(Public Pack)Agenda Document for Governance and Strategic

Derry City and Strabane District Council

Dear Member of Governance and Strategic Planning Committee

You are hereby summoned to attend the Monthly Meeting of the Governance and

Strategic Planning Committee to be held Remotely on Tuesday 5 January 2021 at 4.00

pm.

Yours faithfully

John Kelpie

Chief Executive

AGENDA

1 Notice and Summons of Meeting

2 Apologies

3 Statement for Remote Meetings

4 Declarations of Members' Interests

Open for Decision

5 Chairperson's Business

6 Matters Arising from Open Minutes of the Governance and Strategic

Planning Committee held on Tuesday 1 December 2020 (Pages 1 - 30)

7 Six Monthly Progress Report - Strategic Planning and Support Units Delivery

Plan (Pages 31 - 52)

8 Youth Focused Participatory Budget Pilot Update (Pages 53 - 56)

Open for Information

Meeting Pack

9 North West Regional Development Group and North West Strategic Growth

Partnership (Pages 57 - 66)

Confidential for Decision

10 Matters Arising from Confidential Minutes of the Governance and Strategic

Planning Committee held on Tuesday 1 December 2020 (Pages 67 - 68)

11 Car Parking Provision for Members (Pages 69 - 72)

12 Gasyard Development Trust (Pages 73 - 92)

Confidential for Information

13 Self Insurance Figures Update DCSDC Dec 20 (Pages 97 - 100)

22 December 2020

1

Derry City and Strabane District Council

Open Minutes of the Meeting of the Governance and Strategic Planning

Committee held Remotely on Tuesday 1 December 2020 at 4.00 pm

___________________

Present:- Alderman Hussey (in the Chair), Aldermen Bresland, McClintock and

McCready, Councillors J Boyle, M Boyle, Fleming, Cooper, Donnelly, Duffy,

Gallagher, McKeever, Mooney and Reilly.

Non-Members of Committee – Councillors Farrell, Ferguson, Harkin and

McCann.

In Attendance:- Chief Executive (Mr J Kelpie), Director of Business and Culture

(Mr S Gillespie), Director of Health and Community (Mrs K McFarland), Director

of Legacy (Mrs O McGillion), Lead Finance Officer (Mr A Dallas), Lead

Democratic Services and Improvement Officer (Ms E Cavanagh), Lead Human

Resources Officer (Mrs P Donnelly), Funding Manager (Mr R Osterhaus),

Strategic Business Manager (Mrs R Craig), and Committee Services Assistant

(Ms N Meehan).

_________________

GSP175/20 Notice and Summons for Meeting

The Chief Executive read the Notice and Summons for the Meeting.

GSP176/20 Member Attendance and Apologies

The Chief Executive took the roll call and no apologies were recorded.

GSP177/20 Broadcasting Statement

The Chairperson read the Broadcasting Statement for the Meeting.

GSP178/20 Declarations of Members’ Interests

Item 5 - To receive representatives from Londonderry port and

Harbour Commission to Deliver a Presentation on Freeports/Innovation

Zones – Alderman McCready and Councillor Ferguson.

Open for Decision

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Agenda Item 6

2

GSP179/20 To Receive Representatives from Londonderry Port and Harbour

Commission to deliver a presentation on Freeports/Innovation

Zones

The Committee received Mr B McGrath, Chief Executive and Mr G

Cuthbert, Londonderry Port and Harbour Commissioners who gave a

joint presentation with the Director of Business and Culture on

Freeports/Innovation Zones.

This item was considered in conjunction with item 8 of the Agenda

The Director of Business and Culture presented the above report, a

copy of which had previously been circulated. He advised that the

purpose of the report was to update Members regarding the UK

initiative regarding freeports, the implications for NI and the work that

has begun with Foyle Port and others to scope out the potential for our

region.

The Director of Business and Culture pointed out that whilst the

consultation period opened in February 2020, Foyle Port had led the

way in terms of shaping the proposition into something which could be

used for region’s economic advantage. He stated this work also

complemented the Enterprise Zone proposal being progressed.

The joint power-point presentation was then delivered and addressed

the following areas:-

Outline

Key Considerations

Port Economic Zone

Post Brexit Political Opportunities

City Deals – Analysis of Proposed Freeport Incentives

Next Steps

Members welcomed the presentation.

The Chief Executive advised that Foyle Port had been working on this

proposition for a considerable period of time. He referred to Council’s

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involvement in terms of looking at Enterprise Zones and Innovation

Zones, all of which were potentially coming together in a bespoke type

proposition. He said that it was now necessary to frame the question in

accordance with the answer. He said this was very much akin to the

early days of the City Deal process when it had been necessary to

identify a proposal which would benefit a particular economy and

prepare a proposition to be presented to government and negotiate an

outcome. Mr Kelpie added that, similarly in this instance there was no

manual to be followed to work through the process.

He stated that the process in respect of Northern Ireland was

completely dissimilar to that for England, Scotland and Wales where it

was a straightforward Freeport proposition. He stated that the

proposition would be completely and uniquely linked to proposals for

the City region. He said this was something which could build upon

the announcements which had been made in regards to the City Deal

and incorporate the ports, the university and businesses to bring

forward a unique proposition. He stated that it was not known whether

or not this would be acceptable, however, the strong indications which

were being received suggested that something bespoke to the region’s

economy or a proposition which could be moulded to the specific

needs of the area would be welcomed. He stated that bearing this in

mind, discussions had begun with Belfast which was positive as it would

enable a proposition to be moulded for both areas simultaneously.

Councillor Cooper acknowledged the preparatory work involved in the

presentation. He stated that from Sinn Fein’s perspective it was vital

that information regarding the EU protocol in regards to the North of

Ireland, in terms of pursuing this issue, was presented to Members

prior to agreeing any proposition. He enquired if there were

alternatives or options available if the EU did have issues with regards

to the development of a Freeport. He referred to innovation, financial

technology and financial services and the fact that the Atlantic Hub

Project was already being developed by the Port. He stated, however,

that from his Party’s perspective a considerable gap remained

particularly in regards to the lack of financial service positions in this

area and the subsequent lack of higher wage structures which was

most evident in Belfast particularly around the port area and the Titanic

Quarter.

He said he would welcome Foyle Port working with Ulster University to

ensure that there was no duplication of proposals being put forward in

regards to innovation projects through City Deal. This would also

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ensure that the proposals being put forward by both organisations

would be complimentary and assist in developing a synergy between

both organisations which would address any gaps which existed in

terms of the lack of financial service positions.

He expressed concern at the lack of clarity in regards to Council’s role

in terms of providing input. He also queried what powers were

available in regards to the development of ports in general, to allow an

innovative approach and what could be agreed upon in regards to

policy proposals. He said given that the North of Ireland did not have

any fiscal powers, this would essentially be a British government

decision. He expressed concern at the possible outcome if this was

progressed without consultation with the NI Executive.

Councillor Cooper sought clarity from the Department of Finance

regarding the benefits for this City from any proposals put forward and

the level of support required from Council. He referred to the fact that

Foyle Port was an autonomous entity that would be free to pursue

much of this on its own merits. However, his Party had still concerns

and questions which needed answers in regards to Council’s

involvement and input. He stated that the economic benefits of many

of the suggested Enterprise Zones/Innovation Zones was not clear and

he expressed concern at possible displacement. Whilst acknowledging

the need to fill the gaps which existed it was important that this was

not carried out in a manner which would cause economic damage to

other parts of the City and the work being carried out by other

organisations such as Ulster University. He awaited the forthcoming

report on the matter which he anticipated would provide greater clarity.

Mr McGrath stressed that the Port was not pursuing any sort of

questionable type proposition and was merely looking to rebrand this

proposal as an Innovation Enterprise Zone Policy. He said Foyle Port

had been trying to adapt the process taking place in England to deal

with the displacement aspects referred to by Councillor Cooper not

only in this City and region but across Northern Ireland. He stated that

although the Port was independent, it was not proposing to embark

upon something which was against the will of elected representatives

in the City and region. He said it was essential for the Port to be able

to answer the questions put forward to Members’ satisfaction and

subsequently gain Members’ approval. He said the Port was willing to

respond to all of the issues raised demonstrating the merits of this

without compromising any political position. He said it was hoped to

take advantage of these incentives in order to generate jobs for the

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area. He said Foyle Port was very keen to work with Council and the

other stakeholders in moving forward.

Councillor Gallagher expressed concern at the lack of reference within

the key considerations to carbon zero and climate resilient

infrastructure. This was of particular concern given that we were in a

climate emergency and it was necessary to consider how this could be

progressed whilst protecting the environment. He referred to public

perception a number of years previously that Dalradian Mining

Company were storing thousands of tonnes of materials at Lisahally

and shipping these from the Port. This was also considered to be an

area in respect of which the Port proposed moving forward. He

suggested that if this perception was inaccurate, it was necessary for

Foyle Port to challenge, deny and put an end to such rumours.

Mr McGrath assured that Councillor Gallagher’s comments in regards

to the shipment of materials from Foyle Port as a future progression

was factually incorrect. He explained that a number of years previously

Dalradian Mining Company had built a shed at Foyle Port to store

materials which were shipped to Canada for analysis to determine what,

if any, mineral content they contained. He referred to rumours at the

time suggesting that arsenic was being administered into these

materials and Foyle Port were allowing poisonous substances to enter

the River Foyle. He reiterated that Dalradian Mining activities at Foyle

Port had now ceased and they were no longer located there.

He said the Port’s core rationale currently was to decarbonise and he

apologised if the Port’s commitment in regards to zero carbon and the

climate emergency had not been made apparent. He referred to the

need to move towards green energy and renewables given the current

dependency on carbon based products. However, he said there was no

question of the Port doing something unlawful. He said he would be

happy to provide more robust public representations regarding the

Port’s position in regards to Dalradian Mining but pointed out that

there was a lot of misinformation printed at the time regarding the

associations and activities carried out by Foyle Port.

Alderman McCready expressed concern that the presentation had not

been provided to Members prior to the Meeting. In regards to the

timelines he referred to the fact that this had been ongoing for a

considerable period of time and had previously been discussed by

Council whenever the New Decade, New Approach document was

issued. As such he expressed concern that this was the first occasion

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on which Members had been presented with any information regarding

the matter. He referred to the scale, magnitude, opportunities and

considerations arising from this incentive and queried why it had taken

so long to arrive at this point.

Alderman McCready suggested that the presentation had provided

greater clarity in regards to Foyle Port’s position and he had expected

more in-depth outputs from Council to steer Members in terms of

moving forward. He also expressed concern at the recommendations

being put forward which he would be proposing to amend.

He pointed out that the Freeports concept was not new, pointing out

that there were approximately 3,500 ports worldwide albeit there would

be some nuances in regards to the Northern Ireland protocol and other

issues. He stated that the Shannon freezone was a good example of

what could be achieved referring to the progress which had been made

there since 1950 until the present day with the creation of 7,000 jobs.

