for facilities throughout the Borough. Officers were proactively examining all options, alongside compilation of at least 12 months of data to allow for prudent investment.

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AGREED TO RECOMMEND, with 12 voting For and 2 voting Against, that the recommendation be adopted. Further that a report be brought back to the Committee regarding the utilisation of wood pellet boilers.

6. CAPITAL REFURBISHMENT PROGRAMME – COMMUNITY CENTRES – FILE 65021

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Environment detailing that in 2013 Ards Borough Council had introduced a system where each building was subject to a condition survey every 3 years. The recommendations of the survey were then costed and a three year capital expenditure plan was produced.

It was anticipated that that approach would be rolled out across the portfolio of properties within the new Borough in time for next year’s budget allocation.

By proactively maintaining the Council’s assets in that way it would:

. Maximise their lifespan . Mitigate the risk of personal injury caused by defects . Reduce the amount of reactive maintenance required . More accurately estimate maintenance costs when setting budgets . Be more aware of the condition of our estate

Funds were added to this year’s Capital budget in order to complete the works highlighted in the 3 year plan.

They included:

Expenditure Ballygowan VH £ 10,000 Glen Community Centre £ 3,500 West Winds Community Centre £ 10,000 Portaferry Market House £ 20,000 Comber Adult Learning Centre £ 7,000 Kircubbin Community Centre £ 5,000 Donaghadee Community Centre £ 8,750 Community Centre £ 6,650 Queens hall £ 5,600 Portavogie Community Centre £ 3,500 £ 80,000

Whilst this selection of Capital projects referred to the legacy Ards Council area only, necessary refurbishment of the legacy NDBC estate would continue to be funded this year from existing revenue budgets. Going forward, it was planned that from next year all property across the new Borough would be surveyed with a view to producing a 3 year rolling refurbishment schedule that would be funded from an appropriately identified and approved Capital budget.

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RECOMMENDED that Capital refurbishment works at the above locations be approved.

Councillor Fletcher drew attention to two community centres situated in and which were privately managed and enquired if they could be given assistance through the capital refurbishment programme.

The Head of Assets and Property Services indicated that a budget had been set aside solely for upgrading Council properties.

Following on, the Director of Environment added that Officers could perhaps investigate the funding arrangements of those centres and the possibility of obtaining grant assistance.

Although believing the assessment process to be a worthwhile task, Councillor Smart suggested that the focus for refurbishment should comprise the fabric of the building, if it was deemed fit for purpose and its overall suitability.

(Councillor Muir left the meeting at this stage – 7.39 pm)

The Head of Assets and Property Services informed the Member that he was cognisant of the necessity of that requirement but at present, there was no such procedure in place. Undoubtedly an estates management process was needed, with Officers across the Council working collaboratively as a team.

Councillor Smart requested that the issue be kept on the agenda and relevant information sought from different community groups to formulate a facts based assessment.

In terms of the former North Down Council area, Councillor Leslie wondered if there were facilities within North Down needful of similar investment.

(Councillor Muir re-entered the meeting at this stage – 7.43 pm)

The Head of Assets and Property Services reported that recent works in the Ards area were the outcome of surveys carried out three years ago. Additional surveys were planned to be rolled out across the entire Borough from next year and a further three year plan produced.

(Councillor Edmund entered the meeting at this stage – 7.49 pm)

In relation to a question from Councillor Edmund about works at the community centre in Portavogie, the Head of Assets and Property Services verified that those would include the repainting of both fascias and soffit boards.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Fletcher, seconded by Councillor Smart, that the recommendation be adopted.

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7. CHRISTMAS LIGHTING SCHEMES 2015 – FILE 65281

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Environment detailing that Members would be aware that the Holywood Public Realm scheme was now completed. The scheme had brought about significant changes to the locations and quantities of street lighting columns. Those significant changes, coupled with the age and condition of the existing equipment meant it was necessary to provide a new Christmas Lighting scheme.

A similar issue existed in Comber and Members may note that a scheme to the value of £16k was approved in February this year. It was therefore proposed that a scheme of a similar scale and value was approved for Holywood, to be funded from within the £40k identified for Christmas Lighting within this year’s Capital budgets. It was also worth noting that the public realm schemes within Newtownards and Bangor would be ongoing during the Christmas period. It was not known at this stage which lighting columns would be operational, meaning it was difficult to establish the extent of the potential for Christmas lighting schemes within those town centres.

Officers were aware that traders had been disrupted due to the public realm works and would like to ensure that the Christmas lighting schemes maximised their potential to draw shoppers into the town centres over the festive period.

It was therefore proposed that the Council consider an expenditure of approximately £24k for additional Christmas features in each of the two main town centres.

Bangor: The nativity scene located at the Danske Bank was at the end of its usable lifespan and was in need of replacement. Our initial thoughts would be to replace that well-known feature of the town with a modern alternative, whilst still maintaining the important Christmas message.

Newtownards: Conway square was now fitted out with up-lit box trees and colour changing LEDs to wash the front façade of the Town Hall with vibrant, preselected colours. Those additions provided some much needed ambiance to that location. Christmas trees at Conway square had come under criticism in recent years and that may be an opportunity to consider substituting the real tree for an imitation, sectional tree. Sectional imitation trees had been installed in many towns and cities in recent years. They offered a number of advantages over traditional trees in the form of:

. More cost effective over their lifespan . Safer; less likely to break or fall over . More sustainable; many considered the use of real trees unsustainable as it took around 20 years for a tree to grow to the height of 40ft . More consistent; it would always look attractive, natural trees varied greatly in quality

Both of those options were in the early stages of development and further research would need to be undertaken to assess their viability. However, procuring and importing goods such as those could be a time consuming exercise that may take

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EC.2.9.15 several months to complete. It would therefore be necessary to agree this course of action in principle at this stage, to enable the process to begin.

RECOMMENDED that Council approves the expenditure of £16k for a new Christmas Lighting Scheme in Holywood, and a further £24k expenditure on new Christmas features for Bangor and Newtownards.

On behalf of Councillor Dunne, Councillor Leslie spoke of his delight at the proposed expenditure for revamped Christmas lighting in Holywood.

Whilst supporting the recommendation, Councillor Armstrong was hopeful that the substitute for the crib would be in keeping with plans for Holywood and suggested that local crafts people could become involved.

In a differing stance, Councillor Fletcher expressed some reservations particularly about the suggestion of an artificial Christmas tree in Conway Square. He said the tree would eventually become brittle, liable to breakages and would not be recyclable. Instead his preference would be to retain a real tree at that location and he asked Officers to reconsider their choice.

Councillor Martin thought it was disappointing to note the end of the existing nativity scene but accepted that a modern alternative could still support a Christian ethos.

The Head of Assets and Property Services took on board Members’ comments, advising that approval in principle had been sought in order to investigate a variety of options.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Leslie, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the recommendation be adopted.

8. BOROUGH CLEANLINESS SURVEY PROGRAMME – FILE 74001

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Environment detailing that the Council had received a proposal from Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful to join their Borough Cleanliness Survey Programme. The programme would involve Keep NI Beautiful carrying out 100 random surveys across the Council area four times annually. The surveys were carried out by trained assessors and without prior notification to the Council to ensure realistic results. The annual cost of the service was £7,500 per annum.

Ards BC was a member of the programme prior to RPA and had used the results to refine and improve street cleansing services, and to more effectively make use of limited resources. The programme also provided benchmarking information against other participating NI councils and the NI averages. Following each survey a quarterly report was issued to allow Councils to monitor trends. Member Councils were also provided with an annual report which also provided more detailed benchmarking data for participating NI Councils.

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In view of the new duties on the Council in respect of performance improvement and being able to demonstrate continuous improvement, the Keep NI Beautiful programme represented a useful and independent method of validating the Council’s performance in terms of street cleansing.

RECOMMENDED that the Council joins the Keep NI Beautiful Borough Cleanliness Survey Programme, at a cost of £7,500 per annum.

In reply to an enquiry from Councillor Cummings, the Head of Waste and Cleansing Services stated that no additional members of staff would be employed.

The Director of Environment outlined how external independent assessors would be more objective than any employee and would be extremely beneficial in providing a focus on areas for improvement.

(Councillor Brooks entered the meeting at this stage – 7.55 pm)

Councillor Roberts sought further details as to what the 100 random surveys would entail.

The Head of Service confirmed that eight specific area types would be surveyed such as industrial, parks, open spaces etc, with every cigarette butt, piece of dog waste, chewing gum, litter, etc presented in a detailed report to Council to allow identification of problematic locations.

Councillor Fletcher was conscious of the fact that Council’s vehicle fleet would eventually be repainted and suggested that those vehicles could be utilised as a medium to remind ratepayers to keep the Borough tidy.

The Director conveyed to the Member that a multi-faceted education programme was already in place for schools, community groups, etc. to raise awareness of the public’s environmental responsibilities. Work was ongoing to develop and augment this education programme.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Barry, seconded by Councillor Armstrong, that the recommendation be adopted.

FURTHER AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Smart, seconded by Councillor Ferguson, that Council forwards a letter to Keep NI Beautiful, thanking the volunteers for their worthy efforts.

9. DISPOSAL OF STREET SWEEPINGS – FILE 74001

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Environment detailing that as Members may be aware there had been an ongoing issue regarding the disposal of the “dirty” water from street sweepings discharged at Balloo Waste Transfer Station (WTS). Officers had sought proposals to rectify the problem and enable the run-off to be discharged to foul sewer. The estimated cost of the civil works was in the region of £170,000.

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The Council’s Depot in Newtownards had an area set aside for sweeper emptying and consent to discharge agreement in place. With some minor improvements and rescheduling, Officers felt that the facility could in the future handle all sweeper waste and therefore avoid the need for further expenditure at the Balloo facility.

The solid residue from the discharged sweepings was currently sent to landfill with the residual household waste. On the basis that in future all the residues were collected at one point (Newtownards Depot), Officers had been looking at alternative methods of treatment to avoid landfill costs and had identified a possible treatment route that would allow up to 99% of the material to be recycled/recovered. It was estimated that the Council sent 2500 – 3000 tonnes of street sweeping residues to landfill annually at a cost of approximately £100 per tonne.

It was proposed that the Council undertook a 6 month pilot trial with ReCon Waste Management for the treatment of street sweepings at a gate fee of £50 per tonne plus delivery, and provided results were positive then sought tenders for the future treatment of street sweepings.

RECOMMENDED that the Council agrees the proposals outlined above for the future handling and treatment of street sweepings.

Councillor Cathcart welcomed the report and commended Officers for examining alternative methods for disposing of residues, resulting in anticipated annual savings in landfill costs.

In concurrence, Councillor Barry emphasised that landfill was a serious issue and praised Officers for aiming to recycle 99% of the residue material. He questioned what that specific treatment route would entail.

The Head of Waste and Cleansing Services explained that after screening the residues, the coarse and finer gravel could be used for concrete products, organic matter utilised as a soil substitute, waste water recycled etc and the resultant outcome was that a minimal 1% would end up as landfill.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Cathcart, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the recommendation be adopted.

10. DRAFT POLICY ON THE PROVISION OF LITTER AND DOG WASTE BINS – FILE 74010 (Appendix II)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Draft Policy and accompanying report from the Director of Environment detailing that the draft policy set out proposals for the provision of litter and dog waste bins in the future, with the key aims as follows:

. Ensure that new requests for the provision of litter and dog waste bins were dealt with in a timely manner . Ensure litter and dog waste bins were of the right design and in the right location

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. Deliver litter and dog waste bins that were fit for purpose and supported the street cleansing needs across the Borough . Outline the placement requirements for litter and dog waste bins so they were provided in the correct locations and did not provide a hazard to pedestrians . Develop standards of constancy for location, facilitate servicing and maintenance across all service areas

RECOMMENDED that the Council adopts the attached Draft Policy on the provision of Litter and Dog Waste Bins to ensure the consistent application of the policy through the Council.

Councillor Barry voiced his support for the draft policy and described the bin installation scoring system as being both an objective and transparent model offering an excellent start to making key decisions.

With regard to the size of litter bins, Councillor Fletcher was mindful that in some busier areas those could be filled to overflowing and he queried if perhaps larger replacements could be considered. In addition, he believed it would be favourable for dog waste bins to be supplied with biodegradable waste bags to prevent an accumulation of plastic waste bags in hedges, etc where irresponsible dog owners decide to dump them.

Councillor Roberts was keen to point out that the vast majority of dog owners actually lifted and disposed of dog waste in a responsible manner.

However, Councillor Wilson expressed unease about the system being open to abuse and perhaps leading to the Council having to supply hundreds of bins.

In response, the Head of Waste and Cleansing Services alluded to the new scoring matrix and reiterated that following assessment the vast majority of existing pending requests would not qualify.

On a positive note, Councillor Muir highlighted the importance of having the draft policy in place for providing Officers with guidelines for evaluating requests, enabling Council to be recognised as acting impartially.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Barry, seconded by Councillor Fletcher, that the recommendation be adopted.

11. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT – FILE 90001 (Appendix III)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Memorandum of Understanding, Service Level Agreement and accompanying report from the Director of Environment detailing that since the introduction of the Welfare of Animals (NI) Act 2011, a regional approach had been adopted for the delivery of the Council’s enforcement functions and in particular the employment and management of the Animal Welfare Officers (AWOs). Such an approach was required by DARD, which provided the relevant funding, and

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EC.2.9.15 preferred by the Councils as providing the most effective and efficient use of the limited resources available.

With the implementation of Local Government Reform, the Councils’ Project Board had reviewed, along with DARD, the existing arrangements and developed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

The MOU established a framework through which the delivery of the service would be managed by one Regional Lead Council, presently Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. Furthermore the MOU clarified the co-operative approach to monitoring the implementation and enforcement of the Act, detailed the financial arrangements and clarified the relevant roles undertaken by the Lead Council.

As part of the structures it detailed that the Regional Lead Council would be supported by four regional groups one of which would be the Eastern Region consisting of Belfast City Council, Lisburn and Castlereagh Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council. To support the work of each sub-regional group, a draft Service Level Agreement had been developed, see Appendix two, within which one of the three councils would take the sub regional lead role and subsequently liaise closely with the Regional Lead Council in the delivery of services, manage performance, oversee expenditure and manage the day today work of the AWOs. Belfast City Council was likely to take that role subject to approval from its Corporate Management Team and Council.

Comments

The MOU supported by the SLA provided a good framework for the management of the Animal Welfare Service ensuring good lines of communication between local government and DARD whilst ensuring suitable governance and monitoring arrangements were in place.

DARD had committed to providing £1.1million for the delivery of the animal welfare service across Northern Ireland in 2015-16 but had made it clear that any subsequent overspend must be met by the Councils. It was also noted that within the SLA that should the sub regional budget (£339,779) be exceeded then the Councils within that region would be required to cover the cost of any subsequent overspend and therefore share the liability equally.

The likely reason for an overspend would be as a consequence of having to seize animals and subsequently looking after them, including veterinarian costs, prior to the issue of a disposal order or pending the result of a court case. Costs particularly in relation to looking after equines can be high and budgets could be exceeded. To date that has not been an issue for the Eastern Councils and although it was unlikely to occur, there was a potential for the situation to arise. Although efforts would undoubtedly be made to secure additional funding from DARD, it was unlikely to be successful leaving the Councils’ liable.

RECOMMENDED that the Council notes the MOU and subject to there being no significant change to the details contained within the SLA authorises its approval.

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AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Barry, seconded by Councillor Cathcart, that the recommendation be adopted.

12. LONDONDERRY PARK – DOG CONTROL ORDERS – FILES DC1245/90001 (Appendix IV)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Responses to Consultation, Plan of Londonderry Park and accompanying report from the Director of Environment detailing that in May 2015 the Council agreed to propose to introduce the following Dog Control Orders for Londonderry Park, Newtownards, namely:

1. The Dogs Exclusion (Londonderry Park, children’s play area and sports pitches etc) Order 2015 2. The Dogs on Leads (Londonderry Park, path networks and car parks etc) Order 2015 3. The Dogs on Leads by Direction (Londonderry Park) Order 2015

In order to introduce Dog Control Orders, the Council was required to enter into a specified consultation process involving the publication of public notices in the press inviting representation concerning the proposed orders. Notices were placed in the local press along with articles and details contained within the Council’s Facebook page.

Three responses to the consultation which was open for over 28 days were received and were attached, see appendix one. As noted from the three comments there was some acceptance that there needed to be measures to control dogs particularly in some sensitive areas such as the play park and sports pitches. Concerns were raised however that dogs would not be able to be exercised off lead to the same degree as at present. Comment had also been made concerning facilities for dog walkers such as bins and improved paths. The Head of Leisure had confirmed that additional bins had been installed in the park and the path network upgraded making it easier for all to walk around the park.

Following the minimum 28 day period to make representations the Council must consider the comments received and then publish a further notice confirming its decision. If an order was made signage should be displayed in the area confirming details of the Order.

As Members would be aware the Council did receive many complaints each year concerning dog control related matters including dog fouling, attacks on people and other animals and inadequate control. In particular complaints and comments were made about dog fouling on sports pitches and public parks and despite increased patrols and the number of fines being issued that remained the case.

As previously reported in developing Londonderry Park the Council hoped to provide a first class sporting and community recreational facility that encompassed a wide range of activities that included those who walked and exercised their dogs. As part of the proposal, the Council had indicated that it wanted to manage that shared space by introducing a traffic light type scheme as summarised below;

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1. dogs would be excluded from entering sensitive areas such as sports pitches and children’s play area (marked red on the attached map, see appendix 2) 2. dogs to be kept under control (ie on a lead) in areas where other members of the public were likely to be, namely the path network and car park (marked orange), and 3. to provide an area/s where dogs could be exercised off the lead (marked green)

In order to further assist staff to manage the park it was also proposed that the introduction of a Dogs on Leads by Direction Order would be appropriate. That Order provided authorised officers of the Council the power to direct members of the public to place their dog/s on a lead in the green zone. That power would be appropriate if it appeared to an officer that a dog was not being controlled and may pose a danger or nuisance to other park users.

An exemption to the dog exclusion order applied to an assistance dog being used by person with a disability within the meaning of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

RECOMMENDED in view of the above and taking into consideration the responses to the consultation, it is recommended that the Council agrees to the introduction of the three specified Dog Control Orders.

Councillor Armstrong-Cotter made reference to the report and the concerns raised by a number of users of Londonderry Park. She expressed the viewpoint that the matter required further discussion to alleviate those concerns and satisfy the needs of everyone.

Councillor Armstrong-Cotter proposed, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the matter be deferred and a site meeting held at Londonderry Park in order for Members to view the new facility and discuss concerns regarding implementation of the Dog Control Orders, lighting, pathway and toilets.

Councillor Smart agreed that further consideration was essential and was of the opinion that the land in question should be available for all to use i.e. responsible dog owners, children, local sports teams, etc. He said that the surfacing of the path was good in the majority of places but in others he observed a liability towards flooding. He also thought that the vandalism of the new toilet block was disgraceful.

Councillor Barry concurred with those comments and emphasised the importance of balancing the needs of dog walkers and children. He regretted that the consultation period fell during the summer when most people were on holiday and therefore, the three responses received did not fully reflect the depth of feeling on the issue.

The Chairman (Councillor Boyle) informed Members that he had walked around Londonderry Park earlier that day and it was indeed a tremendous facility that deserved credit. He reiterated that a few minor improvements would allow everyone to enjoy the amenity and anticipated that the site meeting would provide an opportunity to relay all concerns raised.

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Having listened to the debate, the Head of Building Control, Licensing and Neighbourhood Environment remarked that the five letters submitted to Council predominately referred to the Dog Control Orders. Ultimately, it had been Council’s intention to create a shared space for families, dog walkers and sports users. He advised that he would be in attendance at the site meeting together with Leisure Services Officers.

Responding to an enquiry from Councillor Ferguson, the Head of Service confirmed that appropriate signage in relation to the Dog Control Orders had been erected and further information had also been placed in local newspapers and social media. Enforcement Officers had been patrolling the area to give advice and warnings with the result that one fixed penalty notice had been served. It was anticipated that staff would be on site on a more permanent basis and be authorised to enforce the legislation.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND that the matter be deferred and a site meeting held at Londonderry Park in order for Members to view the new facility and discuss concerns regarding implementation of the Dog Control Orders, lighting, pathway and toilets.

13. PROPOSED IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LICENSING OF PAVEMENT CAFES ACTT – FILE 90001 (Appendix V)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Letter from Department for Social Development, Draft Licensing Guidance and accompanying report from the Director of Environment detailing that the Department for Social Development had written to the Council seeking Council support to fully implement the Licensing of Pavement Cafés Act (NI) 2014 (the Act) with effect from 1 April 2016 and seeking comments on draft guidance.

The Act was made in 2014 but implementation was delayed to allow issues raised in its passage through the Assembly relating to scheme implementation, including the drafting of a guide to the Act, model terms/conditions, transitional arrangements and initial funding, to be considered further.

The licensing scheme would allow owners of cafés, restaurants, pubs, or other premises selling food or drink, to apply to their local council for a pavement café licence. The Act placed an onus on a Council to grant a licence unless it had a good reason to refuse an application. When considering applications, Councils would be required to consult with Transport NI and, where the associated premises was a public house, with the PSNI, before coming to a final decision. Councils would be able to impose a range of licence conditions, charge a reasonable fee and may vary, suspend or revoke the licence in certain circumstances. The Act provided Councils with the power to remove facilities at unlicensed pavement cafés and created several new offences to aid enforcement by Council officers.

The Act could be found at http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nia/2014/9/contents.

In response to the matters raised by NILGA during the passage through the Assembly, DSD had given a response and had asked for comments from the Council.

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1. Draft Guidelines

The Department had given a commitment to work with local Councils and other bodies in drafting appropriate guidance on implementing the legislation. To date there had been minimal contact with Councils but it had taken advice from Inclusive Mobility Transport Advisory Committee (Imtac) about issues relating to pedestrian access and had now issued draft guidance; see appendix B.

IMTAC raised concerns that district Councils would not enforce the scheme robustly and had asked that the current working draft of the scheme guidelines be strengthened to protect pedestrians. In particular, they would like a minimum of 2m unobstructed width around a pavement café. That was dealt with in more detail in Para. 4.11 of the guidelines.

The Act did not specify minimum standards in terms of the size, layout or design of a pavement café. However, the Department believed the licensing scheme itself and measures incorporated in the Act, provided sufficient safeguards to ensure that authorised pavement cafés would be safe, well managed and sensitive to the needs of street users and the surrounding area. The most significant safeguard was the statutory requirement for Councils to consult with Transport NI on individual applications. Transport NI was considered best placed to advise Councils on the needs of pedestrians and access issues in relation to applications for a pavement café. Whilst the draft guidelines stated that a clear pedestrian route must be maintained at all times, it was considered that each pavement café application would need to be assessed on a site by site basis, having regard to the existing streetscape, traffic volume and the level of footfall.

Officer Comment

It was considered that IMTAC’s concerns that Councils would not enforce that legislation robustly should be allayed as Councils had a long history of implementing and enforcing such licensing regimes fairly and robustly.

Council should however support IMTAC’s call for the guidelines to be strengthened as the current draft guidance did not provide sufficient direction for Councils.

Also whilst there was a requirement to consult with Transport NI, it would be for the Council to deal with applications, give informal help and advice (both before and during the application process), make the final decision on an application and defend that decision potentially in Court. Should Transport NI have guidance which they proposed to use that needed to be available to the Council and must be an integral part of the guidance document.

Guidance notes were there for the benefit of the Council, applicants and persons who wished to know the grounds on which to object to a licence application. Whilst not prescriptive the guidance needed to be clear and offer advice/reasons why the Council could go against the guidance to meet special circumstances.

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The current draft guidance did not provide sufficient guidance and was only a slightly amended draft of the guidance notes issued with the legislation.

It was recommended that the Department established a working group to develop the necessary guidance and that group needed to include Council officers, disabled groups, business leaders, Transport NI and the PSNI.

2. Model Terms and Conditions

NILGA also asked the Department to consider establishing a working group to look at this issue of ‘model’ terms and conditions for grant of a pavement café licence, in line with those applying for entertainment licences.

The Department questioned the need to establish such a group for pavement cafés as the conditions of a licence were likely to vary, depending on factors such as site location and nature of the associated premises. Establishing such a group would also have resource implications. The Department was however, currently drafting the ‘form of licence’ regulations which it was believed should provide a ‘template’ for considering specific terms and conditions to be included in a licence.

Officer Comment

NILGA requested the establishment of a working group to try to ensure that the legislation was enforced in a similar manner across all 11 Councils and that premises would be set similar requirements by each Council. There was a demand to reduce red tape on businesses. It was noted that there was a growing number of businesses operating from a multiple premises across Northern Ireland and it was therefore important that there was a reasonably uniform approach to licensing conditions. It was also considered that there would not be a big resource implication for the Department or Councils in establishing such a group.

Council should request the Department to establish a working group to produce model licence conditions.

3. Volume of Applications

NILGA had expressed some concerns about the volume of first-time applications and the cost of administering the scheme, which may exceed what a Council would be comfortable charging businesses.

In their response the Department considered that the majority of initial applications would be made in response to pro-active enforcement by Council officials and as such the scheme could be rolled-out as resources were deployed. As regards initial funding support, the Department believed that would be difficult to justify in the current economic climate, as the facility to apply for a licence did present an opportunity for a business to add to its profits. Ultimately, it would be for local businesses to decide whether or not to make an application, having regard to licensing and operational costs and the expected commercial benefits.

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Officer Comment

It was considered that that approach was not realistic and was at odds with the statement that Councils and businesses had been calling for and waiting for the introduction of this Act. It was considered that once that legislation was publicised businesses would be keen to regularise existing street pavement furniture; it was considered that many other premises had been waiting for the legislation before placing furniture on the pavement legally.

There was expected to be a high demand in the first 6 months and that would put considerable demands in terms of staffing on the Councils to deal with applications in a reasonable time. It should also be noted that under the EU Services Act should a Council not determine a licence application within a given time, then it was considered that the application was granted.

Resources would need to be found to meet this high initial demand both in terms of establishing the appropriate licensing processes, training officers and carrying out all of the necessary inspections.

An initial estimate indicated that potentially over 100 premises in the Borough would require a licence following the introduction of the Act.

4. Implementation

The Department was now looking to district Councils to make the preparations necessary to administer the new licensing scheme. The Department would, in due course, finalise the draft guidelines and technical regulations and update Councils on progress. It was seeking confirmation that arrangements could be made by Councils to bring the Act into operation on 1 April 2016.

Comment

Provided that the Department can finalise the guidance and implement the outstanding legislation early in the New Year then the Council should be able to meet the 1 April 2016 implementation date but the following should be noted:

1. It was considered likely that the level of application would be high in the first months/year for the reasons identified above. As an early estimate, there could be around 100 premises applying for licences in the Borough. That would mean additional resources in terms of administration and Licensing Officers to meet that demand and expectation, as yet unquantified

2. The Department should be asked to support a period of grace eg for applications to be processed without enforcement action

3. Officers would need time to be trained and familiarised with the process to undertake the licensing work

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RECOMMENDED that the Council considers the letter from the Department for Social Development dated the 3 July 2015 and forward its comments based on those made by officers in this report.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Cummings, seconded by Councillor Armstrong, that the recommendation be adopted.

(Councillor Armstrong-Cotter left the meeting at this stage – 8.33 pm)

(Councillor Martin left the meeting at this stage – 8.33 pm)

14. RESULT OF COURT PROCEEDINGS – FILES DC1328/ CG2557/A488/90001

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Environment detailing the undernoted information:

Bye-laws Prohibiting the Consumption of Alcohol in Public Places

At Newtownards Magistrates Court in May 2015, Mathew Murphy of 41 De Wind Drive, Comber was convicted of consuming intoxicating liquor in a designated place, namely Gibson’s Lane, Newtownards, contrary to Council byelaws. Mr Murphy was fined £10 and ordered to pay £132 costs and a £15 offender levy.

Dogs NI Order 1983

At Newtownards Magistrates Court in June 2015, Sonia Stirrup of 22 Blackstaff Road, Kircubbin was convicted of keeping a dog without a licence. Ms Stirrup was fined £75 and ordered to pay £166 costs and a £15 offender levy.

Welfare of Animals NI Act 2011

At Newtownards Magistrates Court in August 2015, the Council case against Ms Elizabeth Dunbar of 58 South Street, Newtownards was heard. Ms Dunbar was charged with being a keeper of a dog which she caused to suffer unnecessarily and for failing to take reasonable steps to ensure that the needs of the said dog were met to the extent required by good practice.

Following consideration of the defendant’s personal circumstances, it was agreed that the summons would be withdrawn but that Ms Dunbar would be bound over to keep the peace. As this was deemed a conviction, the Court also made a lifetime Disqualification Order under section 33 of the above Act.

Ms Dunbar had owned two dogs both of which had been seized by the Animal Welfare Officers. The first dog seized was, following the issue of a Disposal Order, rehomed while the second dog seized in July 2015 was presently in the Council’s care and would be rehomed following the completion of a voluntary surrender form which Ms Dunbar’s solicitor had undertaken to obtain.

RECOMMENDED that members note the report.

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AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Armstrong, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the recommendation be adopted.

15. ENERGY PERFORMANCE OF BUILDING REGULATIONS ENFORCEMENT PROTOCOL AND SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT WITH BELFAST CITY COUNCIL 2015 – FILE 90002 (Appendix VI)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Enforcement Protocol, Service Level Agreement and accompanying report from the Director of Environment detailing that since the introduction of the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificate and Inspections) Regulations in 2009, the regulations had been enforced with the assistance of a central EPB Team employed by Belfast City Council and supported by DFP funding.

The DFP had confirmed further funding of £150,000 for the year 2015/2016 based on the primary stipulation that the centralised EPB Team, and the existing mechanisms put in place by the Enforcement Protocol were the basis on which that funding was secured.

The attached Enforcement Protocol and Service Level Agreements had been updated to reflect Local Government reform.

The Council was asked to note the contents of the updated Enforcement Protocol, support the continuation of the EPB Team under the employment of Belfast City Council, and to the approve the Service Level Agreement for the year to 31 March 2016.

RECOMMENDED that the report be approved.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Leslie, seconded by Councillor Roberts, that the recommendation be adopted.

16. BUILDING CONTROL ACTIVITIES MAY – JULY 2015 – FILE 90002)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Environment detailing that this report provided information on the principal activities of the Building Control Section in relation to the enforcement of the Building Regulations.

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(a) Number of Applications Received

Full Plan Applications Received 2015/2016 100 90

80 70 60 50 40 30 No of No Applications 20 10 0 Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Full Plans Applications May June July Building Notice Applications 210 257 183 Regularisation Applications 49 51 40

(b) Fee Income Total Monthly Income from Building Control Fees 90000 80000 70000 60000

50000 40000 Income 30000 20000 10000 0 Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar 2015/2016

Total monthly fees received May - July 2015 £182,037.00 Cumulative monthly income to date £242,486.00 Forecast Income to date £241,200.00

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(c) Department Output May – July 2015

Full Plans Approvals issued 219 Full Plans Rejections Notices issued 218 Building Notices certificates issued 485 Regularisation Certificates issued 134

(d) Inspections

Total Inspections 4016

(e) Dangerous Structures

Initial Inspections 4 Re-inspections 2 Recommended for Legal Action 0

(f) Property Certificates

Property Certificate Income 2015/2016 20000 18000 16000 14000 12000 10000

Income 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar 2015/2016

Received May – July 2015 787 Processed 646 Building Control Average Response Time 0.2 Days Monthly fee income £47,220.00 Monthly fee forecast £37,050.00

RECOMMENDED that the report be noted.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Barry, seconded by Councillor Muir, that the recommendation be adopted.

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17. NON STATUTORY BUILDING CONTROL FEES – FILE 90002 (Appendix VII)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Appendix 1 – Schedule of legacy and proposed non statutory Building Control fees and accompanying report from the Director of Environment detailing that the fees charged for Building Regulation applications was set down in legislation and applied across all eleven Councils.

The Building Control service provided some services however for which there was no legislated fee. Whilst each of the legacy Councils charged as it felt appropriate in order to cover the cost of providing those services, those charges varied from Council to Council. Through BCNI(Building Control Northern Ireland) a standard set of charges had been determined, and it was proposed that the attached Schedule of Non-Statutory Fees be adopted and added to the Councils published list of charges.

RECOMMENDED that the fees as per the attached schedule be adopted and added to the Councils published list of charges.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Cummings, seconded by Councillor Edmund, that the recommendation be adopted.

(Councillor Martin re-entered the meeting at this stage – 8.40 pm)

(Councillor Fletcher left the meeting at this stage – 8.40 pm)

18. PROPOSED STREET NAMIN – FILES RD(A)579/RD(A)580/ FP2015/2183MAST/FP2015/2429/MAST/90002

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Environment detailing the undernoted:

Proposed Street Naming – The Mill Village Comber

A large development comprising of 60 dwellings was currently under construction on lands in The Mill Village, Comber and required three new street names to serve the new development. The developer had requested the names Mill Court, Mill Place and Mill Manor. The three proposed names were in accordance with the Council policy on street naming and postal numbering, and it was appropriate to the general neighbourhood.

RECOMMENDED that the new names of Mill Court, Mill Place and Mill Manor be adopted.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Armstrong, seconded by Councillor Roberts, that the recommendation be adopted.

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ORDER OF BUSINESS – ITEM 19

The Chairman (Councillor Boyle) advised that Item 19 – Environmental Warden Scheme would be discussed ‘In Committee’ at the end of the meeting.

(Councillor Fletcher re-entered the meeting at this stage – 8.44 pm)

20. UPDATE – RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP EVENTS – FILE 90003

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Environment detailing that as part of an ongoing programme to promote responsible dog ownership, the Neighbourhood Environment Team had sought community support in delivering local responsible dog ownership events/fun days. The programme was open to all constituted community groups which were offered up to £200 to organise local events which promoted responsible dog ownership and in particular highlighted issues such as dog fouling, dog welfare, licensing and general dog control. Four groups had sought the Council’s support with two events running over the summer whilst a further two were scheduled for September.

. 7 June 2015 – & District Community Association . 18 July 2015 – & District Community Association . 19 September 2015 – West Winds Association Development . September 2015 (date to be confirmed) – Cherryvalley Residents Association

The scheme was part of the Council’s ongoing responsible dog control education/awareness programme which also included the Green Dog Walkers scheme, Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training days, outreach events and general promotional work.

RECOMMENDED that Members note the report.

Councillor Muir commented on the usefulness of furnishing Members with a summary of the overall strategy for dog control in the new Council.

The Director of Environment undertook to bring back a report encapsulating all duties that Officers were carrying out in relation to the matter.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Muir, seconded by Councillor Armstrong, that the recommendation be adopted.

21. NOTICE OF MOTION RELATING TO SPRING CLEAN – FILE 90005

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Environment detailing that at the meeting of the Environment Committee held on 3 June 2015, consideration was given and subsequently approved to the Notice of Motion detailed below.

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“That while this Council recognises the valuable year-round service provided by frontline staff within the Waste Management Department, it also acknowledges the potential positive impact on our communities of a scheduled Spring-Clean. Officers are therefore asked to come back with a report on how this might be accomplished involving as many local organisations as possible including schools, statutory and voluntary organisations, service organisations, business and commercial organisations and local residents with a view to making it part of the annual pre- summer schedule”.

Background

Both the legacy North Down and Ards Borough Councils had for many years promoted community clean up events often during the April to May period. Those events were primarily supported by local schools, youth groups and community associations. Level of participation varied from year to year but was reasonably successful and proved positive.

Much of the legacy Councils’ efforts to promote clean-up activities, particularly that in Ards supported and complemented the National Spring Clean scheme run by Keep NI Beautiful (previously Tidy NI). Linking with Keep NI Beautiful’s campaign had however proved problematic in that it had led to confusion as local groups had registered online with Keep NI Beautiful, which had subsequently failed to notify the Council or acknowledge arrangements. Promotion of the event at a local level by Keep NI Beautiful had also been patchy and it had not been able to target effectively the groups and organisations likely to participate.

Way forward

Undertaking clean ups and litter picks can be a rewarding experience for all participants whether they be young people from schools or youth groups/ associations or adults connected to a community/ residents groups. Clean up events could help improve civic pride, promote awareness of littering/illegal dumping and the environment, whilst also improving the visual amenity of the Borough by the removal of litter from verges, school grounds, streets and beaches. With that in mind, developing and promoting clean up events as part of a wider environmental education and awareness raising programme would be seen as a valuable and worthwhile initiative.

The Neighbourhood Environment Team was developing an environmental education/information programme aimed at promoting awareness including topics such as littering, illegal dumping, dog fouling, biodiversity, environmental respect and recycling. The programme, which would dovetail with schemes/programmes offered by the Council’s recycling and waste minimisation officers, was likely to consist of a menu of activities and services including initiatives such as school talks and presentations, community outreach events and local environmental improvement programmes. (A report on the full environmental education programme offered would be brought back to Council in due course). The running of clean up events would be seen as an element of that programme which, although promoted throughout the year, would be prioritised in the spring.

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Promoting a Borough wide Spring Clean

The Environmental Education/Awareness programme would be promoted through the normal channels such as social media, press coverage, leaflets and general correspondence. In order however to ensure a good level of participation across the Borough for a Spring Clean event, the following additional activities would be planned.

Action Timescale Publicise decision of Council to run a Spring Clean Event October 2015 Write to relevant groups, schools (including those involved January 2016 in the eco school programme) and other organisations providing early notification of spring clean event Launch registration programme February 2016 Issue further reminders seeking participation including, March to April 2016 press releases, general correspondence and social media Hold Spring Clean Events over two week period with April/May (date to be resulting press coverage confirmed) Seek press coverage and feedback through the issue of On conclusion of feature articles, general correspondence and social media event on the efforts of those involved and impact.

