3 December 2015
Chairman: Alderman A G Ewart Vice-Chairman: Alderman W J Dillon MBE Alderman: S Martin Councillors: J Baird, B Bloomfield MBE, S Carson, A P Ewing, J Gallen, A Givan, H Legge, U Mackin, T Mitchell, Jenny Palmer, S Scott and M H Tolerton Ex Officio The Right Worshipful The Mayor, Councillor R T Beckett Deputy Mayor, Councillor A Redpath
The Monthly Meeting of the Development Committee will be held in the Chestnut Room, Island Civic Centre, The Island, Lisburn, on Wednesday, 9 December 2015 at 7.00 pm for the transaction of business on the undernoted Agenda.
Tea/Coffee available in Members Suite following the meeting.
You are requested to attend.
DR THERESA DONALDSON Chief Executive Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
Agenda
1 Apologies
2 Declarations of Interest
3 Minutes - Meeting of the Development Committee held on 4 November 2015 (Copy Attached)
4 Deputations
1. To receive Mr David Watkiss, Landscape Architect, of The Paul Hogarth Company Ltd, who will present to the Committee a series of options following consultation feedback to date for the Hillsborough Public Realm Scheme. (Item 1 of the Report of the Head of Service (Economic Development) refers (7.00 pm).
2. To receive Mr Bobby Willis, Organiser of the Circuit of Ireland, who will present a proposal on the 2016 Circuit of Ireland Rally with a view to seeking sponsorship from the Council. (Item 2 of the Report of the Head of Service (Economic Development) refers) (7.30 pm)
5 Report from Director of Development and Planning
1. Department for Regional Development – Transport NI 1.1 Speed Limit – Ravernet Road, Ravernet 1.2 A1 Junctions Phase 2 Road Improvement Scheme 1.3 Notice of Intention to Make a Vesting Order – Provision of a Roundabout – A24 Temple Crossroads, Lisburn 1.4 Provision of an Accessible/Blue Badge Parking Bay at 14 Tanners Court, Moira, Lisburn 1.5 Woodland Park Area, Lisburn – Proposed Traffic Calming Scheme 2. Budget Report – Development and Planning 3. Report by Head of Service (Building Control) 3.1 Street Naming at Ballantine Gardens, Hillhall Road 3.2 Retrospective Approval for Street Naming 3.3 Building Control Applications – Full Plan Applications and Regularisation Certificates 3.4 Department of Finance and Personnel – Completion Notice Ready Report to Land and Property Services 3.5 Department for Social Development – Affordable Warmth Project 3.6 Land and Property Services (LPS) – Vacancy Inspections 3.7 House (Amendment) Bill 4. Report by Head of Service (Economic Development) 4.1 Hillsborough Public Realm - Presentation 4.2 City Promotion Budget 4.2.1 Circuit of Ireland - Presentation 4.2.2 Recommended Funding Allocations 2016-2017 4.3 City Promotion – Additional Event Support – Lisburn City Centre 4.4 Strategic Revitalisation Project – Link To Castle Gardens 4.5 Holiday World Dublin, 22-24 January 2016 4.6 Consultation Response – Successor to DARD’s TRPSI Framework 2011-15 4.7 City Centre Performance Evaluation Framework 4.8 Local Government Transferring Functions – Proposed Pilot Initiatives 2015-2016 4.9 Inward investment Proposition – Key Event Schedule 2015-2016 4.10 Procurement Business Support Programme 4.11 Netherlands Trade Development Initiative – Northern Ireland Netherlands (NI-NL) Trade and Export Society Annual Dinner, Netherlands 2016 4.12 Lisburn Chamber of Commerce Annual Christmas Lunch & Toy Appeal Thursday 10 December 2015 4.13 E-Clustering Programme - Evaluation 4.14 Rural Village Renewal Scoring Framework & Progress Report 4.15 DoE Correspondence – NI Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 4.16 Super Connected Broadband Vouchers Scheme - Update 4.17 Regional Start Initiative – Update on Programme Delivery Options Post October 2015
6. Confidential Business – “In Committee”
Report by the Director of Development and Planning
1. Proposed Staffing Structure – Development and Planning Directorate (Confidential for reason of information relating to individuals) 2. Rolling Year Absence Figures for Development and Planning for the Period 1 April 2015 to 30 September 2015 (Confidential for reason of information relating to individuals)
Members are requested to go to the Confidential Folder to access the Development Committee confidential report.
7. Any Other Business
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To: Members of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council DC 04/11/2015
LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL Minutes of the proceedings of the Development Committee Meeting of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council held in the Island Civic Centre, Lisburn, BT27 4RL on Wednesday, 4 November 2015 at 7.00 pm
IN THE CHAIR: Alderman A G Ewart
Deputy Mayor, Councillor A Redpath
PRESENT: Aldermen W J Dillon MBE
Councillors J Baird, B Bloomfield MBE, S Carson, A P Ewing, J Gallen, A Givan, H Legge, U Mackin, T Mitchell, Jenny Palmer, S Scott and M H Tolerton OTHER MEMBER: Councillor B Hanvey
IN ATTENDANCE: Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
Director of Development & Planning Head of Economic Development Head of Building Control Committee Secretary
Commencement of Meeting
The Chairman, Alderman A G Ewart, welcomed everyone to the November Meeting of the Development Committee.
1. Apologies It was agreed to accept apologies for non-attendance at the meeting on behalf of The Right Worshipful the Mayor, Councillor R T Beckett, and Alderman S Martin.
2. Declarations of Interest
The Chairman invited Members to declare any Conflicts of Interest they might have in relation to the business of the meeting and reminded them of the requirement that they complete Declaration of Interest forms in this regard, which had been provided at the meeting.
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2. Declarations of Interest (Cont’d)
Declaration of Interest forms were received from: The Chairman, Alderman A G Ewart, in respect of: - item 4.5.3 Department of Social Development – Affordable Warmth Scheme – in view of his employment as Special Advisor to the Minister for Social Development
- item 4.5.4 NI Assembly: Committee for Social Development Housing (Amendment) Bill – in view of his employment as Special Advisor to the Minister for Social Development
- item 5.2 Department Agriculture and Rural Development Good Governance Inspection Report – in view of his membership of the Lisburn & Castlereagh Rural Development Programme Local Action Group.
Councillor U Mackin, in respect of item 5.2 Department Agriculture and Rural Development Good Governance Inspection Report – in view of his membership of the Lisburn & Castlereagh Rural Development Programme Local Action Group.
Councillor H Legge, in respect of:
- item 4.5.5.3 Department of Social Development – Affordable Warmth Scheme – in view of her membership of the Board of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, - item 4.5.4 NI Assembly: Committee for Social Development Housing (Amendment) Bill – in view of her membership of the Board of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and - item 5.2 Department Agriculture and Rural Development Good Governance Inspection Report – in view of her membership of the Lisburn & Castlereagh Rural Development Programme Local Action Group.
Councillor M H Tolerton declared an interest in respect of item 5.2 Department Agriculture and Rural Development Good Governance Inspection Report – in view of her membership of the Lisburn & Castlereagh Rural Development Programme Local Action Group.
3. Minutes
It was agreed that the Minutes of the Development Committee meeting held on 7 October 2015, as adopted by the Council at its meeting held on 27 October 2015, be confirmed and signed.
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4. Report by the Director of Development and Planning
It was proposed by Councillor A Givan, seconded by Councillor M H Tolerton, and agreed that the report and recommendations of the Director of Development and Planning be adopted subject to any decisions recorded below.
For Decision 4.1 Nominations to External Organisations
4.1.1 Lough Neagh Partnership
It was agreed to recommend that Councillor John Palmer be nominated to represent the Council on the Lough Neagh Partnership for the duration of the Council Term.
For Noting
4.2 Correspondence from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development – Dairy Farm and Milk Production Industry
Further to consideration of the above matter at the Council Meeting held on 25 August 2015 the Committee had been furnished with and noted the content of a letter dated 6 October 2015 by way of a response to the issues raised by the Council.
4.3 Budget Report – Development and Planning
The Committee had been furnished with, and noted the content of, a budget report for the Development and Planning for the year to 31 March 2016 as at 30 September 2015.
The Director responded to questions from Councillor U Mackin in regard to income received under the Planning Policy budget and the Building Control budget which related to an increase in fee income for planning applications and building control applications during the first two quarters of the financial year. The Director stated there were signs that activity in the construction industry was beginning to return to a ‘normal’ level of activity.
4.4 Department of Enterprise, Trade and Industry – Consultation on the Closure of NI Renewables Obligation
The Committee had been furnished with, and noted the content of, a copy of an advice note issued by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) on 9 October 2015 in relation to the above consultation.
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4.5 Report of Head of Building Control
It was proposed by Councillor S Scott, seconded by Councillor J Gallen, and agreed that the Report by the Head of Building Control be adopted subject to any decisions recorded below:
Items for Noting
4.4.1 Building Control Applications – Full Plan Applications and Regularisation Certificates
The Committee noted the undernoted information in regard to the Full Plan Applications and Regularisation Certificate:
- for the period 20 September 2015 to 19 October 2015, 68 Full Plan Applications had been “approved” and that 40 Regularisation Certificates had been issued in accordance with the powers delegated.
4.4.2 Department of Finance and Personnel – Completion Notice Ready Report to Land and Property Services
The Committee noted the undernoted information in regard to Completion Notice Ready Reports:
- the Completion Notice Ready Report for the period 20 September 2015 to 19 October 2015 returned to the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFPNI), Land and Property Services had indicated that a total of 68 properties had been identified as having reached occupiable status.
4.4.3 Department for Social Development – Affordable Warmth Project
The Committee noted the undernoted information in regard to visits by Home Assessment Officers within the Council’s Building Control Service:
- in the month of September 2015 had visited 535 dwellings for the Affordable Warmth Scheme and made 113 referrals for home improvements to the NIHE.
The Head of Building Control responded to questions from Councillor S Carson in regard to a particular issue that arose between the contractor and an individual who had work carried out in their home under the Affordable Warmth Scheme.
The Head of Building Control advised that the Council’s role in the Affordable Warmth Scheme was developing and that he had met recently with a number of installers for this Scheme to promote a closer working relationship. He gave an assurance that his team would be happy to look into any issues or problems that arise in connection with work
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4.4.3 Department for Social Development – Affordable Warmth Project (Cont’d)
carried out under this Scheme and pass to the relevant scheme partner, and undertook to bring a further report to the Committee to update Members in regard to changes requested by the Department for Social Development in the management and administration of the Affordable Warmth Scheme.
4.4.4 Northern Ireland Assembly – Committee for Social Development Housing (Amendment) Bill
The Committee had been furnished with, and noted the content of, a copy of the Hansard transcript of the Committee for Social Development’s meeting held on 15 October 2015 regarding the Housing (Amendment) Bill, which had been attended by the Head of Building Control from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, an official from Belfast City Council, and two officials from the Northern Ireland Local Government Association.
The Head of Building Control reported that the Committee for Social Development had requested additional information through NILGA in relation to clause 1 of the Bill and the sharing of information between government departments. The Head of Building Control indicated that a further report on this matter would be brought before this Committee, detailing the compiled NILGA response in due course.
In response to a question from Councillor U Mackin, the Head of Building Control stated that whilst this was a matter for all councils, NILGA had requested the support of Belfast City Council and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in responding to the above Consultation by DSD, it being noted that both Councils had submitted their own consultation responses to the Committee for Social Development.
4.5 Report by Head of Economic Development
Item for Decision
4.5.1 2016 Pipe Band Championships Bid
The Head of Economic Development reported that the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) (NI Branch) were inviting bids for hosting local NI Branch events, and had indicated to the Council that the only suitable date in 2016 for any bid was 6 August 2016, one week before the World Championships in Glasgow. This event had the potential to attract in the region of 50 bands, including bands from the Republic of Ireland and the rest of the World as they prepared for the World Championships the following week.
The Committee was reminded that the Council had staged the City of Lisburn & Castlereagh Pipe Band Championships (a 30-band competition) in Moira Demesne on 1 August 2015 at a cost of £13,000 plus £3,000 for technical support.
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4.5.1 2016 Pipe Band Championships Bid (Cont’d)
The Head of Economic Development responded to questions from the Committee and provided clarification in relation to the bidding process and also technical support provided by Council on the day of the event. It was proposed by Councillor S Carson that the Council submits a bid to RSPBA (NI Branch) of £14,000, plus £4,000 for technical support. There was no seconder for this proposal.
A further discussion ensued following which it was agreed to recommend on a proposal by Councillor Jenny Palmer, seconded by Councillor U Mackin, that the Council submits a bid to RSPBA (NI Branch) of £16,000 plus £5,000 for technical support to host a Pipe Band Championship on 6 August 2016.
Item for Noting 4.5.2 Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 Update
The Head of Economic Development reported that the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) had awarded the Council £73,000 to consult on and develop an Interim Local Development Strategy for Lagan Rural Partnership Local Action Group which was to be submitted to DARD for review by the end of December 2015. The strategy would outline target areas for grant investment of £3.23 million as part of the new NI rural Development Programme 2014-2020 under the following schemes:
- Rural Business Investment - Rural Basic Services (Community/Recreational Initiatives) - Village Renewal - North/South Co-operation
It was agreed that the report by the Head of Economic Development be noted.
Additional Report by the Director of Development and Planning
4.5.3 Agenda NI’s 5th Annual Agriculture and Food Conference Thursday, 3 December 2015 Dunadry Hotel, Co Antrim
Members had been provided with details of the above conference, the estimated cost of a Member’s attendance being £148.40.
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4.5.3 Agenda NI’s 5th Annual Agriculture and Food Conference Thursday, 3 December 2015 Dunadry Hotel, Co Antrim (Cont’d)
It was agreed to recommend that the Chairman and/or Vice Chairman of the Committee, or their nominees, be nominated to attend the above Agriculture and Food Conference.
Verbal Matter
4.5.4 Congratulations to Councillor J Baird
The Chairman, Alderman A G Ewart, on behalf of the Committee, conveyed congratulations to Councillor J Baird on his recent success in the Farming Life and Danske Bank Agriculture Awards for Excellence under Commitment to Training, having secured second place - highly commended.
5. Confidential Report by the Director of Development and Planning
The Chairman, Alderman A G Ewart, stated that the Director’s Confidential Report was required to be considered “in Committee” due to (i) information relating to individuals (item 5.1 refers) and (ii) information relating to the financial or business affairs of the organisations concerned (including the Council holding that information) (item 5.2 refers).
“In Committee”
It was proposed by Councillor T Mitchell, seconded by Councillor J Gallen, and agreed that the Director’s Confidential Report be considered “in Committee” in the absence of press or members of the public.
It was proposed by Councillor J Baird, seconded by Councillor A Givan, and agreed that the Director’s Confidential Report be adopted, subject to any decisions recorded below: 5.1 Proposed Staffing Structure – Development and Planning Directorate
The Director of Development and Planning reported on the progress to date on the new Council’s organisation design for the Development and Planning Directorate, which was being developed to ensure the new structures could deliver on the strategic priorities of the Council.
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5.1 Proposed Staffing Structure – Development and Planning Directorate (Cont’d)
The Committee had been furnished with the following: - a copy of the organisational design as approved by the Shadow Council in November 2014 which addressed directorates and areas of service, but not staffing structure or specific post detail
- a copy of a directorate services report which had been considered by the Committee in March 2015 and which had been amended following a further review of specific service areas, but not staffing structures or posts
- proposed organisational chart for the Building Control Service Unit and related detailed report
- proposed Organisational chart for the Economic Development Service Unit and related detailed report.
A discussion ensued during which the Director and the Head of Building Control responded to questions and comments from Councillor U Mackin and Alderman W J Dillon in respect of the proposed staffing structure in the Building Control Service Unit, as presented to the Committee.
For Noting 5.2 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) – Good Governance Inspection Report
The Committee had been furnished with a copy of a report detailing the results of a DARD Article 28d Annual Monitoring Inspection of the good governance systems and controls that the Council had put in place for administration and delivery of the NI Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.
It was proposed by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor A Redpath, seconded by Councillor S Scott, and agreed to come out of Committee and normal business was resumed.
Resumption of Normal Business
On the resumption of normal business it was noted that the following decisions had been taken.
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5.1 Proposed Staffing Structure – Development and Planning Directorate
It was agreed to recommend on a proposal by Councillor U Mackin, seconded by Councillor M H Tolerton, that consideration of the staffing structure in the Development and Planning Directorate be postponed until the next Meeting of the Committee in order that further clarification be provided on the organisational design as approved by the Council in November 2014.
5.2 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) – Good Governance Inspection Report
It was agreed on a proposal by Councillor J Baird, seconded by Councillor A Givan, that the Good Governance Inspection report be noted.
6. Any Other Business
6.1 Gregg Street Car Park
The Chairman, Alderman A G Ewart, enquired if there had been a response to the matter he had raised at the October Meeting of the Committee in regard to staff having been prevented from parking in the Gregg Street Staff Car Park on a day of a conference taking place at Lagan Valley Island. Despite conference delegates having not availed of this parking area, Council staff had not been allowed access.
The Director reported that a response was awaited from the Corporate Services Department.
“In Committee”
It was proposed by Councillor T Mitchell, seconded by Councillor Jenny Palmer and, and agreed that the following matters be considered “In Committee” in the absence of press or members of the public.
6.2 Lisburn Market Alderman W J Dillon
In response to comments from Alderman W J Dillon concerning the Lisburn Market, which had been temporarily relocated to Smithfield Square, the Director updated the Committee in regard to a meeting between the Council and the new owners of Lisburn Square.
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6.2 Lisburn Market Alderman W J Dillon (Cont’d)
It was noted that a report on this matter would be brought to a future Meeting of the Committee.
6.3 Irish Linen Centre Museum & Shop Alderman W J Dillon
Alderman W J Dillon referred to discussions that had taken place during the MIPIM 2015 event in London between himself and the Chief Executive regarding the prime location, from an economic development perspective, of the Irish Linen Centre Museum and shop in Lisburn’s City Centre.
It was agreed that the Chief Executive be invited to become part of further discussions in regard to proposals for the future of the Irish Linen Centre Museum and Shop.
6.4 Hunday (Harry Ferguson Vintage Tractor) Collection Alderman W J Dillon
The Head of Economic Development responded to questions from Alderman W J Dillon in regard to the Council’s decision to purchase items from the above collection.
The Head of Economic Development reminded the Committee that a Special Meeting of Council was scheduled to take place on Monday 9 November 2015 at 5.00 pm to consider an economic appraisal and a product specification in connection with the Hunday (Harry Ferguson Vintage Tractor) Collection.
6.5 Castle Street Car Park Councillor S Carson
The Director and the Head of Economic Development responded to a question from Councillor S Carson in regard to the opening of the Castle Street car park by the Council during the run up to Christmas.
6.6 Jordan’s Mill Car Park Councillor A P Ewing
The Director responded to comments and questions from Councillor A P Ewing regarding complaints received from traders in the area of the former Jordan’s Mill car park.
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6.6 Jordan’s Mill Car Park Councillor A P Ewing (Cont’d)
The Director stated that the Council had no direct responsibility for the operation of this site and unfortunately was unable to address the issues raised.
It was proposed by Councillor A Givan, seconded by Councillor Jenny Palmer, and agreed to come out of Committee and normal business was resumed.
Resumption of Normal Business
There being no further business he meeting terminated at 8.15 pm.
______Chairman
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Development Committee 09.12.15
LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE – 9 DECEMBER 2015
REPORT BY MR COLIN McCLINTOCK, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING
PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND
The purpose of this report is to set out for Members’ consideration a number of recommendations specifically relating to the operation of the new Council.
The following decisions are required:
1. To note correspondence from the Department of Regional Development – Transport NI in relation to – the speed limit on Ravernet Road, Ravernet A1 Junctions Phase 2 Road Improvement Scheme Notice of Intention to make a Vesting Order – Provision of a Roundabout – A24 Temple Crossroads, Lisburn Provision of an accessible/blue badge parking bay at 14 Tanners Court, Moira, Lisburn Proposed traffic calming scheme – Woodland Park area, Lisburn 2. To note the budget report for Development and Planning for the year to 31 March 2016 as at 31 October 2015 3. To consider the Report by the Head of Service (Building Control) 4. To consider the Report by the Head of Service (Economic Development)
ITEMS FOR NOTING
1. DEPARTMENT FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT – TRANSPORT NI
1.1 Speed Limit – Ravernet Road, Ravernet
Attached under Appendix 1 is a copy of a letter dated 13 November 2015 from the Traffic Manager of Transport NI in relation to the introduction of a 50 mph speed limit at Ravernet Road, Ravernet and the Council’s request to consider reducing the speed limit further to 40mph.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee note the contents of the above letter.
1.2 A1 Junctions Phase 2 Road Improvement Scheme
Attached under Appendix 2 is a copy of a document dated 18 November 2015 received from the Strategic Road Improvement Team of Transport NI in relation to the background to the A1 Junctions Phase 2 Road Improvement Scheme, along with a copy of a ‘Preferred Option’ leaflet.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee note this information.
1.3 Notice of Intention to make a Vesting Order Provision of a Roundabout – A24 Temple Crossroads, Lisburn
Attached under Appendix 3 is a copy of a letter dated 23 November 2015 from Transport NI Eastern Division regarding a Notice of Intention to make a Vesting Order for the above scheme. A map associated with this Order will be available in the Director’s office and at the Committee meeting.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee note this information.
1.4 Provision of an Accessible/Blue Badge Parking Bay at 14 Tanners Court, Moira, Lisburn
Attached under Appendix 4 is a copy of a letter dated 24 November 2015 from Transport NI Eastern Division regarding the proposed provision of an accessible/blue badge parking bay at 14 Tanners Court, Moira, Lisburn, along with a plan showing the location.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee note this information.