He stated that clearly along the way there was a European Union

connection which would have had to have been slightly modified. He

referred to concerns expressed by a previous speaker regarding

acceptance by the European Union and pointed out that from January

1st Northern Ireland would not be part of the European Union. He

could not, however, comment on the impact of this in terms of the

protocol for Northern Ireland. If Council were to proceed along the

lines of a Freeports or Innovation Zone/Free Enterprise, he anticipated

that lessons would be learnt from the approach adopted in Shannon.

The Director of Business and Culture apologised that the presentation

had not been circulated to Members prior to the Meeting.

Councillor Reilly welcomed the advice given in regards to this issue. He

said the SDLP Leader and Foyle MP, Colum Eastwood had already

outlined his Party’s position in regards to this. As everyone was aware,

Brexit would come into effect at the beginning of January. A number of

questions remained unanswered in regard to this irrespective of the

issue of Freeports which was currently being drawn up. He said it was

recognised that this area would be hardest hit by Brexit which was why

it had been campaigned against and referred to the need to consider

alternative mechanisms through which to attract investment in terms of

high paid jobs for this region. He supported the recommendation put

forward by Officers in the report presented to Committee.

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Councillor Donnelly highlighted the concerns of the local community

regarding industrial zonings and potential plans for the future. He

stated that there were also concerns that the needs of the local

community in regards to social housing and community need had not

been factored in to any of the proposals. He referred to issues which

had arisen in the past between the local community and Foyle Port with

regard to infestations of rats, flies and fires in the area. He referred to

the importance of good community relations and queried if the needs

of the community would be addressed in terms of social housing

provision and community infrastructure. He said he understood that a

report had previously been commissioned by Council which had

identified a number of issues including the cumulative effect of the

existing industries being detrimental to the health and wellbeing of

local residents. He queried if it was the intention of the Port to consult

with local residents and stakeholders regarding these concerns.

Mr McGrath welcomed Members’ comments. He said it was essential

that the Port Authority respected the needs of the local community and

in this regard Foyle Port had made a fulsome report to the Local

Development Plan. This ensured that Council’s plans in terms of

industrial zoning and the need for housing, which presented something

of a challenge in terms of reconciling industry and local housing need

would be taken into account. He said the Port endeavoured to respect

the needs of the surrounding community. He described the earlier

report referred to by the previous speaker which had been

commissioned as a flawed piece of work, which did not serve either

Foyle Port or the local community well. He stated that Foyle Port had

submitted a strong response to this report which had alleged that there

were cumulative ill-effects on the community’s health. He stated that

the Port would be working closely with Council and elected

representatives to ensure a mutual understanding of what was being

sought.

In regards to the Port located at Lisahally, he stated that there was an

obligation to develop this business to generate employment and create

wealth for the local community. He said it was not in the interests of

Foyle Port to undermine the wellbeing of local residents. However, it

was important that the policies were sympathetic to each other to

ensure that housing developments were not being erected in the

middle of industrial zoned areas. He suggested that the demise of

industry in the City during the past forty years was one of the major

contributory factors in regards to the levels of deprivation prevalent in

this area. It was the Port’s intention to reinvigorate this industrially

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zoned area in order to generate employment but not at the expense of

the wellbeing of the local community. The Port would also strive to

carry out any development in a green and environmentally friendly

manner.

The Chairperson referred to a communication which had been

forwarded to Members from an organisation requesting that the

Committee would endorse Council’s submission on the consultation

response to UK government with regard to Freeports. He did not feel

any Members had an issue with regard to the correspondence received

which might address some of the issues raised by Councillor Donnelly.

Councillor Harkin suggested that the Dalradian issue had damaged

people’s confidence in Foyle Port, in that Dalradian had been permitted

to use the Port in respect of such a contentious issue which Council had

taken a decision to oppose.

Whilst acknowledging Mr McGrath’s comments he referred to tensions

which existed within the local community. He said he had attended

Court with two representatives from the Enagh Lough Youth Forum

who had been charged with issues relating to Foyle Port where the

Judge had ruled in favour of the defendants. He said the tensions

which existed with the local community could not be overlooked

reinforcing the need for a thorough consultation with residents.

He also expressed concern at associations with phrases such as

“Freeport” and “Enterprise Zones” and Conservative governments.

These had not proved successful to date in addressing inequality issues,

which existed in those areas where these had been introduced. He said

they had been used by employers to evade taxes, workers’ rights and

health and safety concerns. He was unconvinced that it would be

possible to ensure that such a policy would work for the vast majority

of people. He sought assurances that this would not be a repeat of the

type of Conservative inspired Enterprise Zones which had already been

developed in various areas. He referred to the Canary Islands as an

example, where there was a Freeport and a freezone which had 4%

taxes compared to Spain where taxes were 25%. He said it was a

matter of great concern that this concept hailed by the Conservative’s

as a means through which to turbo charge the economy, would in fact

lead to greater inequalities.

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Councillor Ferguson pointed out that as well as being a Council

representative on Londonderry Port and Harbour Commissioners she

was also a member of the local community with concerns which she

had raised with Mr McGrath. She assured that she and members of the

management team were in the process of developing a safety forum

with the local community. She referred to misconceptions regarding

the work carried out by Foyle Port and the people using the Port. She

referred specifically to the issue of coal. She referred to the fact that

Northern Ireland was to be granted at least one Freeport and that

innovation was key in terms of the City Deal and enquired if Members

would want to be in the position of losing out on such an incentive.

She referred to the need for Council to work with Foyle Port who were

very open to new ideas and concepts to ensure that no one was badly

impacted upon. She felt it was necessary for Council to make a

decision to work alongside Foyle Port in order to ensure that this City

and District did not lose out.

Alderman McClintock stated that this could prove extremely positive

for the City and District, referring to the possibility of job creation,

innovation, increased trade and economic benefit for the City and

region and indeed the entire North West. She said it was necessary to

find out more information regarding this issue. She said it was

important that this was kept on the agenda and referred to the need

for increased positivity in terms of bringing more innovation to the City

and District.

Councillor McCann referred to the need for fine judgements to be

made in terms of boosting the economy whilst removing or reducing

necessary restrictions. He referred to the numerous Enterprise Zones

throughout Europe, the main attraction of which was low tax rates, and

the lack or ease of restrictions and enforcements in regards to workers’

rights, trade unions and health and safety issues. Whilst not suggesting

that this would happen here, he referred to the possibility that it could,

given experiences elsewhere. However, any opposition to the

development of these free zones was criticised as it was seen to be

preventing job creation and economic growth and advancement.

He acknowledged the need to progress this and Council’s involvement

in this but suggested that in going forward reports were presented to

Committee on a stage-by-stage basis for consideration and

endorsement. He also referred to the concerns of local residents

regarding the increased industrial development in the area of land

between Maydown and Strathfoyle and the impact thereof on the

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surrounding area. He acknowledged that this was the very early stage

of the process.

Councillor Fleming referred to concerns among the local community

regarding industrial development in the area and the impact on their

livelihoods. He acknowledged Mr McGrath’s anticipation for a balance

between the Port’s plans and the Local Development Plan and the

general lack of social housing in the area. However, he referred to the

need for formal consultation between Foyle Port and the local

community regarding plans for the future development of the Port. He

referred to Council’s role in terms of supporting local development and

business whilst respecting the needs and wishes of this vibrant

community.

The Chief Executive thanked Members for their comments. He re-

emphasised that this could possibly be the last time when the report

going forward would refer to Freeports. Whilst it began as part of the

UK government’s consultation on Freeports, it had gradually become

clear that Freeports, in the traditional sense as seen elsewhere, and

which would come forward in Britain as part of the government’s

initiative, would not work in Northern Ireland. Therefore, a lot of the

negative elements associated with Freeports would not form part of the

proposal. He acknowledged that the process had been ongoing for

seven months but pointed out that the reason it had not previously

been brought to Council was because it was realised that the concept

of a Freeport would not work in Northern Ireland.

He said Council and the Port were endeavouring to determine how this

could become a more City owned proposition with the Port being the

key partner which was the approach which was being discussed with

Belfast. This was very much not a Freeport proposition but something

which would support the development of innovation in certain places

including Port lands, City centre lands or on lands adjacent to the

University in a number of various places across the City and District. He

referred to the need to build on the City Deal potential and address the

inequalities identified in the Strategic Growth Plan.

He also referred to the need to build sustainable investment to link the

various innovations including the growth of the University and

contemplate how companies could be incentivised to become involved

in this and perhaps set up in this region. Whilst this was the stance

which was currently being adopted, it may well not prove successful.

However, the process involved in terms of shaping and moulding this

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for presentation to government would be a lengthy one. He stressed

that at this stage the focus was on trying to develop sustainable well-

paid jobs in this Council area which were aligned to the growth of the

University, the innovation projects, the City Deal and, in so doing,

potentially deliver on the objectives of the City and the Port to move

away from its heavily industrialised past to more green sustainable

options. He continued that the partnership with Belfast would not

mean bringing forward a proposition which would produce a winner

and a loser with this area ending up on the losing end with

government. He stressed that there were many unanswered questions

and no clear direction other than a suggestion from government to

bring forward a workable and sustainable proposition in respect of this

area for their consideration. He pointed out that, as outlined in the

report, it was now the intention to continue to work with colleagues in

Belfast, in both Ports and the University in an effort to bring this to

fruition. He stated that there was no time limit or deadline but Officers

would present updates to Committee on a regular basis. However, it

may be somewhat ambitious to submit monthly updates as it was

unlikely that there would be much progress in the early stages.

Mr McGrath expressed his appreciation for being given the opportunity

to address Committee and respond to Members questions. He said he

understood the various perceptions held by Members. He said Foyle

Port were more than willing to accept the challenges presented by

Members and fully appreciated the need for the Port to integrate

within the community. He said the Port would work closely with

Council Officers in order to satisfy Members, as this was not achievable

without the support of elected Members.

Alderman McCready stated that the report presented by the Director of

Business and Culture and the consultation response to the government

was extensive and presented a number of opportunities and outlined

the considerations and key factors.

Subsequently Alderman McCready Proposed, Alderman McClintock

Seconded

That (a) that in going forward Officers continue

preparatory works via a joint up approach with key

stakeholders in the region; and

(b) that the issue of Freeports/Innovation Zones be

included as a standing item on the agenda in respect

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of the Governance and Strategic Planning Committee

for a period of no less than 6 months in order for

Members to track progress, ask questions and provide

guidance and make decisions.

Alderman McCready said that during the past six months, he had not

been assured of Council’s position in regard to the proposition.

Alderman McClintock welcomed the information provided and in

particular the acknowledgement that Freeports would not work in

Northern Ireland. She felt however, that this did present a major

opportunity which could prove tremendous for the City and Region.

She agreed that it was necessary to monitor progress and seek

guidance and receive regular updates in terms of going forward.

Councillor Cooper reiterated his earlier comments pointing out that

from a Sinn Fein perspective it was necessary to seek clarification that

the traditional-type Freeport would not be a consideration. In regards

to the other proposals and in particular tax, he had previously indicated

that the British government could work with the Ports in regards to this

issue. He said he was unclear in regards to the extent of devolved

powers through the Department for Finance. He said he would favour

the original recommendation that Officers continue to discuss the way

forward and a further report be presented to Committee. He opposed

the proposal put forward by Alderman McCready as he felt it was

necessary for Members to seek the clarity from the Department. He

said it was necessary to ensure that the Executive were satisfied with

any proposal which was being pursued. He did not envisage that this

would take a considerable period of time and if the Department for

Finance were satisfied with the proposal this could then be progressed.