Additional resources would be required in order to deliver the programme including the following:

. Tabards for participants . Additional litter pickers, gloves and bags . Refreshments for participants . Additional staff time from the Neighbourhood Environment team in managing and supporting events, from the Council’s Cleansing section which, where appropriate, would be required to remove collected material and the Council’s Corporate Communications Team who would assist in promoting the event before, during and afterwards

The estimated cost for holding the Spring Clean event primarily due to the purchase of equipment, advertising and refreshments was estimated to be £5,000 which could be met from within existing budgets.

As already noted Keep NI Beautiful held an annual Spring Clean which had been largely managed by its staff. The planned Ards and North Down event would be run and managed by Council staff but would where possible utilise the national publicity generated by Keep NI Beautiful and would not be run in competition with its programme but as a locally managed element of it.

RECOMMENDED that the Council delivers a Borough wide Spring Clean in 2016 and the promotional campaign outlined above is developed and delivered.

In welcoming the report, Councillor Muir thanked Officers for their cohesive approach which would allow communities to engage and collaborate with the Council for the good of the Borough.

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Councillor Armstrong was also delighted with the planned working partnerships to enhance the existing programme and she paid tribute to Officers for their positivity and focus which ably displayed the Council’s commitment.

In terms of insurance, the Head of Building Control, Licensing and Neighbourhood Environment stressed that that cover would be dependent on who was organising an event. If it was Council led, then our insurance would be in place but if Council was facilitating a school or community group, they would apply their own coverage for the event.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Muir, seconded by Councillor Wilson, that the recommendation be adopted.

23. LIST OF CONSULTATION DOCUMENTS

23.1 Consultation on Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide in Northern Ireland – Access to Infrastructure Regulations and Licensing Etc. Regulations Comments to be submitted no later than 17 September 2015. Document available at http://www.detini.gov.uk/index/deti consultations

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Barry, seconded by Councillor Cummings, that the consultation document be noted.

24. NOTICES OF MOTION

24.1 Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Brooks and Alderman Chambers

“The Council in reflecting and taking into account the fact that substantial areas of Ards and North Down Borough are tourist destinations and that greater demands are made on Council provided services at holidays and weekends, should ensure that elected members have access to a point of contact officer at all reasonable times to highlight any emergencies or unforeseen circumstances. Officers on a rota basis could perform this duty with a dedicated mobile telephone number given to members for their use only.

The recent Easter holiday period when large numbers of the public visited our Borough and used our facilities exposed a weakness and fault line in communication at ground level particularly regarding the high volume of litter created. In adopting the above notice greater communication will enable an appropriate response to emergencies to be set in place."

Proposed by Councillor Leslie, seconded by Councillor Fletcher that the Notice of Motion be adopted.

Councillor Brooks thanked Members for permitting him to speak to his Motion. He recounted how a communication fault line had been exposed during the Easter holidays, when a high volume of visitors to the Borough resulted in overflowing litter bins at various locations. Having received complaints from the public, he expressed

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EC.2.9.15 dissatisfaction that he had had to wait until the Council offices reopened before he could report that situation. On that basis, he put forward the suggestion that Members should be able to avail of a mobile number of an Officer on duty at weekends and holiday periods who could react to such issues. The Borough was tourism oriented and he therefore requested a report on the costs and implications of providing that extended service.

(Councillor Smart left the meeting at this stage – 8.50 pm)

The Head of Waste and Cleansing Services firstly commented that he was unaware of those problems. He highlighted the proposed introduction of Town Centre Wardens which may help to assuage such glitches, as their duties would be directed towards the public toilets, litter and flyposting.

Councillor Leslie urged a cautionary approach as a precedent could be set, as staff working throughout holiday times would be entitled to enhanced payments. He reminded Members of how quickly the town centres were cleaned after holiday periods or events by the cleansing section, when in actuality litter and rubbish would be removed early the following morning.

Several Members echoed those sentiments acknowledging the hard work of staff that cleaned the streets to a high standard. It was also mentioned that employees were entitled to holidays and how helpful would an ‘on call’ officer be if they could not empty bins or sweep streets. Nevertheless, it was established that an emergency contact number for Members would definitely be advantageous in certain circumstances. They awaited the findings of the Officer’s report to provide clarity on associated costs and believed that a better informed decision could be taken at that stage.

In summing up, Councillor Brooks thanked Members for their constructive comments. He concluded that the main symptom of the problem was the waiting time until the Council office resumed business. As elected representatives, they were answerable to ratepayers and it was important to have a readily accessible contact number to deliver that service.

(Councillor Smart re-entered the meeting at this stage – 9.00 pm)

(Councillor Armstrong left the meeting at this stage – 9.00 pm)

AGREED TO RECOMMEND that the Notice of Motion be adopted and that a report be brought back.

EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC/PRESS

AGREED, on the proposal of Councillor Edmund, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the public/press be excluded during discussion of the undernoted items of confidential business.

(Councillor Armstrong re-entered the meeting at this stage – 9.02 pm)

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19. ENVIRONMENTAL WARDEN SCHEME – FILE 90003)

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

25. WEST STREET CAR PARK, NEWTOWNARDS

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

26. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

(a) Recycling Centres

Councillor Wilson had noticed that the recycling centre at Balloo in Bangor was closed during holiday periods and highlighted the detrimental effects of that decision. Rubbish had been dumped at the gates and upon re-opening, cars and trailers were seen queued for up to 45 minutes.

The Head of Waste and Cleansing Services stated that CCTV cameras were erected at the gates and persons responsible could be liable to prosecution. No member of staff had made him aware of that state of affairs in Bangor but the matter of opening hours would be addressed in a future report.

The Director of Environment elaborated further intimating that differing ways of addressing the problems in a flexible and affordable manner were being investigated. The opening hours of the recycling centres would be deliberated upon within the context of the overall review of waste management services.

NOTED.

(b) Whitespots Country Park

Councillor Boyle made mention of a complaint he had received from a constituent regarding vandalism, graffiti, broken glass and scrambler motorcycles in the vicinity of the Somme Heritage Centre and Helen’s Tower. He had since passed the issue onto relevant Officers.

The Head of Building Control, Licensing and Neighbourhood Environment was fully acquainted with the problems surrounding that particular location. A management plan for Whitespots Country Park had been formulated and a separate area for trial bikes had been designated which would hopefully assist in controlling those activities and the level of anti-social behaviour. A future report would be brought back to the Committee.

NOTED. 30

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Circulated for Information

(a) DETI Response to NIRO Closure Grace Periods Proposals in relation to Non- Wind Renewable Technologies (Document attached)

27. TERMINATION OF MEETING

The meeting terminated at 9.12 pm.

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ITEM 7.3

ARDS AND NORTH DOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

A meeting of the Regeneration and Development Committee was held in the Council Chamber, 2 Church Street, Newtownards on Thursday, 3 September 2015 at 7.00pm.

PRESENT:

In the Chair: Councillor T Smith

Aldermen: Girvan (Vice Chairman) M Smith

Councillors: Adair Gilmour Allen Leslie Armstrong-Cotter Menagh Cathcart Roberts Cooper Walker Ferguson

Officers: Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning, Head of Regeneration and Head of Economic Development and Tourism

Others in Attendance: Councillor Anderson

1. APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from Alderman McDowell, Councillor McClean (Deputy Mayor) and Councillor Cummings.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

The Chairman (Councillor T Smith) requested any declarations of interest.

Councillor Adair declared an interest in Item 5 – Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007–13.

NOTED.

3. ARDS AND NORTH DOWN VILLAGE PLANS

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning detailing that at the last meeting of the Committee it was agreed that the Council would facilitate the production of Village Plans for villages which had gone out of date or had no village plan at all. These villages were Kircubbin, Ballyhalbert, , Greyabbey, Portaferry and Conlig.

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Following consultation with representatives from those areas and feedback from other groups, a desire was also expressed to have an overarching Strategic Plan for the Ards Peninsula Villages, with an aim to establish a more collective and strategic approach to regenerating the area.

The Regeneration Unit had therefore sought quotations from six qualified organisations to undertake the development of five individual village plans and an overarching strategic plan for the Ards Peninsula.

The deadline for receipt of submissions was 1 September 2015. A report would be brought to the Council in September 2015 for consideration. The budget for the project had been set at £30,000 and this could be met from existing budgets.

RECOMMENDED that the Committee notes the above.

Councillor Adair commended officers on the excellent report. He spoke of the funding of £3.85 million which had been made available for rural areas which would make a significant difference locally. There had been a need for village plans to be up to date, realistic and deliverable. He hoped that these plans would engage residents to shape the future of their own villages. He stated that he had also been encouraged by the work of the Rural Development Programme to date.

Councillor Ferguson stated that she was looking forward to viewing the plans and hoped that future development would encourage tourists to make more visits to the Peninsula.

The Director advised that consultation would take place with all those who could potentially benefit from the proposals and it was hoped to have all of the 16 village plans ready by the end of the financial year.

The inclusion of Conlig in the proposal pleased Councillor Menagh who believed that the town was often overlooked due to its close proximity to both Bangor and Newtownards.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Adair, seconded by Councillor Ferguson, that the recommendation be adopted.

4. ATTENDANCE AT 20TH ANNUAL NORTHERN IRELAND ECONOMIC CONFERENCE

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning detailing that Agenda NI would stage the 20th Annual Northern Ireland Economic Conference at the Culloden Hotel, Belfast on Tuesday 20 October 2015.

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The title of the conference was „A new era of economic responsibility?” This event would consider the performance of, and prospects for, Northern Ireland‟s economy through an expert panel of local and visiting speakers. There would also be a political panel discussion providing an opportunity for debate with representatives from the main political parties on their economic priorities ahead of the next Assembly election. Key issues would include:

 Increasing productivity  Enhancing competitiveness  Impact of Brexit  Northern Ireland as an economic brand  Skills and economic inactivity  Implications of public sector reform  The living wage  Local enterprise development  Promoting innovation

RECOMMENDED that Council nominates the Mayor and the Chief Executive to attend the Annual Northern Ireland Economic Conference at a cost of £165 + VAT per delegate.

Members were asked to note that the Mayor would attend the event representing the Borough due to the fact that the event would take place within the Borough boundary.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Ferguson, seconded by Councillor Allen, that the recommendation be adopted.

(Councillor Adair left the meeting at 7.06pm)

5. NORTHERN IRELAND RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2007-2013

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning detailing that Ards Borough Council was the lead partner in the administration of the Down Rural Area Partnership Rural Development Programme. As part of the contractual arrangements, it was required to securely retain all documentation gathered over the life of the programme, for a period until 2021.

An internal trawl for suitable storage facilities had now been completed, but unfortunately no facility was identified. A quotation had been obtained from Ards Business Centre for the rental of a small unit, which could be easily fitted out and which would be easily accessible. The cost per year for the unit would be £1,152 + VAT. Any costs of fitting out the facility, which was anticipated to be less than £2,000, could be claimed via the current administration budget from Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). The easy access to this building would meet the requirements of DARD, as its auditors would continue to undertake spot checks in relation to monitoring the outputs of projects.

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The annual cost of renting the facility, or any facility, could not be claimed from the new Rural Programme, but would have to be met by the Council. This was currently being challenged with DARD and a response was awaited.

RECOMMENDED that the Council rents the unit from Ards Business Centre for a period of two years, at a cost of £2,304 + VAT. Following this a review of internal facilities could again be undertaken.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Roberts, seconded by Alderman Smith, that the recommendation be adopted.

(Councillor Adair re-entered the meeting at 7.09pm)

6. SIGNAL BUSINESS ASSIST PROGRAMME 2014 – 2015 EVALUATION AND OUTPUTS

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning detailing that the SIGNAL Business Assist Programme 2013-15, part-funded by the European Sustainable Competitiveness Fund for Northern Ireland 2007-2013, had assisted local businesses address barriers to growth and to create action plans to develop their business through a dedicated website, peer learning and one-to-one support.

The Programme consisted of 3 tiers of business support - Tiers 1 and 2 delivered by SIGNAL and Tier 3 by Core Consulting. Tier 1 support consisted of a business registering on the Programme website. The businesses were then contacted by the Programme Officer and support was provided in the form of advice, signposting to partner Programmes and/or use of the business research facility at SIGNAL. Tier 2 support was the same as Tier 1 but with the additional offering of an online business diagnostic, which was integrated into NIBusinessInfo.co.uk.

Support at Tier 3 incorporated a series of group workshops and one-to-one mentoring to address specific issues faced by small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to grow and provided intensive capacity building for 40 companies across Ards and North Down. Businesses for Tier 3 were selected from Tier 1 and 2 on their potential and ambition for growth. Each business on Tier 3 received 22 hours mentoring and attended 6 interactive workshops.

The Programme was funded 50% under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland and a further 25% from Invest NI and the remaining 25% by the Council.

A summary of the Programme Outputs were shown below:

KPI Programme Performance Indicators Target Achieved 1 180 businesses to be engaged 180 106* 2 80 business diagnostics 80 56* 3 40 Businesses to receive 1:1 mentoring 40 40 4 An increase of at least 5% in the cumulative 5% 13%

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turnover of the participating businesses. 5 At least 10 new jobs to be created in participating 10 23 businesses 6 4 new export businesses to be identified 4 10 *These targets were not achieved due to delayed programme approval from the Managing Authority and subsequent shorter programme timeframe and issues with data protection and data sharing from linked sites.

Overview of Project Performance Indicators

Businesses Engaged

A total of 106 businesses were engaged in the Programme. As per targets, 40 of these businesses progressed onto Tier 3 to each receive 22 hours one-to-one mentoring. The target of 180 could not be achieved within the timeframe as the Programme had a delayed start due to a delayed and lengthy approval process by the Managing Authority with no changes being made to reflect the reduced timeframe and on-going issues over data sharing. At the beginning of the Programme, technical difficulties with the website delayed the launch of the Programme and subsequently the timeframe to engage businesses. The website served as portal for businesses to register and as an entry point for businesses to receive further support from the Business Assist Programme Officer, services at SIGNAL and programme mentors.

Business Diagnostics

A total of 56 business diagnostics had been completed. All the businesses that engaged with the Programme were encouraged to complete the diagnostic. Once they registered on the Programme website they were prompted to click on a link which would bring them to the NIBusinessInfo diagnostic (this was stipulated in the Invest NI Letter of Offer). The Programme Officer also sent them a link via email as a reminder to complete the diagnostic.

Unfortunately the target of 80 could not be achieved in the timeframe as the Programme had a delayed start and there were difficulties linking the website to the diagnostic on Invest NI‟s NIBusinessInfo website. Issues over data sharing had prevented the tracking of completed diagnostics. In addition, a number of businesses also reported that the diagnostic did not provide them with any new information or value and that the questions weren‟t relevant to their business sector so preferred to talk directly with the Business Assist Officer to health check the business.

One-to-one Mentoring

By 30 June 2015, 40 businesses had received their allocated 22 hours mentoring which resulted in a total of 880hrs one-to-one mentoring being delivered through the Programme. The Programme had been divided into two separate cohorts of 20 businesses each. The 40 companies had also developed 40 action plans with their mentor.

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Participants had also been required to attend at least 5 interactive workshops and each attended the 6 workshops outlined below:

1. Innovation and Collaboration 2. Setting Priorities and Business Direction 3. Implementation and Engagement 4. Operations & Monitoring Performance 5. Site visit to Whale Pumps 6. Final Workshop and Networking event

Company Turnover

On-going advice and support regarding the increase of sales had been provided throughout the mentoring sessions. Benchmark data had been collected during the initial audit and again in the final audit completed during the mentoring sessions. When this report had been generated the businesses had an increase in cumulative turnover of 13% (£661,465 est.) which exceeded the Programme target of 5%. This was a good reflection of the calibre of businesses on the Programme and how the mentoring had helped each business to grow.

Jobs Created

A total of 23 jobs had been created among the companies that received mentoring which exceeded the Programme target of 10. Many of the participant companies were also provided with information on and signposted to the employment Programmes funded through the Department of Employment and Learning and Invest NI.

Referrals to Invest NI

The target had been exceeded as a total of 11 companies had been identified as having export potential and therefore the potential to become an Invest NI client company. Ten of the companies identified participated in the one-to-one mentoring and the other one had received advice from the Programme Officer and had been referred to Invest NI.

Knowledge/Capacity

A key quantitative output of the Business Assist Programme was knowledge. More specifically, the programme sought to improve the knowledge, skills and attitudes of the participants in the 4 key strategic business management areas highlighted in the SIGNAL Business Model.

1. Innovation 2. Sales and Marketing 3. People 4. Finance and Operations

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In order to measure the knowledge (along with skills and attitudes) of programme participants, the participating companies undertook a KSA (Knowledge, Skills & Attitude) assessment to score their own levels of knowledge, skills and attitudes both before and after the programme.

Overall, across all the areas benchmarked, participants showed an average improvement of their KSA scores of 17%. In Innovation, there was an average increase in knowledge of 11%, in Sales and Marketing the average increase was 19%, in People Development the increase was 22% and in Finance and Operations participants increased their knowledge by an average of 16%.

Collaborative Partnerships

Out of the 40 companies that received mentoring, 10 of them had developed collaborative partnerships with organisations to help grow their business. These innovative partnerships ranged from partnering with other companies to submit government tenders, partnering with colleges using Innovation Vouchers to extend product shelf life and partnering with companies outside of Northern Ireland to reach new markets.

Conclusion

Overall the Business Assist Programme had performed well against the Programme targets and objectives. It should be noted that, as the programme had just come to an end, it may take further time for the processes and lessons learnt to be embedded and further impact and sustained businesses growth to become apparent.

While the number of businesses engaged and the diagnostics completed fell below the target, the remaining targets (jobs, turnover and knowledge) which were direct measurement of the economic impact were exceeded. This programme had demonstrated that this model of business support had a significant positive impact on the growth of the economy. These positive results would demonstrate a strong rationale for running a similar mentor based programme in the future but with a different business diagnostic.

RECOMMENDED that the report is noted and that approval is granted to develop a new mentor-based growth programme which would be funded from existing budgets.

Members welcomed the positive outcomes outlined in the statistics. They queried if these jobs were sustainable and were advised that the jobs created would be monitored after 1 and 3 years.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Cooper, seconded by Councillor Walker, that the recommendation be adopted.

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7. SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning detailing that following the transfer of certain economic development and related powers from regional to local government, in April 2015, Ards and North Down Borough Council was now responsible for developing and implementing its own Social Entrepreneurship Programme. This programme was previously managed and run regionally by Invest NI and fully completed in July 2015.

The responsibility for designing and implementing a new and locally tailored social entrepreneurship programme formed part of the statutory duties of the Council under transferring functions and it now sought to provide a programme of support for new and existing Social Enterprises across the Borough.

Social entrepreneurship was a term which could apply to locally based initiatives and organisations commercially improving the wellbeing of their community through one or more commercially oriented projects whose gain was, in whole or in part, re- invested in the area benefiting from the ideas, improvements, or products. This did not mean that social entrepreneurs did not consider profitmaking value propositions. Ventures created by social entrepreneurs could certainly generate income, and they could be organised as either not-for-profit or for-profits. What distinguished social entrepreneurship was the primacy of social benefit.

In order to explore the needs of those interested in creating and running social enterprises SIGNAL ran an “Exploring Social Enterprise” workshop in May 2015 and also conducted more general research with individuals using Council‟s business support services. This identified that the following issues needed to be addressed:-

 Bringing investment due to a clear lack of available finance;  Bringing learning - limited awareness of the support available for social entrepreneurs applying this in terms of innovative financial modelling;  Bringing acumen - not having a business plan and not knowing how to create one;  Bringing acumen - not having a business plan and not knowing how to create one;  Bringing simple but good governance - lack of knowledge about the most appropriate legal structure;  Bringing new and necessary professionalism - lack of appropriate skills within the existing staff including financial forecasting, tendering/procurement, marketing;

In order to assist individuals and groups across the Borough to achieve these aims it was proposed to create and deliver a new programme that would:

 Give support for social economy business start-ups at pre and post start stages;  Provide guidance and business development support;  Clearly identify financial sustainability attainment for social enterprises through traditional and innovative means;

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 Build capacity and skills of the entrepreneurs in areas such as marketing, procurement and making funding applications;  Provide post start-up mentoring to ensure optimum economic impact on the community and increase survival rate;  Link social entrepreneurs with appropriate networks and hubs, including but not restricted to, the Social Enterprise Hub in Lisburn which currently had responsibility for the Ards and North Down area.  Evaluate Strategic Added Value of projects in the area;  Create an easily accessible multi-media tool box for applicants which could be used during all phases of the programme and beyond and would draw from existing toolkits and work done to support social entrepreneurship in Ards and North Down.

The programme would be open to existing and potential social enterprises in Ards and North Down Borough Council within the timescale and resources of the programme.

It would be proposed to run a new programme over 3 years, the delivery of which would be agreed through a tender process and it was estimated that the programme cost would be up to £70,000 over this period which would be met from the transferring functions budget.

RECOMMENDED that the Council approves the creation of a Social Entrepreneurship Programme.

Councillor Cooper asked if the funding of £70,000 for the Programme would be guaranteed into the future considering the unstable position which currently existed at Stormont. The Head of Economic Development and Tourism informed the Members that this funding came from a block grant from DOE which had already been ring-fenced.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Smith, seconded by Councillor Girvan, that the recommendation be adopted.

8. TRANSFERRING FUNCTION: BUSINESS START PROGRAMME OPTIONS

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning detailing that from 1 April 2015, responsibility for the Business Start programme had transferred to Councils. In order to give Councils time to prepare and create a programme, fit for purpose, it had been agreed with Invest NI to extend the contract for the current programme, which was initially two years, for a further period up to 22 October 2015. For the period April to October 2015 Councils had signed a Service Level Agreement with Invest NI for the delivery of the programme. Previous reports on the status of the transfer of the business start function and options had previously been brought to Council. This report provided the current status and options going forward.

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A working group, with representation from each of the eleven councils, continued to meet to assess options and to progress the task of creating a new programme which met the needs of each of the areas and to optimise funding opportunities.

To this end a scoping document, which was the first stage of the application process to draw down ERDF funds, had been submitted to Invest NI, as the Managing Authority, in mid-August 2015 and officers were awaiting its response before being able to proceed to a full application.

Officers had been informed that the application process and process of approval for a full application would take a minimum of 18 weeks. The timeline, in addition to being advised not to go to tender for programme delivery before approval was granted, meant that it was unlikely that it would be possible to run an ERDF funded business start programme within this financial year.

Councils were now drawing up contingency plans to ensure that they would continue to have a business start support post October 2015 and were considering the options below in order of preference:-

1. Extension of the current contract and subsequent SLA with Invest NI to continue to deliver the RSI Programme until March 2016. That required all 11 Councils making a formal request to DETI and in turn Invest NI and would be funded from transferring functions budgets.

It in turn would require a new agreement with Invest NI to deliver and manage a new marketing campaign associated with the programme.

2. On the basis that Option 1 was not possible, the Councils of the SEED area (Ards and North Down, Armagh City, and Craigavon, Newry Mourne and Down) plus Lisburn City and Castlereagh were working to create terms of references to go out to tender for the delivery of an interim Business Start programme across the area until 2016 which would be funded from transferring functions budgets.

Either option would also require marketing activity to promote the programme and it was envisaged that in order to secure that targets were achieved that the Council would continue with a marketing plan similar to the one being run for the period of the current SLA with Invest NI. That would require a budget up to £10,000 which would be met from the transferring functions budgets.

RECOMMENDED that Council approves that Ards and North Down Borough Council works with the 10 other Councils to pursue the ERDF Application for a Regional Business Start Programme but that approval was also granted to pursue and proceed with Option 1 or 2 as necessary, including marketing costs, to ensure continuity of support.

Councillor Gilmour proposed, seconded by Councillor Cooper, that the recommendation be adopted.

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Councillor Allen proposed an amendment, seconded by Councillor Ferguson, that the investment was welcomed from external sources but that Ards and North Down Borough Council meets with Invest NI to view the plans and advertisement campaign before making a commitment to funding.

(Councillor Anderson left the meeting at 7.29pm)

Replying to this, the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning said that the proposal was part of an 11 Council programme and that it was acting with every other Council across Northern Ireland. The proposed amendment could delay the programme going forward and working together with the other Councils was viewed as being best value for money.

Councillor Gilmour noted that this was an important programme and that the Council should not put itself in a position of potentially losing out and being left in the cold. For that reason she could not support the amendment put forward by Councillor Allen.

Other Members stood to agree with the view above stating that the proposed marketing plan was in the best interests of Northern Ireland as a whole. Placing constraints such as this would not help in moving forward.

Councillor Leslie asked the Director for assurances on the way forward and for the sharing of any information which was available.

On the amendment being put to the meeting, with 3 voting For and 11 voting Against, it FELL.

(Councillor Anderson re-entered the meeting at 7.32pm)

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Gilmour, seconded by Councillor Cooper, that the recommendation be adopted.

9. PUBLIC ART (BANGOR ABBEY) UPDATE

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning stating that further to the report to the Council dated 29 April 2015 regarding the Christian Heritage feature, originally planned to be installed in the grounds of Bangor Abbey in November, the following actions had now been undertaken.

Once confirmation had been received that the proposed site was acceptable to the representatives of the Abbey, the information had been passed to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). The NIEA had objected to the proposed location as it was too close to “Malachy‟s Wall.” A site meeting had been held and a new location within the general area had been proposed. A further meeting with representatives of the NIEA had been held and it had imposed the requirement to undertake an archaeological investigation of the suggested area, as the entire Bangor Abbey site was deemed a historic monument.

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Works would begin soon on an archaeological investigation and assuming that the NIEA was satisfied with the results, consent would follow. The cost of that would be in the region of £900 which could be met from current budgets. When consent was given, a planning application would be made and once approved the Bangor Bell could be installed.

The Council, when considering the previous report, expressed some concerns over the design of the six small statuettes which were to be placed around the base of the Bell. The Sculptor had considered that and the proposal was amended. At a recent meeting with representatives of the Abbey, the new proposal was favourably received.

A concern was also raised about the Bell and the six smaller sculptures being positioned at the one location. That too was an issue that the NIEA had raised. A solution that had been proposed was that the six sculptures would be evenly placed between the Bell and the Museum. In doing this it linked the story of the creation of the Bell back to the other artefacts in the Museum. This solution was also agreeable to the representatives of the Abbey and the NIEA and as the various locations for the siting of these was on Council land, it should not pose a problem. If planning permission was required an application could be made as part of the application for the Bell. The Sculptor had confirmed that these changes could be accommodated with the agreed tendered price.

Given the difficulties in gaining approvals, it was envisaged that if possible the Bell could be cast prior to the celebrations in November and located at a temporary site at the Abbey and then installed in the New Year.

The representatives of the Abbey were aware of the situation and were favourably disposed to siting the Bell temporarily and to extending the celebrations of St. Columbanus with a dedication and launch in the New Year.

RECOMMENDED that the Committee agrees to the above.

Members were pleased with the new proposal which appeared to tick „all the boxes‟, while also satisfying the church authorities. They thanked the architect and designer for the revised design. The Christian Heritage link between Bangor Abbey and the North Down Museum would be enhanced when the work was completed.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Leslie, seconded by Councillor Roberts, that the recommendation be adopted.

10. QUAY MARINAS FIRST QUARTER REPORT – APRIL TO JUNE 2015

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Regeneration, Development and Planning detailing that Quay Marinas operated Bangor Marina on behalf of Council. As part of the agreement Quay Marinas provided a quarterly and annual report which was presented to Committee as received.

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The report for the first quarter was furnished to members for 2015/16. The report covered the entire range of activities that were undertaken in the Marina.

RECOMMENDED that the report is noted.

The Director reported that Captain Kevin Baird from Quay Marinas had recently sent an invitation to her inviting Members to visit the operation there. She said that a visit would be arranged for Members in the coming months. Alderman Smith suggested that a visit to the Lifeboat Station, situated beside the Marina, could also be incorporated on the same date.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Girvan, seconded by Alderman Smith, that the recommendation be adopted.

11. THEATRE PROVISION FEASIBILITY STUDY

This item was withdrawn.

NOTED.

12. NOTICE OF MOTIONS

12.1 Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Cathcart

Councillor Cathcart proposed, seconded by Councillor Leslie, that the Council notes that the Ards and North Down area continues to achieve low numbers of new jobs supported by Invest NI, requests a deputation from Invest NI outlining the underlying causes and plans to address this issue, further notes the Council‟s new powers over economic and tourism development, as well as planning and community planning, commits to use these powers in conjunction with Invest NI, businesses and other relevant agencies to boost job creation in the Borough.

Councillor Cathcart put his Motion in context and highlighted his concerns that the Borough was not seeing the levels of job creation witnessed in other Council areas. While it had been difficult to calculate figures it was clear that Ards and North Down had consistently remained at the bottom of the job creation table.

In June 2015 the figures had been released on the 2014/15 financial year. The year saw Invest NI help promote 397 new jobs and offer over £3 million of support to businesses in the Borough. In addition to securing new jobs for the future, Invest NI support resulted in 286 new jobs actually created in the region during 2014/15. That was the lowest figure for actual jobs created out of the all the Council areas.

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He reported that in total over the last four years 945 jobs had been created in the combined Strangford and North Down area compared to 8,500 in Belfast. The Borough‟s proximity to Belfast was of benefit to many residents and every time jobs were created in Belfast it was likely that at least some of those would be filled by people who lived in the Borough. He said that while the Council should not compare itself with Belfast it could compare the Borough to other Boroughs surrounding the Greater Belfast area.

One example was Antrim and Newtownabbey. That was also a commuter Borough with large numbers working in Belfast yet it had managed over the years to achieve far greater numbers of new jobs. The same situation existed in other locations such as Lisburn and Castlereagh.

Ards and North Down Borough had the third lowest business rates in Northern Ireland, significantly lower than Belfast and indeed Antrim and Newtownabbey and yet there were very high levels of educational achievement in this area compared to other parts of Northern Ireland. The Borough was beautiful and was considered to be a desirable place to live with excellent transport links, so he questioned why this situation had arisen.

As a Councillor he needed to be aware of these reasons and work to address them. Council now had enhanced powers over local enterprise and tourism and would be creating development plans to boost job creation and conditions that would allow local businesses to grow by encouraging new investment. In order to achieve this, strong effective partnerships needed to be created with Invest NI, businesses and other relevant agencies.

Members wholeheartedly agreed with the Motion and stood in turn to support it.

Councillor Adair suggested that Invest NI be invited to come to Council to formulate a plan for the future and to explain how they viewed the Ards and North Down area in terms of investment. He referred to the Portavogie area and said that the fish processing factory there had at one point employed in the region of 300 people. It was the only major harbour in Northern Ireland which could no longer process its own fish. He queried how that situation had been allowed to occur. The figures were indeed worrying and he commended the Committee in its work to address this.

Councillor Girvan thanked the Member for bringing the Motion and stated that the area could only prosper as a region if it could export. She referred to what had been Comber Whiskey and would love to see that business being resurrected in her home town.

Councillor Gilmour welcomed the opportunity to meet with Invest NI and urged caution when looking at statistics since it was important to note that these were not always comparable. The meeting should focus on how Invest NI and Ards and North Down could work together most effectively.

There were numerous examples of successful businesses in the area such as Pritchitts, Denmans and Whale Pumps who were keen to work with Council.

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The Director informed Members a representative of Invest NI could attend the next Committee meeting and added that she would be happy to have questions and comments from Members put forward to Invest NI in advance of the proposed meeting.

In summing up Councillor Cathcart said that he was pleased to observe the positive new era of good partnerships around business and thanked Members for showing considerable support to his Notice of Motion.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Cathcart, seconded by Councillor Leslie, that the Council notes that the Ards and North Down area continues to achieve low numbers of new jobs supported by Invest NI, requests a deputation from Invest NI outlining the underlying causes and plans to address this issue, further notes the Council’s new powers over economic and tourism development, as well as planning and community planning, commits to use these powers in conjunction with Invest NI, businesses and other relevant agencies to boost job creation in the Borough.

12.2 Notice of Motion Submitted by Councillor Anderson

Councillor Anderson proposed, seconded by Councillor Walker, that the Council, in recognition of its commitment to enterprise would wish to explore the possibility of hosting and facilitating an “Enterprise Week” as a pilot initiative for the 2016 financial year, with the aim of promoting, developing, and assisting entrepreneurship within the Borough.

The initiative would include a series of events ranging from interactive workshops, informative talks and networking opportunities. We hereby call upon the officers to bring back a report on the feasibility of such a project, taking account of the views of relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to statutory agencies and local business representatives.

Councillor Anderson thanked Members for the opportunity to attend the Regeneration and Development Committee adding that it was a privilege to be there. In the past he had had experience of working with business start-ups and was passionate about the nurturing of the entrepreneurial spirit even though he admitted that it was a talent which he did not share. He suggested that Council had an open ear to business and facilitated its development in any way possible.

Members supported the Notice of Motion and wished to make it clear to businesses that the Council would work to support them.

The Director added this was work could be incorporated into other projects which were ongoing within Council. Developing an „Enterprise Week‟ project would involve a media drive and could potentially attract stand-alone finance.

In summing up Councillor Anderson thanked everyone for their kind comments and support. He was happy that social and business entrepreneurship could be encouraged and that work for Council would not necessarily need to be replicated.

15

RDC.04.06.15

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Anderson, seconded by Councillor Walker, that the Council, in recognition of its commitment to enterprise would wish to explore the possibility of hosting and facilitating an “Enterprise Week” as a pilot initiative for the 2016 financial year, with the aim of promoting, developing, and assisting entrepreneurship within the Borough.

The initiative would include a series of events ranging from interactive workshops, informative talks and networking opportunities. We hereby call upon the officers to bring back a report on the feasibility of such a project, taking account of the views of relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to statutory agencies and local business representatives.

12.3 EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS

AGREED, on the proposal of Councillor Armstrong-Cotter, seconded by Councillor Cooper, that the public and press be excluded from the meeting.

13. PICKIE FUN PARK QUARTER 1 2015-16

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

(Councillor Gilmour left the meeting at 8.54pm)

(Councillor Gilmour returned to the meeting at 8.55pm)

13.1 RE-ADMITTANCE OF PUBLIC AND PRESS

AGREED, on the proposal of Councillor Gilmour, seconded by Councillor Cathcart, that the public and press be re-admitted to the meeting.

14. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

14.1 Council’s Event Calendar

Councillor Ferguson stated that she had been unaware of some events which were being undertaken by Council and had been informed of them by some of her constituents. The Director advised that Members were given lists of events in advance and that the content of those were also approved by Council.

NOTED.

14.2 Development of Cloughey Beach as an Amenity Beach

Councillor Adair said that he would like to see this as a top issue in the village plan for Cloughey. Improved access to the beach was a priority and he was concerned at how long it appeared to be taking for this to be resolved.

16

RDC.04.06.15

NOTED.

14.3 Investment in Green Energy

Councillor Leslie asked Council to explore the possibility of working with Invest NI to develop Green Energy within the Borough and make it a hub for future business opportunities.

NOTED.

15. TERMINATION OF MEETING

The meeting terminated at 9.06pm

17

ITEM 7.4

ARDS AND NORTH DOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

A meeting of the Corporate Services Committee was held in the Council Chamber, 2 Church Street, Newtownards on Tuesday, 8 September 2015 at 7.02pm.

PRESENT:

In the Chair: Alderman Carson

Aldermen: Alderman Gibson Alderman Keery

Councillors: Anderson (Vice-Chairman) Barry Brooks Gilmour Kennedy Muir McIlveen Smart Smith

Officers: Director of Organisational Development and Administration, Head of Administration, Head of Finance, Head of Performance and Projects, Head of Human Resources, Compliance Manager and Democratic Services Officer

1. APOLOGIES

Apologies were received from the Mayor (Alderman Graham) and Alderman Chambers.

The Chairman (Alderman Carson) took the opportunity to enquire about the Director of Finance and Performance, following his recent time of ill health.

The Director of Organisational Development and Administration advised Members that the Director of Finance had undergone some tests, which had not indicated any further depreciation in his health, and further tests were planned. She continued that she planned to visit the Director later that week and would pass on Members‟ best wishes to him.

The Chairman (Alderman Carson) also took the opportunity to thank the Vice Chairman (Councillor Anderson) for chairing the previous meeting of the Committee on his behalf, during his period of ill health.

2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

The Chairman (Alderman Carson) asked for any declarations of interest. CSC.08.09.15

Councillor Muir declared an interest in Item 7 – Former Donaghadee Bus Depot as he was an employee of Translink.

3. DEPUTATIONS

3.1 Rivers Agency – Flood Maps of Northern Ireland

The Chairman (Alderman Carson) welcomed Mr Malcolm Calvert and Mr Jim Martin, Rivers Agency NI, to the meeting and invited them to make their presentation.

Mr Calvert thanked Members for the opportunity to present on flood hazard and risk mapping. He proceeded to take Members through a PowerPoint presentation and made the following salient points:-

 The European Union had issued a directive on the assessment and management of flood risks, titled The Floods Directive.

 The Directive covered all sources of flooding including:-  fluvial (river)  coastal  pluvial (surface water)  impoundments (dam failure)  groundwater

 The Directive aimed to manage flood risk to reduce the effects of flooding on:-  human health  economic activity  the environment  cultural heritage

 A higher priority would be given to human health and economic activity concerns.

 The Directive had a three stage approach:- a) Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment Significant Flood Risk Areas b) Flood Hazard Maps and Flood Risk Maps c) Flood Risk Management Plans

 Public access to information, participation and communication had been established.  The Directive required that detailed maps be developed in order to identify those areas for which potential significant flood risks existed or might be considered likely to occur  Areas of Study in the North East FRMP District had concluded that parts of Newtownards and Bangor had significant flood risk areas.

CSC.08.09.15

At this stage of the presentation, Mr Calvert talked Members through several slides showing maps of Northern Ireland. The maps gave an overview of settlements and rivers, flooded properties (since 2007), and significant flood risk areas and areas for further study. A further two maps focussed on the Ards and North Down Borough and highlighted Ballygowan, Comber and Holywood as areas for further study.