1.5 Woodland Park Area, Lisburn – Proposed Traffic Calming Scheme
Attached under Appendix 5 is a copy of a letter dated 30 November 2015 from Transport NI Eastern Division, Traffic Management, regarding proposals for a traffic calming scheme in the Woodland Park area, Lisburn. A map associated with this traffic calming scheme will be available in the Director’s office and at the Committee meeting.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee note this information.
2. BUDGET REPORT – DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING
Attached under Appendix 6 for the information of Members is a copy of the Budget Report for Development and Planning for the year to 31 March 2016 as at 31 October 2015.
Recommendation
It is recommended that Members note the attached report, setting out the budget position to 31 March 2016 as at 31 October 2015.
3. REPORT BY MR COLIN DUFF, HEAD OF SERVICE (BUILDING CONTROL)
Attached at Appendix 7 is a report from the Head of Building Control in respect of items under his remit.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee considers the items in the Report by the Head of Building Control and agrees the recommendations therein.
4. REPORT BY MR PAUL McCORMICK, HEAD OF SERVICE (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)
Attached at Appendix 8 is a report from the Head of Economic Development in respect of items under his remit.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee considers the items in the Report by the Head of Economic Development and agrees the recommendations therein.
COLIN McCLINTOCK DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING 26 November 2015
LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING SERVICES Estimated Net Financial Position for the year to 31st March 2016 As at 31st October 2015
NET EXP/(INC) ANNUAL ESTIMATE ACTUAL ESTIMATE TO DATE TO DATE 2015/2016 2015/2016 2015/2016
200 Culture and Heritage 0 0 0 400 Recreation and Sport 0 0 0 600 Tourism 855,274 455,519 459,994 800 Community Services 0 0 0 1200 Cemetery and Mortuary Services 0 0 0 1400 Environmental Health 0 0 0 1800 Public Convenience 0 0 0 2000 Licensing 0 0 0 2200 Other Cleaning 0 0 0 2400 Waste Collection 0 0 0 2600 Waste Disposal 0 0 0 3000 Other Community Assets 0 0 0 3200 Minor Works 16,500 5,660 3,750 0 Community Planning 0 0 0 4200 Economic Development 829,515 391,760 384,268 0 Urban Regeneration & Community Development 547,644 156,728 153,602 0 Planning policy 0 -264,393 -306,853 2800 Building Control 281,821 78,339 -136,624 0 Parking Services 0 0 0 3600 Democratic Representation 4,500 940 173 0 Mayors Allowances 0 0 0 0 Members Allowances 0 0 0 0 Official Visits 0 0 0 0 Conferences 0 0 0 0 Contributions 0 0 0 0 Officer Time 0 0 0 3800 Corporate Management 177,323 79,747 111,413 5200 Trading Services -150 -9,395 -9,507 4600 Non Distrbuted Costs 0 0 0 4800 Central Services to Public 0 0 0 0 Special Local Purposes 0 0 0 0 PCSP 0 0 0 0 Community Safety 0 0 0 Election Expenses 0 0 0 0 Registration 0 0 0 0 Emergency Planning 0 0 0 5800 Bank Interest & charges 0 0 0 6800 Cont to Repair and Renewals 0 0 0 Cont to Single Status 0 0 0 9000 Central Services 0 0 0 9000 Leisure Services 0 0 0 9000 Environmental Services 0 0 0 Savings from Reorganisation -56,016 0 0
Overall Totals 2,656,411 894,905 660,216 Difference Between Budget to date & Actual to Date (234,689)
APPENDIX 7
REPORT BY MR COLIN DUFF, HEAD OF SERVICE (BUILDING CONTROL) PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND The purpose of this report is to set out for Members’ consideration a number of recommendations specifically relating to the operation of the new Council. The following decisions are required: 1. To approve the street naming at Ballantine Gardens, Hillhall Road, Lisburn 2. To approve the names of the developments ‘Orchard Mews in Hillsborough and ‘Willow Mews’ in Aghalee 3. To note information regarding Building Control Applications- Full Plan Applications and Regularisation Certificates 4. To note information regarding Department of Finance and Personnel – Completion Notice Ready Report to Land and Property Services 5. To note information regarding Department for Social Development – Affordable Warmth Project 6. To note information regarding Land and Property Services (LPS) – vacancy inspections 7. To note information regarding the Housing (Amendment) Bill
ITEMS FOR DECISION
1. STREET NAMING AT BALLANTINE GARDENS, HILLHALL ROAD
WJ Law & Co. has proposed the name for an extension to the above development that consists of 17 dwellings. This development is located on the Hillhall Road in Lisburn.
WJ Law & Co has proposed the additional street name as “Ballantine Square”; no other name proposals were submitted.
The development layout is attached in APPENDIX 1 for Members information.
This request meets with the requirements of the Councils Street Naming Policy in that Ballantine has previously been agreed and is in use in the area.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the name ‘Ballantine Square’, which meets the requirements of the Councils Street Naming Policy, be allocated to the proposed development in Appendix 1 located within the larger Ballantine Gardens development on the Hillhall Road, Lisburn.
2. RETROSPECTIVE APPROVAL FOR STREET NAMING
LCCC Building Control Services previously received two street naming applications for naming of housing developments; one in Hillsborough and one in Aghalee as detailed below. In line with Service procedures, Members within the district electoral area were notified and requested to contact the Service with any objection to the names being proposed. None were received.
Subsequently the development names were agreed, and for Members information, ‘Orchard Mews’ in Hillsborough is highlighted on a map attached in APPENDIX 2, and ‘Willow Mews’ in Aghalee is highlighted on a map attached in APPENDIX 3.
However, it has been identified that Committee approval is required for all new Street Naming within the Council area, therefore retrospective approval is sought for the names, ‘Orchard Mews’ in Hillsborough and ‘Willow Mews’ in Aghalee. Both meet the requirements of the Councils Street Naming Policy, with no objections having been received.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee retrospectively approve the names of the developments, ‘Orchard Mews’ in Hillsborough and ‘Willow Mews’ in Aghalee, which meet the requirements of the Councils Street Naming Policy.
ITEMS FOR NOTING
3. BUILDING CONTROL APPLICATIONS – FULL PLAN APPLICATIONS AND REGULARISATION CERTIFICATES
For the period 19th October 2015 to 18th November 2015, 122 Full Plan Applications were ‘Approved’ and 35 Regularisation Certificates issued in accordance with the powers delegated.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee note this information
4. DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE AND PERSONNEL – COMPLETION NOTICE READY REPORT TO LAND AND PROPERTY SERVICES
The completion notice ready report for the period 19th October to 18th November 2015 returned to the DFPNI, Land and Property Services indicated that a total of 77 properties have been identified as having reached occupiable status.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee note this information
5. DEPARTMENT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT – AFFORDABLE WARMTH PROJECT Home Assessment Officers within the Building Control Service in the month of October 2015 have visited 298 dwellings for the Affordable Warmth Scheme and made106 referrals for home improvements to the NIHE. The team also made 45 referrals to the ‘Make the Call’ team. Members should be aware that whilst the Council is meeting its targets, set by the Department for Social Development, (DSD), other Scheme partners appear to be currently experiencing difficulties in meeting their targets. The DSD has requested that Councils modify, expand and enhance the role of its Affordable Warmth Team Assessment Officers, to assist in the processing of applications to the Scheme, on behalf of NIHE. A more detailed report and the DSD request are attached in APPENDIX 4a and 4b for Members information.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee note this information
6. LAND AND PROPERTY SERVICES (LPS) – VACANCY INSPECTIONS
As part of the Councils close working relationship with central government Building Control Services periodically carries out tranches of commercial property inspections on behalf of LPS to establish occupancy for rating purposes.
These inspections are carried out by the Building Control Surveyors when they are in the vicinity carrying out their Building Regulations duties, so reducing the cost of collecting the information to a nominal amount.
A report from LPS on the latest tranche is attached in APPENDIX 5 for Members information, including the additional ratings bills to be issued as a result of the inspections, in this case £17,694.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee note this information
7. HOUSING (AMENDMENT) BILL
Members will recall the November 2015 Development Committee discussion in relation to the Housing (Amendment) Bill. The discussion centred on the sharing of information between government departments and representation by local government to be included in the legislation as a partner to share in information relating to ownership details of empty properties.
Members were informed that council Building Control and Environmental Health services were assisting NILGA in making a response to the call from the Committee for Social Development for additional information in relation to clause 1 of the Bill.
Members will find the request from the Committee along with the NILGA response and the Bill, attached in APPENDIX 6a, 6b and 6c for information.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee note this information
COLIN DUFF HEAD OF SERVICE (BUILDING CONTROL) 26 NOVEMBER 2015
APPENDIX 4a BC
Affordable Warmth Scheme
Members are aware of the Affordable Warmth Scheme and the collaboration of scheme partners, the Department for Social Development (DSD), Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), private contractors and the Council in delivering real improvements to upgrade the thermal efficiency of dwellings of private owners and private tenants.
At the outset of the scheme the Council had two roles. One related to the improvement works being carried out and involving the making of a Building Regulations application and the subsequent inspections that take place. Members will be aware, with previous Committee approval, the Service agreed to assist both DSD and NIHE by modifying its practices to accommodate the Building Regulation fee payment. At a recent Building Control Northern Ireland (BCNI) meeting, the NIHE attended and discussed possible developments in the ‘making’ of the Building Control application. I will keep Members apprised of any future developments in this matter.
The other role where Council is involved is the ‘Affordable Warmth Team’ that sits within Building Control and has full funding from DSD, to facilitate its role. This team is made up of 4 Home Assessors whose original remit was to make the first contact with residents from a list of ‘fuel poor’ homes provided by the University of Ulster. This first contact was simply to complete a ‘tick box’ exercise, to then forward to NIHE who determine eligibility under the criterion. The progression from this point in verifying the financial incomes and then specifying improvement works lay within the remit of the NIHE.
In recent months councils across Northern Ireland have been performing very well in carrying out the home visits, establishing initial eligibility and referring to NIHE, to such an extent that the NIHE now has almost 9000 referrals on its system, which is in-line with the target set by DSD to Councils.
In terms of the success of the scheme, those properties having the thermal efficiency of the dwellings upgraded are benefiting from an average grant aid of £3500 as compared to the previous scheme of £1440.
At a recent ‘Affordable Warmth’ Co-ordinators event the DSD and NIHE asked councils to postpone sending any further new referrals, except urgent cases, for a short period (date to be provided by DSD), as the NIHE is struggling to process the applications creating a backlog. This is affecting customer expectation. The request from DSD is attached in the Appendix 4b to this report.
APPENDIX 4a BC
This interim arrangement period will allow DSD and NIHE to look at scheme funding, the allocation of resources, internal procedures, targets and scheme features for the next financial period.
In the interim and to assist the NIHE backlog the Councils ‘Affordable Warmth Team’ has been requested to refer only new urgent cases or those visits that have already been booked with customers. The Council has also been requested to assist the NIHE in carrying out its verification role and substantiating incomes of those deemed eligible. This role is crucial as it appears from discussions with NIHE that this home visit and verification role is where their resource is lacking. This presents a role for the Council to assist in creating efficiencies in the Scheme and simplifying the process for the customer. Members will recall that the DSD are the scheme owners and are fully funding the Councils role.
It is the intention of the Affordable Warmth Team to assist the DSD and NIHE in carrying out the home visit/ verification process on this basis, for the period requested. This will be subject to full funding by DSD in the enhanced Home Assessment Officer role, relevant training from NIHE and Authorisation for the Council to collect information on behalf of NIHE as well as adhering to the Councils strict Data Protection Policy.
It is expected that the Council will adopt this role in December.
APPENDIX 5 BC
Exercise with Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council for inspections Of Vacant Properties, Tranche 1
Preliminary
In conjunction with the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, LPS supplied 40 addresses of properties to be inspected and determine their occupancy status. LPS supplied Lisburn & Castlereagh Building Control an inspection sheet containing the property address, description of the premises, co-ordinates of the building and the name of the last known owner or occupier. LPS asked the council staff, that when the inspection was in progress, they complete all possible sections of the inspection sheet and were possible obtain the names of the owner / occupier and their contact details. The inspectors were also requested to give a comprehensive general description of the appearance of the building and if possible photographs showing the properties condition.
Return of completed inspection sheets
Lisburn Council completed and returned 40 inspection sheets.
The initial breakdown of the returned inspection sheets:- 04 - with start dates 04 - with occupier names 17 - with owner or agent names 15 – no owner, occupier or agent information obtained Most of the inspection sheets where returned with a description of what the inspector found. Approximately half of the inspection sheets also had attached photographs.
Four of the inspected properties had enough information to immediately proceed to billing.
LPS follow up
On receipt by the Central Investigation Team, the inspection sheets found to be correctly paying vacant rates, exempt / listed buildings still vacant and properties needing revalued were logged and notes added to LPS database. The remaining sheets proceeded to further investigation.
At present, breakdown is as follows:- Possible actionable 06 Vacant properties paying rates 26 Follow – up 04 Exempt 01 Sent to valuation 03 Property removed from list 0
Of the four follow up properties, two couldn’t be found by the inspectors and the other two although occupied start dates were not obtained.
Two of the properties sent to valuation require splitting as they now contain multiple businesses.
APPENDIX 5 BC
Council Property Inspections
Tranche 1 Sht Division of Insp Shts Est Billing Amount split % Occupied £70,777.61 00.0 Occupied - Ex £0.00 0 0.0 Vacant properties £161,742.15 26 76.5 Vacant - Ex £0.00 1 2.9 Follow-up £17,752.58 411.8 Valuation £97,316.13 38.8 Removed From List £0.00 0 0.0 £347,588.47 34
Approx Council % = £173,794.24
Last amended:- 23/11/2015
Portion of money eligible to Council from £17,694.40 occupied properties
The total amounts of all occupied properties has been adjusted, taking into account for Small Business Rate Relief • Sport and Recreation Rate Relief • Residential Homes Rate Relief • Industrial Derating £17,694.40
APPENDIX 6a BC
Northern Ireland Assembly
COMMITTEE FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Room 430 Parliament Buildings BELFAST BT4 3XX Email: [email protected] Tel: 028 9052 1864
16 October 2015
Our Ref: CSD/008/2015/SK
Ms Karen Smyth Head of Policy NILGA Bradford Court Upper Galwally Castlereagh BT8 6RB
Dear Karen,
Housing (Amendment) Bill
At its meeting on 15 October 2015, the Committee for Social Development received a briefing from officials from NILGA, Belfast City Council and Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council on the Housing (Amendment) Bill.
I would appreciate it if you could provide some additional information to the Committee regarding access to information on empty homes. The Committee has asked the Department to clarify what the existing position is in relation to Land and Property Services providing access to information on empty homes to relevant bodies such as councils and housing associations. What is your understanding of the existing position and how would extending clause 1 to councils improve upon it?
If at all possible, I would be grateful if you could provide this information within 10 working days of receipt of this letter.
On behalf of the Committee, I would like to convey my thanks to you and the representatives for providing evidence which will greatly assist the Committee in its consideration of the Bill.
Yours sincerely
Kevin Pelan
Dr Kevin Pelan, Clerk, Committee for Social Development
the voice of local government
Dr Kevin Pelan Committee for Social Development Room 430 Parliament Buildings BELFAST BT4 3XX
5th November 2015
Dear Dr Pelan
Housing (Amendment) Bill
Further to your letter of 16th October requesting further information, please accept my apologies for the delay in replying.
I have now obtained the necessary information from Building Control NI and the Chief Environmental Health Officers Group, as follows:
Existing position on provision of LPS information on empty homes to councils
It is the understanding of NILGA that at present, under current Rates legislation, Land and Property Services (LPS) can furnish councils with information on empty homes in enforcement cases, but that there is a complex data sharing system in place requiring councils to prove that they are taking enforcement action before information can be released. In other cases, councils are required to seek information on ownership using Land Registry which is time consuming and has cost implications which can mount up quickly during investigations. Councils are required to supply certain information on developments within their area to LPS, but there is no reciprocal sharing arrangement.
Extension of Clause 1
It is the understanding of NILGA that an extension of Clause 1, enabling sharing with councils, would save the need for complex data sharing agreements which can be cumbersome and do not facilitate the fluid exchange of information. If set in legislation, such sharing is lawful and the need for protocols is removed.
Northern Ireland Local Government Association 1 Bradford Court, Castlereagh, Belfast, BT8 6RB Tel: 028 9079 8972 Email: [email protected] Web: www.nilga.org Twitter: @NI_LGA
If information on empty homes was shared to councils on the same basis as is proposed for DSD and NIHE, there are a number of foreseeable benefits, such as:
• enabling Councils to shape places in line with the Community Planning duty provided for in the Local Government (NI) Act 2014; • assisting Councils to utilise the regeneration powers which are due to transfer from DSD as part of local government reform; • providing Councils with the relevant information to identify ownership of properties which may be derelict and dilapidated causing a blight to local communities and allow the council to take relevant action; • placing councils in a position to encourage owners of empty homes to put the properties back in to use; and • assisting Councils in dealing with structures/properties which are dangerous to the public. As councils on occasion cannot readily identify owners of empty properties this information, if provided, could resolve such issues in a timely manner to remove such dangers.
Including councils as a body where such information can be shared would therefore bring a number of benefits across the built environment and to the general public at large. The sharing of this information would also demonstrate an example of central and local government working in partnership to deliver better outcomes for our communities.
I trust that the above information will further assist the Committee in its deliberations, however should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
Karen Smyth Head of Policy
Northern Ireland Local Government Association 1 Bradford Court, Castlereagh, Belfast, BT8 6RB Tel: 028 9079 8972 Email: [email protected] Web: www.nilga.org Twitter: @NI_LGA
Housing (Amendment) Bill [AS INTRODUCED]
CONTENTS 1. Sharing of information relating to empty properties 2. Disclosure of information relating to anti-social behaviour 3. Registration as statutory charge of certain loans 4. Commencement 5. Short title
Housing (Amendment)
A
B I LL
TO Make provision for the better sharing of information relating to empty homes or to anti-social behaviour; and to provide for the registration of certain loans as statutory charges.
E IT ENACTED by being passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly and B assented to by Her Majesty as follows: Sharing of information relating to empty properties 1.—(1) DFP must, if requested to do so by an authorised officer, disclose to DSD or the Executive any empty property information which DFP has obtained for the purpose of carrying out its rating functions, if the information is disclosed 5 for the purpose of enabling or assisting DSD or the Executive to— (a) identify vacant dwellings, or (b) take steps to bring vacant dwellings back into use. (2) “Empty property information” is— (a) any information which indicates or suggests that a property is unoccupied; 10 (b) the address of any such property; (c) contact details for the owner of the property and (if different) any person chargeable to rates in respect of it; (d) contact details for the last known occupier of the property; (e) contact details for any person who is acting, or has acted, as agent on 15 behalf of the owner or occupier of the property or on behalf of any person chargeable to rates in respect of it; (f) any description of the property, including its rateable values (within the meaning given by Article 17 of the 1977 Order). (3) DSD or the Executive must, if requested to do so by an authorised officer, 20 disclose to DFP any rating-related information which DSD or the Executive has obtained in the exercise of any function relating to vacant dwellings, if the information is disclosed for the purpose of enabling or assisting DFP to exercise its rating functions. (4) “Rating-related information” is— (a) any information which indicates or suggests that a property is occupied; 5 (b) the address of any such property; (c) the nature of the occupation and the date on which it began;
1 Housing (Amendment)
(d) contact details for the occupier of the property and (if different) the owner of it; (e) contact details for any person who is acting, or has acted, as agent on 10 behalf of the owner or occupier of the property. (5) In this section— “the 1977 Order” means the Rates (Northern Ireland) Order 1977; “authorised officer” means— (i) in the case of a request under subsection (1), an officer of DSD or (as 15 the case may be) the Executive authorised to make such a request, or (ii) in the case of a request under subsection (3), an officer of DFP authorised to make such a request; “contact details” for a person are the person’s name and address and details of any other means of communicating with the person; 20 “DFP” means the Department of Finance and Personnel; “DSD” means the Department for Social Development; “the Executive” means the Northern Ireland Housing Executive; “owner” has the meaning given by Article 2(2) of the 1977 Order; “rating functions” are any functions under the 1977 Order or the Rates 25 (Capital Values, etc) (Northern Ireland) Order 2006; “vacant dwelling” means a dwelling-house in which no-one lives.