He stressed that his earlier comments had in no way referred to a

suggested “dodgy tax deal”.

Councillor J Boyle referred to the fact that there was little difference

from the original recommendation and the amendment proposed by

Alderman McCready. However, the SDLP were of the opinion that it

may be somewhat premature to expect monthly updates on the matter

given that it was at such an early stage in the proceedings. He

suggested that this process would run in tandem with the Local

Development Plan which was also in the early stages.

The Chairperson suggested that reports be presented periodically to

Committee on the matter as opposed to monthly.

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Alderman McCready welcomed Members’ comments. He said he had

requested monthly updates not only to receive information on progress

but to ask questions and present ideas forthcoming from the electorate

to feed into this process, to get a better understanding of the process

and help shape and mould it. He suggested that, if after a three month

period there was no information forthcoming then the situation could

be reviewed. In regards to (a) above he said it was non-committal and

therefore the output was similar as Officers could continue with

preparatory works in line with what they had been doing, with the

added reassurance and direction and guidance from Committee in

terms of a joint approach. He stated that ultimately there would only

be one bid within Northern Ireland and if Council was not involved it

would not benefit, which could prove ultimately damaging to the City,

Region and District.

The Deputy-Chairperson took over the position as Chairperson.

Councillor Gallagher favoured the recommendation contained in the

report as he considered the amended proposal to contain an element

of pre-determination which he did not feel was appropriate at this

stage in the process.

The amended Proposal on being put to the vote was lost their voting

For – 4; Against – 10.

Subsequently the Committee

Recommended (a) that Members endorse the work to

date and allow Officers to continue to

discuss the way forward; and

(b) a further report be brought to

Members in the coming months before

any formal bid would be submitted.

The Chairperson returned to the Meeting at this stage.

Chairperson’s Business

GSP180/20 Congratulations

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The Chairperson congratulated St Cecilia’s College on being awarded

The National Teaching Award. He referred to a number of

engagements which he had at the school as Deputy Mayor in 2018 and

said this was a fantastic school and this was a tremendous

achievement.

GSP181/20 Confirmation of the Open Minutes of the Governance and

Strategic Planning Committee held on Tuesday 3 November 2020

The Open Minutes of the Governance and Strategic Planning

Committee held on 3 November 2020 (GSP154/20-GSP171/20) were

agreed and signed by the Chairperson.

GSP182/20 Update on Hardship Fund Resolution

The Director of Legacy presented the above report, a copy of which

had previously been circulated. She advised that the purpose of the

report was to provide Members with an update on the

recommendations from the Welfare Reform Working Group on the

Hardship Fund Resolution.

The Chief Executive thanked the Director of Legacy and the Welfare

Reform Working Group for the work carried out to date regarding this

matter. In terms of what had been alluded to by the Director of Legacy

he said obviously this was a changing situation and since the

submission of the report it was felt that, if Members agreed, Officers

would consider a potential financial contribution to Stage 1 of the

process. However consideration was still required in regards to

whether this was affordable and the potential figure involved and the

legalities surrounding this. He said it was intended that this exercise

would be concluded in the next few days. He referred to the fact that

there was an opportunity to take a definitive route, if Members choose

to pursue this, and for a decision to be made at the re-convened

November Council Meeting to be held on Friday 4 December.

Councillor Duffy welcomed the report and the Chief Executive’s

comments regarding a potential financial contribution from Council

which would be most welcome. She commended the work carried out

by the Working Group on such a worthwhile Motion but expressed

concern that it might be slightly late to produce the anticipated

benefits for Christmas 2020. She stated that from her work within the

homelessness sector, preparations were being made in respect of

Christmas since late summer/early autumn. She agreed with the

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recommendations set out in the report and referred to the numerous

organisations and, in particular, The Salvation Army and St Vincent de

Paul who would benefit. She referred to the fact that January was a very

bleak month for people in need and if a hardship fund could be

provided in the New Year, she felt this would be most welcome.

Alderman McClintock acknowledged the work carried out by the

Director of Legacy and the Welfare Reform Working Group. She

welcomed the fact that the Neighbourhood Partnership Boards had

access to a considerable number of food parcels and were working to

ensure that these were delivered to those in need during this pre-

Christmas period. She suggested that Council link in with them in

terms of progressing its proposals to ensure that there was no

duplication of the services being provided. She agreed that January

would prove an extremely bleak time for many people in need and

therefore referred to the need to look at the bigger picture. She

suggested that all Members of staff be encouraged to make a

contribution to the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Appeals.

Councillor Harkin welcomed the report and the update provided. He

appreciated the work carried out by Officers in terms of how to

progress this proposal, particularly given the timing of the Motion. He

referred to the need for urgent action to address the serious levels of

deprivations which existed. Whilst acknowledging the concept behind

the two stage approach, he felt it veered away slightly from the

sentiments contained in the original Motion. In regards to a potential

financial contribution from Council, he felt this was of the utmost

importance and suggested that more in-depth discussion take place at

the reconvened Council Meeting on how Council should proceed. He

felt that the recommendations contained in the report would prove

successful if implemented as part of a wider approach. He urged that

any final decision on the matter be deferred to the reconvened Council

Meeting. He referred to the need for the involvement of the Stormont

Executive in terms of taking this forward given the level of hardship

which existed. Again whilst acknowledging the work carried out by

Officers he did not feel that the suggested approach addressed the

sentiments behind the original Motion.

Councillor Farrell said that whilst not a Member of Committee he was a

representative on the Working Group. In regards to the previous

speaker’s comments that the Hardship Fund was not as had been

originally intended, he stated that the reality was that Council did not

have the capacity, the expertise or indeed maybe even the power to

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deliver a hardship fund. Given the urgency and immediacy he had

made the proposal for action to be taken to help people those most in

need. He said the common sense solution was to support the appeal

from the Salvation Army and St Vincent De Paul. He welcomed the

suggestion from the Chief Executive regarding a possible financial

contribution from Council. Council could not approach other business

organisations seeking contributions to this appeal if it was not willing

to contribute. He commended all those involved in the process and

anticipated that it would be of benefit to those people across the City

and District who needed help in the coming weeks.

Councillor Gallagher referred to a number of meetings of the Working

Group which had taken place. He said that the main objective of the

Group was to provide help for those in need. He stipulated that any

potential funding from Council would be additional funding to those

major organisations at the forefront and was spent locally and within a

given timeframe. He referred to a number of organisations who had

accumulated large reserves and the purpose of this fund was not to

add to these reserves. He reiterated the importance of these monies

being additional and spent locally within a given timeframe.

Alderman Devenney, as a representative on the Hardship Fund Working

Group, commended officers on the content of the report presented to

Committee which he considered to be a true reflection of the

discussion which had taken place regarding what action would be

taken particularly in the lead-up to Christmas. He welcomed the

announcement by the Chief Executive regarding potential funding

being forthcoming from Council. He referred to lengthy discussion

which had taken place regarding the legalities involved as it was

important that any action which was taken was legitimate and

produced the greatest benefit to those most in need. He pointed out

that whilst all businesses were suffering from the effects of the

pandemic, within this Council area it was the smaller businesses who

were most affected. Within the current climate he encouraged people

to shop locally.

In response to a query from Councillor Doyle, the Chief Executive

explained that the report currently being considered by Committee

would not be ratified until the December Council Meeting on

December 18. Obviously this presented a major timing issue. It was

therefore being suggested, if the Committee approved the proposed

two-stage approach, that at the re-convened Council Meeting to be

held on Friday 4 December Members would be advised of the

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proposals put forward by Committee. From that point Council would

contact larger businesses who were not severely affected by the Covid

pandemic, requesting that they make financial donations to the

Christmas Campaign of the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul to

support local people in hardship. Officers would also present to

Members at the reconvened Council Meeting on the outcome of

deliberations on Council donating to this Christmas Campaign and

potentially how much.

He said he could not make a commitment at this stage as further

discussions were required in regards to whether Council could

contribute to the Campaign and, if so, how much. If Members were

comfortable to proceed on this basis following Friday’s reconvened

meeting, a promotion would be launched regarding this initiative and if

possible, Council would make a financial contribution. He pointed out

that the two-stage approach would be adhered to with an initial

potential boost of cash into stage one.

Councillor Doyle welcomed the clarity provided by the Chief Executive.

The Committee

Recommended that approval be granted to the two

stage process on the establishment of the

Hardship Fund as recommended by the

Welfare Reform Working Group and that

a further report should be prepared for

the Reconvended Council Meeting on

Friday 4 December 2020 if Officers

identify an opportunity to provide

financer’s to the joint campaign of the

Salvation Army and St Vincent De Paul.

GSP183/20 Additional NI Executive Funding for Food Support

The Director of Health and Community presented the above report, a

copy of which had previously been circulated. She advised that the

purpose of the report was to provide Members with details of the

potential for an additional food support allocation following recent

communication from the Department for Communities (DfC) in the

wake of the announcement by the Northern Ireland Executive to

allocate an additional £3.5m to DfC for Food support during

2020/2021.

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Councillor Gallagher referred to the immediacy in terms of having the

additional food support allocation rolled out.

Councillor M Boyle welcomed the report and the content contained

therein. She expressed her appreciation to the Minister on her efforts

to ensure that monies were available for those most in need and

vulnerable. She referred to the collective and collaborative working of

local community groups in regards to the previous hardship funding

which was forthcoming from DfC to ensure that those most in need

and vulnerable were in receipt of this funding. She noted the content

of the report and the wrap-around services which this would provide

for many. She commended officers on the work carried out to date

and in the future.

The Committee

Recommended that the funding allocation be agreed

and accepted, subject to receipt of letter

of offer from DfC and endorse the

development and delivery of a tailored

food support programme.

GSP184/20 6 Month Financial Outturn Update 2020/2021

The Lead Finance Officer presented the above report, a copy of which

had previously been circulated. He advised that the purpose of the

report was for Members to consider and approve Council’s 6 month

financial outturn and position at 30 September 2020.

The Lead Finance Officer advised that following preparation of the

report Council’s financial deficit had now been fully mitigated following

a further £1.8 million allocation from DfC for quarter two. He stated

that the report did not reflect any losses associated with loss of rates

income. It was expected that this may be impacted in the medium

term and was a major uncertainty but it was anticipated that this may

be mitigated by the significant reliefs available from government.

Councillor Cooper referred to the financial projections being made in

regards to Council at the outset of the pandemic. He welcomed the

response from the Minister for Finance to the current and previous

requests for financial assistance which meant that Council was in a

position to consider commitments towards capital projects and

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projections for major infrastructural projects in the coming years amidst

an unprecedented financial position globally resulting from the

pandemic. He commended the Minister on his efforts to ensure that

financial contributions were made available. He considered rates to be

a key point in regards to the coming year referring to the fact that the

rates process would begin in the near future. He felt assured that given

the Minister’s previous response, he would take on board the concerns

of all Councils regarding the rates process. This could not yet be

formalised because the financial assistance being sought in regards to

the rates process was as yet unknown given the uncertainties involved.