 Flood hazard maps had to cover the geographical areas which could be flooded according to the following scenarios:-

a) floods with a low probability, or extreme event scenarios b) foods with a medium probability (likely to return period ≥ 100 years) c) floods with a high probability, where appropriate

At this stage of the presentation, Mr Calvert talked Members through several slides giving examples of flood hazard and showing elements of the flood extent; water depths or water level, as appropriate; and where appropriate, the flow velocity or the relevant water flow.

 Flood risk maps had to show the potential adverse consequences associated with flood scenarios and expressed in terms of (a) the indicative number of inhabitants potentially affected and (b) type of economic activity of the area potentially affected.

Mr Calvert then showed Members several maps of Comber illustrating the damages, inhabitants affected and other things in the event of low, medium and high probability flood risk. He then went on to make the following remarks about the Northern Ireland Mapping Agreement (NIMA):-

 Rivers Agency and LPS were in partnership for licensing Flood Mapping products.  The Flood Mapping products were now included in the NIMA, which meant they were available to NIMA customers or those working on behalf of NIMA customers (this included all Northern Ireland Civil Service Departments, Agencies, Non Departmental Public Bodies and Councils).  Flood Mapping had been provided to Planning NI and had now been included on the Planning Portal.  Flood Mapping had been provided to Spatial NI; in the future the detail flood mapping would be readily available to Planning staff in Councils, for use within their desktop GIS systems, for example, in developing Area Development Plans.  Licensed Flood Mapping services were now available via Flood Maps (NI).  Outputs from the Flood Models could also be used to create animations of flood events.  They could also be useful for understanding flooding mechanisms and as an aid in developing emergency plans.  Animations were on FloodRiskManagementNI Vimeo website.

 In respect of reservoir flood mapping, Mr Calvert reported that:-  Detailed Reservoir Flood Maps were being produced for approximately 130 reservoirs CSC.08.09.15

 Models and Maps were to a similar specification to those produced in England and Wales  Planning considerations fell under PPS15 (FLD 5)

 „Flood Re‟ was a UK Scheme to provide affordable flood insurance and it replaced the „Statement of Principles‟. The objective was to ensure domestic properties in the UK at the highest risk of flooding could receive affordable cover for the „flood‟ element of the household property insurance. It only applied to domestic properties; commercial properties were excluded.  New housing developments should be located to avoid flood risk and therefore properties built after 1 January 2009 would be excluded from the scheme.  Secondary Legislation (Scheme Regulations) had been laid before UK Parliament in April 2015.

In concluding, Mr Calvert stated that flood risk management was about prevention, protection and preparedness:-

 Prevention - preventing future development that may be at risk of flooding.  Protection - taking measures (both structural and non-structural) to reduce the likelihood of floods and/or their impact of floods in a specific location  Preparedness - raising awareness of flood risk and planning for emergency response and recovery.

The Chairman (Alderman Carson) thanked Mr Calvert for his informative presentation and invited questions from Members. The following responses were given:-

 Alderman Gibson raised a query about planning approval being granted for building on flood plains as had been the case for lands adjacent to Meadow Brook, Comber. In response, Mr Martin advised that according to Planning Policy this could not be ruled out, however Planning Officers would assess all risks as part of the process and it was unlikely planning approval would be given to flood plain areas in the future.  Mr Martin advised that most areas in Comber were protected by flood defences and as such Comber was not deemed to have a significant flood risk.  The timespan for issuing flood warnings was only hours, as oppose to days as was the case in England. Weather and flood risk would be issued via the media – the warnings would be given a colour depending on the predicted severity of the event.  Mr Calvert confirmed that Rivers Agency was responsible for coastal defences.  Members discussed flood defences and the protection of property at length. Mr Martin advised that Rivers Agency would provide flood defences where there were cost benefits to do so and where the investment could be justified. He continued assessments could be carried out on individual properties to ascertain whether the benefit of providing flood defences outweighed the costs but sometimes this was not the case. (Councillor Anderson left the meeting at this stage – 7.20pm)  Rivers Agency was responsible for river erosion but not coastal erosion; however the cost benefit issue was still a factor in what action was taken. He added that CSC.08.09.15

Rivers Agency would not intervene with properties built „in harms way‟ in recent years.  Councillor Barry commented it was regrettable that the Agency‟s financial restraints meant it could not help vulnerable individual properties.

In concluding, Mr Martin hoped that Members would find the presentation useful when advising constituents on the role of the Rivers Agency and what services were available.

(Councillor Anderson entered the meeting at this stage – 7.27pm)

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

At this stage in the meeting, Alderman Keery declared an interest in Item 3.2 - NIHE – Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan 2015-2019 as he was a member of the Board.

It was agreed that, as it was just a deputation and no decisions were being made, Alderman Keery could remain in the meeting.

3.2 NIHE – Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan 2015-2019

The Chairman (Alderman Carson) welcomed Mr Trevor McCartney, Mr Owen Brady, Ms Pamela Warnock and Ms Esther Christie, Housing Executive, to the meeting and invited them to make their presentation.

(Councillor Kennedy left the meeting at this stage – 7.35pm)

Mr McCartney thanked Members for the opportunity to present on the Ards and North Down Housing Investment Plan for 2015-2019. He also took the opportunity to thank Alderman Keery for his service on the Board. He then proceeded to take Members through a PowerPoint presentation and made the following salient points:-

 New Housing Investment Plans (HIP) replaced the District Housing Plans. They had two main purposes:-

1. The Housing Executive was statutorily required under the 1981 Housing Order to report to councils on its past year‟s performance and following year‟s proposals 2. The HIP would inform Community Planning

 In preparation of the HIP, best practice examples had been researched and information gathering and consultation with a range of stakeholders had been undertaken. Stakeholders included Housing Associations, NIFHA, DSD, DOE, Land and Property Services, Estate Agents and others.  The HIP provided an overview of the housing market in the Ards and North Down Borough.  The HIP examined cross tenure housing issues and would be a „comprehensive conversation piece‟ for housing. CSC.08.09.15

 It was a four year plan with an annual update in intervening years. The plan would be reviewed to reflect Community Planning priorities against five themes and ten outcomes.  There would be detailed social housing investment at local level.  The Housing Executive was named as a Community Planning Partner and the HIP would be an evidence base for the community plan. The HIP would initiate discussion amongst partners on the shape of future housing in the Ards and North Down Borough.

 The HIP contained five themes:-

1. Identify and meet housing need and demand 2. Improve people‟s homes (current stock and stock not its own) 3. Transform people‟s lives 4. Enable sustainable neighbourhoods 5. Deliver quality services

 Each theme was a section within the HIP. Challenges, opportunities and actions were discussed under each theme  Key actions to achieve each outcome were detailed and showed the previous year‟s performance, actions for the coming five years and a longer term outlook

 Key housing issues for the Ards and North Down Borough and their implications were discussed within the HIP, and included:-  an aging population  energy efficiency  there were 65,054 homes in the Borough, of which the Housing Executive owned 6,381 units (10%) (7,911 sold)  3,570 total applicants were on the waiting list – 2,064 (58%) in housing stress (March 2015)  1,566 households had presented as homeless – 67% were accepted as homeless during 2014/15, which was a 9.5% increase on the previous year  728 social allocations were made in 2014/15  1,334 new social housing units would be needed up to March 2019  in 2014/15 there were 448 new build starts (313 general needs social) and 110 new general needs social homes completed  future housing issues included 2015/18 SHDP – 634 (gross) new general needs social housing units programmed, mixed tenure developments and affordable housing (Rathgill Phase 2), availability of land in smaller settlements for housing and the impact of welfare reform

 Progress against the HIP objectives would be regularly monitored and would be reported on annually.  Feedback was welcomed on what the report should contain and who should be consulted.  The HIP, the Community Plan and the new Local Development Plan should all fit together, as part of the Housing Executive‟s Corporate Plan. CSC.08.09.15

The Chairman (Alderman Carson) thanked Mr McCartney for his informative presentation and invited questions from Members. The following responses were given:-

 In response to a query from Councillor Barry about the capital spend, Ms Warnock stated that proposals were currently being drawn up and would include recommendations from the Savills Report and a strategy would be developed based on those recommendations. She confirmed the results would be reported back to the Council in due course.

(Councillor Kennedy entered the meeting at this stage – 7.48pm)

 Reference was made to how much was spent on cavity wall insulation. Mr Brady reported that in properties where there had been no cavity wall insulation, it was possible to inject insulation beads. However, where cavity wall insulation had previously been installed and had since dropped down the cavity, beads could not be pumped in until the old insulation was removed. This had to be carried out by a licensed operator and because it was a common problem across much of the housing stock, it would be a costly operation.  Mr McCartney reported that adapting housing stock in light of an aging population would be an on-going process. Ms Warnock added that the NIHE would assess the need of applicants and would work closely with Housing Associations in order to provide appropriate housing. Housing Associations built to the „Lifetime Homes‟ standard and this enabled homes to be more adaptable through a person‟s life cycle. This meant that adaptation would be less costly. The DSD, NIHE and the Health Service had joined together to develop an Accessible Housing Register (AHR) for social housing. The register was an information tool to enable housing authorities to identify specific properties that may meet the needs of a particular group of applicants on the social housing waiting list. The AHR would help to minimise waste by assisting social landlords to make more effective use of their existing adapted stock. (Councillor Smith left the meeting at this stage – 7.55pm)  Reference was made to the NIHE making vesting orders in respect of land and the disposal of land held. Mr McCartney advised that the NIHE would be working closely with the planners going forward to identify potential opportunities.  In respect of the pilot loans scheme due to be introduced in 2015/16, Mr McCartney advised that the tactical details were still being worked out. Matters such as how eligibility would be assessed still had to be agreed and finalised.  The NIHE had transfer schemes whereby it transferred land to Housing Associations. This facilitated a housing mix and enabled Housing Associations to build to the Lifetime Homes standard.

At this stage in the meeting, Alderman Gibson paid his respects to Mr Jim Thompson (NIHE) who had recently passed away following a short bout of illness.

(Councillor Smith entered the meeting at this stage – 8.05pm)

CSC.08.09.15

4. BUDGET REPORT – JULY 2015 – FILE: FIN 45

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 28 August 2015 from the Director of Finance and Performance covering the period 1 April 2015 to 31 July 2015.

The Net Cost of Services at the end of July had been £11,323,049 compared with a budget of £11,655,307 giving an under spend to date of £332,258 (2.9%). The Revenue Budget Report by Directorate was set out below.

Service budgets were requiring alignment to the Council‟s organisational structure. A lot of this work had been completed but more had to be carried out. Hence, some of the variances reported at July 2015 would be due to this realignment process not being complete. In addition there may be budget profiling issues whereby the timing of actual expenditure and income did not quite match with budget. It was planned that both the budget alignment and profiling issues would be further addressed over the coming months so that a more detailed budget report could be presented at future Corporate Committees.

The overall Council favourable variance was £332,258 with the bulk of this being payroll related (£254,806 – note that £77,024 of this was due to Exploris. An operational budget for Exploris had been included within the overall Council budget as at budget setting time it had been expected to be operational during 2015/16).

Period 4 - July 2015

Year to Date Year to Date Variance Annual Variance Actual Budget Budget £ £ £ £ %

100 Community & Wellbeing 2,141,051 2,289,155 (148,104) 9,170,400 6.5

200 Environment 5,401,555 5,521,926 (120,371) 16,728,700 2.2

300 Regen, Development & Planning 993,506 1,053,626 (60,120) 3,981,700 5.7

400 Finance & Performance 1,107,090 1,074,300 32,790 5,292,700 3.1

500 Org Development & Administration 1,508,112 1,551,700 (43,588) 4,005,500 2.8

600 Chief Executive 171,734 164,600 7,134 512,600 4.3

NET COST OF SERVICES 11,323,049 11,655,307 (332,258) 39,691,600 2.9

Councillor Smith commented that the budget reports produced by the legacy Ards Council had contained far greater detail and asked that more information be provided in future reports. CSC.08.09.15

In response, the Head of Finance advised that this was the first budget report by the new Council and that future reports would contain an increasing amount of detail. He added that the rate estimating process was on-going and budgets were being re- aligned to fit into the Council structure and that going forward, as more information became available through this, it would be included in the budget report.

RECOMMENDED that the Council notes the report.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Smith, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the report be noted.

5. LEASE OF LAND AT MILLISLE FROM CROWN ESTATE – FILE: OS 2108

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 11 August 2015 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration stating that the Council had received a notice from the agent acting on behalf of the Crown Estate Commissioners advising that a rent review was required for the above as at 1 July 2014 in accordance with the five yearly rental reviews allowed for in the lease. The review had been delayed by a year due to a related land transaction. The lessor had proposed an increase from £4,350 to £4,950 per annum with effect from the review date.

LPS had been instructed to act on the Council‟s behalf, and correspondence had now been received from LPS advising that it had negotiated a reduced increase in the rental to £4,550 per annum.

In response to a query the Compliance Manager confirmed that the land comprised Millisle Beach Park.

RECOMMENDED that the Council accepts the proposed increased rental to £4,550 per annum for the above.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Alderman Keery, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the recommendation be adopted.

6. MILL DAM, COMBER – FILE: M25576 (Appendix I)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 27 August 2015 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration stating that in 2003 Legacy Ards Borough Council had entered into a long term lease (999 years) with WAD Developments Ltd for lands at Mill Dam, Comber. Two of the covenants contained within the lease had been as follows:

1. The Lessee shall not assign, charge, underlet or otherwise share or part with possession of the demised premises and shall not hold the demised premises on trust for any person without first obtaining the Lessor‟s written consent. 2. The Lessee shall not use or permit the demised premises to be used for any purpose other than as an access road to the adjoining premises of the Lessee. CSC.08.09.15

It had recently come to the attention of Council officers that WAD Developments Ltd had gone into administration, and a search at Land Registry indicated that a Transfer for the land had been lodged on behalf of Halftown Limited in September 2013. The Council had not granted consent to this transfer. Subsequently, a letter had been sent to the solicitor acting on behalf of Halftown Limited putting them on notice of the provisions of the lease and seeking their proposals.

Correspondence had been received from Halftown Ltd‟s legal representatives apologising for overlooking the provisions of the lease and seeking retrospective consent to the transfer. The correspondence had also set out that Halftown Ltd intended to use the land as a mix of access road and amenity use including car parking, pond preservation, walkways and landscaping (as detailed on the attached plan). This proposed usage was different from the provisions of the lease, and therefore required consent to a change of use from the Council.

Photographs of the site had been provided to the Council in June showing that no breach of the lease had taken place, and a site meeting had been held in July with officers. It had been suggested that officers should seek legal advice on attaching conditions to any consent to ensure that the property (including the pond) was kept in good and substantial condition and that there should be no detrimental impact from the change of use to the Council‟s adjacent land at Laurel Bank. Subsequent legal advice had approved such a condition being added.

It should be noted by Members that there was a current planning application in relation to this site, however this report did not in any way impact that application, and the two matters should be regarded as separate.

In response to a query from Councillor McIlveen, the Compliance Manager reiterated that the Council would deal with the landlord and planning matters as separate issues and confirmed she had consulted with the Head of Planning about the current planning application.

RECOMMENDED that the Council provides retrospective consent to the transfer from WAD Developments Ltd to Halftown Ltd, and provides consent to the change of use from an access road to „mix of access road and amenity use including car parking, pond preservation, walkways & landscaping as detailed on the attached plan‟, subject to:

 the relevant planning approval being obtained;  the property being maintained in good and substantial repair, order and condition including the pond which should be retained as a water feature, and should be dredged regularly, be free flowing and kept free from weeds;  the free flow of water being maintained from the pond to the Council‟s adjacent land at Laurel Bank;  any other relevant conditions deemed prudent by the Council‟s solicitor;  Land and Property Services determining a suitable consideration;  Halftown Ltd agreeing to pay the Council‟s reasonable legal and agents fees.

FURTHER RECOMMENDED that Halftown Ltd is advised that its planning application in relation to the site is a totally separate matter and is in no way CSC.08.09.15 impacted upon by this consent, and no guarantees or assurances should be inferred from this consent.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor McIlveen, seconded by Alderman Keery, that the recommendation be adopted.

ORDER OF BUSINESS – ITEM 7

The Chairman (Alderman Carson) advised Members that Item 7 – Former Donaghadee Bus Depot would be dealt with „In Committee‟.

8. RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY – FILE: HR (Appendix II)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 25 August 2015 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration stating that risk management was an integral part of good management and corporate governance. It was essential to the Council‟s ability to deliver public services and as a custodian of public funds.

Ards and North Down Borough Council was legally required to have risk management arrangements in place and the Council‟s approach to managing risk was explained in the Risk Management Strategy (attached) which set out the Council‟s objectives for the management of risk at a strategic and operational level, within projects, within partnerships and by its suppliers.

Arising from this would be two types of risk register:

 Corporate Risk Register. This was one register to record the strategic risks emanating from the Corporate Plan. The identification and assessment of these risks would be performed by the Corporate Leadership Team.  Departmental Risk Registers. These would be compiled by the responsible Directorate (one per directorate) and were likely to be a compilation of strategic and operational risks.

The risk registers would be examined by the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis and an Annual Risk Management Report would also be presented to the Corporate Committee and Council.

RECOMMENDED that the Risk Management Strategy is adopted by the Council and the Corporate and Departmental Risk Registers be drawn up.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Smart, seconded by Councillor Gilmour, that the recommendation be adopted.

9. LETTER FROM UNA NORTHERN IRELAND – FILE: HR (Appendix III)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 31 August 2015 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration stating that a letter had been received from the United Nations Association, Northern Ireland (UNA – NI), asking CSC.08.09.15 the Council to consider participating in marking the 70th anniversary year of the founding of the United Nations organisation.

The request was that the Council would host a small reception for UNA-NI members and local school representatives at which the Mayor would be presented with a commemorative copy of the UN Charter.

RECOMMENDED that the Council agrees to host a reception as detailed above.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Muir, seconded by Councillor Anderson, that the recommendation be adopted.

10. EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY – ACTIONS AND INITIATIVES (Appendix IV)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 24 August 2015 from the Director of Organisational Development and Administration providing an update on the Council‟s Equality and Diversity – Actions and Initiatives.

Quarterly Report on Equality and Good Relations (Section 75 of The NI Act 1998) – September 2015

Within the Council‟s Equality Scheme an undertaking had been given to report quarterly to the Council to allow Members to continuously monitor how the Council was meeting its equality and good relations duties and responsibilities, as identified in Section 75 of The Northern Ireland Act 1998.

For the quarter commencing 1 June 2015, the Council had taken the following actions to meet its statutory duties and responsibilities:

 Following the Equality Commission Northern Ireland‟s (ECNI) approval of the Council‟s Draft Equality Scheme on 25 March 2015, the Equality Scheme and Action Plan had since been finalised, together with the Council‟s Disability Action Plan. These documents were attached and referred to in more detail below.  Ards and North Down Borough Council‟s Screening and Sustainability Group continued to meet as required to screen and review Council policies. To date any policies that had been identified as having an adverse impact or potential adverse impact had been revised and subsequently “screened out”.  The Council was committed within the Equality Scheme to publish screening reports quarterly. The first quarterly report had been uploaded onto the Council‟s website on 6 July 2015, and the next quarterly report on the outcome of screened council policies would be uploaded to the website and issued to consultees by Monday, 5 October 2015.  The external Ards and North Down Consultative Panel on Equality and Good Relations had held its first meeting on Wednesday, 3 June 2015 in the Marine Court Hotel, Bangor. The meeting had begun with training on Section 75 and the role of the panel in relation to screening of Council policies. The next meeting of this group would be at 5.00pm on Tuesday, 29 September 2015 in CSC.08.09.15

the Marine Court Hotel, Bangor when a challenge workshop would scrutinise the screening outcome of further policies.  Officers were currently planning an event to mark World Mental Health Day on 10th October (details below point 5).  The Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC) continued to circulate its relevant reports to the Council for information or consultation, as appropriate. These were available from the Policy Officer.  Councillor Brooks and Councillor Robinson had recently been appointed Diversity Champions by the Council and training had been provided on the role on 1 July 2015. The Diversity Champions and officers had subsequently met to discuss a suitable way of raising awareness of Diversity and it had been proposed that an Annual Event be held, commencing in November 2015 (details below Point 4).

Ards and North Down Borough Council Audit of Inequalities and Draft Equality Action Plan

On 25 March 2015 the ECNI had adopted the draft Equality Scheme for North Down and Ards District Council (now Ards and North Down Borough Council). The Equality Scheme had required the Council to produce an Audit of Inequalities and an associated Equality Action Plan.

The Shadow Council had agreed on 30 March 2015 to carry out a twelve week public consultation on the Audit of Inequalities and draft Equality Action Plan. This consultation period had closed on Friday 10 July 2015.

Details on the Audit of Inequalities and draft Equality Action Plan had been forwarded to all those on the Council‟s consultee list, and the Policy Officer had held a consultation event with representatives from a local interest group. All attendees had endorsed the actions the Council had included in the draft plan to address the identified potential inequalities and subsequent potential adverse impact for employees, residents and visitors to the Borough. No further comments had been received.

The Action Plan would be regularly monitored and reviewed and outcomes of the actions would be reported upon annually in the Annual Report to the Council and ECNI.

RECOMMENDED that the Council adopts the Equality Action Plan, and includes it as part of the Equality Scheme, forwarding same to the ECNI.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Barry, seconded by Councillor Brooks, that the recommendation be adopted.

Ards and North Down Borough Council Disability Action Plan In April 2015, the Council had agreed to carry out a twelve week public consultation on the draft Disability Action Plan for Ards and North Down Borough Council. This consultation period had closed on 31 July 2015.

CSC.08.09.15

The Disability Action Plan (DAP) detailed the Council‟s commitment to promote good practice and ensured the Council met its statutory obligations to promote equality of opportunity for people with a disability. The Plan outlined identified actions and processes with timescales and measurable outcomes which ensured that issues facing people with disabilities were effectively mainstreamed within the Council decision making processes and service delivery. The Plan also complemented the Council‟s Equality Scheme under Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

The Draft Plan had been available on the website throughout the consultation period, and North Down Community Network had advertised the consultation through its Community Newsletter. Consultees had also been informed that the DAP would be made available in a range of formats for any representative group or individual that would require an alternative format. No requests had been received on this occasion.

One focused consultation event had been held with representatives from a local interest group which had stated that it was pleased to see the practical and positive actions the Council had included in the Disability Action Plan and in particular, the arrangements to convene a Disabilities Forum.

A representative from Autism NI had contacted the Policy Officer to record that they were pleased with the work the Council intended to carry out. The representative had asked to become a member of the Disability Forum.

The Council had received a response from the ECNI with a number of recommendations in relation to monitoring the Action Measures and ensuring the DAP is made available to a broad range of service users. The ECNI response had also requested that the Disability Forum considered including in its role the remit to monitor the DAP. This positive action had been included within the final Plan.

Other comments received from consultees had included;

 that the range of actions showed a commitment to meeting the needs of all those who received or had the potential to receive Council services;  that a Disability Forum would ensure good practice both for service users and employees;  a call for the DAP to be widely published.

The final Disability Action Plan which incorporated the responses received during the consultation period was attached. It would be regularly monitored and reviewed by officers and the Disability Forum, and outcomes of the actions would be reported upon annually in the Annual Progress Report to the Council and ECNI.

Diversity Awareness Event – Tuesday 3 November 2015 and Thursday 5 November 2015

The Council had appointed two Diversity Champion Elected Members and one officer to promote diversity across the Council, both internally and in the external customer focused services it provided.

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The role had been determined by the Local Government Staff Commission and training had been provided on the legislation and practice to assist champions in fulfilling their role effectively.

To promote the role and the Council‟s commitment to promoting diversity, it was proposed that an event be organised annually to raise awareness of diversity to different audiences, with the first event being targeted at Elected Members and employees and focusing on the diverse range of customers to whom the Council provided services, their varied needs and perspectives.

It was considered appropriate that a wide range of employees and all Elected Members were offered the opportunity to attend. For this reason two events on the same theme were proposed. These would be held in the Somme Heritage Centre, Newtownards, on two afternoons – Tuesday 3 November 2015 and Thursday 5 November 2015. A further event could be arranged if required.

The programme would include a welcome from the Council‟s Chief Executive, an introduction from the Chief Executive or Chairman of Local Government Staff Commission to the role of Diversity Champions and an opportunity for attendees to network. This would be followed by talks from representatives of S75 groups and general equality practitioners. It was envisaged that the events would last two hours and be interactive, giving those present the opportunity to meet and work with new colleagues and consider service delivery from different perspectives. Each session would explore at least three Section 75 themes.

The cost of the event would be met from the Equality budget and an application would be submitted to the Local Government Staff Commission for part funding.

World Mental Health Day – 10 October 2015

The Council was represented on the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust World Mental Health Committee by the Council‟s Policy Officer. This Committee had been set up to highlight and promote the importance of mental health wellbeing.

World Mental Health Day was recognised nationally on 10 October each year. Both legacy Councils had been proactively involved in raising mental health awareness through a range of events and initiatives.

This year the theme for World Mental Health Day was „Being and Staying Connected‟. The group was promoting the theme across the Trust area to show how small actions could help people connect, build and retain relationships, befriend and support one another, to help maintain and improve mental health. Officers were currently considering some options to mark this initiative and would circulate information to the Elected Members in due course.

Councillor Barry asked how the pricing structure would be agreed established in the Borough‟s leisure centres.

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In response, the Director of Organisational Development and Administration advised that the Council would be asked to approve the pricing policy suggested by any contractor involved with the leisure centres.

Councillor Barry referred to Page 15 of the Equality Action Plan attached to the report. In particular he quoted the Performance Indicator that stated „Development of the economic profile of the Council in comparison to the profile of the Council area‟ and asked for further information on this.

The Director of Organisational Development and Administration advised that going forward more clarity would be provided on this by the Development Directorate.

RECOMMENDED that the Council:-

1. notes the above Quarterly Report. 2. adopts the attached Equality Action Plan and includes it as part of the Equality Scheme, forwarding same to the Equality Commission Northern Ireland (ECNI). 3. adopts the attached Disability Action Plan, and forwards it to the ECNI before 30 September 2015. 4. approves and supports the above proposals to hold an Annual Diversity Event, with the first event being held in November 2015.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Barry, seconded by Councillor Brooks, that the recommendation be adopted.

11. GIFTS AND HOSPITALITY POLICY (EMPLOYEES)

The Chairman (Alderman Carson) advised Members that this item had been deferred to the October meeting of the Committee.

12. PROPOSED CORPORATE PROJECT MANAGEMENT APPROACH (Appendix V)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report dated 26 August 2015 from the Director of Finance and Performance detailing the proposed corporate project management approach.

Introduction

The Council was engaged in many projects ranging from minor revenue funded initiatives to major capital investment schemes. In order to ensure that key projects were delivered efficiently and within an effective governance framework this Report set out a proposed approach to the management of agreed projects. This approach had been endorsed by the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT) and was now reported for consideration and adoption, or otherwise, by the Corporate Committee and Council.

The approach would be of particular relevance to the delivery of the Council‟s Capital Investment Programme; the current iteration of which ran from 2014 to 2018 and CSC.08.09.15 amounted to net Council planned expenditure circa £70M. The approach detailed in this report had been devised by the Finance and Performance Directorate, within which a Project and Capital Unit (PCU) had been established as a component of the Performance and Projects Service. The approach proposed followed best practice espoused by the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP).

It was anticipated that routine revenue and lower value projects would be delivered by sponsoring Directorates with minimal input from the PCU. Where required the PCU would however give advice and support to Directorates to ensure effective delivery of such schemes.

Where it was determined by a Director and agreed by CLT and the Council that a project should have the full involvement of the PCU it would be added to the „Corporate Projects Portfolio‟ (CPP). The remainder of this report dealt exclusively with the delivery of projects to be named on the CPP.

Corporate Project Governance Structure: Roles, Responsibilities and Reporting

A summary pictorial version of this could be seen in the attachment to the report.

INVESTMENT LEVEL

Council

The Council was the investment decision making body and was responsible for changes to budget, programme, and general scope, unless authority was delegated. All changes to a project‟s status had to be considered by the Council in order to ensure accountability and effective Corporate Governance.

Corporate Committee

It was assumed that a sponsoring Directorate and their parent Committee would have developed a project to the end of the „analysis‟ stage inclusive of economic appraisal where required, at which time projects agreed for inclusion on the CPP would be reported (updates and change requests) to Council via the Corporate Committee. This was to ensure that a consistent approach was taken to the management of those projects named in the CPP.

Corporate Project Portfolio Board

Comprising of the following standing members, the Corporate Project Portfolio Board (CPPB) would meet on a monthly basis (at least initially), and additionally as required.

 Chief Executive  Director of Finance and Performance  Project Senior Responsible Owners (SROs) – typically Directors  Head of Performance and Projects  Project and Capital Manager CSC.08.09.15

 Capital Accountant  Corporate Project Support Officer (Minutes)

This group would consider all significant change requests made by Project Sponsors to a project‟s budget, programme and scope. The Minutes of each meeting along with the latest CPP version and a covering „highlights‟ Report, would then be presented for consideration by the Corporate Committee, and subsequently by the Council. The „highlights‟ Report would inform the Council of key issues and seek decisions where required.

PROJECT DIRECTION LEVEL

Project Direction would be the responsibility of the Project Board (PB) for each project. Each PB would be comprised of relevant key Officers who would consider their respective project, normally meeting monthly. Key roles would include the Senior Responsible Owner and the Senior Service User, as well as the Capital Accountant, Project Sponsor and Project Manager.

Senior Responsible Owner

Each project named on the CPP had to have an agreed Senior Responsible Owner (SRO). The SRO would typically be the Director or Head of Service to which the project related.

Senior Service User

Each project named on the CPP had to have an agreed Senior Service User (SSU). This person would typically be the Head of Service or Service Unit Manager to which the project related. SSUs would attend Project Board meetings and advise the SRO and Project Sponsor of the detailed end-user needs that had to be met through delivery of the project.

Corporate Project Assurance Group

This group would consist of relevant representatives from across every Directorate. Its primary role would be to review and to input information as relevant to all projects on the CPP. It would meet monthly or as required, but in advance of each CPPB. It would aim to improve the design quality of each scheme, consider wider implications of each project, identify opportunities i.e. funding, and it would increase awareness across the organisation of the CPP with a view to gaining buy-in and organisational ownership.

PROJECT DELIVERY LEVEL

At the operational level project delivery would be led by the Project Sponsor named against each project on the CPP, along with a supporting Project Team (PT). It would meet monthly or more frequently if required in advance of each PB. Key stakeholders for each PT would be identified at project initiation stage.

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Senior Project Supplier – Project Sponsor

Each project named on the CPP had to have an agreed Project Sponsor (PS) who would „supply‟ the project to meet the agreed objectives of the scheme. The PS would lead the Project Team and would attend and report in to the PB. Typically this would be the Project and Capital Manager.

Project Manager

Each project named on the CPP had to have an agreed Project Manager (PM). Typically this would be a Corporate Project Officer, but could be a Service Unit Manager or Officer, or it could be an independent external consultant. The key role of the PM would be to support the PS in the day to day delivery of a project.

RECOMMENDED that the Council adopts the Corporate Project Management approach as detailed in the report.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Muir, seconded by Alderman Keery, that the recommendation be adopted.

WORD OF CONGRATULATIONS

At this point in the meeting, the Chairman (Alderman Carson) took the opportunity to congratulate the Head of Performance and Projects on the recent birth of his daughter.

EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC AND PRESS

AGREED, on the proposal of Councillor Smith, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the undernoted items of business.

(Councillor Muir left the meeting at this stage – 8.05pm)

7. FORMER DONAGHADEE BUS DEPOT – FILE: OS11585 (Appendix VI)

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

(Councillor Muir entered the meeting at this stage – 8.17pm)

13. AWARD OF TENDER FOR PROVISION OF CORPORATE UNIFORM, CASUAL UNIFORM AND PROTECTIVE WORKWEAR – FILE: 400381

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION *** CSC.08.09.15

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

14. OVERTIME AND ABSENCE FIGURES – FILE: FIN45 (Appendix VII)

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

15. HUMAN RESOURCES POLICIES REVISION – FILE: HR (Appendix VIII)

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

16. EMPLOYEE MOBILE PHONE/DEVICE POLICY – FILE: 287109 (ICT POLICY AND SECURITY POLICY) (Appendix IX)

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

17. BUSINESS CASES – VOLUNTARY SEVERENCE (Appendix X)

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual.

18. SOLACE CONFERENCE 2015

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual.

RE-ADMITTANCE OF PUBLIC AND PRESS

AGREED, on the proposal of Councillor Smith, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the public and press be re-admitted to the meeting.

Circulated for Information

(a) Action Cancer „Paint the Town Pink‟ Campaign (Copy attached)

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In response to a query from Councillor Smith about lighting up Council offices, the Director of Organisational Development and Administration reported that a policy in respect of this was currently being developed and would be brought to the next meeting of the Committee.

At this stage in the meeting, Councillor Smith proposed, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the Chairman (Alderman Carson) dressed up „pretty and pink‟ to raise funds for Action Cancer.

In response, the Chairman (Alderman Carson) expressed his willingness to agree to this proposal.

AGREED, on the proposal of Councillor Smith, seconded by Councillor Barry, that the Chairman (Alderman Carson) dressed up ‘pretty and pink’ to raise funds for Action Cancer.

CLOSING COMMENTS

Councillor Kennedy took the opportunity to welcome the Chairman (Alderman Carson) back to the Committee after his recent bout of ill health.

Alderman Carson expressed his appreciation to Members and Officers who had phoned or emailed him to wish him well during that time.

19. TERMINATION OF MEETING

The meeting terminated at 8.30pm ITEM 7.5

ARDS AND NORTH DOWN BOROUGH COUNCIL

A meeting of the Community and Wellbeing Committee was held in the Council Chamber, 2 Church Street, Newtownards on Wednesday, 9 September 2015 at 7.00 pm.

PRESENT:

In the Chair: Councillor Armstrong

Alderman: Alderman Irvine

Councillors: Adair Allen Anderson Boyle Cooper Dunne Kennedy Martin Menagh (Vice Chair) Roberts Smart Thompson (7.45 pm) Wilson

Officers: Director of Community and Wellbeing, Head of Community and Culture, Head of Leisure and Amenities, Head of Environmental Health Protection and Development, and Member Services Officer

Others: Richard Hudson (Service Delivery Manager, Translink) Arthur Hamilton (NE Area Manager, Translink) Peter Wray (Manager, Bangor Alternatives) Debbie Watters (Deputy Director, NI Alternatives)

WELCOME

The Chairman (Councillor Armstrong) extended a warm welcome to those present at the first meeting of the Community and Wellbeing Committee following summer recess.

1. APOLOGIES

Apologies for inability to attend were received from Alderman Chambers, Councillor Brooks and Councillor Edmund. An apology for lateness was recorded from Councillor Thompson.

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2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Alderman Irvine declared an interest in Item 3.1 – presentation from Bangor Alternatives being a board member for that organisation. He also declared an interest in Item as a trustee for the NCLT.

3. DEPUTATIONS

3.1 TRANSLINK

The Chairman (Councillor Armstrong) welcomed and introduced Arthur Hamilton (NE Area Manager) and Richard Hudson (Service Delivery Manager) from Translink to the meeting and invited them to commence their presentation.

Mr Hamilton thanked Members for affording him and his colleague the opportunity to furnish the Committee with an update on the ongoing development of bus services, passenger numbers, schools involvement and the contribution that Translink made to the local region. He made reference to the recent changes in the structure of Councils adding that Translink was also undergoing similar adjustments with three areas of management merging into two. As an organisation, Translink was losing 20% of Government funding which equated to a reduction of £13M per annum. Subsequently, an action plan was prepared to minimise the impact on frontline services and although there would be no compulsory redundancies, streamlining of managerial and administrative posts would achieve savings worth £3.1M and a fares increase would realise an amount of £4M. Mr Hamilton was mindful that Translink had maintained two price freezes during the past five years and therefore a price rise had been overdue.

Having gone out to public consultation and the various stakeholders, the plan had been presented to the Minister and held for three months to allow discussions with the Trade Unions to take place. He informed Members that that plan was released at the end of August for implementation in September and the Consumer Council had highlighted it as being one of the best in recent times. Further consultation with passengers was undertaken to advise of those amendments, to bed in the changes and to counter feedback on any issues. Mr Hamilton was pleased to report that generally there had been no mass public reaction; nonetheless those variations within the organisation were pertinent to achieve savings and enable Translink to reach the position of being able to grow a bus business plan. It was also deemed of vital importance to integrate bus and rail services to attain overall transport benefits.

Following on, Mr Hudson confirmed that no major issues had been raised so far. He alluded to Members that as part of the streamlining process changes had been implemented to a selection of bus routes as undernoted:

Bangor Area Service 3 to Donaghadee, slight adjustments to evening services Service 3C to Ballywalter, removal of two return services Service 303a Donaghadee Town Service removal of two return journeys per day, route shortened as result of public consultation, additional 4 journeys per day to Aurora Leisure Centre from Bus Station

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Late Sunday services from Belfast withdrawn after 6.00 pm Saturday service from Bangor to Belfast reduced to hourly frequency Intend to look at improving rail to bus connections within the area

Newtownards Area Service 5A additional service Service 5B additional services to Ballygowan New route from Scrabo Estate to Tesco Castlebawn Ringhaddy area to also to service to Tesco Castlebawn Late Sunday service from Belfast withdrawn after 6.00 pm Some adjustments to Saturday Belfast timings Some adjustments to Sunday Belfast timings

Councillor Adair took the opportunity to pay tribute to Mr Hudson and Mr McMaster for their conscientious efforts at a local level to improve the bus services to outlying areas. He believed the plan represented a good initial start in helping schoolchildren located along the Ards Peninsula. However, he brought attention to the limited service for Carrowdore whereby it was easier to catch a bus out of the village but buses were infrequent for the homeward journey. He wondered if that service could be enhanced.

In response, Mr Hudson explained that such resources were unavailable at present for the 4.10 pm slot needed for Carrowdore but he would certainly keep that matter on the agenda.