Disclosure of information relating to anti-social behaviour 2.—(1) A person may disclose relevant information about any other person to the Executive or to a registered housing association, if the information is disclosed 30 for a relevant purpose. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1)— “relevant information” has the meaning given by subsections (3) to (7), and “relevant purpose” has the meaning given by subsection (8). (3) Where a person (“T”) is or has been a tenant of a dwelling-house, 35 information is relevant information about T if it indicates or suggests that T, or any other person residing in or visiting the dwelling— (a) has engaged in conduct that caused, or was likely to cause, a nuisance or annoyance to a person residing in, visiting or otherwise engaging in a lawful activity in the locality of the dwelling; 40 (b) has used the dwelling for illegal purposes (whether or not the person has been convicted of an offence involving such use); (c) has allowed, incited or encouraged any other person— (i) to engage in conduct described in paragraph (a), or (ii) to use the dwelling for purposes described in paragraph (b); or (d) has been convicted of an indictable offence. (4) Where a person (“T”) is or has been a tenant of a dwelling-house, 5 information is relevant information about T if it indicates or suggests that—
2 Housing (Amendment)
(a) the condition of the dwelling, or of any common parts of the dwelling, has deteriorated owing to acts of waste by, or the neglect or default of, T or any person residing in the dwelling, and (b) where any such act of waste, or any such neglect or default, has been the 10 responsibility of a person lodging with T, or of a sub-tenant of T, T has not taken such steps as T ought reasonably to have taken for the removal of the lodger or sub-tenant. (5) Information is relevant information about a person (“P”) if it indicates or suggests that P, or any person residing with P— 15 (a) has acted in a manner causing or likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household as himself or herself; (b) has engaged in, or has threatened or is likely to engage in, conduct causing or likely to cause a nuisance or annoyance to a person residing in, visiting 20 or otherwise engaging in a lawful activity in any residential premises or in the locality of such premises; or (c) has been convicted of— (i) an offence involving using a dwelling-house, or allowing it to be used, for illegal purposes, or 25 (ii) an indictable offence committed in a dwelling-house or in the locality of one. (6) Information is relevant information about a person (“P”) if it— (a) indicates or suggests that P is guilty of conduct amounting to an offence of a kind mentioned in subsection (5)(c) (even though P has not been 30 convicted of such an offence), or (b) relates to pending criminal proceedings against P for such an offence. (7) Information is relevant information about a person (“P”) if it relates to— (a) an injunction or order of a kind mentioned in subsection (8)(a) that has been made against P or a person residing with P, or in relation to a 35 dwelling-house where P is or was resident, or (b) an application pending before any court for such an injunction or order. (8) A “relevant purpose” is any of the following— (a) applying for (or deciding whether to apply for)— (i) an injunction under Chapter 4 of Part 2 of the Housing (Northern 40 Ireland) Order 2003 (injunctions against anti-social behaviour); (ii) an injunction against breach of a tenancy agreement granted or sought on grounds of behaviour (see subsection (9)); (iii) an anti-social behaviour order under any Article of the Anti-social Behaviour (Northern Ireland) Order 2004; (iv) an order for possession on Ground 2 or 3 in Schedule 3 to the 1983 Order (convictions or acts of waste) or on Ground 1 in that Schedule so far as it relates to any behaviour causing annoyance or nuisance;
3 Housing (Amendment)
(v) an order for possession of a dwelling-house let under an introductory 5 tenancy; (b) conducting (or deciding whether to commence) criminal proceedings for any offence; (c) deciding whether to withhold consent to a mutual exchange of secure tenancies on Ground 2A or 2B in Schedule 3A to the 1983 Order 10 (withholding of consent where order in force or application pending in connection with anti-social behaviour etc.); (d) deciding whether a secure tenant is entitled to exercise a right under a scheme for house sales under Article 3 or 3A of the 1983 Order, where (in accordance with that scheme) that right depends on any behaviour of the 15 tenant; (e) (where the information is disclosed to the Executive) deciding whether— (i) to treat an applicant for an allocation of housing accommodation as ineligible for such an allocation by virtue of Article 22A(6) of the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (ineligibility due to 20 unacceptable behaviour), or (ii) to treat an applicant for assistance under Part 2 of the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1988 as ineligible for that assistance by virtue of Article 7A(5) of that Order (ineligibility due to unacceptable behaviour); 25 (f) (where the information is disclosed to a registered housing association) deciding whether to allocate housing accommodation to any person; or (g) (in any case) deciding whether to take any other appropriate action in consequence of, or relating to, the behaviour indicated or suggested by the information.
30 (9) In this section— “the 1983 Order” means the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1983; the “common parts” of a dwelling are any parts of a building comprising the dwelling, and any other premises which the tenant is entitled under the terms of the tenancy to use in common with the occupiers of other 35 dwelling-houses let by the landlord; “the dwelling”, in relation to any tenancy, is the dwelling-house let under the tenancy (whether the dwelling is a house or part of a house); “the Executive” means the Northern Ireland Housing Executive; the “grounds of behaviour”, in the case of an injunction against breach of a 40 tenancy agreement, are the grounds that the tenant— (i) is engaging in, or threatening to engage in, conduct causing or likely to cause a nuisance or annoyance to a person residing in, visiting or otherwise engaging in a lawful activity in the locality of the dwelling; (ii) is using or threatening to use the dwelling for illegal purposes; or (iii) is allowing, inciting or encouraging any other person to engage or threaten to engage in such conduct or use or threaten to use the dwelling for such purposes; “registered housing association” has the same meaning as in Part 2 of the 5 Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1992;
4 Housing (Amendment)
“residential premises” means residential premises to which Article 26 of the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 applies (power to grant injunctions against anti-social behaviour); “secure tenant” means a tenant under a secure tenancy (within the meaning 10 given by Article 25 of the 1983 Order); “tenant”, in the case of a joint tenancy, means any of the joint tenants. (10) In the Housing (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, section 13 (which is superseded by this section) is repealed.
Registration as statutory charge of certain loans
15 3.—(1) In Article 9 of the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (advances by the Executive), after paragraph (2) insert— “(3) So long as any part of the principal of, or any interest on, a loan under paragraph (1)(a) is remains outstanding, the loan is to be a charge on the house or building or buildings in question. 20 (4) Where paragraph (3) applies— (a) the charge shall be enforceable in all respects as if it were a valid mortgage by deed created in favour of the Executive by the person on whose estate the charge has been created (with, where necessary, any authorisation or consent required by law); and 25 (b) the Executive may exercise the powers conferred by sections 19, 21 and 22 of the Conveyancing Act 1881 on mortgagees by deed accordingly.”. (2) In Article 161 of that Order (registration of matters as statutory charges)— (a) in paragraph (1), before sub-paragraph (a) insert— 30 “(za) any charge created under Article 9;”; (b) in paragraph (2)(a)— (i) for “(a)” (after the word “sub-paragraphs”) substitute “(za)”; (ii) after “the Executive has” insert “advanced the money,”. (3) In Schedule 11 to the Land Registration Act (Northern Ireland) 1970 35 (matters to be registered in the Statutory Charges Register), in paragraph 37 (matters under the 1981 Order), before sub-paragraph (a) insert— “(za) any charge created under Article 9;”.
Commencement 4. This Act comes into operation at the end of the period of 2 months beginning 40 with the date on which it receives Royal Assent.
Short title 5. This Act may be cited as the Housing (Amendment) Act (Northern Ireland)2015.
5 APPENDIX 8
REPORT BY MR PAUL McCORMICK, HEAD OF SERVICE (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT)
The purpose of this report is to set out for Members’ consideration a number of recommendations specifically relating to the operation of the new Council.
The following decisions are required:
To decide:
1. To consider the presentation and agree the next steps for the Hillsborough Public Realm Scheme 2. 2.1 To decide appropriate level of support for 2016 Circuit of Ireland Rally 2.2 To agree various recommended levels of support for public events 3. To agree level of additional event support to promote Lisburn City Centre 4. To agree on proposal of Revitalisation Project link to Castle Gardens 5. To agree nominations to 2016 Holiday World event 6. To approve content of consultation response on the successor to DARD’s TRPSDI Framework 2011-2015 7. To agree tender report for City Centre Performance Evaluation Framework 8. To agree pilot initiatives in connection with Local Government Transferring Functions 9. To agree a key event schedule for the Inward Investment Proposition 10. To agree funding for a Procurement Business Support Programme 11. To agree financial support for the 2016 NI-NL Annual Dinner 12. To agree to host 2 tables at the annual Lisburn Chamber of Commerce Christmas Lunch and Toy Appeal
To note:
13. Evaluation Report of the Tourism E-Clustering Programme 14. The Village Renewal Scheme Scoring Framework and Progress Report 15. Correspondence re: NI Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 16. Super Connected Broadband Vouchers Scheme update 17. Regional Start Initiative update
ITEMS FOR DECISION
1. HILLSBOROUGH PUBLIC REALM - PRESENTATION
Mr David Watkiss, Landscape Architect, of The Paul Hogarth Company Ltd will present a series of options following consultation feedback to date for the Hillsborough Public Realm Scheme.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee considers the options presented and agrees the appropriate course of action. 2. CITY PROMOTION BUDGET
2.1 CIRCUIT OF IRELAND – PRESENTATION
Mr Bobby Willis, Organiser of the Circuit of Ireland will present proposals for the 2016 Circuit of Ireland in Lisburn & Castlereagh.
The presentation will propose staging the Ceremonial Start of the 2016 Circuit of Ireland within Lisburn City Centre. The start could include a large stage within Market Square, welcoming all drivers and showcasing their cars on Thursday 7 April 2016 with the usual fanfare, lights, and entertainment.
In previous years the cost to host the Lisburn Power Stage at Lagan Valley Island was £25,000 plus a further £15,000 to stage a family fun day at Castle Gardens, creating links to the City Centre.
Mr Willis will discuss expected visitor numbers, the itinerary of the Circuit of Ireland and the potential publicity attached to hosting the Start event.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee supports this new proposal to host the Ceremonial Start of the Circuit of Ireland in the City Centre at a maximum cost of £40,000.
2.2 RECOMMENDED FUNDING ALLOCATIONS 2016-2017
Each year the Council would normally be approached by a range of organisations seeking match funding to stage a series of public events with a focus on attracting visitors to the city area.
Lisburn City Council would normally have agreed the funding for the events programme from the Tourism budget around December each year to give sufficient lead-in time for those events which take place from Easter onwards.
The decision on funding of a particular event would tend to be guided by three criteria:
(1) how much visitor footfall would be generated by an event (and therefore how much visitor spend would be generated);
(2) the nature and scale of the media profile that the event would generate for the Council;
(3) that Council funding should be provided on a reducing scale over time.
Appendices 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E provide a series of 2015-2016 Major Event Evaluations and recommended levels of financial support for the proposed 2016- 2017 City Promotion Budget for activity in the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area. The Committee should note that the Council has agreed the allocation of £35,000 for the Balmoral Show co-operative project.
The previously agreed Integrated Marketing Campaign provides for a primarily City Centre focussed promotional campaign that costs £155,000 per annum. “Event hospitality” covers the cost of the Chairman taking tables at the Hillsborough Oyster Festival (HOF) and Northern Ireland Festival of Racing (FOR).
The Tourism Development Manager (LCCC) will be in attendance at the meeting to provide details on any of the listed events, funding requests, and project evaluations.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee considers the various recommended levels of Council support outlined in the table in Appendix 2 and notes the content of the 2015 Major Event evaluations. This approval will be subject to the Estimates discussion due to take place in January 2016.
3. CITY PROMOTION – ADDITIONAL EVENT SUPPORT – LISBURN CITY CENTRE
Following the completion of the Lisburn City Centre public realm scheme it is proposed that a series of additional events and animation activities be developed to take place in the City Centre throughout 2016. These would be a series of minor events aimed at increasing footfall both to the new events space to showcase the improved environment but also to attract new and repeat visitors to visit the businesses and attractions in the City Centre.
Through the Council’s City Centre Management service a number of meetings have taken place with City Centre stakeholders including traders, service providers, community groups, churches and others regarding the type of events that might take place. It is proposed that the Council’s Economic Development Unit work in partnership with these various stakeholders to take forward regular events throughout the year.
Initial event plans and ideas include: - February: Valentine’s Week Promotional Events - March: Easter Activities Week - April: Dance Events and Activities – Ballroom; Irish; Modern Dance - May: Animal themed activities linked to Balmoral Show 2016 - June: Football themed activities – Euro 2016 - June/July: Tennis themed activities – Wimbledon 2016 - July: Live theatre performances - August: Motorbike Racing themed activities – Ulster Grand Prix 2016 - September: Food and Music Event
Plans would include the activities being delivered directly by the Council but also by the various stakeholders. The estimated budget to support this activity is proposed at £100,000, to be included in the 2016/2017 budget estimate as additional to the event funding agreed above.
Recommendation
It is recommended that a budget of £100,000 is agreed to support the Lisburn City Centre events programme for 2016. This approval will be subject to the Estimates discussion due to take place in January 2016.
4. STRATEGIC REVITALISATION PROJECT - LINK TO CASTLE GARDENS
Members will recall that one of the projects within the overall programme is to improve the pedestrian link from Castle Gardens to the City Centre via the grounds of Lisburn Cathedral, making it safer, more accessible and attractive. The tender for the construction work has been advertised and is due to close on Friday 11 December 2015. Given the need to meet grant expenditure deadline it is requested that delegated authority is granted to the January meeting of the Development Committee to consider the outcome of the tender process.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee agrees to the request for the granting of delegated authority to the January meeting of the Development Committee to consider the outcome of the tender process for the Link to Castle Gardens project.
5. HOLIDAY WORLD DUBLIN, 22 – 24 JANUARY 2016
The Belfast Regional Tourism Partnership will exhibit at Holiday World Dublin from 22-24 January 2016. In previous years the Economic Development Committee of Lisburn City Council has been represented at the opening trade night to view the efforts of the Belfast Regional Tourism Partnership in promoting the region in the context of competition from worldwide destinations.
The cost of attendance at Holiday World Dublin per elected Member would be £368.38.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee nominates the Chairman and/or Vice Chairman and an Officer to attend Holiday World Dublin on Friday 22 January.
6. CONSULTATION RESPONSE – SUCCESSOR TO DARD’S TRPSI FRAMEWORK 2011 – 15
Appendix 3 details the draft Council response to DARD’s consultation on proposals for a successor to the Department’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Framework 2011 – 2015 (attached in Appendix 4). The draft response provides feedback in terms of the priority areas of intervention to improve key services for all rural dwellers, alleviate rural financial poverty and address issues of rural social isolation, health and wellbeing. The draft response also provides feedback as to how the successor framework can support delivery of the Council’s Community Plan.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee approves the content of the consultation response as outlined in Appendix 3 and that the consultation response is submitted to DARD no later than Wednesday 20 January 2016.
7. CITY CENTRE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION FRAMEWORK
Delegated authority is sought from the Council to a meeting of the Development Committee to agree a Performance Evaluation Framework for Lisburn City Centre in the New Year.
Recommendation
It is recommended that authority is delegated by the Council as outlined above.
8. LOCAL GOVERNMENT TRANSFERRING FUNCTIONS - PROPOSED PILOT INITIATIVES 2015-2016
Members will recall a report presented to the Development Committee in September 2015 recommending that the Council develops local enterprise initiatives in connection with the following transferring functions from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment: Female Entrepreneurship Youth Entrepreneurship Social Enterprise
Appendix 5 outlines a number of proposals to develop new locally focused pilot projects targeting these most marginalised groups at a total cost of £64,000. It is anticipated that these projects will stimulate interest and demand in these target groups throughout the Council area, as well as increasing the number of local residents engaging in entrepreneurial activities.
Members should note that the cost of all the above projects will be 100% covered by the transferring functions budget and will therefore incur no additional cost to the Council.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee agrees to fund the initiatives as outlined at Appendix 5, at a total cost of £64,000.
9. INWARD INVESTMENT PROPOSITION – KEY EVENT SCHEDULE 2015 2016
As part of the Council’s ongoing programme of inward investment promotion, a report was presented to the Committee in September 2015 outlining a number of key activities which would be delivered by 31st March 2016. This includes the Council once again hosting the very successful ‘Invest Lisburn & Castlereagh at Westminster’ on 17 March 2016. The estimated cost of this event is £25,000. Members should note there is provision in the Economic Development Estimates for this activity.
This will build upon the success of last year’s event which saw in excess of 120 delegates from Lisburn & Castlereagh, London and further afield attend a networking event in this prestigious location to showcase the new Council area as a location in which to invest and do business.
It is also further proposed that the Council considers exhibiting at MIPIM UK 2016, taking place 19th – 21st October. The estimated cost of attendance is £29,000 which includes exhibition fees, stand design, marketing and promotional materials, and Council representation at this event.
Members should note that following on from this year’s event the Council has developed a number of opportunities and inbound visits with potential developers both before and after Christmas as a direct result, and a full report will be presented on MIPIM UK 2015 at a later stage. Council agreement is sought at this stage as there will be a cost saving if booked before 18th December, and early booking will also enable the Council to choose the best located exhibition space.
Recommendation
It is recommended that as part of the ongoing programme of investment promotion activities that the Committee agrees to:
1. Host Lisburn & Castlereagh at Westminster on 17th March 2016, 2. Booking a stand for MIPIM UK 2016, 19th - 21st October 2016
It is further recommended that the Chairman of the Development Committee, Vice Chairman of the Development Committee and appropriate Council Officers attend the events as outlined above.
10. PROCUREMENT BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAMME
There have been a number of changes in 2015 to public procurement in Northern Ireland which have an impact upon local SMEs’ ability to win new public sector business. Namely a new online public procurement portal, changes to the EU regulations covering aspects of tendering/procurement law and the loss of practical support offered by other agencies such as Invest NI to help local companies with procurement activity.
It is therefore proposed that the Council develops an updated local Procurement Programme which will equip up to 10 local companies to prepare for these changes, and support them in their approach to tendering. It is envisaged that this programme will provide training in the new online portal as well as practical support to enable them to prepare, bid for and win new tenders, and will cost a maximum of £25,000 including company contributions.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee agrees to fund a local Procurement Support programme at a total cost of £25,000, including company contributions.
11. NETHERLANDS TRADE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE – NORTHERN IRELAND NETHERLANDS (NI-NL) TRADE AND EXPORT SOCIETY ANNUAL DINNER, NETHERLANDS 2016
Members will be aware that the Council is one of the founding members of the Northern Ireland Netherlands Trade and Export Society (NI-NL), which was established in 2006. The Council provides a share of the NI-NL operating costs on an annual basis. NI-NL aims to proactively assist in the development of partnerships in trade, enterprise, and investment between businesses in Northern Ireland and the Netherlands.
The 10th consecutive NI-NL Annual Trade dinner is proposed to take place in Titanic Belfast on 27th January 2016. This annual high profile event will be attended by Lisburn businesses already trading in the Netherlands, and their Dutch business partners.
In previous years NI-NL has been able to secure sponsorship to cover the costs of the trade dinner, however despite best efforts this year no main sponsor has been identified to date. It is therefore proposed that the three founding members agree to make a contribution to cover some of the costs of this important business event, namely Invest NI £2,000, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council £1,200 and NITC £1,200.
Members should note that this amount will include the cost of the Chairman of the Development Committee hosting a table for 10 representatives from the Council.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee agrees that the Chairman of the Development Committee hosts a table at this high profile event and the Council makes a contribution to the overall event at a total cost of £1,200.
12. LISBURN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCH & TOY APPEAL THURSDAY 10 DECEMBER 2015
The Lisburn Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Toy Appeal and Christmas Lunch in Lisburn Golf Club on Thursday 10 December from 12 pm to 3 pm.
In order to facilitate networking with local companies and to raise awareness of Council funded business support initiatives with Chamber Members, it is proposed that the Chairman of the Development Committee host two tables at a total cost of £400.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee agrees that the Chairman of the Development Committee should host two tables at the above event at a total cost of £400.
ITEMS FOR NOTING
13. E-CLUSTERING PROGRAMME – EVALUATION
Members will recall Brilliant Red Ltd was appointed to deliver and manage the Tourism e-Clustering Programme on behalf of Lisburn City Council. This 18 month programme was completed in June 2015 with a full evaluation attached, however in summary a number of key performance indicators are listed below.
The programme had a number of outputs which are in line with Invest NI key targets such as economic development, job creation, positive PR and capacity building. As such, Brilliant Red designed the programme around the following key stages, which provided the best opportunity to achieve the programme targets:
Business Support – Series of training workshops on digital promotion and clustering Capacity Building – One to one mentoring support for 24 companies e-Clustering – Develop 7 themes to package key providers in the Lisburn area Promotion – Promotional campaign targeting potential visitors from ROI and Scotland
The key milestones achieved for this project are highlighted in Appendix 6.
Recommendation
It is recommended that Members note the above.
14. RURAL VILLAGE RENEWAL SCORING FRAMEWORK & PROGRESS REPORT
Members should note Appendix 7 which details the scoring framework to be used by the Council to select villages to be brought forward for investment under the new NI Rural Development Programme (NIRDP) 2014 – 2020 as recommended by the Local Action Group (LAG) Board of Lagan Rural Partnership at the meeting of the LAG on Monday 9 November 2015.
The appended framework replicates the model used by the Paul Hogarth Company Ltd who were procured by Lisburn City Council to select villages for investment under the previous NIRDP 2007 – 2013.
The LAG has recommended that villages be selected based on assessment of established socio economic need, an analysis of local opportunities that exist within the village, previous public investment and the capacity of community/voluntary groups to work in partnership with Local Government to deliver village renewal related projects.
Council staff have already commenced desk based analysis and are currently undertaking site visits and consultations in the following settlements categorised as villages within the Council area; Hillsborough & Culcavy, Moira, Aghalee, Annahilt, Lower & Upper Ballinderry, Dromara, Drumbeg, Drumbo, Glenavy, Maghaberry, Milltown, Ravernet, Stoneyford & Moneyreagh.
It is envisaged that the outcome of the village scoping exercise will be presented to the Committee in February 2016.
Recommendation
It is recommended that Members note the above.
15. DOE CORRESPONDENCE – NI RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 2014 - 2020
Members should note Appendix 8 which details correspondence from the Minister of the Environment to the Council’s Chief Executive Officer requesting that the aims and objectives of the NI Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020 is taken into consideration in bringing forward local policy when developing the Council’s Local Development Plan, and that any planning permission applications relating to proposals which are the subject of funding applications under the NIRDP 2014 – 2020 are treated with priority as they progress through the planning system. Recommendation
It is recommended that Members note the above.
16. SUPER CONNECTED BROADBAND VOUCHERS SCHEME - UPDATE
Members will recall that Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council submitted a bid to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to support 100 local companies to benefit from the Super Connected Broadband Voucher Scheme in April 2015. As part of this scheme the Council entered into a Service Level Agreement with Belfast City Council to provide the administrative support for the Scheme,
The voucher Scheme allowed small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprises within the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council boundary area to apply for grants of up to £3,000 to obtain high-speed broadband connections.