He referred to recent announcements regarding the closure of a

number of major retail outlets which he feared would also impact

negatively. He anticipated that the outcome of any future discussions

with the Minister in regards to the rates process would prove fruitful.

Alderman McClintock welcomed the report and particularly the fact

that Council’s financial deficit had been fully mitigated. She

acknowledged the impact of the substantial intervention from regional

and central government in arriving at this point. She understood the

future uncertainties regarding the rates base which would be addressed

as the situation progressed and anticipated that further government

intervention would be forthcoming as and when required. She

commended the Lead Finance Officer together with the Chief Executive

and the entire SOLACE team on their hard work and efforts in achieving

such a positive outcome for all Councils.

Councillor Reilly commended the Lead Finance Officer and his team on

the work carried out not just on behalf of this Council’s ratepayers but

in conjunction with the other Councils in bidding for the level of

finance which had been forthcoming from the Executive. He said it was

worth noting that government had offered financial assistance across a

range of Council services including City of Derry Airport and thanked

those responsible for their positive response to Council, which enabled

Council to be in such a good financial position at this stage amid the

Covid pandemic. He said that given the recent announcement

regarding the closure of major retailers, it was inevitable that there

would be evidence of other businesses struggling in the coming

months, many of whom were unable to trade at this time because of

current restrictions and the loss of profits that this would result in and

the impact of this on their business outlook.

The Chief Executive commended the Lead Finance Officer and his team

on their hard work and efforts during the previous six months. To be in

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such a position at this stage was a considerable achievement. He

referred, however, to the challenges facing Council in the coming

months in regards to the rates process and pointed out that the next

Council rates briefing was scheduled for Monday 14 December at 4 pm

in order to provide Members with information in regards to projections

for the coming year.

In response to a query from Councillor Gallagher, the Lead Finance

Officer pointed out that the timescale for the HMRC Appeal was 12

December and there had not been any developments regarding this to

date. It would be necessary to wait until after the deadline date to find

if there would be any Appeal.

The Committee

Recommended that approval be granted to the 6 month

financial position for the 2020/2021

financial year and note the significant

deficit incurred as a result of the

pandemic which has not been fully

mitigated due to Central Government

support.

GSP185/20 EU Successor Funding – Proposed UK Shared Prosperity Fund –

SOLACE NI Report

The Funding Manager presented the above report, a copy of which had

previously been circulated. He advised that the purpose of the report

was to update Members on the UK Government’s proposed EU

Successor funding (the UK Shared Prosperity Fund) and SOLACE’s

position paper – EU Successor Funding in Northern Ireland.

The Funding Manager explained that with the imminent exit from the

European Union all EU structural funding for Northern Ireland would

cease with no new funding being made available thereafter. This would

include the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social

Fund and the Rural Development Programme. The Peace and Interreg

funding would however, continue through the New Peace Plus

Programme and in respect of which an update had been received from

SEUPB. This related to the statutory consultation on the programme

which they had hoped to launch in November 2020 which,

unfortunately, had not been possible due to the fact that budgets had

not been signed off on individual EU programmes by the EU Member

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States. They were hoping that they would receive confirmation of the

programme budgets in the coming weeks and launch a statutory

consultation with the budget allocations across the various priorities in

the New Year.

The Funding Manager referred to the report commissioned by SOLACE

NI in partnership with NILGA (NILGA) in early 2020 to consider the UK

government’s proposals for new UK EU successor funding and what this

means for Northern Ireland.

The Funding Manager advised that the key points issued by the

government as part of the Spending Review had been announced. This

was that the fund be ramped up over time to at least match the EU

funding receipts across the UK averaging £1.5 billion per year. There

was no clarification as yet as to what this would mean for any of the

devolved regions. This would begin with funding in 2021 to help local

areas to prepare over the 2021/22 financial year for the introduction of

the UK SPF (Shared Prosperity Fund) which would suggest that they

were not anticipating a formal launch until 2022. They were

considering providing funding in the region of £200-£220 million to

provide support for communities in regards to pilot programmes and

new approaches across the UK. He stated that the focus would be on

the UK SPF to level-up the UK and help create opportunities across the

region and the UK for people and places. He stated that this would be

UK wide and would use the new financial assistance powers in the UK

Internal Market Bill.

He explained that the government would set out further details on the

UK wide SPF Investment Framework which was due to be published in

Spring 2021. He said they had outlined two portions of the proposed

new programme. The first would target places most in need across the

UK, such as ex-industrial areas, deprived towns, rural and coastal

communities and would support people and communities, open up

new opportunities spurring regeneration and innovation. The funding

profile in respect of this would be set in the next Spending Review in

Spring 2021 and would have three priority areas: investing in people

and skills tailored to local need such as workplace training and

supplementing tailored national programmes; investing in communities

and places including cultural and sporting facilities, and green and rural

infrastructure and investment for local businesses including support for

innovation and green-tech adaptation and tailored to local needs.

Those places receiving funding would be requested to prepare specific

outcomes to target within a UK-wide framework.

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He stated that the second portion announced would be a UK SPF which

would be targeted differently to people most in need through

employment programmes tailored to local need and would support

employment outcomes for those people in and out of work and specific

groups of people who were subject to labour market barriers. He

continued that in addition to the UK SPF a Levelling Up Fund had also

been announced which was in addition to the UK SPF. A £4 billion

package had been announced in respect of England with a £0.8 billion

package for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland which would be

distributed through the normal processes. This fund would be jointly

administered by the Treasury, the Department for Transport and the

Ministry for Housing and Local Government. He stated that individual

areas could bid for local projects and a holistic approach would be

taken in terms of meeting the needs of local areas. He stated that the

monies must be spent within this Parliament and projects must deliver

real impact. Proposals must also have local support including that of

the local MP and they would fund infrastructure which would enhance

everyday life such as by-pass, libraries, museums, galleries and

upgrades to railway stations and high streets. Further details on how

this programme would work would be set out in the New Year.

Councillor Cooper welcomed the report and the verbal update

provided by the Funding Manager. He expressed concern at the level

of funding being proposed within the Prosperity Fund as a replacement

to the existing EU funding. He welcomed the update from the EU in

regards to the continuation of Peace Funding and Interreg Funding and

how this would roll out in the coming months. He stated that the

update from the EU and the fact that there had still only been outline

proposals from the British government, was indicative of their approach

to this.

He referred to the suggested ring-fencing referred to by the Funding

Manager and the promise to match existing EU funding which he

considered dubious. He expressed concern at the levels of uncertainty

regarding this particularly, given that this area would be impacted more

in terms of Brexit than England, Scotland and Wales because of the

land border. He said the information being provided had been

significantly delayed in terms of preparing for the impact of Brexit and

overall it was difficult to trust the assurances given by the British

government that they would match EU funding.

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He stated that the suggestion that this funding would go to those areas

most in need was questionable with the North of Ireland being

overlooked making it necessary for additional lobbies to ensure it

received what it deserved.

He referred to the EU’s pro-active approach in terms of supporting

projects in the North not only through peace but other structural

funding. He found any suggestion that this would be replicated by the

British government, even in ideological terms, to be highly unlikely and

it would be to the detriment to everyone living in the North in going

forward.

Alderman McClintock commended the UK government on proposing

this funding which she agreed was at an early stage. This was very

welcome in terms of addressing some of the issues which would arise

from Brexit. She acknowledged that it was somewhat late in the day

and the money had to be in addition to the normal block grant. She

referred to the Levelling-Up Fund and the need for those most

disadvantaged to benefit from this. She said local MP representatives

at Westminster would ensure that Northern Ireland benefited from this

fund. It was timely that this was coming forward prior to the formal

exit from Europe. She welcomed the areas outlined by the Funding

Manager which were set to benefit most from this funding and

reiterated that her Party’s MPs at Westminster would endeavour to

ensure the best deal for Northern Ireland given that this was such a

disadvantaged area.

Councillor Reilly welcomed the report which raised many questions

regarding how the British government would treat citizens in Northern

Ireland, the majority of whom voted against leaving the EU. The

majority of citizens who had realised the benefits of being in the EU

and wished to remain part of it were being taken out of it against their

wishes. He said it was alarming that the British government who had

given assurances in regards to Brexit with now only weeks away from

the Brexit date, were only now making announcements regarding

replacement funding with no real detail as to how this would impact

Northern Ireland.

He stated that during the recent Comprehensive Spending Review the

SDLP’s Foyle MP, Colum Eastwood raised these points at Westminster.

He had debated how the people of Derry, Edinburgh, Cardiff and across

all of these islands would be affected post-Brexit and had expressed

concern that any suggested funds would be retained in Whitehall for

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the Prime Minister and his Party to spend how they wish, as opposed to

allowing the people in the devolved nations to shape the funds. He

said his Party had major concerns regarding this matter and were aware

that the EU and bodies such as SEUPB were doing all they could to

continue providing funding. He stated that he would, however, be

reluctant and cautious about the intentions of the British government.

He said it was clear that the position was worse now than prior to the

Brexit vote. He said he felt this Council area with its high levels of

deprivation would suffer greatly without the guaranteed EU funding.

He reiterated that many important questions remained unanswered.

In regards to the issue of ring-fencing, the Funding Manager explained

that the report had been presented to all MP’s, relevant government

Ministers here and the key ones in Westminster for their consideration

as well as departmental officials. One of the key issues was to ensure

that this region receives a level of funding to match the receipts

currently received from the EU of structural funding. It was also

requested that when a decision had been made regarding allocation

that when these monies were made available to this region, that it is

ring-fenced for the purposes for which it was intended, which was to

provide a prosperity fund to be used across the region to balance the

regional disparities which currently existed. He said further discussion

was still required as well as lobbying in respect of Westminster and the

Executive in terms of how the programme would be rolled out. He also

pointed out that the Spending Review had also contained an

announcement regarding rural and agriculture with some form of

commitment having been made in regards to supplementing the

remaining EU funding for farmers and land managers across the UK, as

well the agricultural, environment and rural development projects. A

figure of £1.1 billion had been set aside to assist farmers in all three

developed regions in 2021/2022.

The Chairperson stated that European and Irish government

intransigence had resulted in such a situation in efforts to mitigate any

of the impact of leaving the European Union. He personally felt that

the Northern Ireland protocol was contrary to the aims of the Belfast

Agreement.

The Committee

Recommended that Members consider the SOLACE NI

report in relation to EU Successor

Funding in NI.

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GSP186/20 Establishment of a Rural Issues Group



report was to provide information on the establishment and

governance arrangements of a rural focused group and seek Members’

approval of hosting the first meeting of the Rural Issues Group in

January 2021.

The Chairperson welcomed the potential for the establishment of a

Rural Issues Group. He said such a body could enable the rural

proofing of all issues and this was necessary in regards to all of the

issues dealt with by a local authority.