Alderman Irvine welcomed the four new journeys from the bus centre to Bangor Aurora as a much needed route for the town centre. He was also of the viewpoint that integration of bus and rail services was critical for long term viability.

Mr Hudson asked Members to inform him of any problems with services as improving bus connections remained a priority.

On behalf of constituents, Councillor Menagh expressed his appreciation for the new service from Scrabo estate to the Tesco store at Castlebawn. However, he queried what time the shutters were now closed at Ards bus depot.

Taking account of anti social behaviour, Mr Hudson clarified that once the Inspector finished his shift at 6.00 pm, the new recently installed roller shutters were lowered. He noted that the bus services would be relocated to Gibson‟s Lane, which could be utilised after 7.00 pm from 5 October 2015.

Councillor Boyle wished to place on record his gratitude for the now extended bus service for the Ards Peninsula. He also thought it important to pay tribute to the staff and drivers as their courteous behaviour had not gone unnoticed. With regard to the 20% funding cut, he questioned if that had to come from this area.

In reply, Mr Hamilton stated that should some aspect of the local service be seen as not operating effectively and changed accordingly, that saving was still required to be found elsewhere. Even with budgetary constraints, in comparison to other locales

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CW.09.09.15 such as Ballymena and Larne, a good broad service was operated within this Borough.

Councillor Boyle also enquired about the percentage of take-up for free bus and rail passes amongst OAPs who lived in the Ards Peninsula.

As there had been a slight decline in usage figures, Mr Hudson felt that that was a resultant outcome of the poor weather this summer.

In terms of rural areas, the Chairman (Councillor Armstrong) questioned if those had been awarded priority and if an equality impact assessment had been initiated.

Mr Hamilton verified that to be the case and a Bus Business Plan to include rural services had been presented to the Department of Regional Development. As part of that consultation process, 5,000 responses were received outlining concerns about not cutting the villages off from larger towns and the preference of reducing a service rather than losing it completely. As a consequence, those issues were taken into account to avoid excluding rural communities.

Mr Hamilton concluded the presentation by informing Members that as part of the voluntary access scheme, Mr Hudson would be leaving the employment of Translink in December of this year.

Members offered their congratulations to Mr Hudson and wished him well for the future.

Mr Hudson indicated that he had worked at Bangor bus depot for 10 years and said it had been a pleasure working with Members during that period.

The Chairman (Councillor Armstrong) thanked Mr Hamilton and Mr Hudson for their interesting and informative presentation and they withdrew from the meeting.

NOTED.

3.2 BANGOR ALTERNATIVES (Appendix I)

ATTACHED: Copy of presentation.

The Chairman (Councillor Armstrong) welcomed and introduced Mr Wray and Ms Watters to the meeting and invited them to commence their presentation.

Ms Watters was grateful for the opportunity to address the Committee and at the outset conceded that NI Alternatives had been viewed as a somewhat contentious organisation when formed in 1997, as it had dealt with paramilitary punishment attacks. Considerable work had occurred in those 12 years and hence, the umbrella body of NI Alternatives and its other offices including Bangor were now accredited by the Department of Justice. That accreditation in conjunction with inspection by the Criminal Justice Inspectorate provided a safeguard of its status as a professionally documented organisation.

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In continuance, Mr Wray referred Members to his presentation circulated prior to the meeting, commenting that Bangor was one of five sites within the Province and comprised four staff based in . The main aims were to provide mediation, advocacy, negotiation and community support for all age groups. Examples included neighbour disputes about noise, anti-social behaviour and adherence to flag protocol. Their office also encompassed an intensive youth support worker who engaged with young people to aid their re-integration back into their communities, as well as allowing them to give back to those communities by forming positive relationships and helping the vulnerable.

Mr Wray emphasised the value in building up those young people to become more confident and attain a positive outlook. In terms of the Start Programme, he articulated that it was held in 13 week cycles encompassing a small group of 10 young people. There were many strands to that programme such as personal development and mentoring, the chance to gain OCN qualifications and becoming employable.

Bangor Alternatives also facilitated young people to converse with the PSNI in challenging and enterprising group sessions, one of which had recently been held in Bangor Aurora and involved 60 persons. He was of the opinion that that was exactly the type of community work that the PCSP should be funding.

Undoubtedly, the face of Kilcooley had changed for the better as 15 years ago, nobody wanted to live there, whereas currently there was a waiting list as that vibrant community spirit within the estate was now clearly observed. Alternatives was growing and he would be delighted to see that great work extending out further in Bangor and being delivered on a wider scale in Newtownards and the Ards Peninsula.

Responding to a question from Councillor Roberts about young vulnerable people with learning disabilities, Mr Wray verified that the Start Programme often consisted of those expelled from school at an early age and that a high fraction of those had mental health issues.

On that same point, Ms Watters described how international research had discovered that those with learning difficulties were more liable to end up in the criminal justice system. It was definitely a dilemma for community organisations, the justice family and PSNI to collaboratively resolve.

Councillor Martin remarked upon the 431 young people who had benefitted from projects to promote personal and social development from April 2014 to March 2015, which displayed the commendable efforts of Bangor Alternatives. He also mentioned the challenges pertaining to restorative justice in the next few years.

Mr Wray indicated that it was a necessity to engage with young disadvantaged people from a wider area but that needed to be in partnership with community groups/associations. Often there were no premises readily available in other neighbourhoods that could be used for that purpose.

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Additionally, Ms Watters underlined the funding challenges to be encountered by the organisation as a whole. She put it in context by illustrating that the cost of sending a person into the criminal justice system was £78K per year. Conversely, working to support a young person holistically through NI Alternatives amounted to £2,000 annually. If placed in the justice system, there was an 80% chance that in all likelihood that person would reoffend. Those offered support and assistance were least likely to do so with some committing lower level offences; proof that community based initiatives were the way forward.

As he worked with autistic children under 18, Councillor Cooper queried who set the criteria of eligibility for people to apply to the Start Programme.

In response, Mr Wray reported that anyone aged 16-24 and not in education or employment could avail of the service. For the reasons of practicality, it would be difficult to organise if 1 person lived in Donaghadee, 1 in Portavogie, 1 in Newtownards etc.

Councillor Cooper accepted that it would be advantageous for a group of interested young people to be from a specific area, with the onus resting with elected representatives to liaise and gather a group together, provide Bangor Alternatives with background information and premises which would allow them to visit that area for deliverance of the programme.

Mr Wray fully concurred with those comments, indicating that as the organisation had to operate within the confines of a tight budget, they would greatly appreciate if premises, heating and electricity were made accessible.

Councillor Menagh praised the brilliant efforts of the team based in Kilcooley and was aware that they had even supported a group of young people in Ballygowan. In that regard, he recognised the requirement for another office to be set up at another location in the Borough as there was still a lot of work to be done. Even more crucial now that funding cuts in the PSNI had eliminated neighbourhood policing.

That concluded the presentation.

The Chairman (Councillor Armstrong) thanked Mr Wray and Ms Watters for their interesting and comprehensive presentation and they withdrew from the meeting.

4. ROAD SAFETY QUERY AT CLOUGHEY PLAYGROUND

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Community and Wellbeing detailing that Members may recall that the Community and Wellbeing Committee at its meeting in June raised the issue of a potential risk to children at Cloughey playground from road traffic leaving the road and entering the park. It was agreed that Council staff would assess the situation and ask Transport NI for their views on the matter in order to come to an informed decision on taking any particular action. Transport NI was contacted in writing and following a visit to the site they had concluded as follows in a response forwarded on 2 July.

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1. Speed Limit. Data indicates that there was one vehicle incident in recent times, in 2011. This was not related to speed nor did it involve any pedestrians. Ongoing and recent speed surveys carried out adjacent to the playpark show that the highest daily average speed was 33.4mph and therefore they conclude that the 40mph limit is appropriate. 2. Transport NI noted that there were no playground warning signs covering the frontage of the site, and stated that they would install two warning signs on yellow backing boards as soon as possible. 3. They advise that crash barriers would only be installed where there is a visible drop from the road and a history of related accidents, and that a risk assessment should be undertaken. The Councils Head of Assets and Property Services has evaluated the site and concluded that the cost of installing crash barriers at the location in question is likely to be in the order to £8000 to £13000 depending on the specification required.

A subsequent letter from the Minister‟s private secretary dated 4 August confirmed that the signage was to be provided, that a risk assessment was to be carried out by DRD on the possibility of installing crash barriers at the site, and that Council would be informed on the outcome of that when it was completed.

RECOMMENDED that the Council notes the above.

(Councillor Thompson entered the meeting at this stage – 7.45 pm)

Councillor Boyle proposed, seconded by Councillor Smart, that the recommendation be adopted.

Councillor Adair proposed as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Thompson, that this Council, in the absence of movement from the Department of Regional Development, approves expenditure to install a crash barrier in the interests of safety at the children‟s play area, Main Road, Cloughey.

In speaking to his amendment, Councillor Adair brought attention to what had been a long standing matter of concern stretching over the duration of 10 years. Throughout that period of time, he had consistently lobbied for a reduction in the speed limit from 40 mph to 30 mph for that road which comprised both a playground and a primary school. He reminded Members that in 2011, a speeding car had careered off the road landing in the play area and in that instance, it was extremely fortunate that no children were present. He considered it disgraceful that the DRD had failed to rectify that problem which should have been immediately addressed in 2011. In 2012 an impact assessment was carried out which resulted in basic warning signs being erected. The play area was positioned on a busy main road merely protected by wooden fencing which compromised child safety; a robust crash barrier was imperative. In light of that, he would not relax until he had exhausted every possible avenue to secure a resolution and underlined the Council‟s duty of care towards the protection of children. To that end, he encouraged Members to evaluate the situation and support his amendment.

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Councillors Armstrong and Thompson offered their full support agreeing that TransportNI had been disregarding what was potentially a life threatening incident waiting to happen.

Councillor Boyle noted how long the matter had been ignored and he wondered how best the Council could help deliver a resolution for the constituents of Cloughey, given that budgets were restricted. On that basis, he suggested that a report be brought back or if the amendment was agreed put an action plan in place. e advocated the sentiments of the amendment and as part of the due process was happy to await a report.

The Director of Community and Wellbeing advised if the Council wished to carry this work out it would first need to ascertain the feasibility of instigating works which fell within the remit of TransportNI both in terms of statutory responsibility and an installation potentially on the public footpath which was DRD property, and report back to the Committee.

Although frustrated by the decisions of Central Government and understanding of the Members‟ unease about the play area, Councillor Anderson urged a cautionary approach. He voiced concern that a precedent could be set and it was crucial to examine all the legalities and follow Council protocol. Furthermore he believed that bringing a report back implied that unanimous approval had been received.

Councillor Martin offered his backing to the amendment as it had the potential to save children‟s lives. He wondered if the matter could be expedited but accepted that TranportNI held statutory responsibility in that realm of works and in reality the money should be coming from their budgets.

In concurrence, Councillor Cooper was also in favour of safeguarding the play area but stressed the need for the Council to abide by protocol and advance via the proper channels.

In order to provide clarity on the issue, Councillor Adair informed Members that he wished to include at the end of his amendment …‟subject to relevant approval‟. He asked if Members were committed to proceeding as ample reports had already been presented on the matter. He concluded by asking why delay this serious decision any longer as what price could be placed on a child‟s life.

On being put to the meeting, the amendment FELL, with 6 voting for and 8 against.

Councillor Adair requested a recorded vote which resulted as follows:

FOR (6) AGAINST (8) ABSTAINED (0) ABSENT (4) Alderman Councillors Alderman Irvine Allen Chambers Councillors Anderson Councillors Adair Armstrong Brooks Dunne Boyle Edmund Kennedy Cooper Roberts Martin Menagh

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Thompson Smart Wilson

However, it was the viewpoint of Councillor Cooper that Members had in principle agreed to the amendment but wished the precise protocol to be followed.

Councillor Cooper proposed as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Allen that this Council, in the absence of movement from the Department of Regional Development, approves expenditure to install a crash barrier in the interests of safety at the children‟s play area, Main Road, Cloughey, and an initial report from the Director be presented to outline the appropriate protocol and legal parameters to execute this project.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND that the Council, in the absence of movement from the Department of Regional Development, approves expenditure to install a crash barrier in the interests of safety at the children’s play area, Main Road, Cloughey, and an initial report from the Director be presented to outline the appropriate protocol and legal parameters to execute this project.

5. GROUNDS MAINTENANCE CARRIED OUT ON BEHALF OF TRANSPORTNI

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Community and Wellbeing detailing that Members would be aware of the ongoing debate around the lack of maintenance currently being carried out by TransportNI on their property, such as grass verges etc, which was due they stated to a removal of funding for that activity.

For Member‟s information, the Council had for many years carried out such maintenance on the Department‟s behalf, which in recent years involved work at the following locations.

Bangor Ring Road four major roundabouts

Ballygowan Roundabout

Balloo Cross Roads

Carnasure Terrace Comber

Belfast Road Entrance, Comber

Killinchy St and Newtownards Road roundabouts, Comber

Ards Shopping Centre Roundabout

Scrabo Road roundabout, Newtownards

Frederick St Roundabout and railing planters

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Comber Road Roundabout, Newtownards

Portaferry Road Roundabout, Newtownards

Zion Place roundabouts and railing planters, Newtownards

Shore Road Junction, Newtownards

Hightrees Junction, Donaghadee

Planters at the Parade Donaghadee

Planters at Donaghadee Road, Millisle

Ballyhalbert Harbour Road

Main Road, Portavogie

Main Road, Cloughy

Watsons Corner, Cloughy

Shore Road, Kircubbin and

Entrance verges to Greyabbey village.

Annually, work that had been undertaken by the Council included weekly grass cutting, litter picking, seasonal bedding provision and maintenance, tree, shrub and rose bed maintenance and weed control.

That was a significant ongoing level of activity. Based on the maintenance requirements costs were typically in the region of £40 – 50k per year. Those costs, if work was continued may increase as legal requirements for roadside working, and changes in other legislation come to bear, due to further enhanced traffic management measures being required in the future.

Up until 31 March 2015, Council received just under £4000 from DRD Roads for the maintenance of those areas, ie less than 10% of cost. That figure was based upon what DRD Roads would have spent on maintaining the areas at their determined standard, which was three cuts of grass per year only. However, to promote civic pride and enhance the amenity of the areas, Council agreed to provide for the continued additional maintenance as described above. From 1 April 2015, no funding from DRD had been received and so the current costs were being borne by the Council completely.

The Council had been approached by TransportNI to ascertain its appetite for further work to be carried out on other DRD property by the Council or community groups, such as road side verges. Given that the safety requirements were onerous for that hazardous activity Council staff were not minded to put such a request to community groups, nor suggest, at this point in time, that we take on any further additional areas

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CW.09.09.15 in excess of the significant work that was already been undertaken on the Department‟s behalf.

RECOMMENDED that the report be noted and that for now no further additional work is considered by Council without the necessary additional funding.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Irvine, that the recommendation be adopted.

(Councillor Allen left the meeting at this stage – 8.20 pm)

6. DONAGHADEE SPORTS HUB (Appendix II)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Appendix 1 – Donaghadee Sports Hub Scoping Report, Appendix 2 – Donaghadee Sports Hub Feasibility Study and accompanying report from the Director of Community and Wellbeing detailing that Members may be aware that Council Officers had been engaged with four outdoor sport clubs in Donaghadee concerning the ongoing provision of facilities in the town for their sports. With the current provision for soccer, hockey, rugby and cricket in need of substantial investment it was felt that it was an appropriate time to consider the merging of that provision into one site which would provide for those four sports in a more sustainable efficient manner. That was supported by the recently produced Ards and North Down Pitch Strategy (2014). Council should be aware that those four clubs hired or leased the facilities that they currently used from the Council, thus that initiative also concerned the potential upgrading and modernisation of Council sports estate.

An initial scoping exercise funded by the former Ards Borough Council was carried out by Strategic Leisure Limited earlier this year with a view to identify the key facilities, land requirements and key issues in developing a potential multi „sports hub‟. The report took into account national, regional and local policies and strategies and the views of the four stakeholder clubs. The scoping report had now been produced and was included in the Appendix.

In summary the scoping report made two main recommendations; the establishment of a formal working group which was representative of each sport and the production of a full feasibility study to consider a number of options for provision with a view to identifying the best option to take forward. The feasibility study also considered if any other sports in the town could be provided for within the Hub. The report also identified the relevance of the project within a regional and local policy strategy context (see pp 2-9) and as such provided some assurance that subject to a positive outcome from a feasibility study, potential financial support could be favourable.

Consequently, the proposed working group had now been established and they were keen to retain the current momentum. They had submitted a request to Council for funding of up to £13k towards the production of a full feasibility report (Appendix 2). They had also stated that if they were successful in securing the funding the report would remain in the ownership of the Donaghadee Sports Hub Committee.

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Other essential objectives of the report would include consideration of the future management arrangements of the potential facility, the potential sources of funding, and a business plan.

RECOMMENDED that Council agrees to fund the production of the feasibility report to a maximum of £13k on the following conditions, namely that

1. Normal Council processes are followed in the procurement of a suitable consultant to carry out the study 2. Council becomes joint owners of the report 3. Senior Council officer involvement and support on the groups committee, in order to represent the Councils interest and deal with Governance issues concerning the use of Council funds. In addition this support will allow further advice concerning specialist functions such as procurement to be drawn upon from the Council

Councillor Martin proposed, seconded by Councillor Menagh, that the recommendations be adopted.

(Councillor Allen re-entered the meeting at this stage – 8.23 pm)

Councillor Martin voiced his delight and satisfaction at reading the positive report and progress towards the commissioning of a feasibility study. He underlined the massive amount of work entailed to open what was essentially a centre of excellence in Donaghadee. In that regard, he made mention of the future economies of scale and development of greater sporting skills.

(Councillor Dunne left the meeting at this stage – 8.24 pm)

Councillor Menagh endorsed those sentiments noting that Donaghadee was continuing to expand. He determined that other sports could utilise the facility and it was a wonderful amenity for the town and indeed the wider community.

In welcoming the comprehensive report, Councillor Boyle enquired as to the costs for implementation of a formal feasibility study.

(Councillor Dunne re-entered the meeting at this stage – 8.26 pm)

(Councillor Adair left the meeting at this stage – 8.26 pm)

(Councillor Martin left the meeting at this stage – 8.26 pm)

The Head of Leisure and Amenities estimated that to be in the region of £10 - £13K, up to a maximum of £13K only.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Martin, seconded by Councillor Menagh, that the recommendation be adopted.

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7. BANGOR DRAMA CLUB REQUEST FOR FUNDING (Appendix III)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Letter dated 18 May 2015 from Bangor Drama Club and accompanying report from the Director of Community and Wellbeing detailing that Council had received the attached letter from the Bangor Drama Club in May 2015, which requested that consideration be given to providing the Club with a grant of £17,265 to purchase and install retractable seating for the Good Templar Hall.

Bangor Drama Club had expressed an interest in purchasing the Council facility, the Good Templar Hall and the final contract was currently being prepared. The contract would be subject to the Club meeting the purchase price of £150,000 and having the sufficient reserves to carry out the necessary refurbishment of the building.

Officers had met with representatives of the Drama Club to advise that the Council had not made provision for capital Arts Grants. However, officers would continue to support and advise the Club and that would include signposting the Club to alternative sources of capital funding from other sources, should they become available.

RECOMMENDED that Council notes the report.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Boyle, seconded by Councillor Allen, that the recommendation be adopted.

8. NON COUNCIL OWNED COMMUNITY FACILITIES GRANT – FILE CG10685 (Appendix IV)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Former Council Policy document, LLCA Maintenance Needs 2015 and accompanying report from the Director of Community and Wellbeing detailing that correspondence had been received from Lisbarnett/Lisbane District Community Association (LLCA) requesting funding under the Legacy Ards Borough Council‟s Capital Grant for Non-council owned Community Halls Policy for a series of maintenance required to their community buildings.

Members may be aware that a policy existed from the Legacy Ards Council (appendix I) which enabled the Council to award capital grants to constituted bodies charged with managing those local community facilities which were not part of its estate or operational undertaking. The grants were up to and including £25,000 in a rolling ten year period. Award of the grants was contingent upon:

1. a robust purchasing procedure, consistent with the Council‟s procedure being employed in the procurement of goods and services

2. a suitable security being available for the Council‟s protection

The Group had requested that it draws down £17,461.60 of that grant. In accordance with the Council‟s procurement policy they had sought the following quotes. a) Quotations for the replacement soffit and fascia with PVA 13

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GS Joinery & Property Maintenance £1,050.00 b) Quotations for replacing the two central heating boilers AJC Building Services £2,550.00 each Bentley Plumbing Solutions £2,250.00 each Orcas Systems Ltd £2,340.00 each c) Quotations for replacement of window sills x3 and replacement of the existing oil tank S. Scott and son £1,344 for both d) Quotations for new back and front doors plus replacement of 20 windows Mourne Windows and Doors £7,820.00 Brown Conservatories £7,095.60 Joseph Long & Son £8924.40 e) Quotation for replacement carpet Martin Philips £1182.00

Quotation for redecorating Steve Molyneux £2990.00

The group wished to proceed with the contractors who had submitted the lowest prices which were:

Sofit and facia- GS Joinery £1,050.00 Central heating boilers – Bentley Plumbing £4,500.00 Window sills x 3 – S Scott and Son £1,344.00 Back and front door and 20 windows £7,095.60 Brown Conservatories New carpet – Martin Philips £1,182.00 Redecorating – Steve Molyneux £2,290.00

Total £17,461.60

Attached in the appendix was a list provided by LLCA of quotations for each element of the work needed for the community buildings.

To date LLCA had not received any of this grant.

RECOMMENDED that the Council awards a grant of up to £17,461.60 to Lisbarnett/Lisbane Community Association for the maintenance required to the community buildings on the previously agreed terms and conditions.

Furthermore, it was recommended that the existing policy is reviewed with a further report being brought back considering the possible extension of the scope of the former Ards policy to the whole of the new Borough.

(Councillor Adair re-entered the meeting at this stage – 8.28 pm)

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AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Cooper, seconded by Councillor Menagh, that the recommendation be adopted.

9. MULTI ANNUAL ARTS GRANTS – FILE CG10685

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Community and Wellbeing detailing that in February 2015 the Shadow Council agreed to offer a two year Multi-Annual Arts Fund for the period from April 2016 – March 2018 with a total budget of £22,000 per annum. The maximum available grant per organisation/ application was £5,000 per annum.

Grant applications would be publically advertised and would open on 1 October 2015 with a closing date of 30 October 2015. Following the closing date, applications would be assessed by the Arts and Culture Advisory Panel and their recommendations would be brought to Council for consideration. That timeframe would allow successful applicants sufficient lead in time to plan their 2016-2018 programmes.

The Multi-Annual Arts Fund was designed to enable constituted arts and special interest groups from the Borough to enhance existing arts provision, or undertake new larger scale arts initiatives over a two year period.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve the attached draft criteria for the Multi- annual Arts Funding programme to enable the application process to open on 1 October 2015.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Smart, that the recommendation be adopted.

10. GOOD RELATIONS BONFIRE MONITORING 2015-2016 – FILE GREL242 (Appendix V)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- GRO Monitoring Report Prior to 11&12 July, VMS Independent Monitoring Report, Summary of Applicant Evaluations and report from the Director of Community and Wellbeing detailing that Council‟s Cultural Expression programme supported inclusive local events and festivals that enabled communities and groups to celebrate their culture and identity through grant aid. 75% of that financial support was provided through OFMDFM and 25% was provided by the Council. When bonfires were associated with those local events and festivals, Council support was only available where communities agreed to core conditions which aimed to lessen the negative social and environmental impact of community bonfires.

Those festivals approved by the Council were attended by the Council‟s Good Relations Officers (GROs) and the associated bonfires were monitored against the core conditions by the GROs and Enforcement Officers over the four weeks leading up to the 11 and 12 July. Council officers along with independent mediators also monitored the associated bonfires on 11 and 12 July. Where possible, the GROs and independent mediators kept a watchful brief on all bonfires not supported by Council in the lead up to and on 11 and 12 July 2015. 15

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Local events and festivals supported by Council were monitored by officers on the day and evaluated with the applicant after the event. A series of questions determined the success of the festival.

Mediators and Council staff monitored the lighting of the associated supported and non-supported bonfires on 11 July 2015. A further four bonfires were monitored on 12 July.

In the lead up to 11 and 12 July, the GROs worked in partnership with a range of statutory agencies to address issues as they arose ie the Council‟s Enforcement Officers, Safer Ards, Council‟s Parks Officers, NIHE, PSNI, the Education Authority and NIFRS. Following the 12 July representatives re-convened to review lessons learnt from the Cultural Expressions programme and to make recommendations for improvements to the scheme. The key recommendations were:

. Collaborative working between the agencies worked well and should be built upon for 2016/2017

. PSNI reports indicated a relatively quiet night across the Borough with approximately 12 calls mainly in connection with noise and ASB. Apart from the uncertainty of the lighting date/time of the Strand in Holywood, the calls mainly related to bonfires not in the programme

. NIHE expressed concern about the number of additional wildcat bonfires across the Borough and did not want those encouraged or institutionalised

. NIHE reported that bonfires in the programme complied with the core conditions, however concern was expressed about the increasing cost of clear up

. NIHE and Council‟s Parks officers had requested “no glass” to be introduced as a condition grant. It was noted that glass and nails from pallets were extremely difficult to clear. If a bonfire was located on a playing field, it rendered the pitch unsuitable for community use for a considerable period until all glass could be cleared form the site and the pitch safely reinstated

. NIFRS advised there were no bonfire related call outs over the 11 and 12 July. However there was a significant increase in call outs prior to that period, due to material being collected from early May. NIFRS had requested material should not be collected until closer to 11 July

. NIFRS also advised the core conditions should stipulate “no huts” and the requirement of a 5:1 ratio regarding the size, height and location of a bonfire from property, such as houses and/or hedges

. Safer Ards advised the 11th night itself was very quiet although they dealt with a significant number of complaints in the lead up to 11 and 12 July. Officers recommended that the core conditions of the programme should be more robust and agreed by April 2016. It was noted that the wildcat bonfires led to more complaints

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. The Council‟s Parks officer advised that clear up worked relatively well. The run up caused more problems with regards to removing unsuitable material from the bonfires and the cost involved

. It was collectively agreed that the terms and conditions of the Cultural Expression programme needed to carefully consider respecting the views of all members of communities in which bonfires are built. It was noted that many of the complaints received from the public were in relation to wildcat bonfires which although they were not in the programme, members of local communities strongly objected to them.

In summary, over the next few months officers would review the information collated through the above monitoring and evaluation processes, to identify key core conditions for any future programme, to ensure that Council could support the celebration of community culture in a safe and respectful manner. Officers would also be meeting with key influencers and community representatives to consult upon the core conditions, in an effort to improve the programme for 2016.

In addition to the above work, the Council‟s GROs had identified a number of key areas of work which related to the Council‟s Good Relations Action Plan and would be delivered over the incoming months. Those included:

. Celebration of World Culture: Belfast Mela, 30 August 2015 . Commemoration of the Battle of the Brittain, Ballyhalbert 12 September 2015 . Marking of the International Day of Peace; Ards Visitor Information Centre; 18-21 September 2015 . Support for Holywood Culture Night; 18 September 2015; Holywood Town Centre . Support for the Intercultural Forum and a story telling initiative to coincide with Community Relations week; 28 September – 4 October 2015; details TBC . Commemoration of the Holocaust; January 2016, TBC . Intergenerational Project; details TBC . Community Leadership Programmes and young leaders project; details TBC . Diversity Awareness Training for community groups; details TBC . Training for community groups for delivering family friendly events; details TBC . Establishment of a Good Relations Forum . Good Relations Small Grants Programmes . Good Relations and Equality Training for Council staff . Sharing best practice with other GROs on a Regional basis

All of the above work areas were currently subject to the availability of funding from OFMDFM and Members would be notified of public events via email. All public events had been and would be promoted widely through the Council‟s website, email and flyers.

RECOMMENDED that Council notes this report.

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Councillor Menagh proposed, seconded by Councillor Kennedy, that the recommendation be adopted.

Councillor Anderson expressed his discontentment that bonfires with early collection had been included and emphasised the significance of discussions with relevant stakeholders at an early date to circumvent that practice.

The Head of Community and Culture indicated that early collection was an issue already raised with statutory agencies and that had prompted a meeting to be held as soon as possible to improve the programme for 2016. There had been extensive monitoring for non-compliance; nevertheless all applicants had complied and upon submission of invoices and receipts, full grants had been awarded.

Councillor Wilson spoke of numerous complaints he had heard from residents in the Balligan Gardens area of Kilcooley who detailed that collection had commenced as early as March. Apparently, sofas had been hidden in trees, rubbish had been dumped, tyres burnt and no appropriate Council signage had been erected.

The Head of Service clarified that signage would not have been available at such an early stage. She recounted that negotiations encompassing community representatives had been held with those responsible for that site and others and they had been co-operative in lifting undesirable material. In terms of a report on clean-up costs, she advised Councillor Wilson that some figures were not yet available as they were not all through the system.

(Councillor Martin re-entered the meeting at this stage – 8.30 pm)

Councillor Boyle observed that the majority of complaints appeared to relate to the Clandeboye Road and Willowbrook estate, as residents were clearly opposed to the siting of those bonfires. He welcomed progress being made albeit not in all areas, as upon reading the documentation, it was evident that 50% of those involved seemed to behave as they chose to. He recognised that people wanted to celebrate their culture but pointed out that a structure should be adhered to.

In agreement, the Head of Service notified Members that those districts were probably the two most challenging sites. Willowbrook was not included in the programme and had caused local consternation due to the „wildcat‟ bonfire being located in the vicinity of gas and power lines. Moreover, this year had proven to be more problematic with the merger of Councils and subsequent knock on effect of aligning two different bonfire policies. It was anticipated that through early community engagement in tandem with a review of the information collated for this year, collective agreement could be reached going forward into the wider community in 2016 and beyond.

Councillor Cooper was mindful that Officers encountered a difficult task as it was an emotive subject for all concerned. The key aspect was that those participating in the scheme were least bothersome and in that regard, he felt it was incumbent on Council to reach out and use their influence on all pertinent sections of the community. He also noticed that most of the trouble was faced before 11th July and earlier engagement may assist in alleviating that.

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To summarise, Councillor Menagh established that most of the trouble was created by those not participating in the Council‟s Cultural Expression Programme. Bonfires played a significant role in community culture and were not going to be eliminated. He realised there was still work to be done and reiterated the merit in talking to local communities as early as this month.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Smart, that the recommendation be adopted.

11. BANGOR AND ARDS DRAMA FESTIVAL – FUNDING

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Community and Wellbeing detailing that in December 2014 legacy North Down Borough Council agreed to extend the recipients of their Multi-Annual Arts Grants by 1 year to cover three organisations for 2015/16, and budget provision was made through the estimates process.

The three organisations were:

. Holywood Music Festival – £4,500 p.a. . Seacourt Print Workshop – £5,230 p.a. . Bangor Choral Festival – £8,900 p.a.

Legacy Ards Borough Council‟s did not offer Multi-Annual Arts Grants, however a comparable grant of £2,500 was awarded Bangor & Ards Drama Festival which took place annually in March. That grant was applied for annually and appropriate budget was ring-fenced specifically for the delivery of the festival following its relocation to Newtownards from Bangor in 2010/11 financial year.

Until now officers were unsure as to the future of the festival due to a number of changes to their management committee. However, a request had been received from Bangor and Ards Drama Festival for support for their week-long festival taking place in March 2016.

In anticipation of that request for financial support and in the interest of equality, the appropriate budget provision was made through the estimates process, to ring- fence £2,500 to support the Bangor and Ards Drama Festival in March 2016.

Members should note that the above support was an interim measure until the next round of Multi-Annual Funding was available for 2016/17. Subject to Council approval of the Multi-Annual Arts Fund Criteria all four organisations named above would be required to apply through a competitive process for future financial support.

RECOMMENDED that Council approves an award of £2,500 to Bangor and Ards Drama Festival in support of their Festival taking place in March 2016.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Dunne, seconded by Councillor Boyle, that the recommendation be adopted.

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12. SOUTH EAST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NETWORK BUSINESS PLAN (Appendix VI)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy of SECD Business Plan and covering report from the Director of Community and Wellbeing detailing that Each of the three Community Networks: Ards Community Network, North Down Community Network and County Down Rural Community Network previously received grant aid (£10,000 each) from the legacy Councils to assist each Network to deliver a range of community support and provide added value to their core funding secured from DSD and other funders eg the Public Health Agency, OFMDFM and other local and regional agencies.

All three Networks had worked collaboratively since 2009, under the name of South East Community Development Networks (SECDN). The joint boards produced the Working Together Strategy which aimed to provide community support across the majority of towns, villages and estates in Ards and North Down, providing one single point of contact for communities. SECDN directly supports 300+ groups across the Borough.

Members would be aware that the Council was working collaboratively with all three local Networks: Ards Community Network, North Down Community Network and County Down Rural Community Network, to produce a draft report proposing how Council‟s Community Development services will be delivered across the Borough from April 2016. The Council‟s eight key work areas identified in the report, support and compliment the work currently being carried out by the three Networks.

It was recommended that Council continued to provide that level of financial support for each Network in the current year. To facilitate that, the SECDN had produced the attached joint business plan, which detailed the activities and community support to be delivered through their partnership arrangements.

Subject to Council approval SECDN‟s business plan would be monitored on a quarterly basis. 50% of funding would be awarded upon approval and all subsequent grant claims would be subject to normal verification procedures. It should be noted that support for SECDN may be subject to review in advance of DSD‟s Transferring Functions in April 2016.

RECOMMENDED that Council approves grant aid of £10,000 for each Network working in partnership as the South East Community Development Network, to deliver the joint Business Plan, which will be subject to normal monitoring and verification procedures.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Boyle, seconded by Councillor Irvine, that the recommendation be adopted.

13. GOOD RELATIONS AND PCSP BUDGET CUTS

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Community and Wellbeing detailing that following a period of robust community consultation in the

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Autumn of 2014, Members would be aware that Council approved its Good Relations Strategy and Action Plan in March 2015 and also approved the Ards and North Down PCSP Strategy and Action Plan in February 2015.

Both strategies and associated Action Plans and budgets were submitted to the relevant Departments ie OFMDFM and the DOJ by the required submission dates. The budget required to deliver each Action Plan had been carefully considered, and included a detailed breakdown of administration costs and project costs to support each plan.

In June and July 2015 both the DOJ and OFMDFM respectively, advised Council that due to Central Government budget restrictions that only 50% of each Councils requested costs could be awarded. The Council was also advised that the release of the remaining 50% of each budget may be reviewed later in the financial year, subject to central funding becoming available.

Over the last number of weeks officers had been reviewing their Action Plans and associated budgets and had re-submitted the necessary supporting paperwork, prioritising contractual and inescapable spend for the both PCSP and Good Relations.

In real terms, that meant that each programme would have to operate within the following total restricted budgets, which included both Central Government and the Council‟s matched funding contributions:

Programme Total Budget Required Total Budgets Available Good Relations 218,000 103,250 PCSP 333,688 166,844

Members should be aware that the current restrictions and uncertainty in relation to the availability of the total budget requested, for the current financial year would undoubtedly, negatively impact on the delivery of both the PCSP and Good Relations Actions Plans. In addition, it would be necessary that community expectations were managed appropriately and services could be delivered within the current constraints.

RECOMMENDED that the Council formally writes to both Departments, highlighting its disappointment regarding the current financial situation and outlines the negative impact this may have across the Borough with regard to promoting confidence in policing, addressing anti-social behaviour and promoting Good Relations.

Councillor Cooper proposed, seconded by Councillor Menagh, that the recommendation be adopted.

Councillor Cooper voiced disappointment that funding would be drastically reduced by 50% which would create a ripple effect on the efficiency of the PCSP. Ultimately, the upshot of that would mean a curtailment of some activities and projects and a cancellation of others. He had spoken to Officers about that unfortunate state of affairs and been told that other sources of funding were being investigated.

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The Head of Community and Culture updated Members with information she had received earlier that day. A letter of offer from the OFMDFM relating to the Good Relations budget had detailed a variance; therefore apart from £500 almost all of the full amount would be awarded. However, no variance in the PCSP budget had been obtained.

Given the change in circumstances, Councillor Thompson proposed, seconded by Councillor Adair that the wording of the recommendation …outlines the negative impact this may have across the Borough be amended to read „outlines the negative impact this will have across the Borough‟. Furthermore that OFMDFM did not need to be included in the recommendation as the required Good Relations funding had now been offered more or less in full.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Adair, that the recommendation stating that the Council formally writes to the Department of Justice, highlighting its disappointment regarding the current financial situation concerning PCSP funding and outlines the negative impact this will have across the Borough with regard to promoting confidence in policing and addressing anti-social behaviour be adopted.

14. AFFORDABLE WARMTH UPDATE

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Report from the Director of Community and Wellbeing detailing that the Department of Social Development introduced the Warm Homes Scheme in 2001 and until late 2014, that was the main process employed by the DSD to address fuel poverty, by offering grants to certain households to finance home improvements such as cavity wall insulation and boiler replacements.

The Warm Homes Scheme had assisted over 150,000 homes and spent over £120 million on improving energy efficiency in this way. It was a very successful and popular scheme, but as the scheme developed and was evaluated it became clear that it presented number of issues.

. The scheme relied on self-referral, meaning that only people, who knew of the scheme and were capable of referring themselves, availed of it. Therefore many elderly or isolated individuals did not self-refer

. The scheme relied on applicants being in receipt of a qualifying benefit. Therefore those on low incomes who were not in receipt of benefits, could not apply for the Warm Homes Scheme

. The Warm Homes Scheme did not take into consideration the age or condition of the property. Therefore, many of the worst performing properties (in terms of thermal insulation) occupied by some of the lowest income households were unable to avail of the Warm Homes Scheme

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Affordable Warmth Scheme

The DSD sought to address the issues above through the introduction of a new „Affordable Warmth Scheme’. That scheme operated as a partnership between the DSD, the NIHE and District Councils. The overall aim of the Affordable Warmth Scheme was to help alleviate fuel poverty in targeted vulnerable households in the owner-occupied and private rented sector (it did not apply to NIHE or Housing association property) using an area based approach.