The Connection Voucher Scheme is now at an end as the funds available have been fully committed. In total there were 217 applications across the Council area, with 104 successful applications worth £259, 255. A major landlord application from Inspire Business Centre increased this number by a further 60 applications worth £180,000. A full overview of the scheme locally is provided at Appendix 9.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee notes Appendix 9.
17. REGIONAL START INITIATIVE – UPDATE ON PROGRAMME DELIVERY OPTIONS POST OCTOBER 2015
A report was presented to the Committee in September 2015 on the Regional Start Initiative (RSI), including proposed options for delivery in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area post October 2015, when the current contract with Enterprise Northern Ireland ends.
As part of this update in September the Committee had agreed to be part of an extension to the current Regional Start Initiative (RSI) contract until the end of March 2016.
Attached at Appendix 10 is a letter from Invest Northern Ireland confirming that this extension will now take place until March 2016, and outlining the Council business plan targets and total budget for this period. Appendix 11 is a signed Addendum to the current SLA with Invest NI.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee notes the above.
PAUL McCORMICK HEAD OF SERVICE (ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT) 2 DECEMBER 2015 Appendix 1A ED
Balmoral Show – 2015 Report
Background Members will recall at the June 2014 Economic Development Committee it was agreed to showcase and promote activities surrounding the Balmoral Show to a total value of £30,000 to create linkages between Lisburn City Centre and the Balmoral Show.
Visit Lisburn and Castlereagh marquee The Visit Lisburn marquee in 2015 was 10m longer than the previous year - 12m x 35m marquee with a professional shell scheme, graphics and lighting to showcase the best of the Lisburn City Centre retail offering and Lisburn and Castlereagh leisure attractions to the expected 90,000 visitors to the Show. Once again, the marquee location next to the entrance was optimal for creating awareness and maximising exposure.
Being awarded the ‘Reserve Best Presented Marquee not including Food or Equipment’ by the organisers of the Show proved a positive accolade. The internal shell scheme was visually appealing and consistent with the Council’s marketing brand guidelines. Certainly, the purpose built shell scheme, with images, logos and vibrant colours throughout added to the ‘wow’ factor of any visitor entering the marquee.
The marquee was heavily branded on the outside and inside, showcasing what the Lisburn City Centre has to offer with a ‘High Street’ shopping village highlighting local retailers from the City Centre, and visitor attractions from the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and a sample of restaurants from the Lisburn Evening Economy Group all promoting their wares.
Other activities Whilst the marquee was the show piece throughout the three days of the Balmoral Show, numerous other activities took place surrounding the event. These marketing efforts included:
Appendix 1A ED
Discount Voucher Booklet – 40,000 copies published with discount offers from all participating traders at the Balmoral Show. These vouchers were part of the booklet that was valid for the month of May, and therefore could be distributed at all events throughout the month.
Website links – in 2015 all accommodation requests were handled by the Visitor Information Centres at Lisburn and Hillsborough. A link was created from the Balmoral Show official website to the www.visitlisburn.com website for accommodation with staff following up the availability from industry on a regular basis. The priority is always to keep trade in the local accommodation providers. This worked extremely well with most proprietors getting bookings on the back of these efforts.
Dedicated landing page on www.visitlisburn.com/balmoralshow – highlighting a pdf of the dedicated leaflet with exclusive offers in Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council.
Official Launch event – this created an opportunity for the Elected Members and Officers to liaise in an informal environment with visitors and business owners in the marquee. Invitations from Economic Development went out to all business databases, including the hospitality industry.
Branding – limited branding throughout the City Centre (due to Public Realm works) was erected welcoming the Balmoral Show and its visitors to Lisburn. This included large 5m x 1m banners erected in appropriate locations. One such banner was erected on the Hillsborough Roundabout with a reputed 30,000 commuters passing each day.
Meet and Greet – Visitor Information Centre staff alongside South East Regional College students were on hand as ‘Meet and Greet’ Officers. This encouraged people using public transport to come into the City Centre. Advice, suggestions and directions were all available to visitors alongside collateral literature being distributed.
Surveys – 324 surveys were completed with analysis attached as Appendix A. A competition in partnership with Fone House, Lisburn was used as an incentive to complete the surveys.
Appendix 1A ED
Response for traders They received space in the Discount Voucher Booklet and also space within the Visit Lisburn marquee. Those participating within the Visit Lisburn marquee included the following:
Dobbies Garden Centre Little French Barn Ballance House The Bead Shop Hillsborough Oyster Festival Drumbo Park Greyhound Stadium Royal Scottish Pipe Band Layer Cake Association (NI) Hilden Brewery Brown Bean Hillsborough Castle Collar and Tie Menswear We Are Vertigo Sportsdock Lagan Valley LeisurePlex Midas Jewellers Coca Cola Visitor Experience Shannon’s Irish Linen Centre and Linen McCalls Museum Sprucefield Shopping Centre Smyth Patterson Welcome area (Visitor Information) Lyons Karting Lisburn Evening Economy Group - LCCM Restaurants x 6 Fonehouse Sam Baird Optician Menarys Thorntons Sew N Knit Style House Debonair Floral Boutique
A survey from the traders was completed shortly after Balmoral Show finished with the findings attached at Appendix B. Again, all those trading found the experience of participating on the Visit Lisburn and Castlereagh marquee very worthwhile.
It would be expected that even more interest in the initiative could be generated for 2016, and this brings other dilemmas on the size of the marquee and participation costs for same.
Appendix 1A ED
Costs A summary breakdown is attached below:
Expenditure Marquee and flooring £5,636 Shell scheme and fit out £13,566 Discount brochure £3,340 Promotion and other £3,175 Website costs & expenses £1,150 Site Fee £3,000 Electric £3,083 Launch event £1,740 Visitor Services Staffing £1,624 Total £36,314
Income Traders contributions £6,320
Net Cost £29,994
Conclusion Business was up for the participating traders whilst others (such as the attractions) found the exercise a good tool for promoting their facilities. Visitors found it useful to find out more about Lisburn City Centre and indeed some of the hidden gems within the Council area.
By supporting this initiative the Council received positive publicity and has forged even better relationships with RUAS, traders, attractions, restaurants and event organisers. A similar initiative should be considered for May 2016.
Recommendation It is recommended that Members note the content of the attached report and agree to support a similar initiative for 2016 with a budget of £35,000 allocated from the 2016 City Promotion allocation.
Andrew Kennedy Tourism Development Manager
18 May 2015
Appendix 1A ED
Appendix A – Public Survey Balmoral Show 2015
Results based on 324 responses to this question
1. How did you find out about the Visit Lisburn and Castlereagh marquee?
2. What do you think of the of the Visit Lisburn and Castlereagh marquee?
Appendix 1A ED
3. How do you think the Visit Lisburn and Castlereagh marquee could be improved?
Bigger marquee Air conditioning One way system More space between stands Food and drink samples Bigger room for prams Bigger entrance Couldn’t be improved
4. How far did you travel to attend the show?
5. Who are you here with?
Appendix 1A ED
6. When did you last visit Lisburn City Centre?
Appendix 1A ED
Appendix B - Balmoral Show Retail Survey Results
1. On a scale of 1 - 5 how successful do you think the event has been for you? (1 being poor, 5 being excellent)
Increasing sales
Creating awareness
1 2 3 4 5 Total Weighted Average
0.00% 5.00% 25.00% 45.00% 25.00% Increasing 0 1 5 9 5 20 3.90 sales
0.00% 0.00% 8.00% 46.00% 46.00% Creating 0 0 2 13 13 28 4.39 awareness of your business
2. How do you rate the layout and design of the marquee? (1 being poor, 5 being excellent)
Layout and design
1 2 3 4 5 Total Weighted Average 0.00% 0.00% 11.00% 43.00% 46.00% Layout and 0 0 3 12 13 28 4.35 design
Appendix 1A ED
3. How do you think the marquee could be improved?
I thought the marquee was very well thought out and organised, not sure how we could improve it but happy to think about that for next year! Sort out bottlenecks, make marquee bigger and longer. Maybe change location of emergency exit door to the corner of marquee. Bigger space options Security. CCTV cameras at entrances/exits over the 3 days More Lisburn High Street Signs, more signage outside showing which shops are inside the marquee Introduce one way system Signage outside that indicated there were shops inside. Not as many stalls in the middle - more space Perhaps made a little wider. There were bottle necks from time to time. More divides between attractions to make it more obvious who was who. Bigger marquee, deeper stands I think it could be much bigger with more of Lisburn's shops and leisure facilities on show. Some bigger stands. More samples, more space, more slots available More chairs outside for lunch etc. More space, a bit cramped when busy. Very cold. A few more bins would be great, especially with people giving out samples. Bigger with more trader / variety interest Give it a more creative name than the Visit Lisburn & Castlereagh Marquee
4. Would you recommend this event to other City Centre traders?
Answer Choices Responses 100.00% Yes 28
0.00% No 0
0.00% Maybe 0
Total 28
5. Would you be interested in exhibiting at the Balmoral Show 2016?
Answer Choices Responses 100.00% Yes 28
0.00%
Appendix 1A ED
Answer Choices Responses No 0
0.00% Maybe 0
Total 28
6. How much would you be willing to pay to exhibit at the ‘Visit Lisburn & Castlereagh’ marquee 2016?
Same as this year £200-300 £300-400 maximum No more than this year but would pay extra for a bigger stand The same as this year or less Same as this year, would pay more for bigger stand As little as possible- the same as this year As little as possible £750 + VAT. Same Same again Same as this year This year's fee was fair, it makes it worthwhile. The Same £400 Similar amount again to this year About the same if possible
APPENDIX 1B ED
HILLSBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL OYSTER FESTIVAL
2015 PR EVALUATION REPORT
1. Introduction
The 2015 Hillsborough International Oyster Festival (HIOF) took place from 1st – 6th September and included events and exhibitions across the village of Hillsborough to engage members of the community at every level as well as out‐of‐town visitors.
The overall aim of Massive’s PR and marketing activities was to build on the success of previous years of the HIOF while adding an element of freshness and creating awareness of new events taking place in 2015 including the Gourmet Pop‐Up Restaurant and Oyster Festival Musical Evening.
Massive began its involvement in March 2015 by attending committee meetings and creating the Festival’s PR strategy and calendar of activity. A planned and sustained approach was used to build buzz around the Festival and the individual events taking place as part of it.
Key activities undertaken by Massive included;
‐ Development and execution of a PR strategy ‐ Media relations ‐ Research and coordination of media partnerships ‐ Liaising with key event partners including Tourism NI and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council ‐ Liaising with Callow Events and committee members on event details for use in communications ‐ Drafting brief for social media partner (The Retail Consultant) ‐ Supplying content for Facebook and twitter to the social media partners (Des and Tara) ‐ Liaise with TrustFord, Red Communications and CYPNI re: TrustFord Soapbox Derby PR activity ‐ Website management and updates (Including briefing Sarah at Avec) ‐ Management and placement of competitions ‐ Drafting of Saturday running order ‐ Booking and coordinating advertisements ‐ Photographer briefing and management ‐ Attendance at HIOF committee meetings ‐ Media monitoring and evaluation
1. PR Results / Media Coverage
The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival received a 100% positive reaction from mainstream print, broadcast and online media during Massive’s 2015 campaign. Key print coverage was achieved across key daily and Sunday newspapers in Northern Ireland including the Belfast Telegraph, Irish News, News Letter, Daily Mirror, Sunday Life and Sunday World as well as key farming, tourism and hospitality trade and consumer press.
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HILLSBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL OYSTER FESTIVAL
2015 PR EVALUATION REPORT Lisburn, Banbridge and County Down‐based local media actively carried stories throughout the PR campaign, while online media influencers including Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, What’s On NI, The Belfast Times, Tourism Ireland, and Love Belfast consistently supported the campaign in the form of social media engagements and digital content published via their blogs and websites. A total of 300+ pieces of coverage directly associated with the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival were generated in both traditional print and broadcast as well as in online media. Hillsborough International Oyster Festival 2015 Media Coverage
Total Broadcast Placements (Resulting in 170 minutes of airtime) 17 Total Online Placements 215 Total Print Media Clippings 77 Total Print Circulation 1,109,027 Total Opportunities to See in Print 8,499,627 Equivalent Print Advertising Spend £85,507.04 PR Value £256,521.12 Percentage Sentiment (Positive / Neutral / Negative) 100% Positive
With a range of new events added to this year’s festival line‐up, media showed varying interest in the unique stories pitched by Massive PR. The chart below offers a breakdown of the most popularly featured stories in the media to give the committee an idea of what was deemed newsworthy in the 2015 campaign by the media.
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HILLSBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL OYSTER FESTIVAL
2015 PR EVALUATION REPORT
A full breakdown of print, online and broadcast media coverage is detailed in Appendix 1.
2. Performance review based on KPIs
As part of Massive’s approach to the campaign, the agency set clear aims at the beginning of the 2015 festival season to gauge performance post‐event. The chart below identifies these aims as featured in the approved PR proposal and their outcomes following the festival. Aim Outcome
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HILLSBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL OYSTER FESTIVAL
2015 PR EVALUATION REPORT Position Hillsborough Media coverage achieved with leading influential media for local and international International Oyster Festival as a tourism including: world‐renowned event ‐ NI Travel News (NI) ‐ Northern Ireland Visitor’s Journal (NI) ‐ Visit Lisburn & Castlereagh (NI) ‐ Tourism Northern Ireland (NI) ‐ Whats On NI (NI) ‐ Love Belfast (NI) ‐ Belfast Times (NI) ‐ Irish Examiner Weekend Magazine (Ireland) ‐ Tourism Ireland (Ireland) ‐ Ireland.com (Ireland) ‐ Boston Sunday Globe (USA) ‐ Simply Oysters (Global) ‐ Eat Feats (Global) ‐ Tourism Ireland India (India) Raise brand awareness of the In addition to securing earned media coverage through a targeted PR campaign, Hillsborough International Oyster Massive also negotiated packages for the following media partnerships and Festival advertising packages, exposing the festival to a significant additional audience:
‐ Cool FM / Downtown Radio (Media Partner) ‐ Ulster Star (Ads x 2) ‐ What’s On NI (Dedicated HIOF event e‐shot resulting in 42,642 views) ‐ Northern Woman (Ads x 1). Plus agreed photography FOC for Gala Ball Educate target audiences on all A range of print, online and broadcast media placements featuring all elements of aspects of the festival the festival including:
‐ Overall festival line‐up information ‐ Musical Evening ‐ Golf Day ‐ Flash Harry ‐ Gourmet Pop‐Up Restaurant ‐ Kids and Family offering ‐ World Oyster Eating Championships ‐ SoapBox Derby ‐ Supercar Sunday Engage potential sponsors and Massive worked to ensure sponsor representation in all communications on behalf attendees of HIOF as well as feeding social media and web content to the designate digital contacts on behalf of HIOF committee and managing web updates.
4
HILLSBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL OYSTER FESTIVAL
2015 PR EVALUATION REPORT Convert active high‐profile brand Enthusiastic public support of the festival came from a number of media and ambassadors who will influencers including: enthusiastically communicate the HIOF talking points ‐ Barra Best ‐ Pamela Ballantine ‐ Belfast Times ‐ Love Belfast ‐ NI Gossip Guy ‐ Lyndsay Malone ‐ Pastie Bap
Drive attendance at the festival in All communications distributed by Massive including link to Ticketea and 2015 information on ticket purchasing. Features pitched and press release distributions executed by Massive included the USPs of the festival to ensure the audience was well‐educated on all elements of the festival line‐up and to encourage ticket sales
3. Hours Breakdown Month Activity Cost based on average team rate (£50/hr)
March 2015 12 £600
April 2015 24 £1200
May 2015 32 £1600
June 2015 65 £3250
July 2015 108 £5400
August 2015 129 £6700
September 2015 65 £3250
Total cost based on hours ‐ £22,000
Fee charged to HIOF in 2015 ‐ £5,000
4. Recommendations
Recommendations to consider for the 2016 Hillsborough International Oyster Festival include;
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HILLSBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL OYSTER FESTIVAL
2015 PR EVALUATION REPORT ‐ Establish a confirmed media partnership / advertising budget earlier in the campaign to optimise the amount of additional coverage achieved in conjunction
‐ Offer increased transparency in what attendees can expect from their ticket fees to reduce potential negative backlash on social media
‐ Develop additional local media opportunities focusing on attendees and key participants in advance of the festival to maximise regional coverage outside of County Down (eg: Soapbox Derby participants)
‐ Profile members of the HIOF Committee who have dedicated significant time to developing the festival
‐ Provide additional interactive opportunities for bloggers and features writers to get hands‐on with the festival pre‐event (ie: eating challenges, taster sessions, oyster farming, building SoapBox cars)
‐ Allocate designated media wristbands to allow all‐access for the festival week in order to optimise media coverage generated on‐the‐ground during the festival
‐ Ensure ‘pacing’ of media coverage in 2016 following delay in launch of Festival PR campaign in 2015
5. Conclusion
Massive PR worked closely with the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival Committee, Callow Event Management and other event partners in 2015 to generate significant positive media coverage and awareness of the Festival. This in turn has helped to boost the reputation of the Festival and has paved the way for more successful coverage in 2016.
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APPENDIX 1D ED
POST - EVENT EVALUATION
Title of Project/Event Northern Ireland Speed Weekend
Address or Location of Event Balmoral Park, Lisburn
th th Date of Event 29 &30 August 2015 New Event Repeat * (Tick as Appropriate)
Name of Organisation/Group/Club/Person Supernova Event Management
Please provide a copy of the final accounts: Yes ______No: __*____ (Tick as appropriate) *They are not yet final. Happy to supply as and when. Brief Event Description
The Northern Ireland Festival of Speed is a celebration of car culture and Northern Ireland's rich Motor Sport heritage.
It is an exciting Petrol Heads experience that will showcase many aspects and disciplines from the Motorsport and Motoring worlds. The event will strive to be the most exciting spectacle any person, family or Petrol Head could enjoy.
It will be an overload for the senses and a fantastic interactive experience for both domestic and international visitors.
Motorsport heritage is rich in Lisburn, particularly in the Maze Long Kesh site and is an excellent platform to showcase Lisburn City, to generate tourism revenue, increase bed- nights and help position Lisburn as the place to go for the ultimate Motorsport trip.
APPENDIX 1D ED
Event Objectives (Please List) 1. To build on the critical success of last years event by returning with a bigger, better and more exciting event that will live up to the expectation of "best motoring event in Ireland."
2. To create an interactive Motor Sport Festival, where visitors can be spectators and participants. This will be achieved by creating unique experiences to showcase to visitors what the "need for speed" is really about. To offer more Action and Interaction in one place than anywhere else.
3. To provide a platform for Motor Clubs, Community Groups, Youth Groups and Motoring Initiatives to interact and showcase to an audience of 12,500 visitors and 3,500 participants over two days.
4. To assist in promoting Northern Ireland's ability to compete in international Motorsport events.
5. To promote equality and social inclusion to all communities and age groups within Northern Ireland.
Actual Outputs at Event Completion
1. The content of the Northern Ireland Speed Weekend and the critical reviews have been massively positive. We offered a massive array of activities and spectacles promting reviews such as “nowhere could you see so many different aspects of motorsport in one place.” An area where we would seek improvement in the future would be the offering aimed at children and young families. We received feedback that kids were not well catered for in terms of entertainment. 2. We feel this target was achieved. Visitors were able to participate in many of the disciplines, Go Karting, Autosolos, Off Roading, Helicopter Rides and Racing Simulators. 3. Motor Clubs, Motoring Initiatives and Community Groups were able to showcase themselves to a total audience of 13,000 Participants and Visitors. 4. We feel that Northern Ireland and Lisburn were exceptionally well promoted as outstanding event destinations. The Motorsport community talk about Lisburn and Balmnoral Park as one of the prime Motorsport Destinations in the Country. The Association of Northern Ireland Car Clubs under the Motorsports Association of the UK have taken a particular interest in the venue and our activities there and see it as a flagship event to promote Motorsport in the future.
APPENDIX 1D ED
5. Motorsport is an inherently non-partisan sport and we enjoyed a two day festival with no barriers to age, religion, ethnicity or social background.
Evaluation Methodology (please include back up information to justify/ contextualise evaluation findings) eg survey, questionnaire
We have taken our feedback from Social Media reviews and Motoring and Motorsport Forums as well as meetings with the individual Motorclubs who ran each discipline along with the organisers of the catering, trading and entertainment.
Please compare actual outputs against agreed anticipated target outputs, providing detailed comment on each. In particular please state clear reasons for over/under achievement against the agreed targets. You may wish to provide support information (evidence eg action plans, progress reports, survey data, correspondence, business plans) to explain or back up each stated output.
We predicted a total number of visitors as 12,500 visitors to the event over two days. We achieved 9,500. We believe this is down to a number of competing events and activities taking place on the Saturday of our event namely Tennents Vital, The Black Marches and Heatwave Motorshow in Dublin.
We predicted 3,500 paricipants, which we achieved, albeit from different disciplines of Motorsport than we predicted. The Rallying element had less competitors than we estimated but the Sprint was much better supported than we originally had expected.
APPENDIX 1D ED
Please give details of the number of people attending the event and where they came from:
PARTICIPANT SPECTATOR NUMBERS NUMBERS 2,500 9,050 NORTHERN IRELAND
800 from ROI 50 ELSEWHERE (DETAIL) 200 From UK From Spain, Germany, Romania and the USA. 400 from ROI TOTAL 3,500 9,500
Please estimate total number of bed nights generated because of the event: (People staying overnight 2,000 x Nights 1.25* ) = 2500 *Whereas spectators staying overnight only did so for one night, participants on the whole stayed for two.