Councillor M Boyle welcomed the report and endorsed its content. She

said this was timely and she welcomed the decision to hold the first

Meeting of the group early in the New Year. She stated that obviously

Brexit would be a major defining factor for everyone and particularly

people in rural areas. There were many other issues such as mobile

home networks, rural businesses and communities being affected by

Brexit and a number of issues regarding planning. She also welcomed

the fact that the report responded to what Members had been asked

particularly in regards to setting out its own programme of work albeit

with the assistance of the Department and other relevant bodies.

Alderman McClintock welcomed the establishment of a Rural Issues

Working Group which she said was greatly needed to consider issues

pertaining to the rural area. She sought clarification in regards to

nominations onto the Group.

The Director of Legacy explained that initially an invitation would be

issued to all elected Members. An opportunity would also be provided

for any Member who wished to join the Group at a later stage.

Councillor Fleming acknowledged that the report set out the number of

bodies currently in existence who dealt with rural issues. However, he

felt this Group would provide an opportunity for people in the rural

area to be able to strategically address issues. He welcomed the fact

that the three rural DEAs as covered by the Community Planning

Partnership would come together and he also welcomed the idea of

the three symposiums during the coming year to allow engagement

with the public. He referred to the worthwhile engagement which had

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taken place in regards to the Community Planning process and having

this built into the work of the Group he felt would add to the direction

in addressing rural issues in going forward.

The Committee

Recommended that Members approve the establishment

and governance arrangements of the

Rural Issues Group with the first meeting

of the Group to take place in January

2021.

GSP187/20 NILGA Consultation on Transformation and Driving Practical

Change

The Strategic Business Manager presented the above report, a copy of

which had previously been circulated. She advised that the purpose of

the report was to brief Members on a consultation initiated by the

Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) on

Transformation and Driving Practical Change in Local Government.

The Committee

Recommended that approval be granted to the draft

consultation response prepared and

attached.

GSP188/20 UBI Lab



the report was to seek endorsement of participation and confirmation

of an Elected Member nominee to join a steering group working

towards the planning and delivery of Universal Basic Income trails in

Northern Ireland.

In response to a query from the Chairperson, the Chief Executive

clarified that this would be a Council nomination as opposed to a

Committee nomination.

In response to a nomination put forward, the Chairperson explained

that this might be a matter which required consideration at Full

Council.

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Councillor Reilly referred to Council’s policy in regards to nominations

to outside bodies being made through the rolling D’hondt method. He

sought clarification in regards to whether Council was deviating from

this position, which he said his Party would oppose. He said if it was

agreed not to use D’hondt, the position normally was that when there

was one person for one position the Mayor was nominated. However,

he acknowledged the fact that the Mayor changed annually and might

not fit with the requirements of the organisation concerned. If this was

not acceptable he said he would be proposing a Member of his Party

to attend the Trials Steering Group.

The Chief Executive stated that notwithstanding the comments made

by the organisation concerned in regards to the nominated person, he

said it was a matter for Council to decide its nomination process. He

agreed that in such situations the nomination usually went to the

Mayor, however, he acknowledged that the tenure of this body would

likely span beyond the current Mayor’s position. He said under such

circumstances it was generally a matter for Council to use the D’hondt

process.

Councillor Duffy welcomed the clarity provided by the Chief Executive

in regards to the use of the D’hondt method. She agreed with

Councillor Reilly’s suggestion that the rolling D’hondt method be used

to fill the position. It had been established that this was the Council

policy for filling such positions and if this was deviated from it would

lead to confusion in the future. She acknowledged the group’s

suggestion that the nominated person was supportive of Universal

Basic Income but it was a matter for Council to decide its nomination

process. She accepted that each of the groups would have a suitable

candidate but she reiterated that the D’hondt method be used in this

instance.

Councillor J Boyle enquired if in the event of the D’hondt method being

used in this instance, which individual or Party this would fall to.

The Chief Executive said he did not have access to the D’hondt table at

that time. However, following the Meeting he undertook to email to

Members the D’hondt position in respect of this particular item.

Councillor Gallagher referred to the fact that this issue had the

potential to make a huge impact across this Council area. He enquired

if there was a possibility for a number of Members to be nominated to

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attend the Meeting of the Steering Group given the pilot’s potential to

target areas of high deprivation. He referred to the fact that there were

a considerable number of areas of deprivation throughout the Council

area and it would be beneficial to have cross representation.

The Chief Executive undertook to ascertain if additional nominations to

attend the Meeting of the Steering Group would be permitted and, if

so, how many.

The Committee

Recommended that (i) Officers ascertain if the number

of nominations to attend the first

Meeting of the Steering Group could be

increased, and, if so, by how many; and

(ii) that the nomination to attend the

first Meeting of the Steering Group be

made using the rolling D’hondt method.

Open for Information

GSP189/20 Youth Focused Participatory Budget Pilot Update



the report was to provide Members of the Committee with an update

on the youth focused Participatory Budgeting (PB) pilot being carried

out as part of the Strategic Growth Partnership’s participation in the

Embedding Wellbeing in NI Project; particularly specific issues in

relation to implementation of PB in the Sperrin Local Growth Area and

the allocation of the £2,500 funding allocation to the Sperrin Local

Growth Partnership in a more traditional grant aid format.

Members noted the content of the report.

GSP190/20 Update on Poverty Task and Finish Group



report was to provide Members with an update on the Emergency

Poverty Task and Finish Group which was being established to assist

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with the development of the Deprivation/Emergency Poverty Working

Group.


GSP191/20 Northern Ireland Housing Council Update

The Lead Democratic Services and Improvement Officer presented the

above report, a copy of which had previously been circulated. She

advised that the purpose of the report was to provide Members with

the most recent Housing Bulletin.


GSP192/20 Best Wishes

The Chairperson wished Members and Officers a Happy and Safe

Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

The Meeting then went into Confidential Business.

Page 29

This page is intentionally left blank

Title of Report:

Six Monthly Progress Report - Strategic

Planning & Support Units Delivery Plan

Officer Presenting: Lead Democratic

Services and Improvement Officer

Author: as above

1 Purpose of Report/Recommendations

1.1 To advise of and seek Members’ comments and endorsement in relation to progress

against the Strategic Planning & Support Units Delivery Plan for 2020/21.

2 Background

2.1 Within Council’s Planning, Improvement and Performance Review framework, the

planning and improvement elements of this framework which comprise of the

Strategic Community Plan (and Local Community Plans), Corporate Plan,

Performance Improvement Plan and Directorate Delivery Plans are supported by a

performance review framework which includes:

At a district wide level – a two-yearly Area Performance Report which measures the

district’s performance against the shared outcomes set out in the Inclusive Growth

Plan;

At a Council level, an Annual Performance Report which sets out what we have

achieved in the previous year and how we have met our performance

improvement duty;

At a directorate level, six monthly progress reports, and directorate delivery plans

which provide a review of performance as well as plans going forward.

2.2 The Strategic Planning & Support Units Delivery Plan for 2020/21 was endorsed at

the March meeting of this Committee (GSP57/20).

2.3 Subsequently, the Annual Performance Report 2019/20 was endorsed at the

September meeting of this Committee (GSP120/20).

3 Key Issues

Page 31

Agenda Item 7

3.1 The report presented at Appendix 1 provides an overview of progress against the

Strategic Planning & Support Units Delivery Plan for the first 6 months of 2020/21

i.e April – September 2020.

3.2 It indicates that at the end of September, despite the implications of Covid-19 ,

target progress was almost in line with expectations, with 43% overall delivery.

Work is ongoing in terms of the completion of the activities / objectives identified in

the plan for the 2020/21 year.

4 Financial, Equality, Legal, HR, Improvement, and other Implications

4.1 The implementation of a robust framework for monitoring progress is a key element

in delivering continuous improvement and thus meeting the Council’s statutory

duties under Part 12 of the Local Government (Northern Ireland) Act 2014.

5 Recommendations

5.1 That, subject to Members’ comments, the Six Monthly Progress Report - Strategic

Planning & Support Units Delivery Plan is endorsed.

Background Papers

GSP57/20

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1

2021 Strategic Planning & Support Delivery Plan Report Type: Actions Report Report Author: Ellen Cavanagh Generated on: 24 November 2020

2.0 Chief Executive

Code Title Description Due Date Progress Bar Latest Status Update Managed By Assigned To

C.EX2021 Chief Executive(SSU)

31-Mar-2021 Directorate Delivery Plan Progress John Kelpie John Kelpie

Page 33

2

2.1 Lead Assurance Officer


C.AS2021 Assurance SSUService Plan 2020/21

31-Mar-2021 Service Progress Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.01Highest Levels ofGood Governance –Audit

Establish & maintain the highest levels of good governance – Audit 31-Mar-2021 Objective Progress Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.01.01

Delivery andCompletion ofPlanned andUnplanned AuditWork

Delivery of planned audit work based on approved audit plan and completion of unplanned audit work as required to allow completion of the Annual Governance Statement for Council. Target: Ratio 70:30 planned to unplanned audit work

31-Mar-2021 Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.01.02Deliver AuditCommittee Trainingto Members

Deliver Audit Committee Training to Members 31-Dec-2020 Audit Committee Training delivered to

Members in September 2020. Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.01.03AuditRecommendationsAccepted byManagement

Target of 90% of Audit Recommendations accepted by Management 31-Mar-2021 Audit work ongoing Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.01.04 Complete and IssueFinal Audit Reports

Target of 90% to complete and issue Final Audit Reports within 2 weeks of receipt of management response

31-Mar-2021 Ongoing Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.01.05Internal Audit Planfor CODA OperationsLtd

Delivery of Internal Audit Plan for CODA Operations Ltd 31-Mar-2021

CoDA Audit Plan agreed at CoDA Audit Committee meeting September 2020. Audit work to commence late 2020 / early 2021.

Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.01.06 Fraud AwarenessTraining

Deliver further sessions of Fraud Awareness Training 31-Dec-2020 To be delivered as requested Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.02Highest Levels ofGood Governance -Risk and Insurance

Establish & maintain the highest levels of good governance – Risk & Insurance 31-Mar-2021 Objective Progress Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.02.01Review Council’sInsuranceProgramme &Brokerage Contract

Review Council’s insurance programme and brokerage contract 31-Mar-2021

Insurance Programme and Brokerage contract reviewed, and decision made to complete a Tender exercise in collaboration with 9 other NI Councils


C.AS2021.02.02Complete a RegionalInsurance TenderExercise

Work in a collaborative basis with other NI Councils to complete a Regional Insurance Tender Exercise

31-Mar-2021

Agreement amongst 9 NI Councils to proceed with Insurance Tender on a collaborative basis. DCSDC working on a sub-regional basis with Causeway Coast & Glens, and Fermanagh & Omagh Councils. Tender issued with closing date of 9 November. Service Provider to be appointed by December 2020.