The targeting methodology was formulated by the University of Ulster and used an algorithm that combined data from 12 data sources including income estimation, benefits data, house condition, and weather data to target homes that might benefit from energy efficiency measures.

During 2012 to 2014 three pilots were set up (based on some new Council areas) to test the effectiveness of this approach and it was found that in 80% of cases targeted in this way, the households were in fuel poverty and in 64% of cases, severe fuel poverty.

In 2013-14 the DSD approached the remainder of the then Council Clusters to work in partnership with the DSD and NIHE to roll the scheme out to all council areas, and in 2014 both Ards and North Down legacy Councils agreed to participate in the scheme.

In August 2014 the funding for the scheme was secured from the DSD and a list of 4,400 targeted properties, identified using the Ulster Universities algorithm were supplied to the Council Cluster to be surveyed. That funded staff to administer the scheme, ( a project co-ordinator, three surveyors and one administration officer). The staff were in place by the end of October 2014. In addition, 10 of the then cluster Councils representing all of the new councils (except Belfast) entered into a joint procurement exercise to buy an IT system for the scheme which allowed Councils to send completed surveys into the NIHE IT system for grant processing.

Ards and North Down Borough Council’s role:

Our role was to survey all 4439 homes supplied to us by the DSD and screen the properties to see if they may be eligible for an Affordable Warmth Scheme grant.

The eligibility criteria were as follows:

For homeowner or Private Sector tenants . Household Income must be less than £20,000

For private Rented property

. Landlord permission is required for works . Landlords must be registered with Landlord Registration Scheme . Landlords must contribute 50% of total costs

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When the Council then surveyed the property and passed the information to the NIHE, grant could be offered to assist in delivery of the following measures (in order of preference). In addition, NIHE applied for any necessary building control approval on behalf of the householder.

1 Insulation/Ventilation Loft Insulation Eaves Insulation Hot Water cylinder jacket Cavity Wall insulation

2 Heating Installing a heating system Conversion of heating system Boiler Replacement/system upgrade*

3 Windows Replacement of single glazed windows with double glazed; Repair of defective double glazed units; Draught proofing

4 Sold Wall Measures Provision of solid wall insulation (where there is no cavity wall)

Funding for cavity construction houses was up to £7,500 – in order of priority that was for:

1. Loft Insulation 2. Cavity Wall Insulation 3. Heating 4. Windows

Funding for solid construction houses was up to £10,000 – in order of priority that was for:

1. Loft Insulation 2. Cavity Wall Insulation 3. Solid Wall Insulation (Where technically feasible) 4. Heating 5. Windows

The process for engaging with the targeted households was as follows:

. Council was supplied with addresses provided by Department of Social Development, from the University . Letters were sent to the targeted households advising of their eligibility and that a visit was being planned . Project Officers targetted wide areas at a time to engage with householders

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Surveys were then completed in targeted households obtain the following information which was passed onto the NIHE if the survey identified that the household was potentially eligible:

. Income . Tenure . Current Measures . Issues or concerns . Income Assessment . Benefits check requested . Other Agencies/Council services . Consent to share information . Information pack

An opportunity was taken during the visit to refer the householder for a benefits check if they wished, referral for a home safety check, and/or for landlord rented property, referral to a housing officer for a visit to address disrepair or unfitness.

Finally:

. Completed surveys were stored on the Affordable Warmth IT system and transferred to Northern Ireland Housing Executive electronically

. We maintained a database of activity and outcomes of each visit for reporting back to DSD

Whilst the scheme was targeted there was a mechanism for non-targeted referrals by health professionals. The DSD specification for the scheme allowed a number of professionals (ie Doctor, District Nurse, Health visitor, Environmental Health Officer or Home Safety check visitor) to refer clients onto the scheme.

Affordable Warmth Update Statistics

 To date, 4581 addresses were now on the list of households to be visited (including 142 that we had added that should have been included following officers assessment)

 Over 9000 visits had been carried out since 22/10/2014

 792 surveys were completed (that included 100 heath professional referrals)

 As of 17 July, 667 surveys had been validated and exported to the NIHE. A backlog of surveys developed due to the NIHE only accepting a maximum number of surveys in a given period from each Council and the NIHE data handling systems coming on line after the Councils did. Soon that backlog would be cleared meaning that we would be able to export survey data as soon as visits had been completed and uploaded.

 As of 17 July 2015, 51 Building Control applications had been received from NIHE

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 The Council‟s affordable warmth team had already carried out 657 4th visits and that had resulted in an additional 36 referrals; ratio 1:18

 We still had 1700 addresses where a visit had been attempted with no outcome to date, and therefore we would continue our efforts to contact those people

RECOMMENDED that the report be noted.

Councillor Adair proposed, seconded by Councillor Dunne, that the recommendation be adopted.

Councillor Adair took the opportunity to commend Officers for ensuring the information about the affordable warmth scheme reached the relevant people, as he knew many constituents had since availed of that scheme.

Responding to a question from Alderman Irvine about timescales, the Head of Environmental Protection and Development confirmed that despite initial delays in the NIHE becoming ready to receive referrals from Council staff, causing a backlog at the NIHE end, by and large grants were now awarded 6-10 weeks after a visit to the property.

In terms of privately rented properties, Councillor Thompson sought details about the uptake for the scheme.

In response the Head of Service commented that it had been fairly poor in comparison as landlords were required to make a 50% contribution to the cost of works.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Adair, seconded by Councillor Dunne, that the recommendation be adopted.

15. SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT WITH LISBURN AND CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL CONCERNING AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT (Appendix VII)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy of SLA agreement with Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and covering report from the Director of Community and Wellbeing detailing that prior to 1 April 2015, Councils were grouped by statute and managed through joint members committees in relation to the Environmental Health functions and some services were shared between Councils.

One of those services was air quality monitoring which was a statutory function by way of the Environment Order (NI) 2002. The Technical Officer that carried out that monitoring function and the preparation of annual reports to the DOENI as required by the legislative framework was seconded to the post based at Eastern Group Environmental Health Committee, from North Down Borough Council and had been transferred as a result of LGR to Ards and North Down Borough Council. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) had expressed a desire to retain the services and

26

CW.09.09.15 expertise of this Officer for their monitoring and reporting work under the legislation in a manner similar to that which occurred under the grouping arrangement.

To that end, a Service Level Agreement had been drawn up with LCCC to share the Officer; with 2/5 of the Officer‟s time spent in LCCC and 3/5 of the time spent in Ards and North Down and the costs associated with the post shared pro-rata.

RECOMMENDED that the Council agrees to the sharing of its Technical Officer (Air Quality) resource in accordance with the terms of the appended Service Level Agreement with Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council until 31 March 2016 and with the agreement of both parties beyond this date.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Martin, seconded by Councillor Thompson, that the recommendation be adopted.

16. SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT WITH THE NORTHERN IRELAND HOUSING EXECUTIVE (Appendix VIII)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy of draft SLA with the NIHE and covering report from the Director of Community and Wellbeing detailing that prior to 1 April 2015, Group Environmental Health Committees and Belfast City Council had service level agreements with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to conduct fitness inspections of properties to determine whether the properties should be subject to closing orders and or demolition orders under housing legislation.

Given that group committees no longer existed and in order to ensure that that service was continued, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive wished to enter into service level agreements with each of the eleven councils on the same basis as that with the Group Committees. The Environmental Health Officers within Ards and North Down Borough Council had the requisite skills and expertise to carry out that function on behalf of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

RECOMMENDED that the Council agrees to continue to carry out fitness inspections on behalf of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive under the terms of the service level agreement.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Cooper, seconded by Councillor Irvine, that the recommendation be adopted.

17. SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT WITH BELFAST CITY COUNCIL (Appendix IX)

PREVIOUSLY CIRCULATED:- Copy of draft SLA with Belfast City Council, copy of the Tobacco Retailers Act (NI) 2014 and accompanying report from the Director of Community and Wellbeing detailing that the Tobacco Retailers Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 required that all tobacco retailers were registered. It made provision for dealing with the persistent commission of tobacco offences. It amended the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 and conferred additional powers of enforcement to Councils in relation to offences under that Order and the

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Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) (Northern Ireland) Order 1991.

In the interests of economy and efficiency, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) had commissioned Belfast City Council to manage the processing of information and personal data relating to the legal obligations associated with Sections 1-4 of the Tobacco Retailers Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, for all eleven local authorities in Northern Ireland.

Belfast City Council would develop a secure electronic information system to process the information and personal data of tobacco retailers when they registered. It would also provide limited access to members of the public to that data, and fuller access to identified staff from all of the Councils in Northern Ireland, the Public Health Agency and DHSSPS.

All tobacco retailers would be required to register for the sale of tobacco or tobacco papers. It would be an offence not to register and tobacco control officers acting on behalf of each of the Councils would enforce the legislation.

In order to process the data on behalf of the eleven Councils, the Public Health Agency and the DHSSPS, Belfast City Council had produced a service level agreement outlining the service that they would provide, how data would be processed and the rights and responsibilities of signatories to the service level agreement.

The agreement allowed for the service level that Ards and North Down Borough requires and made provision for the protection of personal data by Belfast City Council, Ards and North Down Borough, the Public Health Agency and DHSSPS.

RECOMMENDED that the Council agrees to sign the data processing and sharing agreement with Belfast City Council, in order to fulfil the Councils statutory obligations under the Tobacco Retailers Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Smart, that the recommendation be adopted.

EXCLUSION OF PUBLIC/PRESS

Councillor Boyle proposed, seconded by Councillor Smart and

AGREED that the public/press be excluded during discussion of the undernoted items of confidential business.

(Councillor Cooper left the meeting at this stage – 8.55 pm)

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18. LEISURE FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DISCUSSIONS UPDATE

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

19. INCREASED HEIGHT BALL STOP FENCING AT SPAFIELD FOOTBALL PITCH, HOLYWOOD – FILE 142000

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

20. BURIAL CHARGES AND BOUNDARY CHANGE CONSIDERATIONS – FILE BG15167

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

21. WARD PARK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – FILE 62031 (Appendix X)

*** NOT FOR PUBLICATION ***

Schedule 6 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Council holding that information).

RE-ADMITTANCE OF PUBLIC/PRESS

Councillor Boyle proposed, seconded by Councillor Anderson and

AGREED that the public/press be re-admitted to the meeting.

22. NOTICES OF MOTION

22.1. Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Cathcart

Councillor Irvine proposed, seconded by Councillor Martin, that this Council recognises that excessive noise can constitute a real nuisance to residents of this Borough, further notes that latest statistics show that noise complaints increased in both Ards and North Down legacy Councils, tasks officers to explore all powers available under the Noise Act 1996 and the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (NI) 2011 to help tackle nuisance noise within the Borough.

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(Councillor Menagh left the meeting at this stage 9.02 pm)

Councillor Cathcart was encouraged to bring this motion to Council following a constituent case he had worked on. The lady was tormented by noise caused by her neighbour late into the night and was in tears describing how it was ruining her domestic/work life as she could not get the sleep she needed. It also prevented her from spending time with her children, as she had separated from her partner but felt she could not bring her children to stay with her, especially on school nights. She had filled in noise log books in the past and contacted PSNI but the gentleman was nice when the PSNI and Council were there but turned nasty when they left, so the noise kept occurring. She was so exhausted with the process she just wanted to move but with a shortage of social housing in Bangor felt trapped. He therefore began exploring if there was anything else Council could do in such cases.

The Member explained that noise was commonly defined as „sound which was undesired by the recipient‟ and any sound that was intrusive, disturbing or annoying. It was one of the most widespread pollutants and the World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that noise could seriously harm human health and interfere with people‟s daily activities at school, at work and during leisure time.

(Councillor Menagh re-entered the meeting at this stage – 9.04 pm)

Councillor Cathcart indicated that domestic noise remained the largest source of noise in our Council area accounting for 83% in Ards and 88% of complaints in North Down. Tackling domestic noise was the focus of his motion and sources most complained about were loud music, television, parties, and animal noise. The latest Noise Complaint Statistics Report published by the DOE took figures from 2013/14; Ards received 340 noise complaints and North Down 301. In Ards, complaints increased by 7.9% and North Down by 34% that year. The figures from 2014/15 showed that in North Down the complaints increased to 389 with Ards staying roughly the same at 333, so as a combined Council that amounted to over 700 complaints a year.

Environmental Health Officers were responsible for investigating noise complaints and many could be dealt with informally as people often reduced the noise once they realised it was causing annoyance. However, if it was not resolved, Officers could take action if they believed a statutory nuisance had occurred. A Noise Abatement Order could be issued against a person who was persistently noisy. If that Order was broken, Council could take the person to Court where they could be fined up to £5,000. In North Down last year 9 notices were served with 1 prosecution and in Ards 2 notices were served with 1 prosecution, out of a total of 722 complaints.

(Councillor Boyle left the meeting at this stage – 9.06 pm)

The Noise Act 1996 allowed Council officers to issue warnings and fixed penalty notices and it also gave powers of entry to premises to disable alarms. When the Act came into operation, Councils had discretion as to whether they would adopt the provisions of the Act and Belfast City Council was the only Council in Northern Ireland who did so. In 2012/13 Belfast City served 554 warning and 23 fixed penalty notices. In 2013/14 they served 396 warning and 7 fixed penalty notices, indicating

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CW.09.09.15 a 29% decrease in the use of those powers. The figures from Belfast suggested that warning notices were a successful enforcement tool with the threat of a £100 fine acting as an effective deterrent.

As Council issued fixed penalty notices for other offences such as litter/dog fouling, Councillor Cathcart was of the view that set up costs should not be significant. His only concern was that as the overwhelming majority of cases, two thirds in fact, related to animal noise, would fines encourage owners to get rid of their dog. He did feel it was worth exploring whether fixed penalty notices offered Council a simpler, more cost effective and stronger deterrent in tackling nuisance noise.

In summing up, he asked Officers to carry out a cost/benefit analysis regarding its implication along with any other parts of the legislation that could assist in tackling noise nuisance. The DOE were keen for those powers to be rolled out by other Councils. This Council had a duty to tackle this issue and it was important to review our operations to ensure we were providing the best service to our constituents and he urged Members to support his motion.

(Councillor Boyle re-entered the meeting at this stage – 9.08 pm)

Members proceeded to discuss the content of the motion and recognised the clear ill effects relentless noise could impose on a person‟s health. However, many shared the opinion that handling the problem required a collective approach comprising Council, community groups and the PSNI.

Although accepting of the intent and spirit of the motion, Councillor Anderson proposed as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Wilson that Officers bring back a report on the current service provided to date and the related costs of potential improvements.

Councillor Cooper was supportive of the original motion and the amendment, he was perturbed that out of 9 notices served in North Down, only 1 resulted in a successful prosecution. He sought further clarification about the use of fixed penalties.

The Head of Environmental Health Protection and Development confirmed that Council was hesitant about issuing fixed penalties due to the fact that that would require two Officers out working together late at night on response as this provision related to a night time reactive response. A prevalence of complaints originated around noisy parties taking place between 11.00 pm – 2.00 am and with attendees partaking of drugs or alcohol, it posed a health and safety predicament for Officers. He recalled that Belfast City Council had funded a full time evening noise team due to the high volume of complaints pertaining to student houses at this time of the night.

Having had some experience of living near students, Councillor Wilson claimed that they were given advance warning of when noise levels would be monitored. He reflected upon the possibility of the Council implementing a Service Level Agreement with Belfast City Council.

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Councillor Kennedy considered the motion to be constructive and practical but on the other hand indicated that the system for dealing with noise by Councils was ineffective. He concurred with previous comments that a fundamental flaw with the present system was that Officers were obliged to inform noisy neighbours when complaints had been received and when monitoring of their property would commence. He believed that that action placed immense pressure on the complainant. It had been found that a noise nuisance would abate for a short interval during monitoring but start up again soon after. Furthermore, the monitoring equipment did not do justice to the disturbance from noise. He wholly supported the Council taking suitable measures to invest in an improved service to manage such occurrences.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Anderson as an amendment, seconded by Councillor Wilson that Officers bring back a report on the current service provided to date and the related costs of potential improvements.

22.2. Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Muir

“That this Council requests officers to bring back a report on current provision of allotments across our new Borough by the Council and other organisations, plus opportunities for further expansion”.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND on the proposal of Councillor Wilson, seconded by Councillor Anderson that the Notice of Motion be deferred to the Community and Wellbeing Committee meeting in October.

(Councillor Kennedy left the meeting at this stage – 9.22 pm) 22.3 Notice of Motion Submitted by Alderman Irvine

Alderman Irvine proposed, seconded by Councillor Martin that this Council notes with concern the ongoing anti-social behaviour at Conlig play park and asks for officers to bring back a report to include costings for potential fencing to be erected along properties adjoining the Conlig play park.

In speaking to his motion, Alderman Irvine highlighted that constituents felt tormented in their homes because of frequent anti-social behaviour predominantly relating to objects being thrown from the playground into their gardens. Officers from the Community Safety Team had conversed with inhabitants at that location and they favoured the construction of a fence as a means of easing that harassment.

As seconder for the motion, Councillor Martin acknowledged that constant anti-social behaviour could become debilitating to endure. Many such incidences seemed to occur around play parks which were often vandalised and he agreed that fencing at Conlig would mitigate against that distress.

Councillor Menagh had also visited the residents in question and he said it was incredulous that a play park had ever been constructed at a site surrounded by houses. People were frightened by the anti-social behaviour and besides the objects

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CW.09.09.15 thrown; there was a noise nuisance which he insisted the proposed fencing would not eradicate.

Councillor Allen echoed those comments adding that the fence would create a deterrent but on a broader point in connection to anti-social behaviour; he worried that it may just transfer that conduct from one area to another.

The Director of Community and Wellbeing confirmed that the complainants were particularly concerned about objects being hurled into properties and youths jumping easily over a low wall between the park and private gardens to retrieve items.

AGREED TO RECOMMEND, on the proposal of Councillor Martin, seconded by Councillor Anderson, that this Council notes with concern the ongoing anti- social behaviour at Conlig play park and asks for officers to bring back a report to include costings for potential fencing to be erected along properties adjoining the Conlig play park.

23. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

(a) North Pier, Bangor

Councillor Cooper drew attention to the above-mentioned location which came to light at a meeting of the Regeneration and Development Committee. Regrettably, the Harbour Master had reported a suicide and an attempted suicide and those had not been the first incidences. In his capacity working as a mental health representative, he was conscious of the fact that the North Pier could now appear more attractive for those deliberating upon such a tragic end to their lives. He further advised that since the Belfast Agreement came into effect in 1998, a larger proportion of people had died through suicide than as a result of the troubles. Those percentages attributed to 77% of males and 58% of persons within the 30-50 age group. He had studied how towns with piers such as Southend and Brighton had tackled the problem by utilising concrete bollards and good lighting. As he had decided to bring forward a Notice of Motion to Council on that crucial issue, he thought it beneficial to flag up the subject to Members.

Bearing in mind that World Suicide Prevention Day was 10 September, the Chairman (Councillor Armstrong) thought it a very poignant concern. She was certain that following discussion of the Notice of Motion, Officers would present a report to a future meeting of the Committee.

NOTED.

(b) NI Pensioner’s Parliament

The Chairman (Councillor Armstrong) made mention of the above event which would take place over two days in Belfast, namely 24-25 September 2015. An invitation had been received for two Council representatives to attend and witness proceedings whilst keeping in mind the Council‟s considerations.

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Councillor Boyle proposed, seconded by Councillor Dunne that information about the NI Pensioner‟s Parliament event be circulated to all Members.

The Director of Community and Wellbeing undertook to do so.

AGREED that information about the NI Pensioner’s Parliament event be circulated to all Members.

24. TERMINATION OF MEETING

The meeting terminated at 9.27 pm.

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ITEM 7.5.1.

Ards and North Down Borough Council

Council/Committee Council Meeting

Date of Meeting 23rd September 2015

Responsible Officer Director of Community and Wellbeing

Date of Report 11th September 2015

File Reference

Legislation

Section 75 Compliant Yes x No Not Applicable

Subject Antisocial Behaviour at Conlig Playpark

Attachments

Following on from the Community and Wellbeing Committee on 9th September, the following notice of motion was moved and agreed.

That this Council notes with concern the on-going anti-social behaviour at Conlig playpark and asks for officers to bring back a report to include costings for potential fencing to be erected along properties adjoining the Conlig playpark.

The Councils community safety team have been dealing with a complaint about antisocial behaviour at the play park, which appears to be restricted to one property in particular being affected. The complaint concerns youths gathering in the park and throwing items into the complainant’s property, and sometimes climbing the wall to enter the complainant’s property.

At a site meeting in response to this complaint attended by Alderman Irvine, the Councils Parks Superintendent and a member of the community safety team, it was suggested that the erection of a fence in at this location would have the potential to resolve the matter.

Following the committee meeting on 9th September, a further site visit was carried out on 11th September to allow an estimation of costs to be made should a fence be agreed to be erected. The area of concern is at the back of the play park where the low wall and fence is allowing youths to climb over into gardens adjoining the site to take a shortcut or to retrieve objects as shown in the photograph below. ITEM 7.5.1.

The estimated costs are between £2650 for a 2.4 metre and £2800 for a 3 metre high paladin fence, of the same type already installed on the other side of the park. The fence could be erected on the inside of the existing wooden fence and wall as shown in the above picture.

RECOMENDATION

It is recommended that a fence is erected in front of the existing wall and wooden fence subject to agreement with occupants of the adjoining properties affected on the height that would be acceptable to them.

ITEM 9.2.

Ards and North Down Borough Council

Council/Committee Council Meeting

Date of Meeting 23 September 2015

Responsible Officer Director of Community & Wellbeing

Date of Report 14 September 2015

File Reference

Legislation Houses in Multiple Occupation Bill

Section 75 Compliant Yes No Not Applicable X

Subject Consultation on Houses in Multiple Occupation Legislation, to be regulated by District Councils.

Attachments

Background.

The Houses in Multiple Occupation Bill was formally introduced to the Northern Ireland Assembly on 7 September 2015. The Committee for Social Development has requested written submissions to the Bill by 6 October 2015 including response to specific clauses.

Subject to approval by the Assembly at Second Stage, the Bill will then be referred to the Committee for Social Development which has responsibility for the Committee Stage of the Bill.

The purpose of the Bill is to enable better regulation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO), by streamlining the definition, introducing licensing, promoting effective housing management and clarifying the existing law. The eleven Local Councils in Northern Ireland will be responsible for these functions.

The new proposals to improve upon the current HMO Registration legislation will (among other things) introduce:

 A new HMO definition;  a licensing scheme;  a fit and proper person test;  new enforcement powers;  new powers to issue a prohibition notice; and  powers to allow information sharing to assist in the identification and regulation of HMOs. ITEM 9.2.

All of these improvements are welcome and necessary for the protection of tenants in HMO’s.

When the legislation comes into force and Councils are responsible, local knowledge can be used to identify HMO’s (Environmental Health Officers working in Housing are aware of HMO’s which have been referred to the current NIHE HMO unit in Coleraine).

Implications of the Bill for Ards and North Down Borough Council.

Figures obtained in 2013 From the Department of Social Development indicate that there were approximately 216 registered HMO’s in the Ards and North Down area.

District Council Categorised as HMOs Belfast City 4151 North Down and Ards 216 Antrim and Newtownabbey 299 Lisburn City and Castlereagh District 47 Newry City, Mourne and Down 170 Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon District 188 Mid and East Antrim District 174 Causeway Coast and Glens District 789 Mid Ulster District 172 Derry City and Strabane 526 Fermanagh and Omagh 138 Totals 6870

The vast majority of these are in Bangor, with smaller, but significant, numbers in Newtownards and Holywood. A few others are scattered throughout the Borough.

In 2012 the NIHE who currently operate the HMO registration scheme indicated that the number of registered HMO’s should be at least a 1/3 larger based on their own evidence in relation to housing benefit applications. Accordingly, it is probable that there are currently 300-350 HMO’s within the Ards and North Down area of which perhaps 100 remain unregulated. Therefore, there is going to be a requirement for significant officer time to ensure that tenants in HMO’s are protected by the new legislation.

The EXPLANATORY AND FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM accompanying the bill indicates that:-

FINANCIAL EFFECTS OF THE BILL

It is not anticipated that the Bill will give rise to any significant additional expenditure.

Figures obtained at 2013 indicated that a potential income of £26,000 would be realised in Ards and North Down, as a result of regulating the official numbers of ITEM 9.2.

HMO’s mentioned above from a total potential income of £673,000 across all of Northern Ireland (around half this sum would be realised in the Belfast Area)

The current charges for HMO registration as follows.

3 occupants £375 4 occupants £500 5 occupants £625 6 occupants £750 7 occupants £875 8 occupants £1,000 9 occupants £1,125 10 occupants or more £1,250

Regulation 84 of the new Bill allows fees to be set by the Department. It is as yet unclear whether the fees listed above will be increased.

Welfare Reform Implications

Proposed welfare reform in Northern Ireland will place restrictions on the amount of Housing Benefit that individuals will be able to claim. Potentially, this may mean a greater demand for rooms in shared houses and an increase in the number of HMO’s in the borough.

Conclusion.

The improvements to the regulatory system in relation to HMO’s are to be welcomed and should serve to ensure greater protection for those who live in HMO’s and those who may live in HMO’s in the future.

The charges currently levied would not enable the Council to self-finance the legislative regime particularly as it is more exhaustive and involved than previously and there are potentially more HMO’s that require regulation than are currently regulated.

The current regime administered by the NIHE from offices in Belfast and Coleraine is not currently self-financing and it would be assumed that portions of this excess budget would be transferred to Councils to enable the function to be effectively administered.

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Council responds to the Committee for Social Development consultation with the conclusions drawn above, welcoming the enhanced protections for the public included in the Bill and requesting further clarification of the financial implications for the Council.

From: Claire Bradley Date: 14 September 2015 12:09:33 BST To: Dr Theresa Donaldson , "Mr Anthony Tohill" , Mr Brendan Hegarty , Mr David Jackson , Mr John Kelpie , Mr Liam Hannaway , Mr Roger Wilson , Mr Stephen Reid , Mrs Jacqui Dixon , Mrs Suzanne Wylie , Ms Anne Donaghy Cc: "Anderson, David" Subject: Response Sought: Further Education Strategy consultation

Dear Council Chief Executive,

RE: NEW FURTHER EDUCATION STRATEGY FOR NORTHERN IRELAND

The Department for Employment & Learning has issued a consultation on the New Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland, and are inviting responses by 5pm on 2nd October 2015. http://www.delni.gov.uk/index/consultation-zone/new-further-education-strategy-for-northern- ireland.htm

The consultation seeks the views of stakeholders on a series of policy commitments that will establish the future direction of Further Education in NI.

The vision for the strategy is that “further education colleges will be recognised locally, nationally and internationally for high quality and economically relevant education and training provision. Colleges will be focused on achieving excellence in delivering the skills needed for the economy of today & tomorrow, and will be ambitious for their learners, and for the contribution they make to improving the competitiveness of the economy of NI.” The strategy is separated into a number of key themes, including economic development and social inclusion.

If your council is intending to respond to this consultation, I would be grateful to receive a copy of the response or any comments that could be fed into the NILGA response by this Friday, if possible (18th September 2015).

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind Regards,

Claire Bradley

Claire Bradley Regional Policy & Co-ordination Officer Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) Bradford Court Upper Galwally Castlereagh BT8 6RB

Tel: 02890 798972 Mob: 07896 466763 Email: [email protected] www.nilga.org

Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy July 2015 for Northern Ireland

Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

Consultation Document July 2015

1

Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

Foreword 04 Executive Summary 06 Section 1 Introduction 14 Section 2 Strategic Context for Further Education 18 Section 3 Further Education: Achievements 20 Section 4 Vision for Further Education in Northern Ireland 22

THEMES Section 5 Economic Development 24 Section 6 Social Inclusion 32 Section 7 Curriculum Delivery 38 Section 8 Excellence 44 Section 9 Internationally Connected 52 Section 10 Governance 54 Section 11 College Partnerships 56 Section 12 Funding Model and College Sustainability 60 Section 13 Promoting the Further Education Sector 62 Section 14 Consultation Questions 64

ANNEXES Annex A Shared Future Policy Proofing 77 Annex B Qualification Levels 81 Annex C Glossary 82 Annex D Bibliography 84 Annex E Definitions 87

3 Foreword

I am pleased to launch this consultation on the further education sector in Northern Ireland, and the central role which it has in our education and training landscape.

Our further education system has a proud There are drivers for change at a national tradition, going back over a hundred years, and international level and the pace of providing a wide range of learning and complexity of this change is both opportunities for an equally wide variety of a challenge and an opportunity. The learners, and of supporting employers and challenge is for our colleges to use the economy of Northern Ireland. At no digital technologies to transform the way time in colleges’ history is their role more professional and technical education important. The Northern Ireland Executive is delivered. The rapid pace of change acknowledges the critical importance of means that business models and the skills skills to developing a vibrant knowledge that go with them will need to be renewed based economy here. The Economic continually. The opportunity for colleges Strategy for Northern Ireland, the Skills is to take centre stage as they prepare Strategy, ‘Success through Skills – those entering work and those who need Transforming Futures’ and the Innovation retraining not only to know and do, but Strategy all point to the growing need for also to learn how to learn. Those about to higher level skills, with a particular focus enter the workforce will have many jobs in on the subjects of Science, Technology, their lifetime and a key requirement will be Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). the ability to adapt and learn new skills.

4 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

It will be important for further education support local businesses to enable them to have an identity which is distinct and to keep one step ahead, whilst at the sets it apart from the other education same time having the foresight to seize sectors, promoting professional and the opportunity presented by emerging technical learning pathways and skills technologies to build and attract new development which the sector is business. That is why the skills agenda, uniquely placed to provide. This can be and the critical role that colleges play in it, achieved through further education’s is so fundamental. passion for learning and ambition for its learners. Internationally, there is a I look forward to receiving your views desire for professional and technical on the policy commitments in this education and training to be valued consultation document; they will help to equally to academic education by learners, inform the development of the strategy for employers and wider society. This has further education in Northern Ireland which been achieved more in some countries will be published in the autumn. than in others, and is something which I and my Department aspire to for Northern Ireland. The high quality professional and technical provision that colleges deliver, the proposed changes to apprenticeships and the youth training system, and the development of a new qualifications strategy, will all be key drivers in achieving this for the people of Northern Ireland. It is against this wider background that further education will be recognised as an equal and valuable pillar of the education system in Northern Ireland, alongside higher education and the statutory school system.

Building on their considerable achievements in recent years, colleges need to excel and provide Northern Ireland with a highly-skilled workforce which can compete at a global level. They must build on areas of competitive advantage to become the foremost experts. We need to

5 Executive Summary

The vision is that further education colleges will be recognised locally, nationally and internationally for high quality and economically relevant education and training provision. Colleges will be focussed on achieving excellence in delivering the skills needed for the economy of today and tomorrow, and will be ambitious for their learners, and for the contribution they make to improving the competitiveness of the economy of Northern Ireland.

The need for a new further education As the statutory providers of education strategy is a reflection of the and training, further education colleges, unprecedented state of change that we working in partnership with others, will face now and in the future. The impact be at the heart of delivering the vision of of digital technologies, access to content a strong knowledge based economy in online, challenges to government funding, Northern Ireland. International evidence global mobility and increased economic confirms that the strategic direction of our competition all require a strategy to give further education sector in recent years direction and ensure that further education is the right one; in particular, colleges’ adds value to individuals, society and the strong economic focus, their ability to economy. help employers to embrace innovation,

6 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

their involvement with employers to design with key partners, will be major providers curriculum and qualifications to meet their of the new apprenticeships and youth needs, and their ability to use technology training systems in Northern Ireland. to deliver programmes and services in flexible and innovative ways. Colleges also This consultation document seeks views have a strong role in supporting diversity on a series of policy commitments that and social inclusion by encouraging will establish a world class system of participation from the most deprived further education in Northern Ireland. areas of Northern Ireland and ensuring These commitments are set out under access for those with barriers to learning. the following themes. With their already strong relationship with employers in their areas, and with a deep understanding of the skills needs of individual learners, the economy and the local community, colleges are uniquely placed to drive a skills revolution in The need for a new Northern Ireland. As part of this, colleges, further education strategy is a reflection of the unprecedented state of change that we face now and in the future.

7 themes

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: with colleges at the centre of skills delivery for professional and technical occupations

Policy Commitment 1 – ways in terms of where, when, and over Priority Skills what period of time up-skilling activities Colleges will have a crucial role working are provided, so that the needs of with employers and other key stakeholders employers can be met effectively and in a to ensure that the professional and manner which suits business needs. technical qualifications and curriculum they provide support the rebalancing Policy Commitment 4 – and rebuilding of the Northern Ireland Support to Employers economy. Colleges will be at the forefront of providing support to employers to enable Policy Commitment 2 – them to innovate, to grow, to operate more Levels of College Provision effectively and efficiently, to develop new Further education colleges will have a products and to identify new markets for particular focus on further developing their products. provision at level 3 (A level equivalent) and above in areas that will support the Policy Commitment 5 – rebalancing and rebuilding of the Northern College Specialism and Ireland economy. Progression for learners Regional Capacity who wish to study at higher levels will Centres of specialism and expertise will be encouraged and facilitated through be developed in each college to enable the qualifications system, and through the further education sector as a whole innovative delivery and clear pathways. to deliver high quality professional and technical provision to employers. Through Policy Commitment 3 – a collaborative approach, individual Up-skilling the Existing Workforce colleges will have identified sectors where Colleges will support indigenous they will be recognised for their expertise companies and new companies which are and specialism. As well as identifying being established in Northern Ireland, to specialisms, all colleges will develop ensure that employees have the required networks of experts who will share the knowledge, skills and qualifications. In latest developments in curriculum and doing this, colleges will operate in flexible skills training across Northern Ireland.

8 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

SOCIAL INCLUSION: CURRICULUM DELIVERY: driven by improved job skills and the engine of high quality further capabilities education delivery

Policy Commitment 6 – Policy Commitment 8 – Increasing Economic Participation Using Technology to through Engagement Enhance Learning Colleges’ distinctive contribution to Colleges will adopt international best social inclusion will be to provide practice in the use of technology learners with the knowledge, skills enhanced learning to support and improve and qualifications required to find, or their teaching and learning, and will adopt progress within employment, in order flexible approaches to learning to meet the to avail of the benefits of economic needs of learners and employers. participation. Working in partnership with others, colleges will support diversity Policy Commitment 9 – and social inclusion through widening Developing Employability access to provision for those with barriers and Enterprise Skills to learning. They will work with other A distinctive element of provision delivered organisations in the voluntary, community by colleges will be the development of and private sector to strengthen pathways employability skills, through high quality for learners that can open up their and relevant work placements and ambition and develop their talents. the use of virtual reality technology to simulate work placements in innovative Policy Commitment 7 – and effective ways. Through their teaching Improving Literacy, strategies and approaches, colleges will Numeracy and ICT also seek to develop enterprising learners, Colleges will raise the level of literacy, who are innovative and creative, and are numeracy and ICT competence in Northern able to adapt to change. Ireland by adopting the new qualifications that are being developed through the refreshed Essential Skills strategy and the reviews of GCSEs in English and mathematics.

9 EXCELLENCE: to achieve the highest possible quality standards

Policy Commitment 10 – Policy Commitment 11 – Embedding High Quality Teaching Improving Performance Through a new teacher education Standardised approaches to receiving framework there will be a renewed focus and analysing feedback from learners on high quality initial teacher education and from employers will be developed and continual professional development for and introduced. Additional performance all lecturing staff, with minimum standards measures will be adopted to enable for pedagogy and subject qualifications colleges and the Department to monitor put in place. College staff will also have colleges’ performance more effectively the opportunity to undertake relevant as part of quality management, and good quality industrial placements to including learner progression and ensure that they understand the needs of learners’ destinations after leaving employers and workforce development. further education. Colleges will publish The quality improvement process, information on learner retention, including the inspection regime, will be achievement, progression and destinations reviewed to ensure that it is appropriate on their web sites in such a way as to for all aspects of delivery in colleges. inform learners’ choice of courses on The Department will support the which to enrol. development of research in pedagogy to inform best practice in professional and technical education and training to establish Northern Ireland as an International evidence internationally renowned centre for confirms that the strategic excellence in teacher education in direction of our further professional and technical subjects. education sector in recent

years is the right one...

10 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION: COLLEGE PARTNERSHIPS: to learn from best practice outside to maximise efficiency and Northern Ireland effectiveness

Policy Commitment 12 – Policy Commitment 14 – Operating Internationally Sectoral Efficiency through Colleges will enhance the learner Collaborative Working experience, and the professional In order to ensure that their services development and industrial knowledge are delivered with maximum efficiency, of their staff, through placements and colleges will operate more collectively exchanges with similar institutions in in the delivery of their corporate other countries. They will also build on services through a more rigorous the excellent partnerships that have and comprehensive approach to already been created across the world collaborative (shared services) working. to share best practice with, and to learn Where appropriate, the colleges will from others. In addition, colleges will, take advantage of their NDPB status with the Department, explore commercial by adopting collaborative working opportunities to deliver more services in opportunities that are available across the international market. the public sector in Northern Ireland.