Please give details of how the event was publicised and marketed (eg. Pre- event publicity such as advertising, leaflets, programmes, banners, posters plus media coverage both during and after the event ie local/national press, radio, TV, magazines)
Radio- Paid ads and a week-long phone in competition with CoolFM. Roadside Ad Boards – Situated Province Wide PR at other events eg The Balmoral Show and The Circuit of Ireland International Rally. Three Month magazine ad and editorial campaign in Pacenotes Magazine (a specialist motorsport publication) Newspaper Advertising. Website and Social Media including paid for Facebook ads.
APPENDIX 1D ED
Please provide the final budget for the project/ event (Audited Accounts if available)
EXPENDITURE INCOME Venue - £12,238.80 Entrance - £42,000.00 Insurance - £1,370.00 Merchandising - £2,700.00 H&S - £1,000.00 Public Sector - £12,000.00
Marketing - £9,113.53 Entertainment - £2,170.00 Administration - £3,774.86 Production - £27,281.99
TOTAL PLEASEEXPENDITURE: LIST ALL _£56,949.18____OTHER FUNDERS FORTOTAL THE PROJECT/EVENT INCOME: ____£56,700.00____ AND ADVISE IF THEY HAVE CONFIRMED FUNDING:
Conclusions
Overall we feel the event was a success. We were very slightly short on our predicted visitor numbers which we put down to other events diverting interest on the Saturday. The content of the event met our expectations and some individual disciplined exceeded our expectations, particularly the Sprint.
Recommendations
We intend to run the event over three days next year in order to stem the loss to other events and activities that have fallen on the same Saturday as the event in the past. We would also intend to improve upon our content for children and young families as this was an area we felt was lacking this year. In order to be an event that everyone can enjoy we have to offer something for everyone even if it falls outside our core motorsport theme.
APPENDIX 1D ED
Declaration
I confirm that the information in this evaluation is correct.
Signed Aaron Mitchell
Date 01.12.2015
Position Event Director
Organisation Supernova Event Management Limited
APPENDIX 1E ED
POST - EVENT EVALUATION
Title of Project/Event: Sunflowerfest 2015
Address or Location of Event: 31 Cabra Road, Legacurry Hillsborough BT26 6NB
Date of Event 31 July to 2 August New Event No
Name of Organisation/Group/Club/Person:
Vanessa and Michael Magowan
Please provide a copy of the final accounts: No: (not finalised)
Brief Event Description Sunflowerfest is an imaginatively bespoke experiential weekend festival of performance, arts, entertainment, activities and live music set in the beautiful Irish countryside. Sunflowerfest nurtures the mind, body and soul through a wide range of activities, giving visitors once in a lifetime experiences that are just right for them. It is a family friendly festival with something for all ages; the aim of the event is to enrich the visitors experience using Northern Ireland’s unique culture, heritage, and activities. The festival aims to showcase that Northern Ireland is confidently moving on and adds to the positive image of Northern Ireland as a tourism destination whilst allowing its visitors take a caring spirit away with them after they leave.
Sunflowerfest draws visitors from the local area, the rest of Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Great Britain, and overseas. Visitors to Sunflowerfest can avail of 2700 camping berths and 2300 day tickets available for each day of the event.
Sunflowerfest offers visitors an authentic, engaging, personalised experience of Northern Ireland in one weekend through a wide range of superb live music, fantastic fun for all the family, performances in the Enchanted Glade, storytelling, poetry, interactive art, dance and music workshops.
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Event Objectives as per Letter of Offer (Please List)
1. Total Participants – 940 2. Out of State Participants – 310 3. Total Spectators – 3800 (2,800 + 1000 children) 4. Out of State Spectators – 18% 5. Total Participant Bednights – 1576 6. Total Spectator Bednights – 3600 7. Increased marketing in appropriate areas to heighten awareness of the event and increase visitor numbers. 8. Evaluation to include visitor survey (with minimum of 200 respondents) with analysis and understanding of visitor profiles, visitor spend, and success of marketing promotion. 9. Evidence of visitor survey with 200+ respondents analysed. 10. To ensure event is staged within budget (£107,940) 11. Within one month of event date return an evaluation report on the success of the event to the Tourism Section. 12. Within one month of event date forward any photographs which can be used in future promotional materials.
Actual Outputs (Objectives) at Event Completion
This year 2015, surpassed all previous year’s events and provides an excellent platform to build upon in future years. Below are the actual outputs at event completion:
1. Total Participants – 1466
2. Out of State Participants – 469
3. Total Spectators – 4485
4. Out of State Spectators – 24.9%
5. Total Participant Bednights – 2472
6. Total Spectator Bednights – 3557.5
7. Major increase in profile and brand awareness of Sunflowerfest in NI, GB, and ROI. The Total PR Value was £470,641.80, this value is the print, electronic and non-traditional news coverage resulting from editorial content generated via press releases, interviews, photos, and video. This is a substantial return, and a 5.1% increase on last year’s print value and a total print media advertising equivalent of £156,880.60 which also represents a 5.1% increase on last year’s figures. Sunflowerfest 2015 had the highest number of visitors from outside Northern Ireland to date, a 400% increase from last year and accounting for 25% of our overall spectators. Sunflowerfest achieved it highest audience numbers to date, with an increase in attendees of 23%, leading to a further increase of 21% in total revenue generated. Sustaining the future success of the event.
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8. Sunflowerfest gained a total of 302 respondents from their visitor survey, 51% more than had been anticipated. This survey allows Sunflowerfest to profile their visitors more effectively, allowing for better targeted marketing and understanding of the total value of visitors.
9. Spreadsheet of MailChimp & offline face to face survey.
10. With meticulous planning and budget management the event was under budget by just over £237. Actual budgetary spend - £107,703
11. The report was not submitted to Lisburn Castlereagh Council within one month.
12. Photographs that could be used in future promotional materials were not submitted to Lisburn Castlereagh Council within one month.
Evaluation Methodology (please include back up information to justify/ contextualise evaluation findings) eg survey, questionnaire The committee of Sunflowerfest 2015 have taken a number of steps to monitor and evaluate the success of this years’ event from an operational, promotional and customer experience perspective. These include:
1. Online and hard copy feedback surveys, demographics, positive/ negative feedback, improvements, where they heard about the festival etc.
2. Measurement of traffic/hits/unique visits to the website
3. Measurement increase of friends/likes/followers on the social media
4. Ticket sales monitored and collated
5. Measurement of attendance and engagement between spectators and eco- friendly organisations, our charity partner and the many stalls/talks.
APPENDIX 1E ED
Please compare actual outputs against agreed anticipated target outputs, providing detailed comment on each. In particular please state clear reasons for over/under achievement against the agreed targets. You may wish to provide support information (evidence eg action plans, progress reports, survey data, correspondence, business plans) to explain or back up each stated output.
This year 2015, surpassed all previous year’s events and provides an excellent platform to build upon in future years. Below are the actual outputs against agreed target outputs:
1. The number of participants at Sunflowerfest increased by 56%, a considerable increase from 2014 to 2015. Subsequently, this resulted in the significant increase in the number of Bednights generated by the event. The increase was a result of an eight month PR campaign, the campaign featured bands and performers that had previously taken part in the festival. Some of the bands featured have high profiles and their association with the event has impacted positively with a significant number of participants willing to take part in the festival.
2. The number out of state participants grew by 66% to total 469, this increase was a result of expanding our PR campaign and social media reach. Sunflowerfest employed a specialist social media consultant to expand their reach across all platforms, our Facebook followers grew by over 2000 people, with 600 new followers from outside Northern Ireland. Sunflowerfest ran a number of engaging social media campaigns promoting their types of music
3. Sunflowerfest had its most successful year to date; the total number of spectators grew by 24%, 18% more than anticipated and totalled 4485 spectators. There was a considerable increase in children attending the event, this was a consequence of the continued promotion of the event as a family friendly all inclusive festival. Sunflowerfest has seen a rise in attendance of families and children over the past number of years and is now regarded as one of the best family friendly festivals in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. A number of successful strategic partnerships with companies who appealed to their target market contributed to the success of the event. Partnerships included a joint partnership with SO:NI whom they launched the Battle of the Bands competition which ran for 4 months; a partnership with Banbridge Buskfest, with the winner getting a slot on the Sunflowerfest stage and a media partnership with Lisburn 98FM radio with an advertisement and interview campaign which ran over an 8 week period.
4. A record number of out of state spectators attended the Sunflowerfest event; nearly 25% of spectators were from outside Northern Ireland. This was nearly 7% more than had been anticipated, Sunflowerfest believe this is a result of a feature on the TV network Irish TV. Irish TV has a weekly reach of 714,515 and with the majority of the audience aged between 18 and 45 it was crucial in generating interest and attendees for the event.
5. The total number of Bednights generated for participants was a considerable total of 2472, a 64% increase from 2014 and 56% more Bednights than
APPENDIX 1E ED
anticipated. This was a great achievement and a consequence of the desirability to participate in the event among artists and performers. The subsequent increase was also a result of attracting more participants from outside Northern Ireland, meaning they had to stay a number of nights in the local area.
6. The total number of Bednights generated for spectators totalled 3557.5 Bednights; this was a considerable amount of Bednights. However Sunflowerfest did not achieve their anticipated target of 3600, only a 1.1% difference. This may be a result of other events taking place in the local area, for instance Sunflowerfest coincided with Pride in Belfast. This year at Sunflowerfest, 10-15% of those who bought pre-sales tickets did not attend the event which may have resulted in not achieving the target of 3600 Bednights.
7. The profile and brand awareness of Sunflowerfest has increased significantly, according to the online feedback survey, with 75% of people indicating they heard about the festival via word of mouth. This year also sees our most successful PR and marketing campaign to date with the total print PR value of the print media coverage valued at £470,641.80 (does not include value of online or radio PR. This year we had a media partnership with weekly interviews with Lisburn 98FM). Other marketing activities which resulted in increased exposure include a social media campaign targeting outside of Northern Ireland. The led to the highest number of spectators and participants from outside of Northern Ireland than ever before. A number of successful strategic partnerships with companies who appealed to their target market contributed to the success and record attendance of the event. Partnerships included a joint partnership with SO:NI whom they launched the Battle of the Bands competition which ran for 4 months; a partnership with Banbridge Buskfest, with the winner getting a slot on the Sunflowerfest stage.
Please note that LCCC was given significant exposure throughout this campaign with the Council logo being included on all social media platforms and acknowledgement given in interviews and press articles.
8. Sunflowerfest carried out an evaluation of visitors via an online survey (MailChimp) after the event and face to face surveys during the event. This analysis proved extremely useful as it will allow Sunflowerfest to make strategic decisions for next year’s event. For example, Sunflowerfest 2015 had the highest percentage of spectators from outside Northern Ireland (24.9%) to date, as a result of a targeted marketing campaign. Knowing that this targeted campaign was effective will allow Sunflowerfest to put more resources into similar campaigns and attract more visitors from outside Northern Ireland in 2016. The surveys also allow Sunflowerfest to determine what stages and attractions were the most popular, so they can decide on what to utilise next year.
9. Evidence of visitor survey attached.
10. With meticulous planning and attention to detail this year’s Sunflowerfest was under budget. The budgeted figure was £107,940; the total amount spent was £107,703, which is £237 under budget. Sunflowerfest managed the budget
APPENDIX 1E ED
with extreme precision and were able to negotiate favourable rates with their suppliers.
11. It took a considerable amount of time to analyse Sunflowerfest’s event statistics in order to ensure complete accuracy and transparency. For this reason, unfortunately Sunflowerfest were not able to complete the evaluation form within one month of the event date to report on the success of the event. The immediate weeks after the event involved analysing spectator, participant, and Bednight numbers, it took a substantial amount of time for the online surveys to be completed which also hampered the evaluation report. When the statistics were gathered Sunflowerfest then cross referenced these with the income figures from the event to ensure complete accuracy, unfortunately this did take time to be returned by our accountant which further held up the report.
12. Sunflowerfest has numerous photographs which can be used in future promotional materials for Lisburn Castlereagh Council, these can be sent to a council representative at any time.
APPENDIX 1E ED
Please give details of the total number of participants/spectators attending the event and where they came from:
PARTICIPANT SPECTATOR NUMBERS NUMBERS NORTHERN IRELAND 997 3364
ROI 396 807
GB 44 135
29 179 OTHER*
TOTAL 1466 4485
* Please detail: Sunflowerfest has now become a popular event at which to perform and volunteer both at home and abroad. This year we had a number of international acts from as far away as Australia, Japan and Germany. Many of our volunteers this year were students or tourists from overseas including Germany, Lithuania, Spain, France and Holland.
Please estimate total number of bed nights generated because of the event:
PARTICIPANT SPECTATOR NUMBERS NUMBERS NORTHERN IRELAND 1681 2669
ROI 668 640
GB 74 107
49 142 OTHER*
TOTAL 2472 3558
* Please detail: Sunflowerfest has now become a popular event at which to perform and volunteer both at home and abroad. This year we had a number of international acts from as far away as Australia, Japan and Germany. Many of our volunteers this year were students or tourists from overseas including Germany, Lithuania, Spain, France and Holland.
APPENDIX 1E ED
Participant Bed nights
Number of participants staying overnight in commercial accommodation 804 i.e. hotels, guesthouses, bed & breakfast
Number of night’s participants staying for 3
Total Participant Bed nights (No. of participants x No. of nights) 2472*
*includes 60 additional Bednights for staff & crew
Spectator Bed nights
Number of spectators staying overnight in commercial accommodation 1423 (i.e. hotels, guesthouses, bed & breakfast)
Number of night’s participants staying for 2.5
Total Spectator Bed nights (No. of participants x No. of nights) 3557.5
Please estimate total number of bed nights generated because of the event: (People staying overnight 2227 x Nights (3+ 2.5 ) ) = 6242.5 .
APPENDIX 1E ED
Please give details of how the event was publicised and marketed (eg. Pre-event publicity such as advertising, leaflets, programmes, banners, posters plus media coverage both during and after the event ie local/national press, radio, TV, magazines)
Sunflowerfest embarked on an extensive PR and marketing campaign for 2015 which resulted in our most successful campaign to date. PR/ Marketing activities included:
An official launch at St George’s Market; A promotional gig at Titanic Belfast as part of the Motor Show A joint partnership with SO:NI launching the Battle of the Bands competition which ran for 4 months A partnership with mutual promotion throughout the year with Banbridge Council’s Buskfest. The winning busker/band won a slot at Sunflowerfest A media partnership with Lisburn 98FM radio over an 8 week campaign with weekly radio interviews Two episodes promoting Sunflowerfest at Tubby’s Farm on County Matters Irish TV including live filming of the event on the Saturday of the festival Two interviews with NVTV – one exploring the Sunflowerfest partnership with Volunteer Now and another with the organisers promoting the festival, our charity partners Habitat for Humanity, The Big Lunch NI and promoting one of the Irish bands playing at Sunflowerfest 2015 Distribution of 1000 posters and 25000 flyers and seed packets displaying the LCCC logo Event listings to all print and online media Eight month PR campaign featuring bands/performers, charities associated with Sunflowerfest 2015; profiles on organisers and stage managers involved in the festival; promotion of the wellness area at the therapist in conjunction with Natural Therapies Directory Sponsorship and mutual promotion of the Wellness area sponsor, Vita Coco. Competition and promotions to schools; via U105, Cool FM, Downtown Radio The Big List, Across the Line, Chordblossom, Gigging NI, NI Lights, Belfast Vibe, Lisburn Hour, Belfast Hour,Whatsonni.com Media sponsorships with daily press and broadcast media
Attached PDF of PR Evaluation Sunflowerfest 2014: Major increase in profile and brand awareness of Sunflowerfest in NI, GB, and ROI. The Total PR Value was £470,641.80, this value is the print, electronic and non-traditional news coverage resulting from editorial content generated via press releases, interviews, photos, and video. This is a substantial return, and a 5.1% increase on last year’s print value and a total print media
APPENDIX 1E ED
advertising equivalent of £156,880.60 which also represents a 5.1% increase on last year’s figures. Please provide the final budget for the project/ event (Audited Accounts if available) see attached accounts summary
EVENT COSTS Category Key costs included in category £ Participant costs 35317 Musicians/bands £15252 Volunteers Artists/actors/kidszone £ 2030 Meals training equipment £ 3002 Art Supplies/Materials £ 1707 Security £13326
Production costs Festival supplies £1744 29988 & Staff/contractors inc. sound/lightingPLEASE LIST ALL OTHERBackline/PA’s FUNDERS FOR THE PROJECT/EVENT AND ADVISE IF engineers/plumbing/electriTHEY HAVE CONFIRMEDEquipment FUNDING: Hire £9929 cal/fire Stage Stage truck £1600 managers/operations / ticketing staff/artist liaison
Contractors £16715 Insurance & Licence fees 2678 & charitable donations Marketing Advertising/marketing £1444 PR/promo gigs £ 3238 Radio Partnership £ 0 Print/Distribution £1293 Social media £ 1250 Website build £1555 8780 Venue costs GEN £5000 Norspace £4917 Litter £2700 Marquees £3195 Ground maintenance 17927 & car park hire of land £2115 Health & Safety Ambulance and H&S officer 3751 Event management plans Administration Stationery Phone calls 6062 Fuel Travel Bookkeeping/accounting Commission/charges on sales 3200 TOTAL 107703
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EVENT INCOME
CATEGORY INCOME £ Entrance Income Ticket sales 61582 parking 2495
Venue Income Bar pitch 3500 Merchandise 329 Disco 330
Private Sector Income Traders 15200 (Include only confirmed cash & in-kind) Sponsors 1113
Therapist 866
Public Sector Funding LCCC £5000 23225 (Include unconfirmed Tourism NI £18225
TOTAL 108640
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Conclusions The overall conclusion is that this was Sunflowerfest’s most successful year to date and a very enjoyable family friendly event. With the assistance from Lisburn Castlereagh Council and Tourism NI (formerly NITB) we delivered a clear profit. Following on from the successful mentoring Sunflowerfest received on the Lisburn Tourism E-Clustering Programme, they were able to build on last year’s minor success and achieve a more profitable well managed event.
Participant, spectator, and Bednights were all at their highest due to the successful marketing and PR campaign. Furthermore, Sunflowerfest believe to have significantly increased the brand awareness of the event and tourism for the Lisburn area, to the people of Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, and Great Britain.
Recommendations
The organising committee has monitored and evaluated the festival through a number of channels and have made the following recommendations: Investigate the possibility of reducing the number of stages at the event, this will allow more spectators to interact with each other, see more bands, and result in a more enjoyable event. Reducing the number of stages will considerably reduce the cost of the event, this saving can be used to increase the marketing of the event to ROI and GB. Re-consider the date of the event in order to avoid clashing with other local events. Examine the application process for funding from government bodies in order to receive a higher amount. Devise a sponsorship plan in order to acquire a higher volume of local and national business sponsors.
Declaration
I confirm that the information in this evaluation is correct.
Signed
Date:
Position:
Organisation :
City Promotion Budget 16/17
APPENDIX 2 ED
Council Department EDC Agreed 2015 Requested 2016 Recommended Month Visitors Profile Development Integrated Marketing Campaign (incl. Annual Christmas TV) £150,000 £150,000 £150,000 N/A National Speciality Food Fair April £11,000 £25,000 £20,000 4,500 National Event hospitality (HOF, FOR x 2) £4,000 £4,000 £4,000 Jun/Sept/Nov. N/A Pipe Band Championships £16,000 £21,000 £21,000 Aug 8,000 National Balmoral Show (cooperative project) £30,000 £30,000 £35,000 May 115,000 National Public Realm Animation £9,500 £0 £0 Yearly N/A Local City Centre Seasonal Events £23,500 £20,000 £20,000 Yearly N/A Local Hillsborough Oyster Festival (HOF) £5,000 £10,000 £7,000 30 Aug - 4 Sept 17,500 National Circuit of Ireland Rally £25,000 £40,000 £40,000 7-9 April 79,000 National Northern Ireland Speed Weekend £10,000 £20,000 £10,000 27-29 August 12,500 National Sunflowerfest £5,000 £9,600 £5,000 5-7 August 4,585 National Hilden Beer Festival £8,000 £8,000 £8,000 26-28 August 5,000 National Lisburn & Saintfield Show £5,000 £10,000 £5,000 18-Jun 3,000 National TOTAL £302,000 £347,600 £325,000 APPENDIX 3 ED Consultation Response Template
Please use this template for submitting your responses and comments. The template should be read in conjunction with the proposals which can be viewed at www.dardni.gov.uk/consultations
To request a hard copy of the consultation papers please write, or email, as detailed below or telephone 028 9052 0884. The deadline for responses to this consultation is 20 January 2016. All responses should be received by then to ensure they can be fully considered.
DARD welcomes any comments you wish to make on all of the proposals or just on those issues that are of particular interest to you in the consultation.
If you are completing an electronic version of this form, it should be emailed to: [email protected]
Alternatively you can post a hard copy of the completed form to:
Sustainable Rural Communities Branch Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Room 404 Dundonald House Ballymiscaw Belfast BT4 3SB
All responses should be received by 20 January 2016 to ensure they can be fully considered.
Freedom of Information
In line with the Department’s policy of openness at the end of the consultation period, copies of the responses we receive may be made publicly available. The information they contain may also be published in a summary of responses, which will be placed on the internet at http://www.dardni.gov.uk/index/consultations/current-consultations.htm
This summary will include a list of names of organisations or sectors that responded but not personal names, addresses or other contact details.
If you do not consent to this, you must explicitly request that your response be treated confidentially and detail your reason for this request. Any confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system in e-mail responses will not be treated as such a request.