C.AS2021.03Highest Levels ofGood Governance -Purchases andPayments

Establish & maintain the highest levels of good governance / Establish & maintain the highest level of purchase & payment systems and practices

31-Mar-2021 Objective Progress Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.03.01Implement and RollOut New Purchase toPay System

Implementation and roll out of new purchase to pay system 31-Mar-2021 Ongoing Testing Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

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C.AS2021.03.02Establish PurchasingStructures andDevelop Cross-Departmental Group

Establish purchasing structures and develop cross-departmental group to agree processes for online ordering and procurement

31-Mar-2021 Ongoing testing Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.03.03Increase percentageof invoices to be paidwithin 30 days

Increase percentage of invoices to be paid within 30 days to 92% 31-Mar-2021 77.44% Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.03.04Increase percentageof invoices to be paidwithin 10 days

Increase percentage of invoices to be paid within 10 days to 52% 31-Mar-2021 33.91% Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.03.05 Implementation ofEtenders NI

Continue the implementation of Etenders NI across Council 31-Mar-2021 In place for all tenders Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.03.06Pay Suppliers andEnsure StatutoryDeadlines are Met

Pay suppliers within agreed terms and ensure statutory deadlines are met 31-Mar-2021 Q1 78% payments within 30 days Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.04Establish andMaintain EfficientService Delivery –Emergency Planning

Establish and maintain efficient service delivery – Emergency Planning 31-Mar-2021 Objective Progress Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.04.01Review of Council’sIntegratedEmergency Plan

Review of Council’s Integrated Emergency Plan and agreed multi-agency protocols

31-Dec-2020 DCSDC IEMP under review and contact details being confirmed as current. Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.04.02Deliver EmergencyPlanning Training toElected Members

Deliver Emergency Planning training to Elected Members through Adverse Weather Working Group

31-Dec-2020EPO and Assurance HoS met with AWWG to update Council on ER initiatives for the coming winter.


C.AS2021.04.03Ensure that BusinessContinuity Plans areDeveloped andMaintained

Ensure that Business Continuity Plans are developed and maintained for Council's critical services

31-Mar-2021BCP’s will undergo extensive review for the coming year commencing with Assurance Section


C.AS2021.04.04Work withCommunities toDevelop CommunityResilience

Continue to work with communities to develop community resilience particularly in rural areas

31-Mar-2021 CRP are undergoing review and contact updates have been requested. Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.04.05EnhanceCommunications andJoint Working

Enhance communications and joint working with cross border departments and agencies

31-Dec-2020 The Cross Border EP group have meetings arranged and in diaries. Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.04.06Northern EmergencyPlanning GroupWork Plan andRegional Initiatives

Implement initiatives and work streams in line with the Northern Emergency Planning Group work plan and Regional initiatives

31-Mar-2021 The NEPG has developed a Work Plan for all partner agencies. Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.04.07Work with KeyPartners andAgencies inPreparation for Brexit

Work with key partners and agencies in relation to the planning and preparation for Brexit

31-Dec-2020 EU Exit Planning assumptions have been shared with DCSDC Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.05Establish & MaintainHighest Systems andPractices - Health &Safety

Establish & maintain the highest levels of health & safety systems and practices – Health & Safety

31-Mar-2021 Objective Progress Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.05.01Improve ISO45001System Procedures& Templates

Continue to improve upon the ISO45001 system procedures and templates for 2020/21

31-Mar-2021¾ of ISO 45001 documentation have been formally updated for COVID related information corporately


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C.AS2021.05.02Review and Reporton RIDDOR TrendsEach Quarter

Continue to review and report on RIDDOR trends on a quarterly basis 31-Mar-2021 2 reported last quarter Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.05.03MaintainAccreditation toISO45001 Standardfor 2020/21

Maintain accreditation to ISO45001 standard for 2020/21 31-Mar-2021 100% complete – recertification to ISO

45001 standard obtained Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.06Establish & MaintainEfficient ServiceDelivery – Payroll

Establish & maintain efficient service delivery – Payroll 31-Mar-2021 Objective Progress Denise McDonnell John Kelpie

C.AS2021.06.01

Increase % ofEmployeesReceiving ElectronicPayslips/P60s to100%

Further increase the percentage of employees receiving electronic payslips and P60s to 100%

31-Mar-2021

Currently 83% of Council employees paid during 2020/21 year (as at Nov’20). This is probably the limit we can now reach on a voluntary employee basis, unless it is decided Corporately that email payslips is being made mandatory.


C.AS2021.06.02

Review PayrollProcesses inRelation to theSubmission ofTimesheets

Review payroll processes in relation to the submission of timesheets to increase efficiency

31-Mar-2021

I contacted Frontier (payroll Software Supplier) – Whilst they cannot replicate electronically our current version of timesheet layout, they have requested that a copy is sent to them to pass onto their Development team with a view to creating a version compatible to our needs – this will have a cost assessed for affordability. Status, ongoing. In addition, we can buy an additional HR module which has a platform which would be accessible to all employees to allow timesheet completion, change of employee details etc. – again, this has to be cost assessed for affordability & viability. Relationship Manager (Frontier) is also going to organise a video link to pitch the HR platform – to be arranged at a mutually agreed date – possibly early January 2021.


C.AS2021.06.03Review and UpdateCouncil’sDiscretionary Policyand Banding Policy

Review and update Council’s Discretionary Policy and also the Banding Policy for submission to both Council & NILGOSC in line with current CARE practice

30-Sep-2020

PPMA group has finalised a generic version of Discretionary Policy – this now needs to be customised to DCSDC terms and finalised with updated banding policy. This will be completed by end of November 2020


C.AS2021.06.04

Work with HR toHarmonise PayScales for allDepartments ExceptRefuse

Work with Human Resources in relation to harmonisation of pay scales for all departments except Refuse

31-Mar-2021

Harmonisation has been largely completed across Council with exceptions – Street Cleansing Drivers, Recycling, Grounds Maintenance. Some Leisure Staff (within Strabane Leisure) have yet to accept new terms & conditions which will harmonise then equally across leisure. Status – ongoing (In liaison with Personnel/Payroll).


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2.1 Lead Democratic Services & Improvement Officer


C.DI2021Democratic Servicesand ImprovementSSU Service Plan2020/21

31-Mar-2021 Service Progress Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.01Recognised andValued as aCohesive and HighPerforming Team

Recognition as a cohesive and high performing team which is recognised and valued within Council as providing specialist support and guidance and where there is a proactive approach to learning and gaining new knowledge

31-Mar-2021 Objective Progress Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.01.01Contribute to theDevelopment andReview of Policies asRequired

Contribute to the development and review of policies as required 31-Mar-2021 Ongoing Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.01.02

InnovativeApproaches toEnhanceAccessibility toCorporate Policies

Explore a range of innovative approaches to enhance accessibility to corporate policies

31-Mar-2021 Work ongoing on corporate file system, policy database Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.01.03Policy AwarenessSessions -Achievement ofCorporate Objectives

Deliver ongoing policy awareness sessions across the organisation to support the achievement of corporate objectives

31-Mar-2021

Training materials being reviewed to fit better with online training. Draft framework developed for Safeguarding e-learning module and Language Awareness Module

Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.01.04Produce Summary“at a Glance”Versions of KeyPolicies

Produce summary “at a glance” versions of key policies for use throughout the Council

31-Mar-2021

Easy read versions of Equality Scheme and Disability Equality Scheme currently being prepared - will be uploaded onto web page in Q3. Summary ‘at a glance’ and/or easy-read versions of Linguistic Diversity Policy, Irish Language Policy, Ulster-Scots Policy, Safeguarding Guide for Staff, Safeguarding Guide for Service Users and Guide to Services During the Covid-19 period all complete and will be made available online in Q3.


C.DI2021.01.05Organise Twice-Yearly Staff EventsInvolving all TeamMembers

Organise twice-yearly staff events involving all team members to promote cohesiveness and team identity

31-Mar-2021No face-to-face staff events have been scheduled due to Covid-19 restrictions. One Zoom meeting has been held for the wider DSIU Team.


C.DI2021.02Ensure Safeguardingof Children andAdults isMainstreamed

Ensure that safeguarding of children and adults is mainstreamed throughout all Council services by providing advice, guidance and direction


C.DI2021.02.01ProvideSafeguarding PolicyTraining, Supportand Advice

Provide Safeguarding Policy training, support and advice to ensure the implementation of the Council’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures throughout the organisation

31-Mar-2021

Training materials have now been updated to reflect the new measures contained within the reviewed policy – training to be rolled out in Q3 and Q4 and there are plans to create a new e-learning module for staff.


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C.DI2021.02.02

Represent theCouncil at the LocalGovernmentSafeguardingNetwork

Represent the Council at the Local Government Safeguarding Network 31-Mar-2021 Kay and Fionnuala attended a digital

meeting of the network on 8 October Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.02.03

Maintain Records ofSafeguardingIncidents, LearningLog and GCPRReferrals

Maintain a confidential central record of safeguarding incidents, learning log and referrals to ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation and promote safety

31-Mar-2021Designated Safeguarding Officers continue to maintain confidential log of incidents


C.DI2021.02.04Hold at Least 3Meetings of theSafeguardingWorking Group

Hold at least 3 meetings of the Safeguarding Working Group 31-Mar-2021

Due to Covid19 restrictions staff were unable to hold a physical meeting of the SWG. A virtual meeting of the group is due to be held on 18 November.


C.DI2021.02.05Produce Content fora Safeguarding Pageon the CouncilWebsite

Produce content for a Safeguarding page on the Council website, including a promotional animation and details of support services

31-Mar-2021

Dedicated webpage for Safeguarding now on Council website (https://www.derrystrabane.com/safeguarding) – this provides support and guidance for staff and service users.


C.DI2021.02.06

Share Informationand Participate inRegional andNationalSafeguardingCampaigns

Share information about and participate in regional and national Safeguarding campaigns to raise staff awareness of safeguarding promotions

31-Mar-2021

Staff continue to participate in the regional safeguarding meetings and circulate information on key campaigns to relevant staff and departments. Information is shared with HR and Marketing.


C.DI2021.02.07

Develop and/orProcure aSafeguarding E-learning Tool for useby all Staff

Develop and/or procure a Safeguarding e-learning tool for use by all staff hosted on the Learning Pool portal

31-Mar-2021Forthcoming meeting scheduled with HR to discuss using the Learning Pool e-learning platform for this. Preparatory work has been undertaken.


C.DI2021.03Clean, SafeEnvironment for Staffand Visitors

Provision of a clean, safe, welcoming and comfortable environment for staff and visitors


C.DI2021.03.01

UndertakeInspections toEnsure Compliancewith Health andSafety Standards

Undertake regular inspections and corrective actions to ensure compliance with health and safety, cleaning and other premises management standards

31-Mar-2021

Enhanced cleaning regimes implemented in light of COVID-19 Pandemic. Quarterly inspections being carried out covering H&S, Compliance and housekeeping standards.