Policy Commitment 15 – Sectoral Effectiveness by GOVERNANCE: Sharing Best Practice to maximise the benefits of colleges’ Colleges will share best practice, and learn Non Departmental Public Bodies from each other, in the innovative and (NDPB) status while also addressing imaginative delivery of services to learners any challenges posed and employers. In particular, colleges will work together to ensure that technology Policy Commitment 13 – can be developed and used in the most Further Education Governance cost efficient and effective way to support and Business Model learning. Colleges and the Department will work together to maximise the benefits to Policy Commitment 16 – colleges and their customers of the Delivery Mechanism to Drive NDPB status, while also addressing Efficiency and Effectiveness any challenges posed. A mechanism will be established to stimulate, manage and oversee collaboration and sharing of best practice between colleges to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of services, and to maximise the level of resource that is available to fund front line services. 11 FUNDING MODEL AND COLLEGE PROMOTING THE FURTHER SUSTAINABILITY: EDUCATION SECTOR: to underpin priorities with colleges ambitious for learners, employers and the wider region

Policy Commitment 17 – Policy Commitment 18 – Reviewing the Further Promoting Further Education Funding Model Education Provision In partnership with colleges, the funding Colleges Northern Ireland, individual model will be reviewed to ensure that colleges and the Department will work it supports and incentivises colleges together to demonstrate and explain the to deliver this strategy, that it supports distinctive role that the further education a sustainable further education sector sector has, as part of the wider education and that it aligns with the funding system, and the role that the sector plays models that will be developed for other in strengthening the Northern Ireland departmental programmes that further economy. More generally, the benefits education colleges will deliver, in particular and status of professional and technical apprenticeships and youth training. qualifications will also be promoted.

12 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

Structure of the Document Screening

Section 1 explains the statutory A Section 75 Equality of Opportunity basis for the further education sector in Screening exercise has been undertaken. Northern Ireland, outlines the rationale This has concluded that the proposals for the new further education strategy set out in this document will not lead to and describes the approach that has discrimination against any of the Section been taken to evidence gathering 75 categories, and will not have a negative to inform the new strategy’s policy differential impact on these categories. commitments. A Shared Future Proof screening exercise has also been conducted. It demonstrates Section 2 examines the strategic, the strong contribution that colleges economic and labour market context already make to the provision of education within which colleges operate. in a shared and integrated environment, and indicates that the proposed new strategy for further education will Section 3 summarises the strengthen this further. The outcome of achievements of the current further the shared future screening exercise is education system. included at Annex A.

Section 4 sets out the vision for the further education sector in Northern Ireland.

Sections 5 to 13 set out policy commitments, based on the evidence that has been gathered to support the review, through which the vision for further education in Northern Ireland will be implemented.

Section 14 asks a series of related consultation questions on the new strategy.

13 1

Introduction

The current strategy for further education in Northern Ireland, ‘Further Education Means Business’, has had a range of highly successful outcomes, with colleges now focused strongly on meeting the economic and workforce development needs of Northern Ireland. However, the Northern Ireland economy has changed considerably in recent years, with current and future jobs requiring increasingly high levels of skills and a breadth of knowledge across many occupational areas. Over the next ten years the pace of change will accelerate, driven by globalisation, advances in technology, new business models and rapidly changing consumer needs. One of the major results of this will be substantial changes to the world of work.

Further education has a clear and level and type of learning required (from unrivalled role to respond to the changes those with no, or very few qualifications in work through the development of to those who are following higher innovative, flexible and economically education provision), and in terms of the beneficial programmes that will both different age groups of learners. Further meet the requirements for new ways of education students come from a variety of learning and adaptable skills and lead the backgrounds and have a range of learning, development of a ‘learning to learn’ culture work, and life experiences. This diversity in Northern Ireland. strengthens and enhances the learning experience. One of the key features and strengths of the further education sector over the years Education has become one of the is that it is accessible to a wide variety clearest indicators of life outcomes, with of learners, for example in terms of the participation in further education delivering

14 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

many benefits, at an individual, economic where they live, can learn in vibrant and and societal level. Along with access to well equipped learning environments. employment, education is the best way to support social and economic participation Under the Further Education (Northern and is vital in supporting the achievement Ireland) Order 1997, colleges are the of Northern Ireland’s economic goals. statutory providers of further education Increasingly, countries are recognising and training in Northern Ireland, a position that good initial vocational education and that has been consolidated further by training has a major contribution to make the classification of colleges as NDPBs to economic competitiveness.1 of the Department for Employment and Learning since October 2010. They are Learners in Northern Ireland colleges the providers of choice for skills delivery currently study a variety of courses, in a in Northern Ireland, and deliver education variety of ways, including by: and training to a wide variety of learners and in many settings, including in college „ level, from courses in basic literacy and campuses, in the community and on numeracy to degree level programmes; employers’ premises.

Going forward, colleges will continue to „ subject area, with courses from accountancy to animal care and deliver provision of a broad nature to meet management; the needs of a wide variety of learners and will be open and available to all.

„ levels of engagement, from modules The figure overleaf illustrates the lasting a few hours to courses lasting up number and breadth of enrolments to three years and delivered on a part- within the further education sector in time or full-time basis; and the 2013/14 year.

„ finance, with some learners paying full A number of recent strategies within costs and others paying no fees. the department will be instrumental in determining the nature and content of The college estate has seen a major a significant proportion of the provision programme of improvement in recent to be delivered by colleges in the future, years. Most of the colleges are now in particular, the new apprenticeships operating out of state-of-the-art campuses system and the youth training system containing the latest technology and at level 2. Further education colleges, industry-standard equipment. There is still along with universities, will be the primary significant work to be done in some areas deliverers of the new apprenticeships and, subject to the availability of capital system in Northern Ireland which will funding, the Department is committed to commence in 2016, and which will see ensuring that all students, regardless of apprenticeships commence at level 3

1 OECD Learning For Jobs www.oecd.org/education/innovation-education/learningforjobs.htm 15 32%

25+ 11% 40 12% 35 10% 30 9% 7% 25 18% 20

6% 15 Top 5 Top 10 51% 10-24 5 50 Most Popular subject areas Most Popular Retail and Commercial Retail Enterprise Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies Health, Public Services and Care Information and Communication Technology Preparation for Life and work 2 49% Female Male 10

15 7% Ireland 20

in Northern 33% 25 30

across FE Colleges

Share of Enrolments

r

e 35

d

25%

n

u

20% d

SERC n

40

a

9 BMC 1 22% NRC 13% SRC 19% 12% NWRC SWC 15% 778 Further Education Further 2103/14 Enrolments 14 1, on Regulated Courses on Regulated Science Technology Engineering Mathematics = 63,043 Enrolements 3 out of 4 (78%) gain a qualification 31% Female 69% Male

82% Part-Time 71% Area Further Provision Education 21% 8% Skills Essential

18%

Full-Time Higher Education Figure 1: Key Statistics and College Enrolments 2013/14 (All at All Levels) Figure 1: Key 2 Education Activity in FE Colleges Northern Ireland 2013/14 http://www.delni.gov.uk/fe-infographic.pdf Further

16 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

with progression possible up to level 8.3 „ desk research of key literature and Colleges, with other training providers, will research papers, in particular recent be key deliverers of the new Youth Training OECD publications, as set out in the System at level 2. bibliography;

Further education college staff will have „ an analysis of the best practice that is a critical role to play in working with present in our own further education employers and other key stakeholders with colleges, and in other parts of the world; regards to qualifications and programmes of learning. They will be representatives on „ a detailed statistical analysis of further the Strategic Advisory Forum, and will have education activity in terms of enrolments a particularly prominent role in working and learner retention and achievement; with employers and other stakeholders on the Strategic Partnerships which are being „ evidence compiled through the reviews set up as part of the new apprenticeship of apprenticeships and youth training, system to design and develop high quality which is relevant to the wider vocational and economically relevant qualifications education and training (VET) system and curriculum. within which further educational colleges operate; The development of qualifications for use in the new apprenticeships and youth „ consultation with a range of key training systems will be part of a new stakeholders; and qualifications strategy that is currently being developed by the Department. „ use of specific forums and further The aim is that further education engagement with the sector. colleges and other training organisations deliver qualifications that are valued by An accompanying Supporting Evidence employers and learners, and other users of document has been produced to provide qualifications, particularly in terms of their more detailed information on areas such high economic relevance. as the strategic context, related strategies, and recent reforms and developments In taking forward the new further education which impact on the work of the colleges. strategy, a range of information has been Furthermore, the document presents a considered and used to inform the policy summary of the findings from research on commitments, including: international policies and practices, case studies of best practice in the Northern „ the development of an underlying Ireland further education colleges, evidence base setting out the economic and statistical information on college and social context that is most relevant enrolments, and performance in terms to the further education sector; of learner retention, achievement, and success.

3 Securing our Success: the Northern Ireland Strategy on Apprenticeships: http://www.delni.gov.uk/securing-our-success-the-ni- strategy-on-apprenticeships.pdf 17 2

Strategic Context for Further Education

This section summarises the wider strategic context for the new further education strategy.

The Northern Ireland Executive has taken the step of making the economy the top priority in its Programme for Government4 for 2011-2015. The key strategic priorities of the Programme for Government are:

„ growing a sustainable economy and The economic and innovation strategies investing in the future; set out a clear vision of a successful Northern Ireland economy and provide a „ creating opportunities, tackling pathway for achieving that vision based disadvantage and improving health and around investment in skills and innovation. wellbeing; The skills strategy and related strategies are similarly clear about the priority actions „ protecting our people, the environment that are required to deliver the economic and creating safer communities; vision. The skills strategy points to the need for transformational change with „ building a strong and shared community; people being encouraged and facilitated to and move up the skills ladder.

„ delivering high quality and efficient In Northern Ireland there is a particular public services. focus on STEM, management and

4 Northern Ireland Executive Programme for Government 2011-2015 www.northernireland.gov.uk/pfg 18 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

leadership, and on the development „ Securing our Success: The Northern of higher level skills. Furthermore, the Ireland Strategy on Apprenticeships new apprenticeships and youth training http://www.delni.gov.uk/securing- systems, when implemented fully from our-success-the-ni-strategy-on- 2016, will make a significant contribution apprenticeships.pdf; to the skills base in Northern Ireland. „ Generating our Success: The Northern The further education sector is a key Ireland Strategy for Youth Training economic driver for Northern Ireland and http://www.delni.gov.uk/youth-training- plays a central role in the implementation strategy-pdf; of the Programme for Government and in delivering on all of the strategies referred „ The Professional and Technical to above. Qualifications Strategy (currently under development); Alongside economic growth, there is a need to support social inclusion by „ Graduating to Success: A ensuring that those who have barriers Higher Education Strategy for Northern to learning or who are unemployed or Ireland economically inactive are encouraged http://www.delni.gov.uk/graduating-to- to participate in education and training success-he-strategy-for-ni.pdf provision that will help them to secure employment and to improve their life „ Access to Success: An Integrated chances. The economic downturn has had Regional Strategy for Widening a detrimental social impact in Northern Participation in Higher Education http:// Ireland in areas such as health, crime, www.delni.gov.uk/access-to-success.pdf; social mobility, and youth unemployment. Furthermore rates of economic inactivity „ Preparing for Success have been stubbornly higher than in 2015-2020: Careers Strategy the rest of the United Kingdom over (currently under development); a prolonged period of time. Further education colleges have a strong track „ Enabling Success: A Strategy to record of engaging with those who are Address Economic Inactivity furthest from the labour market, and http://www.delni.gov.uk/economic- they will have an important part to play in inactivity-strategy; ‘Enabling Success’, the strategy to tackle economic inactivity in Northern Ireland „ Refresh of Essential Skills for Living which was published in April 2015. Strategy and, in conjunction with the Department of Education in Northern The main Departmental strategies that will Ireland, The Review of GCSEs in English have an impact on further education are and Mathematics (currently under as follows: development).

19 3

Current Further Education System: Achievements

Under “Further Education Means Business”, the strategic aim for the further education sector is that colleges should “be at the heart of lifelong learning in order to strengthen economic development, enhance social cohesion, and advance the individual’s skills and learning”. Since the publication of “Further Education Means Business”, the sector has undergone a remarkable evolution and transformation, and colleges have much of which to be proud.

The main achievements in recent years are „ learner achievement and success5 - summarised below: there has been a dramatic improvement in the rates of learner achievement and „ the re-structuring of the further success over the four academic years education sector from 16 colleges to the from 2010/11 to 2013/14; current six large regional colleges; „ further education colleges have worked „ economically focused curriculum - in strong and effective partnerships around 97% of the funding provided by with many post primary schools across the Department to further education Northern Ireland in the delivery of the is now directed at provision that leads Entitlement Framework, which requires to qualifications on the regulated school pupils from year 11 upwards qualifications frameworks; to have access to a mixed curriculum of academic and professional and technical subjects;

5 For definitions of learner achievement and success see Annex E 20 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

„ the further education sector has „ the drive by colleges to further improve responded positively and very effectively the excellence and quality of provision to the need to strengthen economic they deliver has continued, and this development by supporting business is shown through the increased levels and innovation, and colleges are now of learner achievement and success the Department’s providers of choice referred to above. A strong contributory to support inward investment and local factor in the drive to improve standards employers; is the quality of teaching in our colleges in terms of pedagogy and up to date „ colleges have provided access to industrial knowledge; and further education to those with barriers to learning, those with no or low „ the further education sector has been qualifications, those who are furthest operating with increasing efficiency over from the labour market, and those with recent years. learning difficulties and/or disabilities;

„ the further education sector has developed extensive experience of international working, co-operation and delivery; The sector has undergone a remarkable evolution and transformation...

21 4

Vision for Further Education in Northern Ireland

Vision

The vision is that further education colleges will be recognised locally, nationally and internationally for high quality and economically relevant education and training provision. Colleges will be focussed on achieving excellence in delivering the skills needed for the economy of today and tomorrow, and will be ambitious for their learners and for the contribution they make to improving the competitiveness of the economy of Northern Ireland.

To achieve this vision the key objectives „ developing the talents of those already that set the future direction for further in work and those seeking to enter education are as follows: employment in order to provide a pipeline of suitably skilled and qualified „ ensuring high quality provision for individuals at all levels to meet learner education and training; employers’ needs, including indigenous companies and inward investment projects;

22 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

„ supporting employers to become more „ economic development, with colleges innovative and competitive, and to at the centre of skills delivery for source new markets; and professional and technical occupations;

„ encouraging and supporting the „ social inclusion, driven by improved economic participation of those who job skills and capabilities; have barriers to learning and who are furthest from the labour market, to the „ curriculum delivery, the engine of high benefit of individuals, the economy and quality further education delivery; wider society. „ excellence, to achieve the highest In essence, the further education system possible quality standards; has two core purposes. These are: „ international dimension, to learn from 1. taking a pivotal role in developing a best practice outside Northern Ireland; strong and vibrant economy through the development of professional and „ governance, to maximise the benefits technical skills, increasingly at higher of colleges’ NDPB status while also levels, and by helping employers to addressing any challenges posed; innovate; and „ college partnerships, to maximise 2. supporting social inclusion by providing efficiency and effectiveness; those who have low or no qualifications, or who have barriers to learning, with „ funding model and college the skills and qualifications needed sustainability, to underpin priorities; to find employment and to become and economically active. „ promoting the further education This dual role is reflected in the themes sector, with colleges ambitious for and policy commitments in this strategy. learners, employers and the wider region. Themes This review of further education is based These themes are discussed in more around a number of themes and policy detail in the sections that follow. commitments, incorporating evidence gathered, examples of best practice in Northern Ireland and best practice internationally. The themes, which aim to deliver the vision and the key objectives outlined above, are set out as follows:

23 Themes 5

Economic Development

This section outlines the first part of the dual role referred to in section 4, namely the key role colleges will play in identifying and meeting the skills and qualification needs of employers via a more economically focused curriculum, providing direct support to employers by upskilling employees and supporting employers to become more competitive and innovative.

The further education sector is a key understanding of the needs of employers, economic driver for Northern Ireland and and how these needs can be met most plays a central role in the implementation effectively. of the Programme for Government, and in particular delivering on the Northern The further education curriculum must Ireland Economic Strategy, Skills Strategy, be shaped to support the needs of the STEM Strategy and the Innovation learners and to support employers and Strategy. Colleges make a significant and the wider economy by matching vocational high quality contribution to addressing the education and training provision to the current and future skills needs of Northern needs of industry. Evidence suggests this Ireland and have an increasingly important can be achieved through a collaborative role in attracting inward investment process of employer engagement, a strong companies. The policy commitments under focus on employability skills, and an this theme will strengthen colleges’ role in effective careers service embedded within this important strategic area, and will see the curriculum. colleges gaining an even more in depth

24 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

The introduction in recent years of a new Role of Further Education in economically focused curriculum is crucial Economic Development to learners, and has offered a curriculum with clear pathways to professional and The diagram below sets out the role technical qualifications while continuing of further education in economic to address issues of social inclusion. development; it also demonstrates This refocused curriculum is aligned how skills availability drives economic to the economic vision for Northern development. Colleges develop skilled Ireland, as outlined in the Programme for individuals, to the benefit and satisfaction Government. of their students and employers, enabled by excellent lecturers and physical Going forward, the sector needs to be resources. These skills are the engine increasingly agile and responsive to the of economic development. A virtuous changing needs of employers to meet feedback loop is, therefore, established. short-term skills pressures, but also to remain focused on meeting long term challenges and economic goals.

Figure 2: Skills Availability Drives Economic Development OUTCOME

FE delivers high Employer quality professional Through highly satisfaction and technical skilled staff who education and training are experts and and to fulfil this need, develop their supported by competences Student independent along with first satisfaction careers advice class facilities

PLUS

Economic growth Driven by the ECONOMIC availability of the and skills pipeline DEVELOPMENT Individual Skills

25 Themes

Identifying Future Skills and a reducing demand for lower level skills. Qualifications Needs of Employers The proportion of those in employment with qualifications at level 4 to level 8 will With the substantial capital investment need to rise from 33% in 2008 to 52% in further education in recent years, in 2020,6 while the proportion of those colleges are well placed to support the in employment with low qualifications is development of skills in the private forecast to fall to 10% by 2020. Evidence sector in Northern Ireland. They will regarding the importance of training and provide tailored solutions to the skills educating people to level 3 and above has needs of employers based on regulated also been demonstrated in “Securing our qualifications and industry standard Success – the Northern Ireland Strategy training. Projects will be developed to for Apprenticeships”. meet the specific needs of individual employers or, where numbers are small, Further education colleges will meet clustered projects will be developed to the need for higher level skills in three accommodate a group of companies main ways: (i) their mainstream further requiring similar training. education provision will be focused increasingly at Level 3, (ii) they will Ensuring that the skills and qualifications continue to be the sole providers of provided to individual learners, including intermediate level (levels 4 and 5) employees, meet the requirements higher education provision in Northern of employers in Northern Ireland is of Ireland, and (iii) they will, together with paramount importance. In broad terms, universities, be key providers of the new there need to be more higher level skills apprenticeship programme at level 3 (at level 3 and above), a strong focus on and above, and will have a particular STEM and other areas that will help to role in ensuring pathways from lower rebalance and rebuild the local economy, to higher levels. and more involvement of employers in the process of designing and developing As well as being extremely valuable in qualifications and curriculum. its own right, level 3 further education provision also offers progression to Research shows that labour productivity higher education either in a college or at in Northern Ireland remains well below university. In 2013/14 there were 11,576 the UK average, with low productivity higher education enrolments in further seen across a number of sectors. Higher education colleges. Intermediate level skills levels are associated with higher higher education is essential to the future productivity, higher wage levels, higher development of the economy, as there is employment rates and increased economic strong evidence to suggest that the current growth. Consequently, there is an skills gaps are most acute at a level increasing need for higher level skills and that is represented by higher education

6 Taken from The Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland “Success through Skills – Transforming Futures”, 2011 www.delni.gov.uk/ success-through-skills-transforming-futures 26 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

qualifications below degree level. The new Northern Ireland is a apprenticeships system will also make small business economy. a significant contribution, and higher level apprenticeships, which colleges are Figures show that small already piloting, will complement more businesses (fewer traditional forms of higher education than 50 employees) provision. While colleges will begin account for 98.2% of all to refocus at level 3 and above, it is businesses... recognised that there remain skills needs below level 3 and that colleges will still have a role in delivering and developing quality curriculum at this level. and being valuable to students when they The growing sectors of the Northern are developed, updated and delivered with Ireland economy will also require an the full engagement of all relevant labour increasing number of skilled workers with market stakeholders. qualifications in STEM subjects, and other priority areas that are essential to the In addition to qualifications development, rebalancing and rebuilding of the economy. there is compelling evidence to show A local workforce equipped with these that curriculum development and design skills is hugely important in supporting and should be a collaborative process so developing our indigenous companies, that colleges, training providers and in attracting direct foreign investment employers are directly involved in shaping to Northern Ireland and in driving future programmes that reflect up to date competiveness and economic growth. The needs of occupations and workplaces, skills barometer that is being introduced as and which are based on a broader, more part of the new apprenticeship system will aspirational concept of competence.7 help to ensure that the current and future This in turn provides a clear line of sight needs of the economy are identified. to work on all vocational programmes for learners, employers and providers.8 Such The identification of skills requirements engagement with employers sends a cannot be left to government alone. signal to the learner (and his/her parents Employers need to be at the heart of who often have an important role in the identifying the skills they need both learner’s choice of pathways) that the now and in the future. Many of the programme has value in the labour market. recommendations in the OECD’s “Skills beyond Schools” review of postsecondary There is also a need to rationalise and vocational education and training indicate simplify the professional and technical that vocational qualifications stand the qualification landscape to make it easier best chance of being relevant to employers to navigate and understand by users of

7 Commission on Adult Vocational Teaching and Learning: It’s About Work – Excellent Adult Vocational Teaching and Learning 2013, Page 14. http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/node/26611 8 Ibid Page 15. 27 Themes

qualifications including employers, Up-skilling the Workforce learners and providers. The further education sector has a This approach to qualifications and pivotal role in up-skilling and re-skilling curriculum design and development the workforce to meet the skills needs is being adopted in the Department’s of employers, and as a result make a new apprenticeships and youth training significant contribution to the growth of systems. In particular, the Strategic the economy. Northern Ireland is an Advisory Forum and the Sector economy with a preponderance of small Partnerships that will be established businesses. Figures show that small as part of the implementation of the businesses (fewer than 50 employees) apprenticeship programme will be account for 98.2% of all businesses, instrumental in identifying skills demand with medium sized businesses (50- and in ensuring that professional and 249) accounting for 1.5%, and large technical qualifications meet the needs businesses (250+) accounting for of employers and the economy. Further 0.3% of total business within Northern education colleges will be represented on Ireland. Micro businesses (fewer than the Strategic Advisory Forum, and will have 10 employees) account for 89.1% of a particularly prominent role in working the total business in Northern Ireland. with employers and other stakeholders on The role of small to medium enterprises the Strategic Partnerships to design and (SMEs) is, therefore, vital in improving develop high quality and economically the economic competitiveness of relevant qualifications and curriculum. Northern Ireland, and it is important that These qualifications will not only form the the colleges work with them to deliver basis for apprenticeships by occupation, the support they need. but will also be the basis for professional and technical qualifications that are Employers do not always recognise delivered through mainstream further the further education sector as a first education provision. choice training provider. Findings from a 2014 survey conducted by Through the annual College Development the CBI9 show that private providers Plans, which set targets and budgets for are the most common choice for individual colleges, colleges will increase employers using external training and the proportion of their provision that is in development provision. Consequently, Northern Ireland’s identified priority skills there is scope for the colleges to build areas, and this is monitored closely by the upon their current excellent practice Department each year. in supporting business and economic development. For many employers, the priority is tailored training which develops key and specific competencies

9 Gateway to Growth: CBI/Pearson Education and Skills Survey 2014 28 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

within their businesses. Employers seek inward investment, particularly through training which is flexible and can be delivery of the Assured Skills programme delivered on their own premises, and often which is a joint initiative between DEL and out of standard working hours. Flexible, Invest Northern Ireland. This programme is short-cycle and distance learning will be designed to help attract new foreign direct fundamental to meeting the changing investment companies to Northern Ireland requirements of employer training needs. by assuring them that the skills they need Much good practice exists within the to be successful are available here. The sector, but there is a perception that some colleges will work with key partners in college training activities are restricted to government, including Invest Northern term time and business hours. Ireland and other economic development agencies, to attract and support inward It will be important for the sector to investment, particularly in high value raise awareness amongst the business added sectors. community about the type, range, quality and flexibility of the support and services Flexibility of delivery is paramount the colleges provide, so that they can in meeting the up-skilling needs of become the training provider of first choice employers, and key issues to be for Northern Ireland employers. The considered are flexibility within college Department has developed the Employer management, the skills sets and contracts Support Programme, consisting of ‘Skills of college staff, and the innovative and Focus’ and ‘Innovate Us’, specifically to imaginative use of technology. enable colleges to support employers. Innovation The new ‘Skills Focus’ programme, is being introduced to support, promote, The further education sector has a and facilitate collaborative working proven track record in delivering a range between business and colleges; through of programmes to Northern Ireland the programme, colleges will provide businesses, in areas such as product tailored skills provision to small to medium design, research and development, enterprises to increase the skills levels business incubation, innovation and of their workforce to level 2 and above. knowledge transfer, and is a key delivery Colleges will manage, and will be the sole partner for a number of DEL initiatives. providers of, this programme, and will be The Northern Ireland Innovation Strategy the first point of contact for employers states that the further education sector who can benefit from participation on the (along with our universities) will play a programme. vital role in the aspiration for Northern Ireland to be recognised as an innovation The further education sector plays an hub and one of the UK’s leading high- increasingly important role in attracting growth, knowledge-based regions. There

29 Themes

is considerable scope for further education Policy Commitment 1 – colleges and the university sector to Priority Skills develop stronger partnerships in order to collaborate in identifying and meeting Colleges will have a crucial role working the innovation and knowledge needs of with employers and other key stakeholders Northern Ireland businesses. to ensure that the professional and technical qualifications and curriculum In particular, colleges will use the ‘Innovate they provide support the rebalancing Us’ strand of the Employer Support and rebuilding of the Northern Ireland Programme to increase and develop small economy. employers’ ability to innovate, and they will increase their research and development Policy Commitment 2 – and knowledge transfer activities to Levels of College Provision complement and work in partnership with Further education colleges will have a universities in these areas. particular focus on further developing provision at level 3 (A level equivalent) Organisational Arrangements and above in areas that will support the rebalancing and rebuilding of the Northern There is a need for the colleges Ireland economy. Progression for learners to collaborate and provide a more who wish to study at higher levels will synchronised approach to how they be encouraged and facilitated through engage with employers in providing the qualifications system, and through the types of support outlined above. innovative delivery and clear pathways. Colleges have agreed to create a model for excellence based on the two pillars of Policy Commitment 3 – (i) business engagement and (ii) subject specialisms, under the term Specialist Up-skilling the Provision for Industry using College Existing Workforce Expertise (SPICE). In effect, each college Colleges will support indigenous will have identified sectors where they will companies and new companies which are have a lead role and will be recognised being established in Northern Ireland, to for their expertise and specialisation; ensure that employees have the required individual colleges will be identified as the knowledge, skills and qualifications. In first point of contact for Invest Northern doing this, colleges will operate in flexible Ireland and for local employers. The areas ways in terms of where, when, and over of specialism identified will be aligned what period of time up-skilling activities to the priority skills areas. In addition, are provided, so that the needs of colleges will further build their own employers can be met effectively and in a regional capacity in all priority areas by manner which suits the business needs. developing networks of experts across the regional colleges who will share the latest developments in curriculum and skills training across Northern Ireland. 30 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

Policy Commitment 4 – Support to Employers Colleges will be at the forefront of providing support to employers to enable them to innovate, to grow, to operate more effectively and efficiently, to develop new products and to identify new markets for their products.

Policy Commitment 5 – College Specialism and Regional Capacity Centres of specialism and expertise will be developed in each college to enable the further education sector as a whole to deliver high quality professional and technical provision to employers. Through a collaborative approach, The growing sectors of individual colleges will have identified the Northern Ireland sectors where they will be recognised economy will also require for their expertise and specialism. an increasing number As well as identifying specialisms, of skilled workers with all colleges will develop networks qualifications in STEM of experts who will share the latest subjects, and other priority developments in curriculum and skills training across Northern Ireland. areas that are essential to the rebalancing and rebuilding of the economy.

31 Themes 6

Social Inclusion

This section outlines the second part of colleges’ dual role, namely the distinctive contribution they make to providing learners with the knowledge, skills and qualifications required to avail of the benefits of economic participation; and their role in supporting diversity and social inclusion by encouraging participation from the most deprived areas of Northern Ireland and ensuring access for those with barriers to learning.

The global economic downturn impacted further education sector is critical to significantly on the Northern Ireland this process. economy, and this compounded a number of longer term structural challenges A key feature and strength of the further including high youth unemployment, high education sector is that it is accessible inactivity rates, low levels of productivity, to all, both in terms of reaching all levels, low employment rates, and reliance on the types and age of learners, and also the public sector. A poor level of educational fact that further education colleges are achievement in some of the population, locally based and their reach extends including in the important skills of literacy, into both urban and rural communities. numeracy and ICT, is a contributory factor Further education students come from a which reduces access to employment and variety of backgrounds and have a range other life chances. Access to education of learning, work, and life experiences. and employment is the best way out of For many people further education poverty and social exclusion, and towards provides a second chance to obtain the social and economic participation. This education, skills and qualifications that is best achieved by providing people with they did not obtain through their formal the confidence, skills and qualifications education. to engage with the labour market. The

32 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

The policy commitments under this theme outcomes, in terms of the likelihood will ensure that colleges continue to of being in employment and the address the issue of social inclusion by associated wage premium. Research widening participation in further education, shows that the impact of education including from learners with barriers, and training on earnings increases over those who have learning difficulties and/ time and increases with higher levels of or disabilities, and those who are furthest qualifications achieved. The same holds from the labour market. There will be true for the impact of education and strong linkages with other departmental training on employment prospects.10 programmes and policies, including NEETs, provision at level 1 and below and The Department of Business Innovation economic inactivity. and Skills (BIS) in England commissioned Ipsos MORI and London Economics to Benefits of Further Education undertake a detailed analysis of the benefits associated with further education Participation in further education delivers and skills11. The research focussed many benefits, at an individual, economic particularly on the economic impact and and societal level. Professional and wider benefits associated with learning technical qualifications are strongly and qualification attainment. The following associated with improved labour market benefits for the individual were identified:

Figure 3: Benefits of Further Education

Improvements in health and wellbeing Reduced Increased outcomes interactions responsibility with the criminal at work justice system

Improved self Improved pay/ confidence/ promotion BENEFITS OF FURTHER self esteem EDUCATION

Improved Job Social capital Satisfaction and cohesion

Inter- Better Job generational transmission of skills

10 Department for Employment and Learning, Further Education Review - Background Evidence Presentation, February 2015 11 BIS Research Paper No.104, January 2013 – The Impact of Further Education 33 Themes

Further Education and In the most recent academic year, Economic Participation 2013/14, there were 141,778 enrolments on courses that potentially Education has become one of the lead to regulated qualifications. Of these clearest indicators of life outcomes, enrolments, around 23.0% were at level 1 along with, employment, income, and and below, 46.0% were at level 2, 23.0% social status, and is a strong predictor of are at level 3 and 8.2% were at level 4 attitudes and wellbeing. It is also a vital and above. Also, of these enrolments, means to supporting the achievement of 58.0% were in respect of those aged Northern Ireland’s economic goals. 19 and under, 13.4% were aged between It is fundamental that Northern Ireland 20 and 24, and 28.6% were aged utilises all of its human capital resources, 25 and over.12 including those currently excluded from the labour market, to attain enhanced Importantly, colleges’ enrolments are productivity, employment and international spread across the five recognised competitiveness. groupings of deprivation and, as demonstrated in the figure below, The further education sector engages they deliver strongly to the two most with students with a wide variety of deprived quintiles. needs, many of whom have barriers to participating in learning such as: health and disability issues; accessibility of course provision; personal circumstances including caring responsibilities and ex- convictions; family or peer pressures and attitudes to learning; those who have low levels of qualifications or, in some cases, no qualifications at all; those with literacy and numeracy problems, or those in need of English language skills. The gaining of skills and qualifications, including in the important areas of literacy, numeracy and ICT, helps individuals to secure employment and/or to move up the skills ladder.

12 Further Education in Northern Ireland: 2009/10 to 2013/14 http://www.delni.gov.uk/annex-a-fe-activity-statistical-bulletin-0910-to-1314-december- 34 2014-revised-as-at-24th-april-2015.pdf Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

Figure 4: Regulated enrolments by deprivation quintiles13

2009/10 21.4% 21.7% 20.6% 18.2% 14.4%

2010/11 21.3% 21.7% 20.6% 18.4% 13.8%

2011/12 21.1% 22.4% 20.9% 18.1% 13.6%

2012/13 20.6% 22.5% 20.9% 18.6% 14.1%

*2013/14 21.0% 22.5% 20.8% 18.6% 13.8%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Group 1 Most Deprived Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5 Least Deprived

Bars will not total 100% as the proportion of unknown postcodes are not presented here

Students with Learning Difficulties creating a clear pathway from education and / or Disabilities (SLDD) through to sustained employment for those young people who have significant The Department for Employment and disability-related barriers, but who want to Learning is currently developing a new work and are capable of doing so. Further Disability Employment and Skills Strategy, education colleges will be key providers for to ensure that disability support and this important group of learners. the associated resources are focused on those people with more significant A move to further education for those disability-related barriers to work, and students, who range from 16 years who, therefore, need additional specialist, upwards, also offers highly significant flexible and personalised support. The opportunities to become more strategy presents an opportunity to take independent, integrate with the wider a collaborative and cohesive approach to community, and gain valuable life skills.

13 Table derived from: Further Education in Northern Ireland: 2009/10 to 2013/14 http://www.delni.gov.uk/annex-a-fe-activity-statistical-bulletin-0910- to-1314-december-2014-revised-as-at-24th-april-2015.pdf 35 Themes

This provision, therefore, provides a vital by the Department of Education to review stepping stone for people to progress GCSEs in English and mathematics. The beyond statutory schooling, and to gain outcomes of these reviews will help to the additional skills, qualifications and determine the role that colleges will play life experience which will enable them in the future delivery of literacy, numeracy, to progress within further education and and ICT as part of their wider programme into employment, or, if appropriate, to delivery, including the implications for independent living. the reviews of apprenticeships and youth training. Entry level and level 1 provision is crucial to those with moderate to severe learning Partnerships difficulties, those who are disengaged from education, and many of the groups Community based education provides identified as having barriers to learning. a first point of access for many adults who missed the opportunity of education Essential Skills and training the first time round and, subsequently, became disengaged from Improving the level of literacy, numeracy the education system and the labour and ICT skills in Northern Ireland has been market. Colleges are committed to their a top priority for the Northern Ireland work in this area, and they partner with Executive and for this Department, and numerous external bodies, including further education colleges have been statutory agencies, private training the major providers of essential skills organisations and the voluntary and since that strategy was introduced in community sector, to target and deliver 2004. The results of the International training to those learners who are hardest Survey of Adult Skills (ISAS) 201214 to reach. There are many examples of provided the Department with a clear high quality provision within the voluntary indication of progress in improving literacy and community sectors, and many and numeracy skills. While the survey courses are provided in response to confirmed that Northern Ireland has made requests from local groups, and are progress since the previous survey in 1996 provided in informal venues which are it also indicated that more needed to be close to home for the students. done to raise the standard of achievement in English, Mathematics, and Problem Partnerships with the voluntary and Solving in a Technology Rich Environment community sectors and other organisations for our young people and adults. will be considered further to improve levels Consequently, the Essential Skills strategy of participation (college partnerships are is currently being refreshed, alongside a developed further in section 11). The separate piece of work being carried out Department is committed to enabling and

14 International Study for Adult Skills 2012, led by the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), OECD

36 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

facilitating the progression of learners from Policy Commitment 7 – education delivered in community and Improving Literacy, other settings to mainstream accredited Numeracy and ICT further education delivered at main college campuses. Colleges will raise the level of literacy, numeracy and ICT competency in Northern Policy Commitment 6 Ireland by adopting the new qualifications – Increasing Economic that are being developed through the refreshed Essential Skills strategy and Participation through the reviews of GCSEs in English and Engagement mathematics. Colleges’ distinctive contribution to social inclusion will be to provide learners with the knowledge, skills and qualifications required to find, or progress within, employment in order to avail of the benefits of economic For many people participation. Working in partnership with further education others, colleges will support diversity and social inclusion through widening provides a second access to provision for those with barriers chance to obtain to learning. They will work with other the education, organisations in the voluntary, community skills and and private sector to strengthen pathways qualifications that for learners that can open up their they did not obtain ambitions and develop their talents. through their formal education.

37 Themes 7

Curriculum Delivery

Section 5 emphasises the importance of the content of college provision meeting the needs of the economy. This section details how colleges will deliver future provision, making use of technology to engage learners and enhance the teaching and learning experience. It will also explore the importance of developing employability skills through work based learning and by developing enterprising students.

There is a need for innovative curriculum Greater use will be made of competitions delivery, making imaginative and effective such as WorldSkills to showcase the high use of technology enhanced learning standards of professional and technical to support both classroom teaching training within Northern Ireland’s colleges, and blended/distance learning. Where and to stimulate individual learners. possible, work placements will be a part Over the past number of years colleges of all learning, as this is recognised widely have developed the arena of skills as the best way to develop individuals’ competitions across a number of skill employability skills. Gamification and areas to excellent effect; for example, virtual reality technology will be used automotive, construction, engineering, as part of teaching and learning and to creative and professional services. This simulate work placements where they are has resulted in an excellent record of not available or suitable. Delivery needs achievement for Northern Ireland in to be flexible, accommodating different skills competitions at regional, national learning styles and developing enterprising and world level and has placed Northern students through various methods of Ireland as the top UK region in relation to teaching. the number of competitors taking part and medals awarded in the last two WorldSkills competitions.

38 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

There will be a strong emphasis on learner Student expectations of how they wish progression, which should be monitored to learn have changed over the past closely. Progression pathways will be ten years, due to the widespread use of underpinned with good quality career digital technologies. An approach that guidance and information available to incorporates the use of technology to learners both before entering and during enhance learning will help to address professional programmes. the changing learning environment; for example the “flipped classroom”, which Teaching staff will be highly skilled and creates a greater focus on activity based have up to date industrial knowledge in learning. Access to interactive online their respective areas of expertise, in order resources helps to develop self-paced, to deliver provision effectively as set out independent learning opportunities. above. Students respond positively to online assessment due to the immediacy of the Use of Technology to feedback and the opportunities it provides Enhance Learning for them to review and improve.