You should also be aware that there might be circumstances in which we will be required to communicate information to third parties on request, in order to comply with our obligations under Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. For further information about confidentiality of responses, please contact the Information Commissioner’s Office, or visit their website at www.ico.org.uk
RESPONDENT INFORMATION
Please Note this form must be returned with your response to ensure that we handle your response appropriately.
1. Name / Organisation
Organisation Name (If applicable).
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
Title Mr X Ms Mrs Miss Dr Please tick as appropriate
Surname
Murphy
Forename
Padraic
2. Postal Address
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council
Island Civic Centre
The Island
Antrim
Postcode Phone Email BT27 4RL 02892509419 [email protected]
Consultation Questions
1) Do you agree that the proposed Aim, Objectives and Intended Outcomes (see Section 6) for the TRPSI Framework are appropriate? X Yes
No
Please provide any supporting comments in the box below
The Council agrees with all aims, objectives and intended outcomes for the TRPSI Framework. This process comes at an opportune time given the Council’s role in supporting Lagan Rural Partnership Local Action Group’s (LAGs) delivery of NIRDP 2014 – 2020 and the development of the Council’s Community Plan. It also complements our current exploration of opportunities for both Council/LAG led pilot programmes which will be funded under the Rural Basic Services Scheme and the Rural Village Renewal Scheme.
2) Do you agree that the 3 Priority Areas – Access Poverty, Financial Poverty and Social Isolation (see Section 6) – should continue to be the main priorities for the TRPSI Framework? X Yes
No
Please provide any supporting comments in the box below
The Council agrees that the 3 priority areas as detailed in section 4.4 to 4.14 of the proposal should continue to be the main priority areas for the TRPSI Framework. The Council would particularly highlight the continuing need for improved access to basic services and to increased provision of affordable childcare provision under the access priority. Actions taken in addressing these issues will alleviate the relatively higher cost of living experienced in rural areas and the social isolation which is a feature of rural life for some rural residents, especially for rural women and lone farmers as identified in the remaining priority areas. 3) Do you agree that the 12 Key Principles (see Section 6) are appropriate for the TRPSI Framework? X Yes
No
Please provide supporting comments in the box below
The Council agrees that the 12 key principles identified are appropriate for the framework but would make the following amendments. - The Council has not been referenced as a ‘key animator’ in particular. The Council’s role as facilitator of the LAG and as the organisation responsible for developing opportunities through community planning should be acknowledged. - The value of Sub Regional Rural Support Networks such as TADA in taking principles forward to the required outcomes should also be recognised. - Similarly regional rural policy and research support focussed organisations such as the Rural Community Network, Rural Development Council and Rural Support have also been omitted as ‘key animators’.
4) Do you agree that the list of Target Groups (see Section 6) is appropriate in relation to providing support to vulnerable groups under the successor TRPSI Framework? X Yes
No
Please provide supporting comments in the box below
The Council is content that the list of target groups is widened as outlined in Section 6 and endorses the decision that the successor framework will also retain the flexibility to target other groups which have been identified through need’s analysis as being at risk but which have not hitherto been included in specific target group lists.
5) (a) Please comment on how effective you think the measures contained in the draft Action Plan (see Section 7) will be in addressing Access Poverty among vulnerable people in rural areas
The Council is content to endorse the suggestions made in the draft action plan particularly with reference to improved access to key services. The Council will work in partnership with the LAG to explore complementarities and identify match funding opportunities particularly with a view to improving access to basic rural services including: - Developing facilities to provide better access to local services - Developing the potential for community enterprises to provide basic services such as childcare, eldercare, training etc
(b) Please provide details on any further measures which you think should be considered to help address Access Poverty among vulnerable people in rural areas
The Council agrees with the core measures that have been identified as a consequence of the evidence of need that has been provided by DARD.
The Council also recommends that there is a need to prioritise cross departmental resources and funding for social economy models of delivery of services in particular, in order to ensure better sustainability.
6) (a) Please comment on how effective you think the measures contained in the draft Action Plan (see Section 7) will be in addressing Financial Poverty among vulnerable people in rural areas
The Council endorses the measures contained in the draft Action Plan aimed at addressing financial poverty among vulnerable people in rural areas and would recommend that DARD continues to work in partnership with LAG’s to improve employability, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in rural areas particularly through measures such as the Rural Business Investment Scheme.
A Key target area identified by Lagan rural Partnership LAG is Youth Unemployment with 26.5% of 18-24 year olds in the Lisburn Castlereagh City Council area registered as unemployed. (source: Oxford Economics)
(b) Please provide details on any other measures which you think should be considered to help address Financial Poverty among vulnerable people in rural areas
Accessibility and solutions for rural areas in terms of rural transport needs to be identified as a key priority in particular. Despite recognition of this issue as a priority at Council Community Planning Engagement events, mobile infrastructure (cars, vans, buses etc) remain ineligible under the new programme rules for NIRDP 2014- 2020. This funding could make a significant impact in this area if this type of spend was deemed eligible.
7) (a) Please comment on how effective you think the measures contained in the draft Action Plan (see Section 7) will be in addressing Social Isolation among vulnerable people in rural areas The Council endorses the suggestions made in the draft action plan particularly with reference to addressing social isolation. These actions complement the Rural Basic Services Measure being delivered by Lagan Rural Partnership LAG which will aim to deliver better access to local services with community and social economy agencies acting as the key drivers in the delivery of childcare, eldercare or recreational, cultural and leisure activities. .
(b) Please provide details on any other measures which you think should be considered to help address Social Isolation among vulnerable people in rural areas
The Council welcomes an increased focus on integrated delivery of actions. This approach should also include the following community stakeholders and community development functions. - Council (Responsible for Community Planning) - LAGs responsible for Basic Services and Village Renewal Funding - Sub Regional Support Networks e.g. TADA Network - Regional bodies including Rural Community Network responsible for policy development, Rural Development Council responsible for Research and Rural Support which is responsible for providing listening and signposting support to farm families and rural dwellers.
8) How might the successor TRPSI Framework contribute towards the development of more effective rural community support structures? Please provide comments in the box below
The Council recommends that DARD explores further investment in community led social economy models to deliver the rural community support structures needed in our rural areas to include in particular: - Local Government led initiatives - Public / Private pilot delivery models - Sub Regional Support Networks e.g. TADA Network - Regional bodies including Rural Community Network responsible for policy development, Rural Development Council responsible for Research and Rural Support which is responsible for providing listening and signposting support to farm families and rural dwellers.
9) How might a successor TRPSI Framework support the delivery of local councils Community Plans? Please provide comments in the box below
The Council recommends that partnership working with local Councils should commence soon with a view to integrating relevant actions with emerging community planning themes in relation to economic development, regeneration, building safer communities, rural transport, community development and community relations. Activities should also include exploring resources within Local Government in terms of the provision of officer resource and potential capital support within the Council, through the LAG or other levered Council led funds e.g Other EU funding such as Eurasmus + etc.
10) Do you have any views on the conclusions reached by DARD (see Section 9) in relation to the proposals for a successor TRPSI Framework in respect of: (i) The Equality and Human Rights Template Please provide comments in the box below
The Council agrees that based on the evidence considered in the screening exercises referenced, further assessments of impacts are not required.
The Council further agrees that equality screening should be undertaken in respect of each individual programme delivered under the successor TRPSI framework and where appropriate full EQIAs should be carried out by the Lead Authority.
The Council concurs that equality monitoring should be undertaken in respect of each individual programme at the earliest opportunity in line with the evaluation report of the current TRPSI framework.
(ii) The Rural Issues Statement Please provide comments in the box below
The Council recommends that a ‘rural proofing’ ethos should be enshrined in community planning at Local Government level in line with policy proposals which state that DARD will work with Local Government and other Government Departments to ensure a collaborative and joined up approach.
It is the Council’s opinion that successful delivery will be dependent on Government Departments to produce appropriate legislation, policy and strategy and to that end it will be crucial to ensure cross departmental compliance with any proposed ‘rural proofing’ duty so that there is a smooth and swift transition of implementation from Government Department level to Local Government level.
11) Is there any other aspect of the proposals that you wish to comment on?
Please provide comments in the box below
None
APPENDIX 4 ED
Public Consultation on
Proposals for a
Successor to DARD’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation
Framework 2011-15
18 NOVEMBER 2015
CLOSING DATE FOR RESPONSES:
WEDNESDAY 20th JANUARY 2016, 5PM
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No. 1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
2. POLICY CONTEXT
3. OTHER DARD RURAL INITIATIVES
4. RATIONALE FOR THE FRAMEWORK
5. INFORMING THE SUCCESSOR FRAMEWORK
6. PROPOSALS FOR A SUCCESSOR FRAMEWORK
AIM, OBJECTIVES & INTENDED OUTCOME
PRIORITY AREAS FOR INTERVENTION
KEY PRINCIPLES
TARGET GROUPS IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION
7. DRAFT ACTION PLAN
8. DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLOGY
9. EQUALITY AND RURAL PROOFING
10. RESPONDING TO THIS CONSULTATION / FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
11. CONSULTATION RESPONSE TEMPLATE
ANNEX A - SUMMARY OF MEASURES FUNDED UNDER THE TRPSI FRAMEWORK 2011-15
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1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
Introduction
1.1 This consultation document sets out the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s proposals for a successor to its Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Framework 2011-15. Its purpose is to inform stakeholders and to seek their views on the proposals.
The TRPSI Framework
1.2 The TRPSI Framework is a DARD-led initiative aimed at tackling rural poverty and social isolation through a package of measures, in partnership with other statutory bodies, designed to target the effects of poverty and social isolation among vulnerable rural dwellers.
1.3 The TRPSI Framework is one of a number of complementary rural initiatives led by DARD which are designed to help ensure that the needs of rural communities are addressed by government. It is the mechanism through which DARD has delivered the commitment in the Programme for Government 2011-15 to bring forward a £13 million package to tackle rural poverty and social and economic isolation. The current TRPSI Framework 2011-15 has built on DARD’s previous anti-poverty programme delivered through its Rural Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Framework 2008-11. It was originally scheduled to operate during the period 2011-15 but was subsequently extended by one year to March 2016.
1.4 The TRPSI Framework uniquely focuses on the needs of the most vulnerable groups in rural areas. It allows DARD to combine the tools it has available to help tackle poverty and social isolation in rural areas (e.g. financial resources, staff resources, legislation, experience etc) with the financial resources and expertise of other public sector bodies and the local knowledge and skills provided by the rural community sector. It
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provides the flexibility necessary to address a range of poverty and social isolation issues and to target a broad range of vulnerable groups. The TRPSI Framework also promotes the development of new and innovative approaches to address rural issues and encourages the mainstreaming of successful projects by government organisations. The TRPSI Framework provides a mechanism for DARD to work in partnership with other government Departments and other public sector organisations in seeking to tackle poverty and social isolation in rural areas more effectively.
The Proposals
1.5 The current TRPSI Framework ends in March 2016. DARD has developed proposals for a successor TRPSI Framework to operate in the period post2016, subject to availability of funding. These proposals are set out in Sections 6 and 7 of the consultation document and include revised Aims, Objectives, Intended Outcomes and Key Principles for the Framework. They also include a draft outline Action Plan which proposes the types of measures which might be supported under the successor TRPSI Framework.
1.6 The proposals for a successor TRPSI Framework will be delivered beyond 2016 in the context of challenging budgetary pressures and a changing landscape that includes the proposed restructuring of the public sector with the planned establishment of new Departments and the implementation of community planning in the new local councils. It will also be delivered within the context of the new Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 including the local development strategies being developed under LEADER and the proposed Rural Needs Bill, which is being brought forward by DARD during 2015/16 to help ensure a greater focus by both central and local government on the needs of people in rural areas. Given the extent of the changes that are likely to impact on rural policy over the coming period, the focus of the draft outline Action Plan is the 2016/17 financial year, which will allow for the Plan to be
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updated as the various changes embed in preparation for the next budget period.
1.7 While it is proposed that the Action Plan would be supported by a budget similar to that available under the previous Framework, no budget has yet been secured for the post-2016 period. A key feature of the proposed successor TRPSI Framework is that it will support the operation and testing of pilot projects. It will also aim to maximise financial resources and expertise by aiming to bring together a cocktail of funding to support Actions.
1.8 In preparing these proposals DARD has taken into consideration the Strategic Investment Board’s Report on the Evaluation of the current TRPSI Framework 2011-15 and the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee’s Position Paper on DARD’s Anti-Poverty and Social Isolation Programme. DARD has also held discussions with a range of stakeholder organisations.
The Consultation
1.9 The purpose of this consultation is to seek your views on the proposals for the successor TRPSI Framework as set out in Sections 6 and 7 of the consultation document. DARD is interested in the views of rural stakeholders and therefore would encourage you to respond to the consultation. Details of how to respond to the consultation are set out in Section 10 of this document. Please note that the consultation closes on Wednesday 20th January at 5pm.
2. POLICY CONTEXT
2.1 The NI Executive acknowledges that no single Department has exclusive responsibility for rural areas and it is important that all government Departments acknowledge their responsibilities in rural areas. Most
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strategies and policies developed and implemented across government have a rural dimension or impact upon people living in rural areas.
Programme for Government 2011-15
2.2 The Programme for Government 2011-15 included a commitment for DARD to bring forward a £13 million package of measures to tackle poverty and social isolation in rural areas. This PfG commitment was delivered through DARD’s current Tackling Poverty and Social Isolation Framework 2011-15. The proposed successor Framework will seek to build on this commitment by providing a framework to support a further package of pilot measures aimed at tackling poverty and social isolation in rural areas during the period of the next Programme for Government. The aim will be to test new models/approaches designed to address the rural aspects of poverty and social isolation, which could ultimately be mainstreamed by government organisations.
Delivering Social Change
2.3 Delivering Social Change is an Executive initiative which aims to deliver a sustained reduction in poverty and associated issues across all age groups and also seeks to secure an improvement in children and young people’s health, well being and life opportunities with a view to breaking the long term cycle of multi-generational problems. It seeks to deliver its aims through Ministers and Departments working effectively together to implement a series of key actions across a range of social policy areas which have an impact on the ground. The TRPSI Framework aims to complement the Delivering Social Change initiative by tackling poverty in rural areas through a suite of measures aimed at addressing the needs of the vulnerable groups including the older people, children and young people.
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DARD-led Rural Initiatives
Rural White Paper Action Plan
2.4 The Rural White Paper Action Plan is an Executive initiative which aims to provide a framework for the Executive to work effectively together in seeking to address the main issues and challenges facing rural areas. The Rural White Paper Action Plan sets out both the Executive’s vision and policy priorities for rural areas and includes over 90 actions from across all Departments covering a wide range of rural issues including rural broadband, healthcare, rural tourism, poverty and social inclusion, housing, rural transport and planning. A key policy priority is to seek to minimise, where it exists, disadvantage, poverty, social exclusion and inequality in rural areas particularly among vulnerable groups.
2.5 The TRPSI Framework is an important tool for the Executive in delivering this policy priority by providing a mechanism for Departments to work collaboratively to help alleviate the effects of poverty and social isolation among vulnerable rural dwellers.
Rural Proofing / Rural Champion
2.6 Rural proofing is a DARD-led initiative which aims is to ensure the fair and equitable treatment of rural dwellers by seeking to ensure that rural needs and circumstances are considered as an integral part of the government policy making process. It requires Departments to evaluate the impact of government policy and public service delivery on rural communities and where appropriate to take action to mitigate against any detrimental impacts. It builds on the Rural Champion initiative which is aimed at addressing the specific needs of rural communities primarily through the championing of rural issues inside and outside government.
2.7 In order to enhance the existing rural proofing process, the Minister introduced the Rural Needs Bill into the Assembly on 9th November
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2015. When enacted, the Bill will introduce a statutory duty on all Departments and local councils to consider the needs of rural dwellers when developing and implementing government policies and strategies and delivering public services. The Bill will also require departments and councils to compile, and make available in an open and transparent manner, information on how they have met that duty.
Rural Development Programme 2014-2020
2.8 The Rural Development Programme 2014-20 is supported through the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy. The European Union has three objectives for the development of our rural areas:
• improving competitiveness in the agriculture, food and forestry sectors; • safeguarding and enhancing the rural environment; and • fostering competitive and sustainable rural businesses and thriving rural communities.
2.9 Each region, within a Member State, can design their rural development programmes from a selection of the measures set out in the EU Rural Development Regulation. The North of Ireland has secured the EU Commission’s approval for a programme of support taking into account the problems and needs identified for our rural areas.
3. OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT INITIATIVES
Making Life Better
3.1 Making Life Better led by (DHSSPS) is the strategic framework for public health. It is designed to provide direction for policies and actions to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the North of Ireland and to reduce inequalities in health.The framework builds on the former public health strategy ‘Investing for Health’ and retains a focus on the broad
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range of social, economic and environmental factors which influence health and wellbeing. The framework is not just about actions and programmes at government level – it also provides direction for work at both regional and local levels with public agencies, including local government, local communities and others working in partnership
Sport Matters
3.2 Sport Matters, the NI Strategy for Sport and Physical Recreation 2009- 2019, is a cross Departmental strategy led by DCAL which provides the policy context for sport and also seeks to deliver DCAL’s wider priorities in the areas of equality and addressing poverty and social exclusion. Sport Matters, which was approved by the Executive in December 2009, contains twenty six high level targets to be achieved over the life of the strategy specifically aimed at improving Participation, Performance and Places for sport and so realising a wider strategic vision of ‘...a culture of lifelong enjoyment and success in sport...’. The Strategy sets out targets to support and work in partnership with other key stakeholders including other Government Departments, local authorities, other public bodies, sports governing bodies and local communities.
4. RATIONALE FOR THE FRAMEWORK
Why does DARD have a TRPSI Framework?
4.1 While poverty and social isolation exist in both urban areas and rural areas it is recognised that those living in rural areas often experience poverty and social isolation differently due to issues relating to geographical isolation, lower population density and the dispersed nature of many rural settlements. Living in a rural area can also exacerbate the effects of poverty and social isolation for certain groups. For example additional costs of living in a rural area such as higher fuel or transport costs can have a greater impact on people on low incomes while some groups such as young people or people with disabilities may P a g e | 8
experience greater difficulties accessing transport services in rural areas than in urban settings.
4.2 DARD recognises that no one single Department has responsibility for rural issues and that all Departments have functions which can contribute to alleviating the impact of poverty and social isolation. The TRPSI Framework has been developed to provide a broad framework within which all Departments can work in collaboration to test new and innovative approaches to contribute to reducing poverty and social isolation in rural areas, particularly among vulnerable groups.
4.3 Tackling rural poverty and social isolation is a commitment in the current Programme for Government while minimising, where it exists, disadvantage, poverty, social exclusion and inequality in rural areas particularly among vulnerable groups is a key policy priority for the Executive in its Rural White Paper Action Plan. The evaluation of the TRPSI Framework 2011-15 undertaken by SIB concluded that the TRSPI Framework has been successful in supporting measures which help tackle access poverty, financial poverty and social isolation in rural areas and has resulted in real and tangible benefits for rural dwellers.
Access Poverty in Rural Areas
4.4 Many rural dwellers, particularly those living in more isolated rural areas, do not have the same level of access to services as those living in urban areas. Rural dwellers are therefore often required to travel longer distances to access basic services and this can be problematic for those who do not have access to transport provision. Poor or limited access to basic services disadvantages rural dwellers and increases the risk of social exclusion and isolation for some. Many vulnerable people have to rely on the help and support offered by family, friends, neighbours and community and voluntary organisations to avail of the most basic of services.
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4.5 Lack of access to suitable transport can impact on rural dwellers’ ability to access employment opportunities and can therefore be a barrier to escaping poverty. It can also contribute to social isolation among some rural dwellers by restricting access to social, cultural and leisure opportunities. Certain categories of people such as older people, young people and people with disabilities can experience particular difficulties in relation to accessing transport due to an inability to drive or lack of access to a car.
4.6 Access to quality broadband is also essential for rural communities to maintain a good quality of life. It enables rural dwellers to access key services such as online banking and government information and online services available though NI direct as well as training and employment opportunities. Access to good quality broadband can also help address social isolation and improve social interaction for rural dwellers.
4.7 The single most significant issue reported by stakeholders in a survey1 in relation to doing business in rural areas relates to poor telephone and broadband coverage and service. Access to quality mobile phone and broadband services are therefore essential to enable rural businesses to be competitive, support economic development and create jobs in rural areas.
4.8 Access to flexible and affordable childcare is also important for rural dwellers, particularly for women, to allow them to access employment, education and training opportunities. Lack of access to flexible and affordable childcare can therefore act as a barrier to finding a way out of poverty, particularly to women living in rural areas, while closer integration between childcare and education/employment can assist women in re-entering the labour market and helping to sustain rural communities.
1 Jack and Patten, A Summary of key findings from a Rural Stakeholder Consultation on rural services in Northern Ireland (2013), Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, 2013
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Financial Poverty in Rural Areas
4.9 Anecdotal evidence has suggested that the cost of living is more expensive in rural areas. Research2 shows that the cost of a minimum essential standard of living was higher for rural households compared with their urban counterparts. The higher costs were linked to transport (and in particular to the costs associated with running and maintaining a car, considered a necessity in rural areas where there is insufficient public transport) and to food with many rural households unable to readily access larger shops and avail of the comprehensive range of non branded items which are considerably less expensive than branded items. As a result, many rural dwellers pay more for food driving up their overall costs3. Fuel costs can also be higher in some rural areas because of older, less energy efficient housing and restricted options as regards choice of fuels.