C.DI2021.03.02Implementation ofEnhanced CarParking ManagementArrangements

Implementation of enhanced car parking management arrangements 31-Mar-2021 Staff car park has been relined following

DFI works on cycle path. Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.04EffectiveHandling/Processingof Information

Effective handling and processing of information that meets our legal obligations, protects people and represents good practice


C.DI2021.04.01Continue to Promotethe MandatoryOnline GDPRTraining to Staff

Continue to promote the mandatory online GDPR training to staff in order to increase completion rate from current figure of 35%

31-Mar-2021 Ongoing process Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

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https://www.derrystrabane.com/safeguarding

https://www.derrystrabane.com/safeguarding

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C.DI2021.04.02Deliver AwarenessSessions to all Staffwith no Access toOnline Training

Deliver Awareness sessions to all staff with no access to online training or no need for full GDPR training due to role within Council

31-Mar-2021 No progress due to Covid-19 restrictions Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.04.03

Continuation ofGDPR ComplianceChecks to EnsureCompliance withRegulation

Continuation of GDPR compliance checks to ensure compliance with Regulation. These will be carried out on an agreed regular basis within all work areas

31-Mar-2021No formal checks have taken place due to Covid restrictions but GDPR advice is being given on an ongoing and regular basis


C.DI2021.04.04

Hold RegularMeetings with GDPRWorking Group toEnsure GDPRCompliance

Hold regular meetings with GDPR working group to review all work practices, policies and procedures to ensure GDPR compliance

31-Mar-2021No formal meetings have taken place due to Covid restrictions but GDPR issues are being dealt with regularly


C.DI2021.04.05Liaise with IT toEnsure Systems areRegularly Updated

Liaise with IT to Ensure Systems are Regularly Updated so GDPR security is maintained

31-Mar-2021 No progress Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.04.06Develop CouncilIntranet Site - DataProtectionInformation

Develop Council intranet site to ensure greater prominence for Data Protection information

31-Mar-2021 No progress in Q2 Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.04.07Introduce CorporateFile Plan CouncilWide

Introduce Corporate File Plan Council wide (after initial pilot in DSIU) 31-Mar-2021 File plan has been agreed and test will

begin in DSIU from 2 November Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.04.08Identify GoodPractice Proceduresand Develop EmailsPolicy

Identify good practice procedures and develop a policy that will manage the way that emails are stored and deleted


C.DI2021.04.09

IntroduceProgramme ofChecks on how HardCopy Information isStored

Introduce programme of checks on how hard copy information is stored with a view to reducing the current levels and facilitate migration to electronic copies


C.DI2021.04.10Develop Process forRecording/UpdatingAccess to Folders -GDPR

Develop and introduce a process for recording and updating access to folders (information) so that GDPR is adhered to

31-Mar-2021 System set up in DSIU for recording access to folders in new file plan Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.05

Improve Outcomesfor Citizens -EffectiveManagement ofResources

Improve outcomes for citizens through ensuring effective management of resources and having arrangements in place to promote continuous improvement


C.DI2021.05.01Contribute to theAchievement of theCouncil’s StatutoryImprovement Duty

Contribute to the achievement of the Council’s statutory improvement duty through the implementation and monitoring of the performance management system, including the provision of service plan reports and improvement objective progress reports as required

31-Mar-2021Quarter 1 and 2reports updated. All directorates to present 6 mthly review reports to Committee by end of year


C.DI2021.05.02Produce an AnnualPerformanceImprovement Plan

Produce an annual Performance Improvement Plan 30-Jun-2020

Preparation work undertaken but Plan not required by DfC due to Covid19 situation (regional guidance)


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C.DI2021.05.03 Produce an AnnualPerformance Report Produce an annual Performance Report 30-Sep-2020 Annual Performance Report completed

and submitted by deadline Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.05.04

Achieve anUnqualified Audit inRespect of thePerformanceImprovement Duty

Achieve an unqualified audit in respect of the performance improvement duty 31-Dec-2020 NIAO template completed and forwarded

Audit not yet complete. Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.05.05

Continue to Developthe Council’sPerformanceManagementFramework

Continue to develop the Council’s performance management framework by extending the use of Pentana software to directorates and providing the necessary training and ongoing guidance

31-Mar-2021Covalent and KPI refinement . All directorate plans for 2021 developed. 2019/20 progress report produced.


C.DI2021.05.06

Co-ordinate theCollection andSubmission of APSEPerformanceBenchmarking Info

Co-ordinate the collection and submission of APSE performance benchmarking information on an annual basis or as required

31-Mar-2021 Economic Development template submitted to APSE Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.05.07Complete theCorporate Plan2020-23

Complete the Corporate Plan 2020-23 31-Oct-2020 Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.06Delivery of GoodDecision Making andEquality ofOpportunity

Proactive and innovative delivery of the Council’s aspirations for good decision making and equality of opportunity


C.DI2021.06.01Equality and RuralNeeds ImpactAssessment Process

Support Council Officers in the Equality and Rural Needs Impact Assessment process when developing or reviewing policies/service delivery - roll out at least 2 training sessions

31-Mar-2021Assisted staff with Leisure Pricing Screening and Maritime DNA Project Screening – no training delivered in this period


C.DI2021.06.02New/ReviewedPolicies and Services- Equality Screening

100% of all new/reviewed policies and services will be subjected to the Equality Screening/Rural Impact Assessments and where necessary the Equality Impact Assessment processes

31-Mar-2021 Continue to screen policies as required Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.06.03Carry out an Audit ofInequalities onCouncil Services

Carry out an audit of inequalities on Council services 31-Mar-2021 Collation of monitoring data is taking

place in leisure and museums services Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.06.04Ensure that EqualityAwareness isIncluded in HRInduction Unit

Ensure that equality awareness is included as part of HR induction unit 31-Mar-2021 Q2 -No inductions have taken place as

there has been no/ limited recruitment Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.06.05HR Policies -Considered EqualityIssues atDevelopment Stage

Work with HR policy working group to ensure that equality considerations are included at the earliest stage of policy development – 100% of HR policies will have considered equality issues at development stage

31-Mar-2021 Provided input into the Domestic Violence Policy and Protocols Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.06.06Ensure HRCommitment toEmploying Peoplewith a Disability

Work with HR team to ensure commitment to employing people with a disability is fully implemented

31-Mar-2021 This process has been paused due to the Covid 19 pandemic Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

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C.DI2021.06.07Ensure InformationEmanating fromCouncil is Accessible

Develop new approaches to ensuring all information emanating from Council is accessible

31-Mar-2021

During Covid much information has been going out online – Council has prepared and Easy Read version of this information. Preparations have been made to engage with the sign language community


C.DI2021.06.08Awareness Training -Code of Practice forOrganisingAccessible Events

Roll out awareness training on Code of Practice for organising accessible events – hold at least 2 awareness sessions

31-Mar-2021

No training has been carried out in this period due to Covid 19 – however 4 no. key staff have been participating in access audit training which will ensure service provision for people with a disability is enhanced as far as is practicable


C.DI2021.06.09Awareness Training -MonitoringParticipation inCouncil Services

Roll out awareness training on the importance of Monitoring participation in Council services - at least 2 awareness sessions

31-Mar-2021 No training has been carried out in this period due to Covid 19 Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.06.10

Hold at Least 2Meetings of theEquality Assuranceand Oversight Group(EAOG)

Hold at least 2 meetings of the Equality Assurance and Oversight Group (EAOG) to provide updates and seek feedback on progress of equality measures within the Community Plan delivery

31-Mar-2021 No meetings have taken place in this period due to Covid 19 Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.06.11

Improve Access toCouncil Services andEngagement -AssistiveTechnologies

Investigate scoping assistive technologies to improve access to Council services and engagement

31-Mar-2021

Preparations have been made to do a survey with the sign language community to find best way of engaging with then – quotations have been sought for purchase of Video Relay System


C.DI2021.07Improved Access toCouncil Services andFacilities in OtherLanguages

Improved access to Council services and facilities in other languages and formats and promotion of indigenous languages


C.DI2021.07.01Access to CustomerServices andInformation in theIrish Language

Promote access to customer services and information in the Irish language in line with our policy commitments and action 100% of service requests

31-Mar-2021

100% service requests actioned in full. Service fully operational despite Covid-19 challenges. Service promoted across a range of channels including print, web, broadcast, social media and new models of engagement being piloted.


C.DI2021.07.02Undertake AnnualCustomerSatisfaction Survey

Undertake annual customer satisfaction survey and implement all improvement actions arising from these to identify trends and areas for improvement

31-Mar-2021 Draft survey in progress and scheduled for issue mid-November 2020. Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.07.03Increase Profile andAccessibility ofCouncil’s Irishlanguage Services

Increase the profile and accessibility of the Council’s Irish language services across a range of platforms (social media and web) by identifying innovative approaches to service promotion and customer-engagement

31-Mar-2021

Continued promotion of service across (a) Council website (b) Irish language newsgroup (c) dedicated social media channels - Facebook and Twitter, (d) web platforms inc. YouTube, Whats On and (e) web-access meetings and fora.


C.DI2021.07.04

DevelopProjects/Initiatives toPromote IrishLanguage & UlsterScots

Develop and deliver projects and/or initiatives to promote the Irish language and Ulster Scots tradition – minimum 4 projects

31-Mar-2021

Currently progressing a range of projects to promote Irish/Ulster-Scots including: 1.Colmcille 1500; 2.My House of European History/A Day in the Life 3.GP Findlay Ulster-Scots archiving project 4. Irish/Ulster-Scots Language Awareness Resource in partnership with GR team


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C.DI2021.07.05Secure Grant Aid toPromote Irish/UlsterScots Culture

Secure grant aid from external funding organisations to deliver and develop events/initiatives to promote Irish/Ulster Scots culture and heritage with a range of partners

31-Mar-2021

Work progressing to identify and secure funding sources. Additional funding secured in Q2 from CRU/TBUC fund to jointly develop an arts-led Ulster-Scots activity in partnership with GR team.


C.DI2021.07.06Deliver a Programmeof Events to PromoteIrish/Ulster Scots

Deliver a programme of events to promote Irish/Ulster Scots – minimum 4 events

31-Mar-2021

Programming activity currently underway on 4 x Irish/Ulster-Scots events: 1. Island Voices Lecture Series (50% complete); 2. Ulster-Scots Language Week and 3. Colmcille 1500 programme and 4. Irish Language Week 2021. Culture Night 2020 event complete.


C.DI2021.07.07

Support andFacilitate the IrishLanguageCommunity NetworkForum

Continue to support and facilitate the Irish Language Community Network Forum – facilitate 3 meetings each year

31-Mar-2021Meeting of the Irish Language Community Network scheduled to take place 01.10.20. Further meetings scheduled for January and March 2021.


C.DI2021.07.08

Provide GeneralLanguageAwareness Trainingto CouncilStaff/Members

Provide 4 general language awareness training initiatives to Council staff/members in order to build capacity and enhance mainstreaming and develop a Language Awareness e-learning tool for use by all staff

31-Mar-2021

Two video-based Language Awareness tools currently in development for (a) Ulster-Scots Language Week (Nov 20) and (b) Irish Language Week (Mar 21). Currently engaging with HR to discuss reformatting existing training course for e-learning.


C.DI2021.07.09Provide WeeklySpecialised IrishLanguage TrainingCourse for Staff

Provide weekly specialised Irish language training course for staff across locations at Derry and Strabane

31-Mar-2021Weekly classes at Basic and Intermediate level delivered via web video platform by Irish Language Officer throughout Q2.