Professional and technical learning has Collaborative learning develops peer always involved technologies. However, to peer learning opportunities, and the challenge for vocational teachers and enhances communication, team working trainers now is that the speed at which and other enterprise skills. The challenge businesses and learners will adapt to, and for colleges, because of the breadth of adopt, new technologies is outstripping provision that is offered from entry level the way that teaching and learning to level 7, is to develop a differentiated changes. This is happening on three approach that addresses the needs of fronts: in information technology, which is diverse groups of learners. Expanding increasingly used to communicate across access to technology ensures that all time and space; in learning technologies, students can engage with learning for instance supporting blended learning resources. This will require strategic and digital simulations; and in workplace planning, by colleges, of the network technology, which supports and transforms infrastructure. Tutor created content, working practices. Technological advances alongside authored content, provides in the workplace need to be brought students with a range of interactive together with those in teaching and resources to engage them in learning to drive forward leading edge their learning. vocational practice.

39 Themes

As the curriculum continues to innovate placements. In particular, the review to meet the changing needs of diverse identifies the important role that work learning groups, colleges will examine placements play in the development of methodologies for curriculum delivery. employability skills that are so important The growth of blended learning and to employers. WBL contributes to the e-learning options will be exploited fully quality of initial VET and ensures that to ensure colleges’ programmes remain the skills young people acquire are those relevant to learners and supports the needed in the labour market.16 The complexity of their lifestyles. OECD recommends that all professional education and training programmes should Teachers and trainers in professional and involve WBL as a mandatory condition of technical areas also have the opportunity receiving government funding, and that to harness technology for pedagogical it should be systematic, quality assured purposes, particularly because in future and credit-bearing.17 A recent European many more of their learners are likely to Commission report states there is “ample, be distributed at different workplaces, long-standing and consistent evidence at home or on the move, reflecting how that educational systems which combine people work and live. The Commission on theoretical study with practical, work- Adult Vocational Teaching and Learning related training are more effective in notes that vocational teachers and trainers easing young people’s school-to-work should embrace the fact that their learners transition”.18 Mandatory WBL is associated will be using technology as part of their with improving the linkages between every day and working lives, and will have educational institutions and employers. things to teach their teachers.15 Managed effectively, WBL delivers a Developing Employability Skills – strong learning environment for students Work Placements to gain practical and up-to-date technical skills and soft skills associated with Work-based learning (WBL), whether employability. More widely, it provides through an apprenticeship-style a signal of the labour market value of programme or through a structured a programme by ensuring employer work placement, is a crucial element involvement, which can be used as a of effective professional and technical recruiting tool for both students and training. The review of youth training at employers. It can also result in production level 2 has provided strong evidence of benefits to employers and as a cost saving the benefits to learners and employers measure for public authorities, particularly of well managed and relevant work in terms of costs of bespoke equipment

15 Commission on Adult Vocational teaching and learning: Its About Work – Excellent Adult Vocational Teaching and Learning 2013, Page 14. http:// www.excellencegateway.org.uk/node/26611 16 European Commission, Work-Based Learning in Europe: Practices and policy Pointers, June 2013, Page 45. http://ec.europa.eu/education/policy/ vocational-policy/doc/alliance/work-based-learning-in-europe_en.pdf 17 OECD, Skills Beyond Schools: A Review of Postsecondary Vocational Education and Training, April 2014, Page7. 18 EC, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Study on a comprehensive overview on traineeship arrangements in 40 Member States: Final Synthesis Report, Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, May 2012, http://ec.europa.eu/social/main. jsp?catId=738&langId=en&pubId=6717, p. 114. Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

and trainer expertise.19 In the case of employers to recruit young people from the SMEs, while time and costs constraints youth training system. can limit their engagement with WBL, in sectors with skills shortages it can provide Many learners on mainstream further a bespoke method of meeting the specific education programmes will also benefit needs of the company at that time.20 from a period of work placement. Providing work placements in sufficient numbers The OECD21 notes that, outside of and of the required quality will be a apprenticeships, work-based learning considerable challenge. To address this is limited in training programmes within challenge, colleges will take advantage of Northern Ireland, but it is difficult to the processes being established as part quantify accurately how many young of the youth training system to source people are currently receiving it. Part of work placements. Colleges will also the reason for this is that the current accelerate the innovative work they are delivery model is largely led by supply doing to develop and use virtual reality rather than by demand, with training environments to simulate work placements providers playing the lead role in managing in effective and stimulating ways. relationships with employers and training programme participants, and being solely Technology can help to compensate for a responsible for maintaining records of lack of job based training by allowing the employer engagement and placements. learner to practise in virtual environments. There are presently no mechanisms in It helps the learner integrate practical place to allow work placements to be job-based experience with theoretical centrally recorded and for employers to learning or assessment, by giving more be able to promote placement vacancies, on-the-job access to these materials. or for young people to be given the Access to practical experience is a key opportunity to consider all available component of vocational learning but in options in order to make better-informed certain circumstances can be dangerous. decisions. However, a number of the Simulations, using digital technologies, proposals in the review of youth training can be an important part of enabling will address these issues; in particular, access to practical experience in a safer the proposals to establish a process to environment. They are also an ideal way facilitate the sourcing and advertising of to learn how to complete tasks where work-based learning opportunities, and mistakes would be expensive.22 to have dedicated industry consultants who will source and manage work-based learning opportunities, and encourage

19 Ibid 20 European Commission, Study on a comprehensive overview on traineeship arrangements in Member States, May 2012, http://ec.europa.eu/social/ main.jsp?catId=738&langId=en&pubId=6717 10 and 72 21 Alvarez-Galvin, J., OECD Reviews of Vocational Education and Training – A Skills Beyond School Commentary on Northern Ireland, OECD, January 2014. http://www.oecd.org/edu/skills-beyond-school/ASkillsBeyondSchoolCommentaryOnNorthernIreland.pdf 22 City & Guilds: Culture, Coaching and Collaboration – How to Unlock the Potential of Digital Technology in Vocational teaching and Learning, Page 11. http://www.cityandguilds.com/~/media/Documents/about-us/Broadsheet-news/Culture%20coaching%20and%20collaboration%20pdf.ashx 41 Themes

Developing Enterprising Students The research was undertaken in the with Strong Employability Skills context of the development of enterprise and entrepreneurship in further education One of the key drivers of Northern Ireland’s colleges. The research identified a economic success identified by the clear pattern of Right Brain Dominance Executive is the promotion of enterprise.23 learning preference amongst a sample The promotion of an enterprise culture as of 55 Northern Ireland entrepreneurs. a means of stimulating economic growth The research suggested that in order and improving economic prosperity is a to foster entrepreneurship in Northern key focus of government and industry. Ireland, Right Brained Dominance must The promotion of enterprise-related skills be recognised and valued as the spark and entrepreneurial capability among for entrepreneurship; that learning young people entering the workforce has preferences should be taken more into been seen as central to this. The further account in curriculum delivery; and that education sector has a major role in those students with entrepreneurial helping to foster an enterprise culture.24 characteristics should be encouraged to achieve success with tailored learning A European study on traineeships solutions. found that professional and technical training contributes to innovation within The proposed approach to embedding business, as young people bring with them this research into practice in Northern “new ideas and fresh thinking”.25 The Ireland is through initial teacher education development of enterprising individuals programmes and continual professional with positive attitudes and a range of development opportunities. It is the employability skills sought by employers is intention that colleges will seek to develop a key aspect of professional and technical enterprising learners who have the education and training programmes. confidence, attitude and employability Attitudes and skills may also prepare some skills to make them attractive to individuals to proceed to become self employers, and to equip them to adapt employed or to start their own businesses. to changes in the labour market that will inevitably occur during their working lives, The Department for Employment and including the need to change jobs Learning recently commissioned research and the possibility of self-employment. into “left brain/right brain thinking”, the To do this, colleges will, for example, make proposition being understanding students’ increased use of work placements, project learning preferences and learning styles based learning, and competitions, which has implications for teaching and learning, can be extremely valuable in motivating particularly in the fields of enterprise and learners. Colleges will also take account entrepreneurship. of different learning styles and adopt

23 Department for Employment and Learning, Further Education Review - Background Evidence Presentation, February 2015 24 Ofsted – Promoting Enterprise in Vocational Courses for 16-19 Year Old Students in Colleges – A Good Practice Guide, November 2012. http:// dera.ioe.ac.uk/16049/1/Promoting%20enterprise%20in%20vocational%20courses%20for%2016-19-year-old%20students%20in%20colleges.pdf 25 EC, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Study on a comprehensive overview on traineeship arrangements in 42 Member States: Final Synthesis Report, Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, May 2012, http://ec.europa.eu/social/main. jsp?catId=738&langId=en&pubId=6717 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

flexible approaches to meet the needs recommended, and this will need to of individual learners. In short, colleges align with the Individual Learning Plan will develop an “enterprising culture” approach currently used by colleges in that fosters innovation, creativity and Northern Ireland. entrepreneurship. Policy Commitment 8 – Careers Using Technology to Enhance Learning A well developed and comprehensive system of career guidance is vital to Colleges will adopt international best provide learners with the relevant tools and practice in the use of technology knowledge to plan their career pathway. enhanced learning to support and improve Good career guidance based on labour their teaching and learning, and will adopt market outcomes can help align the mix flexible approaches to learning to meet the of provision to the needs of employers.26 needs of learners and employers.

A framework currently exists in Northern Policy Commitment 9 – Ireland to ensure all learners in education Developing Employability have access to high quality careers and Enterprise Skills education, information and advice to A distinctive element of provision delivered enable them to become effective career by colleges will be the development of decision makers. employability skills, through high quality and relevant work placements and A joint review of the careers system in the use of virtual reality technology to Northern Ireland has recently been carried simulate work placements in innovative out by the Department for Employment and effective ways. Through their teaching and Learning and the Department of strategies and approaches, colleges will Education. This report was published in also seek to develop enterprising learners, December 2014 and makes a number who are innovative and creative, and are of recommendations, which, when able to adapt to change. implemented, will bring about significant change to the careers landscape in Northern Ireland. Recommendations such as gaining relevant work experience and a central system to advertise these opportunities will be aligned to the system being taken forward in the Apprenticeships and Youth Training strategies. An e-portfolio has also been

26 OECD Reviews of Vocational Education and Training – Skills Beyond School Synthesis Report

43 Themes 8

Excellence

This section describes how colleges will deliver excellence by embedding high quality teaching and by enhancing how performance is monitored.

Excellence will be at the heart of individual college level are building the everything that colleges do, particularly capacity of each college to identify and in terms of improving the quality of take ownership of their own areas for provision that is delivered, and monitoring improvement. The policy commitments and evaluating the outcomes that have under this theme will strengthen further been achieved. The latest reports by the colleges’ performance in a number of Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI), key areas; in particular, the Department and recent performance in terms of learner and colleges will focus on the continued retention, achievement and success, professionalism of the college staff, the indicate the high quality standards that collection and analysis of feedback from most colleges are now achieving. In the students and employers on the quality of most recent Chief Inspector’s report27, their experiences, a rigorous inspection achievements and standards are described regime, and the promotion of improvement as consistently good with the quality of through the sharing of best practice both teaching and learning listed as good or at a national and international level. better in 84% of the lessons evaluated in the colleges observed. Self evaluation and quality improvement planning at an

27 Education and Training Inspectorate Chief Inspector’s Report 2012-2014 www.etini.gov.uk/index/inspection-reports/the-chief-inspectors-report/ci- 44 report-2012-2014.htm Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

Teacher Qualifications The Department will, as part of this new further education strategy, build on this The policy commitments outlined good work and seek to make Northern in sections 5, 6 and 7 will only be Ireland a centre of excellence in teaching implemented effectively by a highly and learning in further education. It will qualified workforce who have access to seek to establish a new framework for on-going and relevant continual teaching qualifications that are recognised professional development. In Northern by all providers of teacher education. The Ireland, the Department for Employment framework will include both initial teacher and Learning has made significant strides education and continuing professional over the past few years in enhancing development qualifications. Teacher teacher education for college lecturers. education and development will also be In 2009, the Department extended the linked to initial and continuing registration requirement for initial teacher education with the General Teaching Council for for full-time and associate college lecturers Northern Ireland (GTCNI) and to the latest from the one year, in-service, Postgraduate developments in research pedagogy. Certificate in Further and Higher Education Pedagogical knowledge and skills will to the two year Postgraduate Certificate in also be underpinned by recent, relevant Education (Further Education) (PGCE(FE) industrial experience to ensure that all Level 7), to be completed within the first lecturers are confident and competent three years of appointment. practitioners.

The aim of the increased requirement was This will be taken forward in conjunction to align the pedagogical qualifications with further education colleges’ existing held by further education lecturers with and prospective providers of teacher those of teachers in schools. In order to education and the General Teaching ensure that all staff delivering regulated Council as the representative voice of the qualifications are trained at least in profession, once it has been established basic pedagogical skills, during 2014 as the regulator for the further education the Department also developed and teaching profession. This will ensure that piloted, very successfully, with Ulster a new framework for further education University (UU), a module for part-time teacher education is created with the staff. Continuing professional development agreement of the key players and should courses have also been developed in ensure ownership and common purpose. conjunction with UU, for example The possibility of colleges delivering some “a Lecturers into Industry” module relating teacher education will also be explored. to industry placements, and advanced The intention is to seek proposals from essential skills teaching. both of the regional universities on how best to realise this ambition before developing specific proposals.

45 Themes

There is also a real opportunity, given with the ultimate sanction of removal from Northern Ireland’s size and the coherence the register and consequent removal from of the further education sector, to develop the teaching profession. The way in which new pedagogical practice in conjunction the register is drawn up will be the result of with providers of teaching qualifications wide consultation with stakeholders, but it and the General Teaching Council by is expected that the teaching qualifications encouraging research that takes place system set out above will underpin the way on-site to develop, identify and share good in which registration criteria will be applied. and developing practice. The Department A role for the GTCNI in the recognition also recognises the value of developing of continuing professional development communities of practice across the sector activities is also envisaged, with the use to improve the sharing of research and of ‘active registration’ available to it to expertise, and will support this approach ensure that members of the profession where appropriate. are keeping their skills and knowledge up-to-date. As such, the GTCNI will help Lecturer Registration and the to cement a lot of the actions set out in Professional Voice the foregoing section through a system of professional recognition and support for all Plans are already underway to establish its members. the GTCNI as the independent regulator and professional voice of further education Work Placements lecturers. This will enable a system of registration and professional support to Occupational expertise is the defining be established that recognises the unique characteristic of effective vocational status of further education lecturers in the teachers.28 Teachers and trainers are ‘dual education system as dual professionals professionals’; they are both vocational/ who are committed to delivering the best subject specialists and teaching experts, professional and technical education and committed to maintaining and developing training they can to their learners. their expertise in both aspects of their role to ensure the best outcomes for Staff in colleges who are delivering their learners.29 This expertise also needs regulated qualifications will be registered to be continuously updated in response on the basis of professional standards, to ever-changing working practices and including the accreditation of teaching advances in technology as a prerequisite qualifications appropriate for registration, to maintaining high quality provision. along the lines already set out above. There can be no standard approach to The GTCNI will also be empowered to doing this, and it is recognised that it is a take action when lecturers’ conduct and challenge for further education colleges, competence falls short of those standards, and particularly for full-time teaching

28 Commission on Adult Vocational teaching and learning: It’s About Work – Excellent Adult Vocational Teaching and Learning 2013, Page 14. http:// 46 www.excellencegateway.org.uk/node/26611 29 Taken from the introduction to The 2014 Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers in the Education and Training sector http://www.et- foundation.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/4991-Prof-standards-A4_4-2.pdf Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

staff; however, placements in business previously supported the development of and industry are a very effective means management and leadership programmes of keeping lecturers’ skills and knowledge for managers across the sector and up to date. Contacts with business and has encouraged the sector to develop a industry also promote better relationships common framework which recognises the between colleges and the workplace, and diverse programmes that are delivered to encourage more effective curriculum and staff in this area. Colleges will continue to resource planning. support the development of these critical skills through the lifetime of this strategy, In Northern Ireland, the “Lecturers into and the Department will consider how this Industry” scheme, which dates back a activity can be best supported in future number of years and which was refreshed years. in January 2015, provides college lecturers with an opportunity to undertake Inspection Process a placement in industry, with the support of a continuous professional development Inspection is an important part of the module provided by UU. The activities quality improvement process. The supported through the programme are inspection process for further education seen as a means of improving the quality provision (i.e. up to level 3) is carried and relevance of further education out by the Education and Training provision by ensuring that colleges’ Inspectorate, and there are well defined curriculum offer meets the needs of procedures in place ensuring ongoing the modern workplace. Participation in inspection and a rigorous follow up the programme by individual lecturers process to ensure quality improvement is deemed to be an important element takes place. The Quality Assurance Agency of colleges’ commitment to continuous for higher education in the UK currently professional development and quality has a role in quality assurance of higher improvement. Consequently, Lecturers education provision delivered in further into Industry will form a key part of education colleges. The current quality individual college self-evaluation processes improvement strategy in further education, and whole college quality improvement including the inspection regime, will be planning. reviewed to ensure that it is appropriate for all aspects of delivery in colleges, that Leadership and Management Skills it meets the needs of all key stakeholders, and that it is consistent with proposals in It is generally recognised that leadership the apprenticeship strategy and the review and management skills are integral to the of youth training. success of any organisation, and colleges are no exception. The Department has

47 Themes

Monitoring to Improve Performance Outcome Monitoring/Student Destination Data Colleges in Northern Ireland, working closely with the Department for The progression of learners, either into Employment and Learning’s statisticians, employment or on to higher levels of now have extremely reliable and very learning, following their programmes comprehensive data to inform policy and of study has been identified in this operational decisions. In particular, there document as a distinctive role for further is detailed data on students who are education colleges. Consequently, enrolled with colleges, on the courses measuring student destinations is an they are following and on performance in important aspect of assessing the quality terms of learner retention, achievement of further education. In particular, the and success. This informs key aspects of extent to which students are provided colleges’ quality improvement planning with the relevant skills and attributes to processes. enter the world of work or to progress to further study. There is much international However, it is also important to experience with leavers’ surveys, typically understand the extent to which learning in higher education. According to a report and qualifications can have an impact on by UKCES, 157 Group and Gazelle Group, the job prospects and potential earning a college’s credibility is tied increasingly power of learners, and the likelihood to the relevant destinations of its of learners progressing to higher levels students, tracking them and using those of study. It could be argued that the who embark on successful careers as real value of professional and technical “advocates” for the college and courses30. education is whether learners make progress into or within employment or It is, therefore, important that in Northern further learning. Therefore, as outlined Ireland, student destination data is also below, we will identify ways to collect tracked. The Department for Employment information on the destinations of and Learning and the Northern Ireland students when they finish their courses Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) of study, and to capture feedback from have recently carried out a pilot exercise students and employers on their levels of into destinations of leavers from one satisfaction with the services provided by further education college, which involved colleges. 400 students. Following an evaluation, the pilot approach was extended in early 2015 to the 2013/14 cohort of leavers from all colleges. This first full cohort exercise will also be evaluated with a view to making any necessary amendments in future years.

30 UKCES, 157 Group, Gazelle colleges; A new conversation: Employer and college engagement https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/ 48 uploads/attachment_data/file/306968/A_New_Conversation.pdf Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

Excellence will be at the heart of everything that colleges do, particularly in terms of improving the quality of provision that is delivered, and monitoring and evaluating the outcomes that have been achieved.

The Department will also consider with Employer and Student Satisfaction colleges how the information gathered in this way can be used to improve Fundamental to the drive for quality performance, and will consider meaningful improvement will be a greater emphasis targets that could be set in this area. on feedback from employers and from Information on the performance and students. The Department and colleges destination of students from different will seek to use a standardised approach types of college courses is potentially very to receiving and analysing feedback valuable to individuals who are considering from each of these key stakeholder their career options, including whether groups across a number of criteria and at they should enrol at a college and, if so, frequent intervals to facilitate improved what programme of study they should benchmarking across the Northern Ireland follow. This type of information would also further education sector and more widely. be very helpful to those who are offering This will provide invaluable information on careers guidance to potential learners. the relevance of qualifications and skills Therefore, to enable this to happen, to employers and on the wider support alongside information on the courses provided by colleges. that they provide, colleges will also publish information on learner retention, It is proposed that colleges will develop achievement and success, and on a standardised approach to capturing learner destinations. feedback from employers on all aspects of the services provided to them by colleges, including the relevance and quality of the skills learnt in further education by new employees. As well as enabling local benchmarking, this will help to strengthen

49 Themes

curriculum design and delivery, and may Policy Commitment 10 – create opportunities for work placements Embedding High Quality in future. Teaching Capturing and analysing feedback Through a new teacher education from students on their experience of framework there will be a renewed focus participating in further education is on high quality initial teacher education a crucial aspect of colleges’ quality and continual professional development for improvement processes. This can include all lecturing staff, with minimum standards feedback on a variety of dimensions for pedagogy and subject qualifications including the delivery of their programmes put in place. College staff will also have of study, the use of technology, the the opportunity to undertake relevant flexibility of provision to meet their and good quality industrial placements to needs, the support they received from ensure that they understand the needs of college staff, the extent to which their employers and workforce development. expectations were met, the facilities The quality improvement process, available at the college, etc. including the inspection regime, will be reviewed to ensure that it is appropriate Capturing this sort of information in a for all aspects of delivery in colleges. The standardised way that enables effective Department will support the development and meaningful analysis, and which of research in pedagogy to inform best facilitates benchmarking with other practice in professional and technical colleges in Northern Ireland, and beyond, education and training to establish would add value to the information that is Northern Ireland as an internationally available to college management. renowned centre for excellence in teacher education in professional and technical Therefore, it is proposed that a subjects. standardised approach to collecting and analysing feedback from learners will be introduced, which will enable colleges to benchmark against high performing colleges, and to identify and learn from good practice in Northern Ireland and in other parts of the UK and beyond.

50 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

Policy Commitment 11 – Improving Performance Standardised approaches to receiving and analysing feedback from learners and from employers will be developed and introduced. Additional performance measures will be adopted to enable colleges and the Department to monitor colleges’ performance more effectively as part of quality management, including learner progression and learners’ destinations after leaving further education. Colleges will publish information on learner retention, achievement, progression and destinations on their web sites in such a way as to inform learners’ choice of courses on which to enrol.

51 Themes 9

Internationally Connected

This section details how colleges will learn from best practise outside of Northern Ireland by maximising student and staff exchange opportunities and continuing to develop partnerships internationally.

Over recent years, colleges in Northern Across the colleges, learners have good Ireland have become increasingly focussed opportunities to apply and enhance on the need to operate in an international their learning through participation in arena and to equip their students and international exchanges, and staff have staff with the skills required to work and the opportunity to develop their industrial compete in the global economy. Colleges and pedagogical skills through the sharing will expand this aspect of their operations of knowledge, expertise and best practice. in ways that will support their own staff Colleges will build on partnerships already and students and will enable them to developed in a wide range of countries share and benefit from best practice across Europe and also in Japan, the USA, in similar institutions in other parts of India, China and Brazil. the world. International exchanges also provide an International experience is invaluable in opportunity for the colleges to showcase today’s interconnected world. Colleges their work and facilities, and the high will use international visits to further standard of the professional and technical, develop staff and to provide learners education and training that is provided with the opportunity to undertake work in Northern Ireland. Colleges will further and educational placements, particularly explore ways in which to promote their across the EU, supported by the work to support foreign direct investment Erasmus+ programme. into Northern Ireland. Colleges have been

52 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

participants on Invest Northern Ireland Policy Commitment 12 – trade missions in the past and they will Operating Internationally continue to be involved in this area. In addition to the benefits outlined above, Colleges will enhance the learner international activity promotes less experience, and the professional tangible benefits such as awareness of development and industrial knowledge other cultures and their working methods, of their staff, through placements and and wider global issues, all of which help exchanges with similar institutions in to develop citizenship skills. other countries. They will also build on the excellent partnerships that have The Department already supports a range already been created across the world of EU-led mobility initiatives in the sphere to share best practice with, and to learn of professional and technical education from others. In addition, colleges will, which, taken together, make it easier for with the Department, explore commercial learners, employees and job-seekers to opportunities to deliver more services in undertake learning in other EU countries, the international market. and to have their qualifications recognised. Northern Ireland has had an excellent record of participation in EU mobility programmes which support learner and staff exchanges, and promote cross-border projects and network-building.

The Department and further education colleges will, therefore, take full advantage of existing and new sources of funding available from Europe to support the different aspects of colleges operating in an international context as outlined above.

A further element of international activity relates to the creation of commercial opportunities to sell educational services in other countries. As part of the implementation of this strategy, this opportunity will be scoped and evaluated. The international market for education and training is a complex one, which needs careful balancing of risk and opportunity alongside the core purpose of further education.

53 Themes 10

Governance

This section summarises the governance arrangements in further education colleges.

Governing bodies play an extremely in which colleges are situated, having important role in the strategic leadership of regard to the educational needs of industry colleges. In particular, they are responsible and commerce, is derived from the Further for ensuring the effective management Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997. of colleges’ education and training The Order also enables the Department provision, and for planning colleges’ future to put in place Articles and Instruments development. Governing bodies exercise of Government, which support and enable both a support and a challenge function governing bodies to operate. in respect of college principals and their executive teams, ensuring that colleges Since October 2010 the six further implement government priorities for the education colleges in Northern Ireland further education sector. Good governance have been classified as NDPBs by the adds real value and supports effective Office of National Statistics, and this decision making within individual colleges, is the overarching business model and the role of chairs and governors, under which colleges now operate. and the standards they are expected to Consequently, the Department has had maintain, are set out in the Guide for to review the Management Statement/ Governors and in the Code of Governance. Financial Memorandum (MS/FM) which sets out reporting arrangements and The power to provide suitable and efficient the parameters under which the further further education to students in the areas education colleges operate. The MS sets

54 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

out the broad framework within which Policy Commitment 13 – colleges operate, and the associated FM Further Education sets out aspects of the financial provisions Governance and which colleges shall observe. In particular, the MS/FM has to be consistent with the Business Model model financial memorandum prescribed Colleges and the Department will work by the Department of Finance and together to maximise the benefits to Personnel (DFP) for all NDPBs. colleges and their customers of the NDPB status, while also addressing any The MS/FM does not convey any legal challenges posed. powers or responsibilities. However, it does set out the framework under which colleges should utilise funding provided by the Department, how the institution should be governed, and how that funding should be accounted for. This document is supported by the Audit Code, College Development Plans, accounts direction, annual assurance statements and accountability meetings.

While NDPB status has presented colleges with a number of organisational issues to address, for example in terms of budgeting and funding arrangements, one of the most strategically important issues to address is to ensure that colleges are able to generate income outside of the funding provided by the Department. This is something that the Department is keen to encourage colleges to continue to do. However, it is equally important that colleges are able to retain income generated in this way, and that an entirely literal interpretation of NDPB status does not inhibit colleges’ desire and ability to be innovative and flexible in the delivery of services to learners and employers.

55 Themes 11

College Partnerships

This section details the two aspects of partnership through which colleges will deliver their services to learners, employers and communities more effectively and efficiently; these are partnerships between colleges, and colleges working in partnership with others.

College to College Partnerships institutions of adequate size”.31 The report goes on to state that “in many countries, The rationalisation of further education mergers have encouraged institutions of colleges that took place in 2007 has efficient size”, and that “mergers can be been a strong enabling factor in colleges’ managed successfully, particularly when successful delivery, in subsequent it does not involve closure of campuses”. years, of the “Further Education Means The report references the merger of Business” strategy. In particular, the six Northern Ireland’s 16 further education large area based colleges have played colleges down to six colleges as an an increased leadership role in local and example of good practice. The Northern regional planning, and in the delivery of Ireland college merger process was economically relevant qualifications and also highlighted in the Northern Ireland skills at all levels across Northern Ireland. commentary that was produced by the OECD as part of their wider “Skills Beyond In the “OECD Reviews of Vocational School” exercise.32 Education and Training – Skills Beyond School Synthesis Report”, the authors Within the current structure there are state that “professional education and opportunities for colleges to work together training needs an institutional base that: in partnership: ...... consolidates training providers into

31 OECD Reviews of Vocational Education and Training: Skills Beyond School Synthesis Report http://www.oecd.org/edu/skills-beyond-school/Skills- 56 Beyond-School-Synthesis-Report.pdf 32 OECD Review of Vocational Education and Training: A Skills Beyond School Commentary on Northern Ireland – January 2014 http://www.oecd.org/ edu/skills-beyond-school/ASkillsBeyondSchoolCommentaryOnNorthernIreland.pdf Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

„ through the use of collaborative working In addition, other areas of collaboration to enable colleges to operate with such as energy provision and facilities maximum efficiency; and management are subject to existing contracts which will be considered „ through colleges sharing best practice within the context of future collaborative to enable services to be delivered to procurement as the contracts end. learners and employers most effectively However, the current tight financial climate and to the highest standards of quality. provides an imperative to re-energise this work, and to take it to the next level. Efficient Operations The sector’s total income in 2013/14 was The use of a collaborative working £254million, with significant variances in approach to deliver greater efficiencies the administrative and processing costs in within the sector, to reduce duplication each of the six colleges. Therefore, to drive and to enhance cooperation between this work forward, a range of innovative colleges is a policy which the Department collaborative projects will be taken forward has been promoting and supporting across the six colleges. A strategically in recent years. The extension of significant project is where all six colleges shared services is one of a number of have agreed a shared vision for the strategies that are identified as part of provision of Management Information a “comprehensive programme of Public Systems (MIS) and Information Learning Sector Reform and Restructuring”, which Technology (ILT) services for use by the Northern Ireland Executive adopted colleges. The vision commits all colleges in January 2015. Also, government to “the provision of MIS/ILT systems and departments, and their NDPBs, are supporting processes that facilitate delivery required to work with Enterprise Shared of high quality teaching and learning, Services, which provides a range meeting the needs of staff and of services to all Northern Ireland students both now and in the future”. departments, to consider the extension At the heart of this vision is the provision of shared services coverage. of a common unified information systems platform for colleges, ensuring common Early work on collaborative working reporting and business intelligence has focused on colleges’ procurement capability, a consistent approach to data activity, on college advertising, and on capture and validation, harmonisation and the development of a new management standardisation of all associated business information system for use by colleges. processes, and a standardised platform Considerable progress has been made supporting access for all stakeholders. in these areas; for example, in the joint procurement of banking and insurance services and the printing of prospectuses.

57 Themes

Other areas identified include payroll, pastoral care arrangements. However, not human resources, IT support, finance, all colleges exhibit best practice in all areas the efficient use of the available estate of activity. Therefore, colleges will make use across the sector to minimise duplication of the considerable potential that exists to of service and the considerable expertise learn from each other to create a further that colleges have in the procurement and education sector here which is genuinely management of their estate. world class.

In addition to collaborative working Also, as set out in section 5, a process is approaches, colleges, using their NDPB in place through which individual colleges status, will explore, where appropriate, can be identified as specialists in key adopting corporate systems that are sectors of the economy. This approach to used by Northern Ireland Civil Service specialism will be extended to include other Departments such as Account Northern key areas of colleges activities; for example, Ireland (budgeting and accounting qualifications and curriculum design and system), and to use IT Assist (hardware the development or acquisition of on-line and software IT support) to procure and learning materials. Specialist colleges will support a range of computer hardware. take the lead in these areas also, and then share the outcomes and products across The further education sector has been the sector. operating with increased levels of efficiency in recent years, with colleges Therefore, as well as seeking increased consistently meeting efficiency targets organisational efficiency through set by the Department. However, in the partnership, colleges will also work together tightening budgetary environment, colleges to increase the effectiveness of the services have been exploring how this can be they provide to learners and employers. taken to the next level by collaborating to share a range of corporate services. Delivery of College Collaboration Colleges will implement the projects identified above, and will seek to identify It is important that the development further opportunities to secure efficiencies and operation of college partnerships as through sharing services. described above are championed at senior management level and that they lead to Effective Service Delivery the optimum use of resources, and deliver maximum benefit to colleges’ customers. Individual colleges have demonstrated Therefore, a process will be established, excellent practice in areas as diverse involving the Department and the further as engagement with employers, the education sector, to drive forward and development and use of learning oversee in a holistic way collaborative technologies, innovative and flexible working, the sharing of best practice, and qualifications and curriculum design, the application of the specialist colleges working with disadvantaged learners, and approach in relevant areas of activity.

58 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

College Partnerships with Others Policy Commitment 14 – Sectoral Efficiency through In supporting employers and the wider Collaborative Working economy, colleges have worked with government departments, Invest Northern In order to ensure that their services Ireland and a range of local economic and are delivered with maximum efficiency, enterprise organisations. colleges will operate more collectively in the delivery of their corporate In curriculum design, colleges have worked services through a more rigorous in partnership with our universities and and comprehensive approach to employers, and they have also partnered collaborative (shared services) working. with training organisations in the private Where appropriate, the colleges will and voluntary and community sectors take advantage of their NDPB status to create flexible delivery models that by adopting collaborative working benefit certain learner groups. Colleges opportunities that are available across the have also worked very successfully public sector in Northern Ireland. with government departments and the voluntary and community sector to deliver Policy Commitment 15 – innovative and effective programmes, and, Sectoral Effectiveness by in partnerships with schools, colleges have Sharing Best Practice been important providers of professional Colleges will share best practice, and learn and technical qualifications as part of the from each other, in the innovative and curriculum made available to school pupils imaginative delivery of services to learners under the Department of Education’s and employers. In particular, colleges will Entitlement Framework. work together to ensure that technology can be developed and used in the most Working in partnership with others will cost efficient and effective way to support be increasingly important to colleges learning. in delivering the challenging vision that is set out in this consultation document. New partnerships will have Policy Commitment 16 – to be formed – in particular, to ensure Delivery Mechanism to Drive effective implementation of the new Efficiency and Effectiveness apprenticeships and youth training A mechanism will be established systems, and to ensure that colleges can to stimulate, manage and oversee complement the work of the new district collaboration and sharing of best practice councils in their respective economic and between colleges to ensure efficiency and community development roles. effectiveness in the delivery of services, and to maximise the level of resource that is available to fund front line services.

59 Themes 12

Funding Model and College Sustainability

This section details how the current funding model will be reviewed to underpin future priorities.

The current Funded Learning Unit (FLU) Consequently, the funding model will have Funding Model is a distributive funding to be reviewed to ensure that it supports mechanism through which the annual and incentivises colleges to deliver the recurrent grant for further education is strategy in a sustainable way. Account will distributed between the six colleges. also have to be taken of the new funding A single FLU equates approximately to models that will be developed for the one full-time enrolment, and part-time new apprenticeships and youth training enrolments are calculated as a proportion systems, particularly as these systems will of a FLU depending on the number of hours constitute a considerable proportion of the studied. The FLU model also has a small provision delivered by colleges. number of weightings to take account of course level and subject and of the Policy Commitment 17 – overall deprivation measure of the Reviewing the Further college catchment area. Education Funding Model The value of the FLU has not been In partnership with colleges, the funding increased since the model was first model will be reviewed to ensure that used in the 2007/08 academic year, to it supports and incentivises colleges coincide with the introduction of the six to deliver this strategy, that it supports college structure. In addition, the model a sustainable further education sector distinguishes, in financial value, between and that it aligns with the funding full-time and part-time provision; this could models that will be developed for other act as a disincentive to colleges to deliver departmental programmes that further part-time provision, even though part- education colleges will deliver, in particular time delivery is important in up-skilling the apprenticeships and youth training. workforce. Increasingly, these issues are having an impact on colleges’ sustainability. 60 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

61 Themes 13

Promoting the Further Education Sector

This section details how colleges will work together and with the Department to identify ways in which to promote the further education sector.

While esteem for professional and In research carried out by Cedefop technical education is growing in some on policy measures used to raise the of the newer EU member states, albeit attractiveness of initial VET for students from a low starting point, it is declining in across a number of countries, the Western Europe. In countries where it is following measures were most frequently held in relatively low esteem compared mentioned: improved permeability and with general education, such as Ireland, diversity of pathways and programmes; Lithuania and Sweden, vocational policies campaigns to raise awareness (internet, tend to focus on the basics such as TV and media); improvements to guidance reducing the early drop-out rate from and counselling; financial incentives; education and making sure courses are improved quality of teachers and trainers; linked to the jobs market.33 and use of skills competitions.35 Other measures mentioned included improving In countries where vocational education the infrastructure of VET providers, is held in high esteem, such as Austria, revising and modernising the curriculum, Finland and Hungary, more advanced improvements to the apprenticeship initiatives are improving areas such as system, and increasing the involvement of guidance and counselling for students, as employers, the labour market and social well as marketing campaigns and skills partners.36 A high quality further education competitions.34 estate with state of the art facilities also enhances the image of the sector.

33 Cedefop Attractiveness of Initial Vocational Education and Training: identifying what matters: Research Paper No.39 http://www.cedefop.europa.eu/ EN/Files/5539_en.pdf 34 Ibid 35 Ibid 62 36 Ibid Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

Many of these measures are already in practice within the further education sector in Northern Ireland, and the Department will work with the colleges to market more effectively the benefits of professional and technical education to learners and employers, and the benefits of pursuing these types of courses in further education colleges. Particularly important in this regard is the ambition for professional and technical education and training to be valued equally to academic education by learners, employers and wider society; and for further education to be recognised as an equal and valued pillar of the education system in Northern Ireland, alongside higher education and the statutory school system.

Policy Commitment 18 – Promoting Further Education Provision Colleges Northern Ireland, individual colleges and the Department will work together to demonstrate and explain the distinctive role that the further education sector has, as part of the wider education system, and the role that the sector plays in strengthening the Northern Ireland economy. More generally, the benefits and status of professional and technical qualifications will also be promoted.