4.10 According to the “Family Resources Survey Urban/Rural Report 2012/13” published by the Department of Social Development4 almost one in five individuals (19%) live in poor households, i.e. households with an income less than 60% of the 2012/13 UK median (340,300 individuals). When the DSD figures were broken down further it was found that after housing costs have been taken into account;
o 22% of children live in poor households; o 19% of working age adults live in poor households; o 14% of pensioners live in poor households.5
2 The Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice (2010) Minimum Essential Budgets for Six Household Types in Rural Areas. 3 Rural Poverty and Social Exclusion on the Island of Ireland – Context, Policies and Challenges , Dr. Kathy Walsh, 2010 4 Family Resources Survey Urban/rural Report 2012/13” , 2015 -, Department of Social Development available at http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/official_publication_draft_1213.pdf 5 Households Below Average Income Northern Ireland 2012‐13, DSD, 2014 available at http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/hbai_1213.pdf P a g e | 11
4.11 When the 2005 urban/rural classification is applied, it was found that for individuals, (after meeting housing costs), there is an east/west dimension to the risk of poverty, with the rural west having the highest risk of poverty6.
4.12 Almost a third (29%) of all people in poverty in the North of Ireland (before housing costs) live in the rural west. The rural west has the highest percentage of individuals living in relative poverty (before housing costs) at 24%, compared to 16% of people in the Belfast Metropolitan Urban Area and in the rural east, and a North of Ireland average of 19%. Households in the rural west have the lowest disposable incomes both before and after housing costs and although all areas have seen an overall decrease in median income since 2002/03, the greatest fall has been in rural areas7. Rural areas are also more likely to have bigger families (3 or more children). The rural west has the highest proportion of people with post office card accounts.
Social Isolation in Rural Areas
4.13 Some groups living in rural areas are at risk of social isolation due to various factors including the lack of access to transport, lack of disposable income, lack of accessible peer support networks8. Groups identified as being at risk include young people, older people, farmers, women, lone parents, disabled people, travellers, migrant workers, refugees and asylum seekers, victims of domestic violence as well as members of the gay, lesbian and transgender community. Research9
6 Risk of poverty is defined as the percentage of people that live in households experiencing relative income poverty. A household is in relative income property if the income is less than 60% of the UK median. 7 Family Resources Survey Urban/rural Report 2012/13” , 2015 ‐, Department of Social Development available at http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/official_publication_draft_1213.pdf 8 Rural Poverty and Social Exclusion on the Island of Ireland – Context, Policies and Challenges , Dr. Kathy Walsh, 2010 9 Rural Community Network (2008) Poverty and Place: Defining Rural Poverty: An issues based approach, RCN, Northern Ireland. P a g e | 12
has found a clear link between isolation, stress, self harm and suicide in rural areas.
4.14 Caring responsibilities often isolate women, particularly those in rural areas who may become excluded from fully participating in social, economic and community-based activities. Farmers may also be at risk due to the increasing nature of long hours and lone working in farming as a result of the mechanisation of farming.
5. INFORMING THE SUCCESSOR FRAMEWORK
5.1 In preparing the proposals for the successor TRPSI Framework, DARD has taken into consideration the factors outlined below.
ARD Committee Position Paper
5.2 The Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) Committee published a Position Paper earlier this year following its ‘review of the Department’s Anti- Poverty and Social Inclusion Programme’ (the TRPSI Framework) which makes a number of recommendations in relation to the successor TRPSI Framework. In its paper the Committee indicated that it is content with the current TRPSI Framework in terms of the approach taken to date. It also recognised the contribution which the voluntary and community sector has made to the success of TRPSI and recommends that the Department builds on the successes of the current TRPSI Framework drawing on the knowledge of rural community organisations to help inform and shape the new Framework. A copy of the Position Paper is available on the DARD website and can be accessed at www.dardni.gov.uk/consultations .
Evaluation of TRPSI Framework 2011-15
5.3 The Strategic Investment Board (SIB) was commissioned by DARD to undertake an independent evaluation of the TRPSI Framework 2011-15 which took place during the period April - July 2015. The Evaluation
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Report sets out a number of lessons learned which should be applied to any successor Framework together with a number of recommendations. These include the need for any future framework to have a greater focus on targeting the needs of rural dwellers, the need for the establishment of a wider forum for discussing rural poverty and social isolation issues and for more consideration to be given to how to ensure that successful projects are mainstreamed by other government organisations. A copy of the Evaluation Report is available on the DARD website and can be accessed at www.dardni.gov.uk/consultations .
Consultation with Key Stakeholders
5.4 The Department has engaged with a range of key stakeholders to help inform its thinking regarding a successor Framework. SIB has also engaged with a range of rural stakeholders as part of its evaluation of the current TRPSI Framework and these discussions have helped inform the lessons learned section in its Evaluation Report. Stakeholder organisations have reaffirmed their support for the TRPSI Framework stressing the important role it plays in tackling rural poverty and social isolation and the positive difference it has made to the lives of vulnerable rural dwellers through the wide range of measures funded under it.
6. PROPOSALS FOR A SUCCESSOR FRAMEWORK POST-2016
Aim of the Framework
6.1 It is proposed that the aim of the successor Framework would be:
. To provide a flexible mechanism for DARD to work effectively with other statutory bodies and partnership organisations to bring together a cocktail of funding to develop and implement new and innovative pilot measures
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which help tackle poverty and social isolation among vulnerable people living in rural areas.
Objectives of the Framework
6.2 It is proposed that the objectives of the successor Framework would be:
. To promote the development of new and innovative pilot approaches to tackling poverty and social isolation in rural areas;
. To encourage effective partnership working between DARD, other statutory bodies and public sector organisations and the rural community sector in seeking to tackle poverty and social isolation among vulnerable people in rural areas;
. To encourage the design and delivery of pilot measures which effectively target financial poverty, access poverty and social isolation among vulnerable people in rural areas in line with the key principles of the Framework;
. To support pilot interventions which better target the funding and/or other resources available to target poverty and social isolation among vulnerable people in rural areas.
Intended Outcomes of the Framework
6.3 It is proposed that the intended outcomes for the successor Framework should be:
. A measurable improvement in the quality of life of vulnerable rural dwellers;
. Through pilot interventions, the availability of new models/approaches designed to address the rural aspects of poverty and social isolation which can be mainstreamed by government organisations;
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. Better targeted resources available through a cocktail of funding to target poverty and social isolation among vulnerable people in rural areas;
. An increase in levels of knowledge, information and understanding in relation to the rural aspects of poverty and social isolation across government;
. Positive and effective engagement by rural communities in seeking to address poverty and social isolation issues within their areas.
Priority Areas for Intervention
6.4 It is proposed that the successor Framework would continue to focuses on three Priority Areas for Intervention specified in the 2011-2015 TRPSI Framework, i.e. Access Poverty, Financial Poverty and Social Isolation, and will aim to support measures designed to address these priorities in rural areas.
6.5 Access Poverty - this priority aims to improve access to key services for vulnerable rural dwellers by supporting pilot interventions which;
. Improve urban-rural linkages eg through the provision of better transport and broadband services; . improve access to key services (e.g. healthcare, education and training, leisure facilities, library services, childcare etc).
6.6 Financial Poverty – this priority aims to address financial poverty among vulnerable rural dwellers by supporting pilot interventions which:
. reduce household expenditure or other living costs (e.g. transport costs etc); . increase household incomes; (e.g. through improved employability, employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, increased benefit uptake etc); . address issues relating to the additional costs faced by people living in rural areas (e.g. fuel costs); P a g e | 16
. address the barriers to escaping financial poverty (e.g. low qualifications, low skills, lack of access to affordable childcare, lack of access to quality jobs, disengagement, poor health etc); . help alleviate the effects of financial poverty (e.g. food poverty, health problems, obesity among children, debt etc).
6.7 Social Isolation – this priority aims to address social isolation among vulnerable rural dwellers by supporting pilot interventions which:
. promote positive mental health and wellbeing; . increase opportunities for social engagement (e.g. social activities, sport and leisure activities, cultural activities etc); . provide support to groups at risk of social isolation (e.g. farmers, older people, people with disabilities, disengaged youth, etc).
Key Principles for the Framework
6.8 It is proposed that the following key principles will apply to the successor Framework:
i. The Framework will focus on addressing the needs of rural communities through the delivery of outcomes based pilot programmes; ii. The Framework will promote the piloting of new and innovative approaches to tackling rural poverty and social isolation; iii. The Framework will encourage partnership working between Departments, other public sector organisations and the rural community sector; iv. The Framework will recognise the important role played by the rural community sector and the need to encourage rural community empowerment; v. The Framework will encourage the mainstreaming of successfully piloted projects and the development of suitable exit strategies;
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vi. The Framework will complement the Rural Proofing, Rural White Paper Action Plan and DARD’s Rural Development Programme initiatives; vii. The Framework will promote sustainability through support for pilot projects which deliver long term benefits for rural communities; viii. The Framework will seek to promote equality and good relations in line with the Department’s duties under Section 75; ix. The Framework will seek to complement the aims and objectives of other key government strategies relating to poverty and social isolation; x. The Framework will promote the sharing of information, learning and best practice between organisations; xi. The Framework will seek to complement the community planning process.
Target Groups
6.9 The current TRPSI Framework aims to target certain vulnerable groups, however the evaluation of the Framework indicates that it has been less successful in targeting some of these groups than others. Furthermore the evaluation identifies that some groups such as ‘farmers’ have been successfully targeted despite not having been specified as a specific target group while some stakeholders have questioned why ‘women’ were not specifically listed as a separate target group. Discussions with key stakeholders indicate that the list of target groups included in the 2011-15 TRPSI Framework risks being too prescriptive and may restrict the successor Framework’s ability to target new groups.
6.10 It is proposed therefore that the successor Framework would have the flexibility to develop and test pilot measures aimed at addressing a wider range of target groups based on need rather than be restricted to targeting a specific ‘Target Group’ list as was the case under the previous Framework.
6.11 It is proposed that the vulnerable groups which can be supported by the successor Framework would include the following groups but that this P a g e | 18
list would not be prescriptive: The target groups listed below have been identified as being at risk of poverty and/or social isolation in rural areas however it is proposed that the successor Framework will retain the flexibility to target other groups which are identified on evidence of need as being at risk but which are not listed.
• Women • Farmers • People in work on low incomes (the working poor) • Children and Young People • Older People • Ethnic Minorities and Immigrants • People with low skills and/or low levels of education • Lone parents • People with mental ill health • People with disabilities • The LGBT community • People with caring responsibilities • People who are unemployed or on benefits
Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation
6.12 A detailed Action Plan will be drawn up setting out the Department’s proposals for implementing the successor Framework including details of the measures to be funded and the budget to be allocated in respect of each initiative during the budgetary period. The Action Plan will be updated to reflect any changes to the measures to be funded under the successor Framework and/or changes to budget allocations made during the period of the successor Framework.
6.13 Monitoring arrangements will be put in place in respect of individual pilot programmes funded under the successor Framework and will include regular updates on progress and expenditure. An annual update on the implementation of the successor Framework will be published in the Department’s Annual Progress Report on the Rural White Paper Action Plan.
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6.14 The Terms of Reference for the Interdepartmental Committee on Rural Policy (IDCRP) will be revised to include oversight of the implementation of the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Framework in line with the ARD Committee’s recommendation in its Position Paper to develop an interdepartmental working group. It is proposed that a TRPSI Advisory Forum will also be established to advise on poverty and social isolation issues in rural areas.
6.15 Each individual programme funded under the successor Framework will be subject to an evaluation on completion of the programme. An evaluation of the successor Framework will be undertaken prior to the development of any future Framework.
7. DRAFT ACTION PLAN 2016/17
7.1 The following draft Action Plan provides an outline of the types of measures which DARD proposes to support under the successor TRPSI Framework.
7.2 Details of measures funded under the current TRPSI Framework 2011- 15 can be found at Annex A.
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DRAFT ACTION PLAN – 2016-17 Examples of Initiative(s) that could be supported, Priority Area for Intervention subject to evidence of need and commitments from the appropriate partner organisations
Access Poverty – Promote fair and equitable access to key services for all rural dwellers • Innovative Health Solutions • improve urban-rural linkages through the provision of better • Essential Skills support transport and broadband services; • Broadband solutions • improve access to key services • Rural hub facilities • Social economy models for delivery of services
Financial Poverty – Maximise household incomes • Support and promote employability, employment and • reduce household expenditure or other living costs entrepreneurship opportunities. • increase household incomes • Support access to and awareness of benefits and • address issues relating to the additional costs faced by entitlements people living in rural areas • Support household energy efficiency improvement • address the barriers to escaping financial poverty • Support transport access and solutions • help alleviate the effects of financial poverty
Social Isolation – Promote tolerance, health, wellbeing and inclusion for rural dwellers • Support the promotion of mental health awareness and • promote positive mental health and wellbeing; actions • increase opportunities for social engagement • Support health and well-being activities • provide support to groups at risk of social isolation • Support community capacity, rural hubs and social inclusion activities
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8. DEFINITIONS AND TERMINOLGY
Rural
8.1 There is no single definition of what is meant by the term “rural”, however the NI Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) published a Report 10 by the InterDepartmental Urban-Rural Definition Group in February 2005 that recommended that Government Departments and other users should consider defining urban and rural areas in ways that are appropriate for the specific programmes and projects under consideration. This review was updated in 2015. 11 In the absence of a programme-specific definition, the revised classification proposed that settlements with a population of 5,000 or less should be defined as rural. The review also considered service provision and categorised each settlement as within or outside 20 and 30 minute drive times of a medium or larger town with a population of 10,000 or more. On the basis of the revised definition, approximately 63% of the 1.8 million inhabitants live in urban areas and 37% (678,939) in rural areas12 and 20% of the population live outside a 20 minute drive time of a medium or larger town13.
Low-income poverty
8.2 The NI Executive uses two main indicators of low-income poverty14, as defined in the Child Poverty Act 2010 and reflected in the NI Child Poverty Strategy. These indicators are relative and absolute poverty. These indicators combined with the low income and material deprivation indicator and the persistent poverty indicator provide the
10 Report of the Inter‐Departmental Urban‐Rural Definition Group: Statistical Classification and Delineation of Settlements, NISRA, February 2005 11 Review of the Statistical Classification and Delineation of Settlements March 2015 http://www.nisra.gov.uk/archive/geography/review‐of‐the‐statistical‐classification‐ anddelineation‐of‐settlements‐march‐2015.pdf 12 Derived from Table 2 of the Statistical Classification and Delineation of Settlements report 13 Table 1 of the Statistical Classification and Delineation of Settlements report 14 www.dsdni.gov.uk/ni_poverty_bulletin_201213.pdf
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basis for measurable targets in the North of Ireland and Britain in relation to the Child Poverty Act 2010.
Relative poverty
8.3 An individual is considered to be in relative poverty if they are living in a household with an equivalised income below 60% of UK median income in the year in question. This is a measure of whether those in the lowest income households are keeping pace with the growth of incomes in the population as a whole. In 2012/13 the relative poverty threshold for a couple with no children was an income of £264 per week before housing costs (BHC) from all sources. For a couple with children the threshold would be higher and for a single person (without children) the threshold would be lower.
Absolute poverty
8.4 An individual is considered to be in absolute poverty if they are living in a household with an equivalised income below 60% of the (inflation adjusted) median income in 2010/11. This is a measure of whether those in the lowest income households are seeing their incomes rise in real terms. In 2012/13 the absolute poverty threshold for a couple with no children was an income of £272 per week (BHC).
Combined Low Income and Material Deprivation
8.5 A further poverty measure related to child poverty and included in the NI Child Poverty Strategy is the Combined Low Income and Material Deprivation measure. A child is defined as poor on this measure if the household in which they live has an income below 70% of the contemporary UK median household income and has a material deprivation score of 25 or more reflected by enforced lack of adult and child goods and services.
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Social Isolation
8.6 Social isolation is characterized by a lack of contact with other people in normal daily living—in the workplace, with friends, and in social activities. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), social isolation is “both a symptom and a cause of social distress.” It may follow a difficult event in a person’s life—the loss of a job, the breakdown of a marriage, illness or financial difficulties.
8.7 Feelings of isolation can, in turn, make it difficult for that individual to reintegrate socially and can have serious consequences: “Social isolation can be a downward spiral: feelings of exclusion affect morale, can impact on a person’s mental health and lack of contacts with other people may reduce both social and economic opportunities. 15 ” Research has shown that loneliness and isolation are associated with poor physical as well as mental health 16 and with a significantly increased risk of mortality17
8.8 Feelings of social isolation may be exacerbated by the areas where people live. Individuals may experience poor housing, high unemployment and low incomes. They may also find that there are barriers to them accessing goods and services that are available to others in society such as access to public transport, health services, benefits etc, something that is more prevalent in rural areas. Again this
15 SOCIETY AT A GLANCE: OECD SOCIAL INDICATORS 2005 EDITION – I 82 SBN 92-64-00712-1 – © OECD 2005 16 Age UK (2015) Loneliness and Isolation Evidence Review, London, Age UK, available at : http://www.ageuk.org.uk/documents/en- gb/forprofessionals/evidence_review_loneliness_and_isolation.pdf?dtrk=true
17 Holt Lundstad, J, Smith, T, Baker, M, Harris, T and Stephenson, D, (2015) Loneliness and Social Isolation as Risk Factors for Mortality: A Meta-Analytic Review, Washington, Perspectives on Psychological Science 2015, Vol. 10(2) 227–237 available at: http://pps.sagepub.com/content/10/2/227.full.pdf+html
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isolation may be as a direct result of poverty/lack of income, the place that they live, or as this framework recognises, a combination of both.
9. EQUALITY AND RUAL PROOFING
9.1 DARD has carried out the following screening exercises on the proposals for a successor TRSPI Framework:
• Equality and Human Rights – to assess the potential impacts on section 75 groups, human rights implications and opportunities for promoting good relations; and • Rural Issues Statement – to assess the potential impacts of a policy on people living in rural areas.
9.2 The screening documents are available to download at www.dardni.gov.uk/consultations.
9.3 Based on the evidence considered in these screening exercises, DARD has concluded that further assessments of impacts are not required (i.e. the policy has been screened out).
9.4 It is proposed that an Equality Screening will be undertaken in respect of each individual programme delivered under the successor TRPSI Framework and, where appropriate, full EQIAs will be carried out by the lead public authority.
9.5 It is also proposed that Equality Monitoring will be undertaken in respect of each individual programme funded under the successor TRPSI Framework at the earliest opportunity in line with the Report on the evaluation of the current TRPSI Framework.
10. RESPONDING TO THE CONSULTATION
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10.1 DARD welcomes any comments you wish to make on the proposals outlined in the consultation.
10.2 Section 11 provides questions which you can use to respond to us. These are included in the Consultation Response Template provided on the DARD website at www.dardni.gov.uk/consultations . You may also provide additional comments you may have on issues mentioned in this document.
10.3 You can respond to the consultation by e-mail to:
or by writing to the address below:
Sustainable Rural Communities Branch Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Room 406 Dundonald House Upper Newtownards Road Ballymiscaw Belfast BT4 3SB
10.4 To request a hard copy, or an alternative format, of the consultation papers please write or e-mail as detailed above, or telephone 028 9052 0884 or textphone 028 9052 4420. This consultation documents (including the Consultation Response Template) are available on the DARD website at: www.dardni.gov.uk/consultations .
10.5 Please note that the deadline for responses to this consultation is Wednesday 20th January 2016, 5PM. All responses should be received by then to ensure they can be fully considered.
Freedom of Information
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10.6 In line with the Department’s policy of openness at the end of the consultation period, copies of the responses we receive may be made publicly available. The information they contain may also be published in a summary of responses, which will be placed on the internet at www.dardni.gov.uk/index/index/consultations.htm.
10.7 This summary will include a list of names of organisations or sectors that responded but not personal names, addresses or other contact details.
10.8 If you do not consent to this, you must explicitly request that your response be treated confidentially detailing your reasons for this request. Any confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system in e-mail responses will not be treated as such a request.
10.9 You should also be aware that there might be circumstances in which we will be required to communicate information to third parties on request, in order to comply with our obligations under Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. For further information about confidentiality of responses, please contact the Information Commissioner’s Office, or visit their website at www.ico.org.uk
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11. CONSULTATION RESPONSE TEMPLATE
11.1 DARD welcomes any comments you wish to make on any of the proposals outlined in the consultation. You can respond to this consultation using the template below.
1. Name / Organisation
Organisation Name (If applicable).
Title Mr Ms Mrs Miss Dr Please tick as appropriate
Surname
Forename
2. Postal Address
Postcode Phone No, E-mail
Consultation Questions
1) Do you agree that the proposed Aim, Objectives and Intended Outcomes (see Section 6) for the TRPSI Framework are appropriate?
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Yes No Please provide any supporting comments in the box below
2) Do you agree that the 3 Priority Areas – Access Poverty, Financial Poverty and Social Isolation (see Section 6) – should continue to be the main priorities for the TRPSI Framework? Yes No Please provide any supporting comments in the box below
3) Do you agree that the 12 Key Principles (see Section 6) are appropriate for the TRPSI Framework? Yes No
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Please provide supporting comments in the box below
4) Do you agree that the list of Target Groups (see Section 6) is appropriate in relation to providing support to vulnerable groups under the successor TRPSI Framework? Yes No Please provide supporting comments in the box below
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(a) Please comment on how effective you think the measures Section 7) will be in
5) contained in the draft Action Plan (see addressing Access Poverty among vulnerable people in rural areas
(b) Please provide details on any further measures which you think should be considered to help address Access Poverty among vulnerable people in rural areas
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(a) Please comment on how effective you think the measures Section 7) will be in
6) contained in the draft Action Plan (see addressing Financial Poverty among vulnerable people in rural areas
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(a) Please comment on how effective you think the measures Section 7) will be in
(b) Please provide details on any other measures which you think should be considered to help address Financial Poverty among vulnerable people in rural areas
7) contained in the draft Action Plan (see addressing Social Isolation among vulnerable people in rural areas
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(a) Please comment on how effective you think the measures Section 7) will be in
(b) Please provide details on any other measures which you think should be considered to help address Social Isolation among vulnerable people in rural areas
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(a) Please comment on how effective you think the measures Section 7) will be in
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8) How might the successor TRPSI Framework contribute towards the development of more effective rural community support structures? Please provide comments in the box below
9) How might a successor TRPSI Framework support the delivery of local councils Community Plans? Please provide comments in the box below
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10) Do you have any views on the conclusions reached by DARD (see Section 9) in relation to the proposals for a successor TRPSI Framework in respect of:
(i) The Equality and Human Rights Template Please provide comments in the box below
(ii) The Rural Issues Statement Please provide comments in the box below
11) Is there any other aspect of the proposals that you wish to comment on?
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Please provide comments in the box below
ANNEX A - SUMMARY OF MEASURES FUNDED UNDER THE TRPSI FRAMEWORK 2011-15
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Assisted Rural Travel Scheme (ARTS) – A joint programme by DARD and DRD through which passengers with a valid SmartPass can travel free or half fare on the Dial-a-Lift services provided by the Rural Community Transport Partnerships.
BOOST (Rural Youth Employability) – A joint programme by DARD and DEL which aims to reduce economic inactivity among unemployed rural young people by helping them to gain the core skills needed for employment and by addressing barriers to employment such as the lack of skills/qualifications, lack of selfconfidence and lack of employment support.
Rural Borewells Scheme – A joint programme by DARD and DRD to provide financial assistance towards the construction of a private borewell (and installation of appropriate treatment works) to enable applicants to obtain a wholesome water supply in rural areas where accessing the public water mains is not technically or financially possible
Connecting Elderly Rural Isolated (CERI) – A joint programme by DARD and the Western Health and Social Care Trust to address social isolation for vulnerable older people living in rural areas within catchment area, with a focus on health promotion, healthy lifestyles and supporting independent living.
Farm Families Health Checks – A joint programme by DARD and the Public Health Agency (PHA) to improve the health and social wellbeing of farmers and farm families by increasing local access to health screening services, by providing health related advice and information and to signpost to existing services for further advice and support.
Health in Mind – A joint programme between DARD and Libraries NI to promote positive mental health through reading, learning and information activities.
Libraries in a Box – A joint programme between DARD and Libraries NI to trial the idea of a small, self service library facility in community buildings in 3 rural areas which don’t have a library building and depend on the mobile library service.
Maximising Access Rural Areas Project (MARA) – A joint programme between DARD and the Public Health Agency to improve the health and well being of rural dwellers in Northern Ireland by increasing access to services, grants and benefits by facilitating a co-ordinated service to support rural dwellers living in or at risk of poverty and social exclusion.
Fuel Poverty (Power NI) – A joint programme between DARD and DSD to help alleviate rural fuel poverty by supplementing the Power NI Free Loft Insulation scheme, reduce heating costs and create warmer, more comfortable homes for vulnerable rural households in Northern Ireland.
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Rural Challenge Programme - A small grants programme run by DARD to provide rural community and voluntary groups with grant aid of up to £5,000 to deliver a wide range of projects which aimed to address local poverty and/or social isolation issues.
Rural Community Development (Rural Support Networks) – A programme to ensure regional coverage and local delivery of rural community development support across Northern Ireland.
Community Development (Rural Enablers) - A programme run by DARD to support individuals and communities in rural areas by improving their economic and social sustainability.
Rural Support - A programme run by DARD to provide a range of support services to rural communities including a telephone helpline service for rural residents.
RYE NI (Rural Youth Enterprise) - A joint programme by DARD and DEL which aims to promote growth by developing business creation potential among vulnerable young people.
Fuel Poverty (Warm Homes) - A joint programme between DARD and DSD which aims to supplement the Warm Homes Plus Scheme by enabling the provision of whole house solutions for rural “Hard to Treat” homes.
Rural Broadband – A programme designed to improve the quality of broadband in rural areas.
LGBT Research - A rural research project aimed at identifying issues around poverty and social isolation affecting the LGBT Community in rural areas.
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT TRANSFERRING FUNCTIONS - PROPOSED PILOT INITIATIVES 2015-2016
Following on from the transfer of economic development powers from regional to local government, in April 2015, it is proposed that the Council develop a number of pilot business support initiatives specifically focused on the following marginalised groups: Female Entrepreneurship Youth Entrepreneurship Social Enterprise
It is anticipated that these projects will stimulate interest and demand in these target groups throughout the Council area, as well as increasing the number of local residents engaging in entrepreneurial activities.
PROGRAMME OUTPUTS BUDGET
Social Enterprise 6 participating organisations £29,000 Support Programme 5 business/sustainability plans completed 7 new jobs 5 new products/services Combined funding levered £100,000
Female High Profile event to promote £25,000 Entrepreneurs Female Entrepreneurship Programme 10 participants 8 new businesses 8 new jobs 2 businesses referred to further sources of business development and/or funding support
Youth Targeted initiative to increase £10,000 Entrepreneurship participation of young people in local enterprise and employment activities.
Members should note that the cost of all the above projects will be 100% covered by the transferring functions budget which will therefore incur no additional cost to the Council.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee agrees to fund the initiatives as outlined at Appendix 5, at a total cost of £64,000.
APPENDIX 6 ED
TOURISM E-CLUSTERING PROGRAMME KEY MILESTONES ACHIEVED
STAGE 1: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT • 335 attendees in total for the 12 training workshops and online training resources made available to participants. • 140 Individuals representing 115 companies have received training support • 14.5 FTE jobs created
STAGE 2: ONE TO ONE MENTORING • 24 participants selected for one-to-one mentoring • 96 mentoring days delivered
STAGE 3: PACKAGE DEVELOPMENT • 105% increase in website hits from 1st July 2014 - 30th June 2015 compared with pre-programme • 7 clustered themes created • 14.5 new jobs created • £1,942,236 additional revenue for the local economy, including an increase of £899,856 in event related tourism revenue • Online campaign to promote area including social media ad campaign, website SEO, new programme micro-site created • Media campaign in Republic of Ireland and Scotland
APPENDIX 7 ED
LAGAN RURAL PARTNERSHIP
PROPOSED RURAL VILLAGES SCORING FRAMEWORK
Assess Levels Of Need In The Village
1 Physical Position of the Village [12 marks]
1a Access to a car or van [NINIS] [3 marks]
1b Accessibility to public transport [Translink] [3 marks]
1c Distance from an urban centre [Online Mapping] [3 marks]
1d Population density [NINIS / Planning Service] [3 marks]
2. Social Position of the Village [12 marks]
2a Qualification levels [NINIS] [3 marks]
2b Employment levels [NINIS] [3 marks]
2c Dependent population levels [NINIS] [3 marks]
2d Levels of owner occupied households [NINIS] [3 marks]
3. Levels of Established Need within the Village [36 marks]
3a Deprivation levels by Super Output Area [NISRA] [6 marks]
3b Using relevant examples, identify the level of established need within the Village [Site Analysis / Previous Funding Investment ] [30 marks]
Assess Levels Of Opportunity In The Village
4. Local Opportunities existing within the Village [30 marks]
4a Access to local employment (presence in local area of employer with >25 employees) [Site Analysis] [10 marks]
4b Availability of local services [Site Analysis] [10 marks]
4c Using relevant examples, identify the level of local strengths and opportunities that exist within the village [Site Analysis] [10 marks]
Assess Capacity To Deliver
5. Capacity to Deliver [10 marks]
5a Drawing on previous experiences, demonstrate the capacity of the Village to deliver projects [Site Analysis] [10 marks]
TOTAL 100 MARKS
APPENDIX 8 ED
APPENDIX 9 ED BROADBAND CONNECTION VOUCHERS SCHEME Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council entered into a Service Level Agreement with Belfast City Council in April 2015 for the Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme, funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Belfast City Council was the administrative body for processing applications, as well as proposals for marketing and complementary business development activity to enhance the roll out of the Scheme. This activity comprised part of a Service Level Agreement with participating Councils, at a total cost to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council of £8,000, with an additional budget made available of up to £5,000 which was used to market the project locally.
The voucher Scheme allowed small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprises within the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council boundary area to apply for grants of up to £3,000 to obtain high-speed broadband connections.
Following notification from DCMS on the 12th October 2015 the Connection Voucher Scheme was suspended as the funds available to the Scheme were close to being fully committed. This effectively meant that the Scheme could not accept any new applications and existing applications could only be approved once authority to do so had been received by DCMS. The Economic Development Unit publicised the suspension of the Scheme and withdrew any marketing material promoting it.
The total number of applications to the Scheme for the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area was 217 with a total of 104 vouchers issued, representing a total value of £259,255. The number of unsuccessful or incomplete vouchers was 113.
The largest application received since the scheme started in 2013 was the landlord application for the Inspire Business Centre, based in Castlereagh, with 60 applications totalling an estimated £180,000. This is in addition to the statistics below as this particular application was dealt with directly by DCMS.
Lisburn & Castlereagh Number Value (£)
Total number of applications 217
Vouchers issued 104 259,255 Incomplete/Unsuccessful 113 173,280
The Economic Development Unit will now work with the businesses who have received a voucher but have not yet completed the installation, in order to ensure installation of their upgraded system is completed by 31st March in order for the Broadband Connection Voucher Scheme to fund the connection and honour the voucher.
Recommendation It is recommended that the Committee notes the above.
APPENDIX 10 ED 10th November 2015
Dr Theresa Donaldson Chief Executive Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Civic Headquarters Lagan Valley Island Lisburn BT27 4RL
Dear Theresa
RSI EXTENSION – 22nd OCTOBER 2015 to 31st MARCH 2016
Further to Councils’ request to extend the Regional Start Initiative (RSI), Invest NI can now communicate the targets and costs associated with this extension.
The extension will run until 31st March 2016. Beyond this point, there may be the potential to further extend the contracts but they cannot be extended beyond the 21st October 2016.Invest NI would hope that Council provision will be in place well before this date.
The conditions of the extension remain as per the original SLA between Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Invest NI, dated 1st April 2015 – 21st October 2015, as attached.
Targets for this extension are again based on the economic appraisal for RSI which identified an annual BPA target of 3,400 for Northern Ireland of which 186 are specific to the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area. The pro rata target for the extension period is therefore set out below.
22nd October 2015 ‐ 31 March 2016 (23 weeks) BPA Cost Invest NI Staff Marketing TOTAL COST Council BPA Target (Incl. Vat) Costs (Incl. Vat) Costs (Incl. Vat) (Incl. Vat) Lisburn & Castlereagh CC 82 £27,552.00 £3,699.44 £11,065.20 £42,316.64
Invoicing, which will include business plans, Invest NI staff costs and marketing, will take place quarterly in arrears and reflect activity to December 2015 & March 2016, respectively. (Invest NI has still to invoice Councils for activity to 31st Oct 2015).
Also find attached the GFI Campaign Proposal to March 2016 and associated media campaign which will be delivered by Invest NI in accordance with the budget made available by Councils.
Can you please note and indicate your agreement via email to me by Monday, 16th November 2015.
Should you have any queries do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
David Bradshaw RSI PROGRAMME MANAGER
APPENDIX 11 ED
Additional Report of Director of Development and Planning DC 9 December 2015
LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE – 9 DECEMBER 2015
ADDITIONAL REPORT BY DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND
The purpose of this additional report is to set out for Members’ consideration recommendations relating to the operation of the new Council.
The following decisions are required:-
1. To agree the recommendations in the attached tender report 2. To agree an Economic Development Small Grants Scheme 3. To agree a Food & Drink Business Support Programme
For Noting: -
4. Tender Appointments
ITEMS FOR DECISION
1. BUSINESS SOLUTIONS - TENDER REPORTS
Attached at Appendices 1A (ED) – 1C (ED) are a number of reports on the opening of tenders for the following three Business Solutions projects as well as a recommendation on the preferred tender.
1. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Business Awards (Appendix 1A ED) 2. Sales Development Programme (Appendix 1B ED) 3. Business Mentoring Programme (Appendix 1C ED)
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee agrees the recommendations in the report attached at Appendices 1A-1C (ED).
2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SMALL GRANTS SCHEME
The Economic Development Unit receives requests on an ongoing basis from external organisations such as local community groups, not for profit organisations and traders associations, seeking a Council contribution to their costs, or sponsorship or grants.
It is therefore proposed that the Council provides an Economic Development Small Grants Scheme under which these requests could be formally Additional Report of Director of Development and Planning DC 9 December 2015
considered, and which would be implemented cross the City for those projects with an economic development focus.
A summary of the proposed project funding criteria and application process are outlined at Appendix 2 (ED)
Recommendation
It is recommended that an annual Economic Development Small Grants Scheme be established as outlined above, with a total budget of £20,000 and be implemented on an annual basis across the City.
3. BUSINESS SOLUTIONS – PROPOSED FOOD & DRINK BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAMME
It is proposed that the Council develop a small business support programme specifically targeting the local food & drink sector. This is one of the City’s key growth sectors, known for its quality products and innovation, with much scope for new job creation as well as export development. The aim of the programme will be to work with a minimum of 10 small artisan food and drink producers to assist them to overcome barriers to growth, and address key issues such as sales development, marketing, food labelling, shelf life, logistics, developing an online presence and route to market. As 2016 is the Year of Food & Drink in Northern Ireland, it is proposed that this initiative will complement and integrate with activities planned by Tourism NI to ensure local companies maximise the exposure and profile associated with events planned by Tourism NI as part of the Year of Food & Drink, as well as accessing other support on offer through Tourism NI. It is further anticipated that the support provide through this programme will prepare participating companies to take part at a number of other key local events such as the Balmoral Show, the Speciality Food Fair at Moira, and a Christmas themed Food & Drink event in Lisburn City Centre in 2016.
The indicative budget for the programme is £25,000. Members should note that provision for this programme exists with the current Economic Development budget estimates.
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee agrees a Food & Drink Business Support Programme at a total cost of up to £25,000.
Additional Report of Director of Development and Planning DC 9 December 2015
ITEMS FOR NOTING
4. BUSINESS SOLUTIONS - TENDER APPOINTMENTS
Tenders for the delivery of the following two Business Solutions projects have been awarded to Northern Ireland Trade Consultants.
1. Trade Development Programme to the Netherlands 2. Trade Development Programme to Central & Eastern Europe
Recommendation
It is recommended that the Committee notes the above.
COLIN McCLINTOCK DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING
4 December 2015 APPENDIX 1A (ED)
Tender Report for the Appointment of a suitably qualified organisation to provide Event Management Services for the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Business Awards.
1.0 Introduction Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council is currently seeking to appoint an appropriate delivery organisation (or organisations) to provide Event Management Services for the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Business Awards.
1.01 The Tender Information was advertised in the Belfast Telegraph and placed on the Lisburn E-sourcing portal.
2.0 Tender Opening
2.01 A Sub-Committee of the Development Committee met on Monday 19 November 2015 at 10:55am to open the Invitation to Tender submissions. The tenders received and recorded were passed to the Tender Evaluation Panel for evaluation and recommendation.
2.02 Three organisations returned submissions by the closing date of Monday 16 November 2015, as listed at section 3.02 below.
3.0 Tender Evaluation
3.01 The Evaluation Panel comprising Patricia Mallon (Economic Development Officer, LCCC) and Emma Donaghy (Rural Development Officer, LCCC) met at 10.00am on Tuesday 24 November 2015.
3.02 The following five organisations returned submissions using the Lisburn e-sourcing portal:
Ref No. Economic Operator 1 Happening Conferences & Events 2 ND Events 3 Rumour Mill
3.03 Tenders were evaluated using the agreed criteria and weightings as set out in the issued Tender documents.
3.04 The services proposed by each tenderer and the relative Costs were evaluated and scored in order to determine the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) in relation to Quality/Cost.
APPENDIX 1A (ED)
4.0 Tender Prices
4.01 The Tender Prices submitted by the five organisations are as follows:
Tender Prices £37,220.00 £44,650.00 £46,400.00
4.02 In line with Guidance from Central Procurement Directorate, the tender prices quoted are not attributed to each organisation, in order to maintain the Commercial Sensitivity of each company. The Tender Price submissions above have been ranked from lowest to highest.
4.03 It is recommended that the successful tenderer, ND Events, be appointed for this project.
Paul McCormick Head of Economic Development 1 December 2015
APPENDIX 1B (ED)
Tender Report for the Appointment of a suitably qualified organisation to deliver a Sales Development Programme.
1.0 Introduction Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council is currently seeking to appoint an appropriate delivery organisation (or organisations) to deliver a Sales Development SME Programme in the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area.
1.01 The Tender Information was advertised in the Belfast Telegraph and placed on the Lisburn E-sourcing portal.
2.0 Tender Opening
2.01 A Sub-Committee of the Development Committee met on Monday 19 November 2015 at 10:55am to open the Invitation to Tender submissions. The tenders received and recorded were passed to the Tender Evaluation Panel for evaluation and recommendation.
2.02 Five organisations returned submissions by the closing date of Monday 16 November 2015, as listed at section 3.02 below.
3.0 Tender Evaluation
3.01 The Evaluation Panel comprising Patricia Mallon (Economic Development Officer, LCCC) and Emma Donaghy (Rural Development Officer, LCCC) met at 10.00am on Tuesday 24 November 2015.
3.02 The following five organisations returned submissions using the Lisburn e-sourcing portal:
Ref No. Economic Operator 1 Core Consulting 2 Envision Management Consultants 3 Full Circle Management Solutions 4 Nuala Foley & Associates 5 Core-Vision Ltd.
3.03 Tenders were evaluated using the agreed criteria and weightings as set out in the issued Tender documents.
3.04 The services proposed by each tenderer and the relative Costs were evaluated and scored in order to determine the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) in relation to Quality/Cost.
APPENDIX 1B (ED)
4.0 Tender Prices
4.01 The Tender Prices submitted by the five organisations are as follows:
Tender Prices £17,920.00 £21,199.00 £28,162.50 £27,094.15 £24,693.00
4.02 In line with Guidance from Central Procurement Directorate, the tender prices quoted are not attributed to each organisation, in order to maintain the Commercial Sensitivity of each company. The Tender Price submissions above have been ranked from lowest to highest.
4.03 It is recommended that the successful tenderer, Full Circle Management Consultants, be appointed for this project.
Paul McCormick Head of Economic Development 1 December 2015
APPENDIX 1C (ED)
Tender Report for the Appointment of a suitably qualified organisation to deliver a Business Mentoring Programme.
1.0 Introduction Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council is currently seeking to appoint an appropriate delivery organisation (or organisations) to deliver a Business Mentoring Programme in the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area.
1.01 The Tender Information was advertised in the Belfast Telegraph and placed on the Lisburn E-sourcing portal.
2.0 Tender Opening
2.01 A Sub-Committee of the Development Committee met on Monday 19 November 2015 at 10:55am to open the Invitation to Tender submissions. The tenders received and recorded were passed to the Tender Evaluation Panel for evaluation and recommendation.
2.02 Four organisations returned submissions by the closing date of Monday 9 November 2015, as listed at section 3.02 below.
3.0 Tender Evaluation
3.01 The Evaluation Panel comprising Patricia Mallon (Economic Development Officer, LCCC) and Emma Donaghy (Rural Development Officer, LCCC) met at 10.00am on Tuesday 24 November 2015.
3.02 The following five organisations returned submissions using the Lisburn e-sourcing portal:
Ref No. Economic Operator 1 The Business Institute 2 Full Circle Management Solutions 3 South West College (Cookstown Campus) 4 NORBIC
3.03 Tenders were evaluated using the agreed criteria and weightings as set out in the issued Tender documents.
3.04 The services proposed by each tenderer and the relative Costs were evaluated and scored in order to determine the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) in relation to Quality/Cost.
APPENDIX 1C (ED)
4.0 Tender Prices
4.01 The Tender Prices submitted by the five organisations are as follows:
Tender Prices £24,156.00 £24,350.00 £25,500.00 £28,750.00
4.02 In line with Guidance from Central Procurement Directorate, the tender prices quoted are not attributed to each organisation, in order to maintain the Commercial Sensitivity of each company. The Tender Price submissions above have been ranked from lowest to highest.
4.03 It is recommended that the successful tenderer, NORBIC, be appointed for this project.
Paul McCormick Head of Economic Development 1 December 2015
APPENDIX 2
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SMALL GRANTS SCHEME - FUNDING CRITERIA & APPLICATION PROCESS
It is intended that the scheme will provide funding of up to a maximum of £2,000 for a minimum of 10 projects on an annual basis which will include clear economic objectives, such as strategic development of the organisation, contributing to new job creation, achieving business growth targets, increasing footfall to the City, or increased revenue generation.
The following core funding criteria are proposed:
• Applicants must be based within the City of Lisburn & Castlereagh. • Projects should only be considered for support if they bring clear and measurable economic benefits to the applicant organisation and/or Lisburn & Castlereagh City. • Projects will only be accepted from project promoters such as not for profit traders groups and/or business associations, social economy enterprises, or community or voluntary groups with a business or employment focus. • The funding will not support the core running costs of an organisation. • Applications should clearly identify how the funding will contribute to the overall strategic development and sustainability of the applicant organisation or achievement of economic objectives through say the purchase of a piece of equipment, or through the implementation of a range of marketing or revenue generating activities.
It is proposed that projects will be identified through an open call for applications, with a stringent assessment process and a final report brought to the Development Committee detailing the successful projects on an annual basis for noting. The Economic Development Unit is aiming to launch the first call for project applications in December 2015.