63 Themes 14

Consultation Questions

Economic Development

Policy Commitment 1 – Priority Skills Colleges will have a crucial role working with employers and other key stakeholders to ensure that the professional and technical qualifications and curriculum they provide support the rebalancing and rebuilding of the Northern Ireland economy.

Question 1 Do you agree that colleges should focus provision on those areas that contribute to rebalancing and rebuilding the economy?

Strongly Agree Neither agree Disagree Strongly agree nor disagree disagree

� � � � �

Please explain the reasons for your answer and provide any supporting comments:

64 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

Policy Commitment 2 – Levels of College Provision Further education colleges will have a particular focus on further developing provision at level 3 (A level equivalent) and above in areas that will support the rebalancing and rebuilding of the Northern Ireland economy. Progression for learners who wish to study at higher levels will be encouraged and facilitated through the qualifications system, and through innovative delivery and clear pathways.

Question 2 Do you agree that colleges should focus on developing provision at level 3 and above in areas that will support the economy and encourage progression for learners to study at higher levels?

Strongly Agree Neither agree Disagree Strongly agree nor disagree disagree

� � � � �

Please explain the reasons for your answer and provide any supporting comments:

Policy Commitment 3 – Up-skilling the Existing Workforce Colleges will support indigenous companies and new companies which are being established in Northern Ireland, to ensure that employees have the required knowledge, skills and qualifications. In doing this, colleges will operate in flexible ways in terms of where, when, and over what period of time up-skilling activities are provided, so that the needs of employers can be met effectively and in a manner which suits business needs.

Question 3 How can colleges build on the support they provide to employers with regards to up-skilling the workforce whilst ensuring they deliver services to employers in a flexible way?

65 Themes

Policy Commitment 4 – Support to Employers Colleges will be at the forefront of providing support to employers to enable them to innovate, to grow, to operate more effectively and efficiently, to develop new products and to identify new markets for their products.

Question 4 How can colleges build on the support they provide employers to enable them to innovate, to grow, to operate more effectively and efficiently, to develop new products and to identify new markets for their products?

Policy Commitment 5 – College Specialism and Regional Capacity Centres of specialism and expertise will be developed in each college to enable the further education sector as a whole to deliver high quality professional and technical provision to employers. Through a collaborative approach, individual colleges will have identified sectors where they will be recognised for their expertise and specialism. As well as identifying specialisms, all colleges will develop networks of experts who will share the latest developments in curriculum and skills training across Northern Ireland.

Question 5a Do you agree that individual colleges should be identified as specialists in key sectors of the economy?

Strongly Agree Neither agree Disagree Strongly agree nor disagree disagree

� � � � �

Please explain the reasons for your answer and provide any supporting comments:

66 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

Question 5b Do you agree that colleges should develop networks of experts to enable the sharing of latest developments across Northern Ireland.

Strongly Agree Neither agree Disagree Strongly agree nor disagree disagree

� � � � �

Please explain the reasons for your answer and provide any supporting comments:

Social Inclusion

Policy Commitment 6 – Increasing Economic Participation through Engagement Colleges’ distinctive contribution to social inclusion will be to provide learners with the knowledge, skills and qualifications required to find, or progress within employment, in order to avail of the benefits of economic participation. Working in partnership with others, colleges will support diversity and social inclusion through widening access to provision for those with barriers to learning. They will work with other organisations in the voluntary, community and private sector to strengthen pathways for learners that can open up their ambition and develop their talents.

Question 6a In what other ways can colleges support those with barriers to learning?

Question 6b How can colleges increase participation in further education, particularly those who are hardest to reach?

67 Themes

Policy Commitment 7 – Improving Literacy Numeracy and ICT Colleges will raise the level of literacy, numeracy and ICT competence in Northern Ireland by adopting the new qualifications that are being developed through the refreshed Essential Skills strategy and the reviews of GCSEs in English and mathematics.

Question 7 In what other ways can colleges assist in raising the level of literacy and numeracy competency in Northern Ireland? In particular, how can colleges encourage participation on literacy and numeracy programmes?

Curriculum Delivery

Policy Commitment 8 – Using Technology to Enhance Learning Colleges will adopt international best practice in the use of technology enhanced learning to support and improve their teaching and learning, and will adopt flexible approaches to learning to meet the needs of learners and employers.

Question 8a Do you agree that colleges should use technology to support and improve their teaching and learning?

Strongly Agree Neither agree Disagree Strongly agree nor disagree disagree

� � � � �

Please explain the reasons for your answer and provide any supporting comments:

Question 8b What are the main barriers to achieving this, and how could these be overcome?

Question 8c What types of flexible approaches can be used to meet the needs of learners and employers? 68 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

Curriculum Delivery

Policy Commitment 9 – Developing Employability and Enterprise Skills A distinctive element of provision delivered by colleges will be the development of employability skills, through high quality and relevant work placements and the use of virtual reality technology to simulate work placements in innovative and effective ways. Through their teaching strategies and approaches, colleges will also seek to develop enterprising learners, who are innovative and creative, and are able to adapt to change.

Question 9a Do you agree that work placements are the best way to develop employability skills in learners?

Strongly Agree Neither agree Disagree Strongly agree nor disagree disagree

� � � � �

Please explain the reasons for your answer and provide any supporting comments:

Question 9b Where work placements cannot be provided, do you agree that college based and simulated work placements are effective alternatives to employer based work placements?

Strongly Agree Neither agree Disagree Strongly agree nor disagree disagree

� � � � �

Please explain the reasons for your answer and provide any supporting comments:

Question 9c In what way can colleges develop enterprising learners who are innovative and creative, and who can adapt to change?

69 Themes

Excellence

Policy Commitment 10 – Embedding High Quality Teaching Through a new teacher education framework there will be a renewed focus on high quality initial teacher education and continual professional development for all lecturing staff, with minimum standards for pedagogy and subject qualifications put in place. College staff will also have the opportunity to undertake relevant and good quality industrial placements to ensure that they understand the needs of employers and workforce development. The quality improvement process, including the inspection regime, will be reviewed to ensure that it is appropriate for all aspects of delivery in colleges. The Department will support the development of research in pedagogy to inform best practice in professional and technical education and training to establish Northern Ireland as an internationally renowned centre for excellence in teacher education in professional and technical subjects.

Question 10a Do you agree that a strong focus should be placed on continual professional development, including industrial placements across the further education sector?

Strongly Agree Neither agree Disagree Strongly agree nor disagree disagree

� � � � �

Please explain the reasons for your answer and provide any supporting comments:

Question 10b Do you agree that minimum standards for pedagogy and qualifications should be put in place for all lecturers?

Strongly Agree Neither agree Disagree Strongly agree nor disagree disagree

� � � � �

70 Please explain the reasons for your answer and provide any supporting comments: Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

Question 10c Do you agree that the quality improvement process, including the inspection regime, should be reviewed to ensure that it is appropriate for all aspects of delivery in colleges? Strongly Agree Neither agree Disagree Strongly agree nor disagree disagree

� � � � �

Please explain the reasons for your answer and provide any supporting comments:

Policy Commitment 11 – Improving Performance Standardised approaches to receiving and analysing feedback from learners and from employers will be developed and introduced. Additional performance measures will be adopted to enable colleges and the Department to monitor colleges’ performance more effectively as part of quality management, including learner progression and learners’ destinations after leaving further education. Colleges will publish information on learner retention, achievement, progression and destinations on their web sites in such a way as to inform learners’ choice of courses on which to enrol. Question 11a Do you agree that standardised approaches to receiving and analysing feedback from learners and employers should be introduced across all colleges?

Strongly Agree Neither agree Disagree Strongly agree nor disagree disagree

� � � � �

Please explain the reasons for your answer and provide any supporting comments:

Question 11b Do you agree that additional performance measures should be introduced to take account of learners’ progression into employment or further study, and that colleges should publish this information on their websites? Strongly Agree Neither agree Disagree Strongly agree nor disagree disagree

� � � � �

Please explain the reasons for your answer and provide any supporting comments: 71 Themes

International Dimension

Policy Commitment 12 – Operating Internationally Colleges will enhance the learner experience, and the professional development and industrial knowledge of their staff, through placements and exchanges with similar institutions in other countries. They will also build on the excellent partnerships that have already been created across the world to share best practice with, and to learn from others. In addition, colleges will, with the Department, explore commercial opportunities to deliver more services in the international market.

Question 12a How might colleges maximise placements for learners and the use of secondments and exchanges for staff outside of Northern Ireland?

Question 12b How might colleges develop further partnerships with international organisations, including educational institutions and employers?

Question 12c Do you agree that colleges should explore opportunities to sell their education and training expertise internationally?

Strongly Agree Neither agree Disagree Strongly agree nor disagree disagree

� � � � �

Please explain the reasons for your answer and provide any supporting comments:

72 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

Governance

Policy Commitment 13 – Further Education Governance and Business Model Colleges and the Department will work together to maximise the benefits to colleges and their customers of colleges’ NDPB status, while also addressing any challenges posed.

Question 13 In what ways can colleges create income outside of funding provided by the department and wider public sector?

College Partnerships

Policy Commitment 14 – Sectoral Efficiency through Collaborative Working In order to ensure that their services are delivered with maximum efficiency, colleges will operate more collectively in the delivery of their corporate services through a more rigorous and comprehensive approach to collaborative (shared services) working. Where appropriate, the colleges will take advantage of their NDPB status by adopting collaborative working opportunities that are available across the public sector in Northern Ireland.

Question 14 Do you agree that colleges should operate more collectively in their delivery of corporate services by adopting shared services through their NDPB status?

Strongly Agree Neither agree Disagree Strongly agree nor disagree disagree

� � � � �

Please explain the reasons for your answer and provide any supporting comments:

73 Themes

Policy Commitment 15 – Sectoral Effectiveness by Sharing Best Practice Colleges will share best practice, and learn from each other, in the innovative and imaginative delivery of services to learners and employers. In particular, colleges will work together to ensure that technology can be developed and used in the most cost efficient and effective way to support learning.

Question 15 In what way can colleges share best practice in the efficient and effective delivery of services to learners and employers, including the use of technology?

Policy Commitment 16 – Delivery Mechanism to Drive Efficiency and Effectiveness A mechanism will be established to stimulate, manage and oversee collaboration and sharing of best practice between colleges to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of services, and to maximise the level of resource that is available to fund front line services.

Question 16 Do you agree that a mechanism should be established to manage and oversee collaboration and sharing of best practice between colleges?

Strongly Agree Neither agree Disagree Strongly agree nor disagree disagree

� � � � �

Please explain the reasons for your answer and provide any supporting comments:

74 Consultation document on the development of a new Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

Funding Model and College Sustainability

Policy Commitment 17 – Reviewing the Further Education Funding Model Jointly with colleges, the funding model will be reviewed to ensure that it supports and incentivises colleges to deliver this strategy, that it supports a sustainable further education sector and that it aligns with the funding models that will be developed for other departmental programmes that further education colleges will deliver, in particular apprenticeships and youth training.

Question 17 Do you agree that the further education funding model should be reviewed to take account of the new further education strategy and the funding models for other DEL programmes, including apprenticeships and youth training?

Strongly Agree Neither agree Disagree Strongly agree nor disagree disagree

� � � � �

Please explain the reasons for your answer and provide any supporting comments:

75 Promoting the Further Education Sector

Policy Commitment 18 – Promoting Further Education Provision Colleges Northern Ireland, individual colleges and the Department will work together to demonstrate and explain the distinctive role that the further education sector has, as part of the wider education system, and the role that the sector plays in strengthening the Northern Ireland economy. More generally, the benefits and status of professional and technical qualifications will also be promoted.

Question 18a What measures need to be taken to demonstrate and explain the distinctive role that the further education sector has as part of the wider education system, and the role that the sector plays in strengthening the Northern Ireland economy?

Question 18b How could the benefits of professional and technical qualifications be promoted to the users of qualifications?

76 Annex A - Shared Future Consultation document on the development of a new Policy Proofing Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

1. Does the proposed policy promote individuals from different religious, political, racial or other Section 75(1) backgrounds sharing or engaging together?

Impact Positive impact Positive negative none

Qualitative The further education colleges in Northern Ireland are designated as public Evidence authorities, for the purposes of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act, and all six have their Equality Schemes approved by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. The colleges therefore have a legal obligation to promote equality of opportunity and good relations within the various Section 75 categories including religious belief, political opinion, race, sexual orientation, marital status, those with or without a disability and those with or without dependents. All of the colleges’ activities including teaching and business and community engagement activities are undertaken within this context.

Under the new strategy, the further education sector will continue to be open to people throughout Northern Ireland regardless of religious belief, political opinion, racial group, marital status and sexual orientation.

The further education colleges will continue to deliver a wide range of professional and technical education and training across a wide range of occupations to ensure appeal to both male and female students. Quantitative Widening participation in education is an essential factor in promoting social Evidence inclusion, combating poverty, and helping people from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with other barriers to learning, including those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities to become engaged with society in general. A wider impact of participation in further education is social integration and interaction, developing independence and self esteem. Students within the further education sector interact and learn from, and with, others from all areas and cultures and the environment is carefully nurtured to be welcoming and all-inclusive. In doing this the sector has made and continues to make a significant contribution to breaking down barriers and supporting social cohesion. In terms of gender profile, the proportion of females enrolled in regulated courses at further education colleges decreased from 50.9% in 2009/10 to 49.1% in 2013/14, while male regulated enrolments increased from 49.1% to 50.9% over the same period37. The 2013/14 figures for enrolments are therefore broadly equivalent on a gender basis. There is existing provision via the colleges for young people who require assistance with childcare, to allow them to start or continue their education, in the form of financial support under the Department’s Care to Learn scheme. The scheme is aimed at those aged under 20 at the time of enrolment. In the 2013/14 academic year 95 students were supported under the Scheme. There are no plans to change this under the new strategy. Figures for 2013/14 indicate that 36.1% of total regulated enrolments at further education colleges were from a Catholic background while 31.2% were from a Protestant background. However, it should be noted that the community background was not stated or unknown for 23.5% of total regulated enrolments in 2013/1437.

Possible None required. Mitigating Measures

37 Further Education Activity in Northern Ireland: 2009/10 to 2013/14, Department for Employment and Learning http://www.delni.gov.uk/fe-activity-in- fe-colleges-ni 77 38 Further Education Statistical Return and Consolidated Data Return Annex A - Shared Future Policy Proofing

2. Does the proposed policy inadvertently create a situation where people categorised in different groups under Section 75(1) backgrounds will be accessing services or facilities on a segregated or separate basis?

Impact Positive impact Positive negative none

Qualitative Under the new strategy access to further education will continue to be open to and Evidence inclusive of: religious belief; political opinion; racial group; marital status; sexual orientation; disability; those with dependants; and men and women.

The future further education provision will continue to be offered via the existing six colleges and their various campuses which provide geographic cover across Northern Ireland.

The colleges will continue to be fully integrated and ensure the promotion of equality of opportunity by welcoming students from all backgrounds regardless of religious belief, political opinion, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, whether they have dependents or not, age, race or disability.

Quantitative See number 1 above. Evidence

Possible None required. Mitigating Measures

78 Annex A - Shared Future Consultation document on the development of a new Policy Proofing Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

3. Does the proposed policy remove or address any barriers to people sharing?

Impact Positive impact Positive negative none

Qualitative One of the key strengths of the further education sector is that it is accessible to Evidence all, both in terms of reaching all levels, types and age of learners, and also the fact that the colleges are locally based and their reach extends into both urban and rural communities. Students within the sector come from a variety of backgrounds and have a range of learning, work and life experiences and the sector plays a valuable role in bringing together a wide cross-section of the community within Northern Ireland.

The new Strategy will ensure that the further education sector continues to deliver a wide range of professional and technical education and training across a wide range of occupations to ensure appeal to both male and female students.

Quantitative Under the Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern Ireland) Order Evidence 2005 colleges are required to provide accessibility to both their premises and the curriculum to all disabled/prospective students with disabilities. The Department assists the six colleges fulfil this obligation by making £4.5 million per annum funding available to support students with disabilities through the Additional Support Fund. This funding includes two elements, £2.5 million helps FE colleges provide technical and personal support for these students and £2 million to help meet the cost of providing tailored discrete courses for students with learning difficulties and/ or disabilities for whom mainstream courses are not appropriate due to the nature/ degree of their disability/learning difficulty.

In 2013/14, there were 1,299 students in regulated FE discrete provision. These are students with more severe learning difficulties and / or disabilities who are unable to participate in mainstream courses and therefore participate in discrete provision which has smaller class sizes and additional in built support as standard. A move to FE for these students, who range from 16 years upwards, offers highly significant opportunities for them to become more independent, integrate with the wider community and gain valuable life skills.

Deprivation has been measured on the official Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure (NIMDM), which categorises areas across the region into five groups, termed ‘quintiles’. Quintile 1 is the most deprived group of areas while quintile 5 is the least deprived or most affluent group of areas. Almost half (43.6%) of regulated enrolments are from the two most deprived quintiles. Just over a fifth (21.0%) of regulated enrolments in 2013/14 came from the most deprived quintile, compared to 13.8% from the least deprived or most affluent quintile39.

In 2013/14, females accounted for the vast majority of further education enrolments in ‘Health, Public Services and care’ (84.3%) and in ‘Retail and Commercial Enterprise’ enrolments (77.8%). Male-dominated subject areas included ‘Construction, Planning and the Built Environment’ (96.8%) and ‘Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies’ (93.3%).However, it is interesting to note, that there is a fairly even gender split in part-time provision regulated enrolments in 2013/14 while males are the majority (56.9%) in full-time regulated provision40.

Possible None required. Mitigating Measures

39 Further Education Activity in Northern Ireland: 2009/10 to 2013/14, Department for Employment and Learning http://www.delni.gov.uk/fe-activity-in- fe-colleges-ni 40 Ibid 79 Annex A - Shared Future Policy Proofing

4. Does the proposed policy inadvertently erect any barriers to people sharing?

Impact Positive impact Positive negative none

Qualitative Under the new strategy access to further education will continue to be open to and Evidence inclusive of: religious belief; political opinion; racial group; marital status; sexual orientation; disability; those with dependants; and men and women.

The future further education provision will continue to be offered via the existing six colleges and their various campuses which provide geographic cover across Northern Ireland.

The colleges will continue to be fully integrated and ensure the promotion of equality of opportunity by welcoming students from all backgrounds regardless of religious belief, political opinion, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, whether they have dependents or not, age, race or disability.

Quantitative See number 1 above. Evidence

Possible None required. Mitigating Measures

80 Annex B – Qualification Consultation document on the development of a new Levels Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

Level National Qualifications Qualifications and Framework for Framework (NQF) Credit Framework (QCF) Higher Education Examples Examples (FHEQ) Examples

City and Guilds Institute Diplomas in strategic 8 Doctorates Fellowship direction

Post-graduate certificates Advanced professional 7 Masters Degrees and diplomas certificates

National Diploma in BTEC Advanced 6 Professional Production Bachelor Degrees Professional Diplomas Skills

Diplomas of Higher 5 Higher National Diplomas Foundation Degrees Education

BTEC Professional Certificates of 4 NVQs at level 4 Diplomas Higher Education

3 A-levels BTEC Nationals

2 GCSEs at grades A*-C BTEC diplomas at level 2 BTEC Level 1 1 GCSEs at grades D-C Certificate/Award Entry Entry Level Certificates Entry Level VQs Level and Awards

81 Annex C - Glossary

BIS Department for Business, Innovation & Skills BTEC Business and Technology Education Council CBI Confederation of British Industry CEDEFOP European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training DE Department of Education DEL Department for Employment and Learning DETI Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment DFP Department of Finance and Personnel EC European Commission ESP Employer Support Programme ETI Education and Training Inspectorate EU European Union FDI Foreign Direct Investment FE Further Education FHEQ Framework for Higher Education Qualifications FLU Funded Learning Unit GCSE General Certificate of Secondary Education GTCNI General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland HE Higher Education ICT Information and Communications Technology ILP Individual Learning Plan ILT Information Learning Technology IPPR Institute for Public Policy Research ISAS International Survey of Adult Skills IT Information Technology MIS Management Information Systems MPMNI Managing Public Money Northern Ireland MS/FM Management Statement / Financial Memorandum NIMDM Northern Ireland Multiple Deprivation Measure

82 Consultation document on the development of a new Annex C - Glossary Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

NDPB Non-Departmental Public Body NEET’s Not in Education, Employment, or Training NISRA Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency NQF National Qualification Framework NVQ National Vocational Qualifications OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development OEE Overall Equipment Efficiency OFSTED Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills PGCE Postgraduate Certificate in Education PIAAC Programme for International Assessment of Adult Competencies PLAQ (The Department’s) Prescribed List of Approved Non NQF/QCF Qualification QCF Qualifications & Credit Framework RRQ Register of Regulated Qualifications SENDO Special Educational Needs and Disability (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 SLDD Special Learning Difficulties and Disabilities SME Small to medium-sized enterprise SPICE Specialist Provision for Industry Using College Expertise STEM Science, technology, engineering and mathematics UKCES UK Commission for Employment and Skills UU Ulster University VET Vocational Education and Training VLE Virtual Learning Environment VQ’s Vocational Qualifications WBL Work based learning

83 Annex D – Bibliography

Alvarez-Galvin, J., Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (2014), Reviews of Vocational Education and Training - A Skills Beyond School Commentary on Northern Ireland. http://www.oecd.org/edu/skills-beyond-school/ ASkillsBeyondSchoolCommentaryOnNorthernIreland.pdf

City & Guilds (2014), Culture, Coaching and Collaboration - How to Unlock the Potential of Digital Technology in Vocational Teaching and Learning. http://www.cityandguilds.com/~/media/Documents/about-us/Broadsheet-news/ Culture%20coaching%20and%20collaboration%20pdf.ashx

Commission on Adult Vocational Teaching and Learning (2013), It’s About Work - Excellent Adult Vocational Teaching and Learning. http://www.excellencegateway.org.uk/content/eg5937

Confederation of British Industry (CBI) (2014), Gateway to Growth: CBI/Pearson Education Skills Survey 2014. http://www.cbi.org.uk/media/2809181/embargo_00.01_4_july_cbi_pearson_ education_and_skills_survey_2014.pdf

Department for Business, Innovation & Skills Research (BIS) (2013), The Impact of Further Education Learning – Research Paper No.104. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-benefits-of-further-education-learning

Department for Employment and Learning (2015), Further Education Activity in Northern Ireland: 2009/10 to 2013/14. http://www.delni.gov.uk/fe-activity-in-fe-colleges-ni

Department for Employment and Learning (2015), Further Education Statistical Return and Consolidated Data Return.

Department for Employment and Learning (2014), Securing our Success: The Northern Ireland Strategy on Apprenticeships. http://www.delni.gov.uk/securing-our-success-the-ni-strategy-on-apprenticeships.pdf

Department for Employment and Learning (2011), Success through Skills - Transforming Futures: Skills Strategy for Northern Ireland. http://www.delni.gov.uk/success-through-skills-transforming-futures.pdf

84 Consultation document on the development of a new Annex D – Bibliography Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

Education and Training Foundation (2014), Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers in Education and Training – England. http://www.et-foundation.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/4991-Prof- standards-A4_4-2.pdf

Education and Training Inspectorate (2014), Chief Inspector’s Report 2012-2014. www.etini.gov.uk/index/inspection-reports/the-chief-inspectors-report/ci- report-2012-2014.htm

European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop) (2014), Attractiveness of Initial Vocational Education and Training: identifying what matters: Research Paper No.39. http://www.cedefop.europa.eu/EN/Files/5539_en.pdf

European Commission, Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (2012), Study on a comprehensive overview on traineeship arrangements in Member States: Final Synthesis Report. http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=738&langId=en&pubId=6717,

European Commission (2013), Work-Based Learning in Europe: Practices and policy Pointers. http://ec.europa.eu/education/policy/vocational-policy/doc/alliance/work-based- learning-in-europe_en.pdf

Northern Ireland Executive (2015), Programme for Government 2011-2015. www.northernireland.gov.uk/pfg

Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) (2012), Promoting Enterprise in Vocational Courses for 16-19 Year-Old Students in Colleges - A Good Practice Report. http://dera.ioe.ac.uk/16049/1/Promoting%20enterprise%20in%20vocational%20 courses%20for%2016-19-year-old%20students%20in%20colleges.pdf

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as part of the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) (2013), Survey of Adult Skills. http://www.oecd.org/site/piaac/surveyofadultskills.htm

85 Annex D – Bibliography

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (2010), Learning For Jobs. www.oecd.org/education/innovation-education/learningforjobs.htm

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (2014), OECD Reviews of Vocational Education and Training: A Skills Beyond School Commentary on Northern Ireland. http://www.oecd.org/edu/skills-beyond-school/ ASkillsBeyondSchoolCommentaryOnNorthernIreland.pdf

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) (2014), OECD Reviews of Vocational Education and Training: Skills Beyond School – Synthesis Report. http://www.oecd.org/edu/skills-beyond-school/Skills-Beyond-School-Synthesis- Report.pdf

UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) (2014), 157 Group and Gazelle colleges (2014), A New Conversation – Employer and College Engagement. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/ file/306968/A_New_Conversation.pdf

86 Consultation document on the development of a new Annex E – Definitions Further Education Strategy for Northern Ireland

Professional and Technical: Professional and Technical provision is regarded as Regulated provision without Academic provision.

Regulated: From academic year 2013/14, only those courses which appear on the Register of Regulated Qualifications ((RRQ) or the Department’s Prescribed List of Approved Non NQF/QCF Qualification (PLAQ) list (for level 3 and below) or are Higher Education (HE) in FE courses (level 4 and above), will be deemed as ‘regulated’ by the Department. Anything which falls outside this definition is not considered, in Departmental terms, as ‘regulated’ regardless of whether it is considered to produce “outcomes” e.g. internal college certification.

The term ‘regulated’ will be used from 2013/14 on, in regard to this type of provision within further education. This cohort of further education provision is comparable with the previous figures for Professional and Technical.

FE enrolment publications between 2003/04 and 2012/13 have used the term ‘Professional and Technical’ to describe this cohort of FE provision. ‘Professional and Technical’ were identified as any enrolment not coded as qualification aim ‘999’, ‘599’ or ‘199’ i.e. recreational and Keyskills provision are excluded. In each academic year students can be enrolled in multiple course and therefore the same individual can have enrolments in regulated and non-regulated courses within the one academic year.

Academic: Academic provision is taken to mean A Levels and GSCEs.

Retention: Retention rate is defined as the proportion of the number of enrolments who complete their final year of study to the number of final year enrolments. Since 2012/13, those who complete their course early (and recorded in the data as a withdrawal) and who have subsequently achieved their programme of study qualification have been regarded as a ‘completer’. This may inflate the retention rate from 2012/13 onwards in comparison to earlier academic years.

Retention rate = Number of non-withdrawals plus Number of withdrawals who achieve (both full and partial) Number of enrolments

87 Annex E – Definitions

Achievement: Achievement rate relates to the percentage of the number of enrolments who complete their final year of study and achieve their qualification to the number of enrolments who complete their final year of study.

Achievement rate = Number of achievements Number of non-withdrawals plus Number of Withdrawals who achieve (both full and partial)

Success: Success rate is the overall measure of performance, which is the proportion of the number of enrolments who complete their final year of study and achieve their qualification to the number of final year enrolments.

Success rate = Number of achievements OR Retention rate x Achievement rate Number of Enrolments

STEM: STEM provision is identified by the subject code entered by the FE college. If the subject code starts with a letter between A and K (Medicine, Dentistry and Allied Subjects; Biological and Physical Sciences; Agriculture, Building and Planning) then it is regarded as ‘Broad’ STEM. ‘Narrow’ STEM is those enrolment records with a subject code starting with the letter C, F, G, H or J (Biological and Physical Sciences; Mathematics and IT; Engineering and Technology).

88

The Department: Our aim is to promote learning and Further Information: skills, to prepare people for work Department for Employment and Learning and to support the economy. Adelaide House This document is available in other 39-49 Adelaide Street formats upon request. Belfast BT2 8FD

telephone: 028 9025 7630 e-mail: FEStrategyProgrammeBranch@ delni.gov.uk website: www.delni.gov.uk/new-further- education-strategy-for-northern-ireland Item 10

Ards and North Down Borough Council

Council/Committee Council

Date of Meeting 23rd September 2015

Responsible Officer Director of Finance and Performance

Date of Report 17 September 2015

File Reference FIN44

Legislation Section 3 Local Government Finance Act 2011 Sections 11 & 13 Local Government Act 2014

Section 75 Compliant Yes X No Not Applicable

Subject Setting Budgets and District Rates for 2016/17

Attachments

BACKGROUND

The Council is required by the Local Government Finance Act to prepare its budgets and district rates in the context of a Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP). This plan is prepared in line with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Prudential Code which requires expenditure plans to be affordable, prudent and sustainable.

The Rates Regulations 2007 require the Council to strike its district rates for the next following year by the 15th February.

Sections 11 & 13 allow the Council to establish sub-committees.

Proposed Rate Setting Process for 2016/17

As with the first financial year it is proposed to establish a Rates Sub-Committee (terms of reference set out in appendix A). The table below sets out a similar committee process as for 2015/16 for reviewing the strategic issues affecting the Council’s budgets and district rates. This will commence in detail with Members in mid-October and continue through to February 2015.

1

Item 10

Proposed Rate Setting Process for 2016/17 (with indicative dates) 15 Oct 15 Rates Sub-Committee Detailed review of: a) internal and external pressures; b) projected outturns for 2015/16; and c) the impact on the level of reserves. Members’ expectations.

16 Dec 15 Rates Sub-Committee Discuss and finalise options for rates position taking into account the Medium Term Financial Plan, Capital Financing Strategy and Treasury Management Strategy.

19 Jan 16 Special Corporate Services Recommendation to Council on District Committee Rate for 2016/17 and Medium Term Financial Plan

9 Feb 16 Council Meeting Agree the District rate for 2016/17

Recommendations:

1. It is recommended that Council form a Rates Sub-Committee for the purposes of undertaking the work in setting the district rates for 2016/17 and making recommendation to the Corporate Services Committee.

2. It is further recommended that the Council nominates ten Elected Members to the Rates Sub Committee 2016/17.

3. It is further recommended that members note the report on the rate setting process for 2016/17 and agree the timetable for reporting as outlined above.

2

Appendix A

Rates Sub-Committee

Authority

Under the Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 11 (1) “for the purpose of discharging any functions in pursuance of arrangements made under this part…

(c) Any such committee may appoint one or more sub-committees...

… Subject to this Act the number of members of a committee appointed under subsection (1), their term of office and the area (if restricted) within which the committee is to exercise its authority must be fixed by the appointing council ...”

Overall Purpose and Objectives

The Rates Sub-Committee will assist Corporate Services Committee in fulfilling its role in the area of Finance as follows:

 Medium Term Financial Planning  Revenue Budgeting  Capital Budgeting  Setting of District Rates  Associated business  Anything else appropriate delegated to it by Committee

In reaching its decisions the Rates Sub-Committee will have due regard to its impact on, and implications for the Council’s commitment to ensuring equality of opportunity and, where possible and practicable, to ensure that the actions of the Committee are proactive in this respect.

The Sub-Committee is a sub-committee of the Committee and will report to it and accordingly Council authorises the Sub- Committee, within the scope of its responsibilities, to:

 Seek any information it requires from any Council employee or external party;  Obtain external legal or professional advice as appropriate; and  Ensure the attendance of Council Officers at meetings as appropriate.

Correspondingly, all employees are directed by Council to co-operate with any request made by the Sub-Committee.

3

Appendix A

Membership

The Sub-Committee will comprise 10 members who are appointed by the Council.

The Sub-Committee will appoint its own Chair.

Meetings

The Sub-Committee will meet in Church Street, Newtownards at 7.00pm as required, on dates agreed with the Chair, during the Rates setting process.

The Sub-Committee will comply with the Council’s standing orders.

4

ITEM 11

Ards and North Down Borough Council

Council/Committee Council Meeting

Date of Meeting 23rd September 2015

Responsible Officer Chief Executive

Date of Report 10th September 2015

File Reference 700028

Legislation Local Government (Northern Ireland) Act 2014

Section 75 Compliant Yes No Not Applicable

Subject Community Planning – The BIG CONVERSATION

Attachments

Members will be aware of the Council’s responsibilities with regard to the preparation and publishing of a Borough-wide Community Plan, along with its partners.

The BIG CONVERSATION is a concept to be used to encourage the community to engage with the Council and its partners about the Ards and North Down area with regard to the Community Plan.

Community planning is a new function for the Council and the legislation requires the Council and its statutory partners to produce a long term plan for the area with extensive community input and consultation. In order to generate enthusiasm and excitement within the community our engagement activities will be marketed by encouraging people to join Ards and North Down’s BIG CONVERSATION about community planning.

The BIG CONVERSATION will include initiatives such as: - Postcard commentary to give people a platform to let us know what they like and dislike about the Ards and North Down area and what issues they think should be prioritised in the community plan - Questionnaires (online and hardcopy) - Events and workshops - Newsletter, web and social media presence - Consultation initiatives - Reports to keep people informed of progress and how we are using the data and information they have fed back

Where appropriate it will be beneficial for Community Planning to utilise the contacts Elected Members have within local communities. This may include inviting Elected Members to participate in BIG CONVERSATION events, especially if they are in a relevant DEA. Encouraging constituents to complete BIG CONVERSATION

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ITEM 11 feedback postcards, to help identify the priority issues our Community Plan should seek to address, will also be beneficial.

To maximise exposure to the BIG CONVERSATION the Community Planning Manager will promote the postcard commentary initiative at events within each of the Council’s DEAs, as already organised by the Community Development team. These are scheduled for September and October. Participants will be encouraged to complete A5 postcards with feedback on what they like and dislike about the Ards and North Down area. They will also be asked for their opinion on the issues they think our Community Plan needs to prioritise. Postcards can be completed at the event as well as online. Postcards are confidential but participants are asked for the name of their nearest town or settlement to allow for more accurate analysis of the feedback provided.

From November postcards will also be available from Council buildings that are publically accessible. This includes: - Town Hall, Bangor - Church Street, Newtownards - Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square - Tower House, Bangor - Ards Visitor Centre, Bangor

Collection style post-boxes for the postcards will be on permanent display in the two main civic buildings and will rotate around other locations.

The BIG CONVERSATION postcard commentary campaign will also visit all libraries and sports facilities within the Borough via a published schedule.

To keep people who have participated in the BIG CONVERSATION engaged with the development of the Community Plan, and for them to see progress being made, the initiative will be supported by an ongoing engagement campaign. Via a digital engagement campaign the key issues the public would like to see addressed will be communicated and then further consulted on. The BIG CONVERSATION is going to have a twitter presence @ANDbigconversation and use #myvoicemyAND

RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that the Council approves the plans for the BIG CONVERSATION community engagement programme.

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REGIONAL ELECTED MEMBER DEVELOPMENT “The new General Power of Competence”

28th October 2015

Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown 29th October 2015,

Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Craigavon

The Local Government Act 2014 introduced a new General Power of Competence in Northern Ireland. This Power gives councils the ability to do anything an individual can do (subject to restrictions), rather than only being able to do what they are directly empowered to do.

This FREE one day course, hosted by NILGA and supported by the Local Government Training Group, will be led by the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE). It will seek to provide information on the Power, what it means, and how Northern Ireland councils can learn from Councils’ experiences elsewhere. It will also discuss what steps Northern Ireland councils need to take in order utilise the General Power to deliver real, tangible benefits to citizens and communities.

The course is designed for council elected members, and will also be of major interest to senior officers in Councils. AGENDA

9.30 am Registration and tea / coffee

10.00am Introduction— NILGA Office Bearer Session Leaders: Jan Kennedy & Andrew Uprichard on behalf of APSE

10.00am I’ve Got the Power! What is the General Power of Competence? Overview / Policy and in Practice (followed by refreshment break)

11.35am Why do Councils need it? Usage / Need / Policy Illustrations 11.30am What happens in other jurisdictions? Lessons from neighbouring Councils 12.45pm Lunch 1.30pm How is it working out? Good Outcomes / Matters Arising 2.00pm- Discussion on making use of the General Power in Northern 3.15pm Ireland

These FREE events are open to a maximum of 35 Members / Officers per session. Councils should complete the booking form on the reverse and return it to NILGA by emailing [email protected], at least 5 working days before your chosen event. “The new General Power of Competence” 28th October 2015 Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown

29th October 2015 Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Craigavon

Registration for both events - 9.30am

BOOKING FORM

PLEASE NOTE: Places at these events are limited so early booking is recommended.

Contact name of person responsible for bookings ______

Council: ______

Email: ______

Contact telephone number: ______

Council nominations

Full Name Title Preferred Dietary / Special requirements Venue (s)

Please return to Sarah Little at the NILGA offices at least 5 working days before your chosen event, email: [email protected] or by post:

Sarah Little NILGA Bradford Court Upper Galwally Castlereagh BT8 6RB ITEM 13.2.

Ards and North Down Borough Council

Council/Committee Council

Date of Meeting 23 September 2015

Responsible Officer Head of Performance and Projects

Date of Report 9 September 2015

File Reference 231239

Legislation

Section 75 Compliant Yes X No Not Applicable

Subject Intertrade Ireland Meet the Buyer Event

Attachments

A Meet-the-Buyer event hosted by Intertrade Ireland will be held in the CityWest Hotel, Dublin on 21 October 2015. As with previous events, the aim is to bring together public sector buyers and potential suppliers in a mutually supporting and beneficial environment. It is hoped that this event will assist in better preparing potential suppliers in bidding for public sector contracts and can be used as a platform to inform suppliers of the changes following local government reform. At the same time buyers would be afforded the opportunity to learn of new goods and services that might be relevant to their business needs.

The Procurement Manager and Procurement Officer have been invited to attend to represent Northern Ireland local government procurement. The event and accommodation costs will be met by Intertrade Ireland.

RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that approval be given for the Procurement Manager and Procurement Assistant to attend the event and that travel and subsistence be paid in accordance with Council policy.