C.DI2021.08

Deliver ImprovedCustomerSatisfaction -Customer SupportServices

Deliver improved customer satisfaction by improving customer support services and processes


C.DI2021.08.01Customer ServiceExcellence - DeliverCustomer CareTraining

Progress work against the Customer Service Excellence criteria by delivering Customer Care training to all appropriately identified staff

31-Mar-2021 No training possible due to Covid restrictions Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.08.02Customer ServiceExcellence - DeliverTelephone Training

Progress work against the Customer Service Excellence criteria by delivering telephone training to all appropriately identified staff


C.DI2021.08.03Carry out Surveys -Customer Care andTelephone Handling

Carry out surveys, within 1 month of training completion to assess if improvement has been achieved in Customer Care and Telephone Handling


C.DI2021.08.04Develop CouncilIntranet Site -Customer CareInformation

Develop Council intranet site (in liaison with IT) to provide single source for all information for Customer Care

31-Mar-2021 Ongoing process Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

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C.DI2021.08.05

Reduce FOI, EIR,SAR ResponseTimes -Awareness/TrainingSessions

Reduce response times for FOIs, EIRs, SARS by providing awareness/training sessions for all staff


C.DI2021.08.06Reduce ComplaintResponse Times -Awareness/TrainingSessions

Reduce response times for complaints by providing awareness/training sessions for all staff


C.DI2021.08.07 Provide 2 Briefings toReception Staff

Provide 2 briefings to reception staff on section functions and services 31-Mar-2021 Briefings provided by H&S officer and

Customer Services Officer Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.09Provide SupportServices to ElectedMembers and theMayor

Provide comprehensive and progressive support services to Elected Members and the Mayor to assist them in fulfilling their roles effectively


C.DI2021.09.01

ProvideComprehensive andProgressive SupportServices to ElectedMembers and theMayor

Provide comprehensive and progressive support services to Elected Members and the Mayor to assist them in fulfilling their roles effectively

31-Mar-2021Ongoing support provided in physically and virtually during Covid 19. Virtual briefings/meetings/training arranged; ongoing communication.


C.DI2021.09.02

SuccessfulReassessmentAgainst the NIElected MemberDevelopment CharterPlus Standard

Successful Reassessment against the NI Elected Member Development Charter Plus standard and action any identified areas of improvement

31-Mar-2021 Successful reassessment on 28 October 2020. Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.DI2021.09.03Assess MemberSatisfaction withMember SupportServices

Assess member satisfaction with member support services; develop and implement improvement actions as necessary

31-Mar-2021

Survey not completed until end of financial year. 2019/2020 98% Councillor Satisfaction Rating. Post Evaluations completed following every training session and reported on annually.


C.DI2021.09.04Offer all Membersthe Opportunity toComplete a PersonalDevelopment Plan

Offer all Members the opportunity to complete a Personal Development Plan 31-Mar-2021

All Members offered the opportunity to complete a PDP following election. Members also offered a review of their PDP in July 2020.


C.DI2021.09.05

Investigate Optionsto EnhanceAccessibility and orRecording of CouncilMeetings

Investigate options to enhance accessibility and or recording of Council Meetings

31-Mar-2021

During Covid new arrangements for delivery of meetings introduced. Virtual meetings held via webex; meetings broadcast via You Tube/Public I and facility to deliver hybrid meetings via physical presence and Webex. Continue to monitor and research other options of delivery.


C.DI2021.09.06Hold at Least ThreeMeetings of theMemberDevelopment Group

Hold at least three meetings of the Member Development Group 31-Mar-2021 2 meetings held Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

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2.1 Lead Finance and Funding Officer


C.FF2021Finance & FundingSSU Service Plan2020/21

31-Mar-2021 Service Progress Alfie Dallas John Kelpie

C.FF2021.01

Highest Levels ofGoodGovernance/ServiceDelivery - StrategicFinance

Establish & maintain the highest levels of good governance/ Establish & maintain efficient service delivery - Strategic Finance

31-Mar-2021 Objective Progress Alfie Dallas John Kelpie

C.FF2021.01.01Preparation of YearEnd Accounts andAgreement of Out-Turn for 2019/20

Preparation of year end accounts and agreement of out-turn for 2019/20 by statutory deadline

30-Jun-2020Completed and submitted to Department by revised statutory deadline of 31st August 2020.

Alfie Dallas John Kelpie

C.FF2021.01.02Work with NIAO toEnsure AuditedAccounts Signed offby 30/09/20

Work with NIAO to ensure that the audited accounts are signed off by the statutory deadline of 30th September 2020

30-Sep-2020Deadline extended to 31st December 2020. Audited accounts will be presented by NIAO to Audit Committee on 7th December 2020.


C.FF2021.01.03Completion of RatesEstimates for2021/22 StatutoryDeadline

Completion of rates estimates for 2021/22 by statutory deadline of 15th February 2021

28-Feb-2021

Rates estimates process has commenced. Initial full Council briefing held with further briefing scheduled December 2020. Deadline may be extended until March 2021 due to COVID.


C.FF2021.01.04

Issue MonthlyReports toDirectorates andQuarterly Reports toCommittee

Issue 10 monthly management information reports to Directorates and provide quarterly reports to Committee

31-Mar-2021Ongoing- Quarterly outturn report presented to August GSP Committee and Six monthly outturn being reported to December GSP Committee.


C.FF2021.01.05Roll-Out of ElectronicOrdering andProcurement AcrossOrganisation

Roll-out of electronic ordering and procurement across organisation following upgrade of finance system

31-Mar-2021 Rollout delayed due to COVID 19 Alfie Dallas John Kelpie

C.FF2021.02Highest Levels ofGood Governance -Funding

Establish & maintain the highest levels of good governance - Funding 31-Mar-2021 Objective Progress Alfie Dallas John Kelpie

C.FF2021.02.01

Agreement of Headsof Terms and MatchFunding for City Dealand Inclusive FutureFund

Agreement of Heads of Terms and match funding for City Deal and Inclusive Future Fund and establishment of formal governance arrangements to progress Outline Business Cases

30-Sep-2020Ongoing engagement with UKG and NICS Departments. All strategic outline cases completed and hopeful that Heads of Terms will be agreed soon.


C.FF2021.02.02Production of Bi-Annual SnapshotReport to ElectedMembers

Production of bi-annual snapshot report to Elected Members around key growth indicators and provision of statistical analysis to ratepayers on website

31-Mar-2021To date 1 annual update using Community Planning Indicators has been completed


C.FF2021.02.036 Monthly ReportsMeasuring ProgressAgainst Achievementof OBA Targets

Provision of 6 monthly monitoring reports measuring progress against achievement of OBA targets within Inclusive Strategic Growth Plan

31-Mar-2021Due to Statistician Post not being filled this has not been completed although bespoke requests are dealt with as required by Senior Economist


Page 44

13


C.FF2021.02.04

Support theDevelopment of thePEACE Action Planand ProjectProposals

Support the development of the PEACE action plan and project proposals for PEACE, territorial co-operation funds under the PEACE PLUS Programme 2021-27 and work towards other new post BREXIT funds

31-Mar-2021

Response submitted to PEACE Plus consultation process and ongoing engagement with SEUPB. Council has contributed to development of a local government sector position paper lead by SOLACE and NILGA on behalf of the Northern Ireland local government sector in relation to post BREXIT funds. Continued engagement ongoing with all stakeholders


C.FF2021.02.05Detailed Analysisand Benchmarking ofCouncil Rate-Base

Detailed analysis and benchmarking of Council rate-base/ one major Council service area to identify opportunities for cost/ efficiency savings/ additional income

28-Feb-2021 Will be completed in conjunction with rates process Alfie Dallas John Kelpie

C.FF2021.03Highest Levels ofGood Governance -CODA OperationsLtd

Establish & maintain the highest levels of good governance – CODA Operations Ltd

31-Mar-2021 Objective Progress Alfie Dallas; DeniseMcDonnell John Kelpie

C.FF2021.03.01

Work with DoT andDoE for PublicService Obligationfor City of DerryAirport

Continue to work with the Department of Transport and Department of Economy to ensure the successful delivery of and drawdown of funds for the Public Service Obligation for City of Derry Airport

31-Mar-2021Drawdown of funds ongoing- all funds received up until September 2020 including additional funding secured for PSO during pandemic

Alfie Dallas; DeniseMcDonnell John Kelpie

C.FF2021.03.02

Ensure that City ofDerry AirportRemains Compliantwith State AidRequirements

Continue to work with the Department of Economy and EU Officials to ensure that City of Derry Airport remains compliant with State Aid requirements

31-Mar-2021Aid to airport remains state aid compliant under GBER regulations and relevant returns have been completed

Alfie Dallas; PhilipKingston; DeniseMcDonnell

John Kelpie

C.FF2021.03.03

Submission toCentral Governmentto SecureSustainability ofAirport BeyondMarch 2021

Completion and submission of business case to Central Government to provide the financial assistance required to share the funding burden and secure the sustainability of the airport beyond 31st March 2021

30-Jun-2020 Business case almost complete and discussions with Government ongoing

Alfie Dallas; DeniseMcDonnell John Kelpie

Page 45

14

2.1 Lead Human Resources Officer


C.HR2021Human ResourcesSSU Service Plan2020/21

31-Mar-2021 Service Progress Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.01OrganisationalDesign and EffectiveResources

Organisational Design and Effective Resources 31-Mar-2021 Objective Progress Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.01.01

Complete the FinalStages of theRestructuring andHarmonisationProcess

Complete the final stages of the restructuring and harmonisation process 31-May-2020 Environment Services almost complete

with the exception of recycling Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.01.02Develop a Process toDeal with Employeesat Risk ofRedundancy

Develop a process to deal with employees who are at risk of redundancy

30-Jun-2020Currently trawling all posts internally to employees and discussing approach with trade unions

Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.01.03Review RecruitmentProcesses in Linewith New Legislationand Good Practice

Continue to review recruitment processes in line with new legislation and good practice

31-Mar-2021 A process for virtual interviews developed Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.01.04Continue to IdentifyOpportunities toReview and ReduceOvertime

Continue to identify opportunities to review and reduce overtime 31-Mar-2021 Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.01.05

Disability Policy andInitiatives to AttractThose with aDisability into theWorkplace

Progress disability policy and continue to develop initiatives to attract and encourage those with a disability into the workplace

31-Mar-2021 Paused due to current pandemic Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.01.06Options to Implement7 Day WorkingAcross Streetscapeand Cemeteries

Review and consider options to implement 7 day working across streetscape and cemeteries

30-Jun-2020 Paused due to current pandemic Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.01.07Develop a Processfor Carrying out ExitInterviews forEmployees

Develop a process for carrying out exit interviews for employees 30-Sep-2020 Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.02 Healthy Workplace Healthy Workplace 31-Mar-2021 Objective Progress Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.02.01

Develop andPromote the Healthand Wellbeing Hubon the Council’sIntranet

Continue to develop and promote the health and wellbeing hub on the Council’s intranet

31-Mar-2021 Ellen Cavanagh John Kelpie

C.HR2021.02.02Healthy WorkEnvironment -BeWell Initiatives

Continue to promote a healthy work environment through a range of BeWell initiatives

31-Mar-2021 A range of initiatives communicated virtually Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

Page 46

15


C.HR2021.02.03

Programme for LineManagers onPromotingAttendance andWellbeing

Develop and roll out a programme for line managers on promoting attendance and wellbeing

31-Mar-2021 Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.02.04

Programme for LineManagers onPromotingAttendance andWellbeing

Develop and roll out a programme for line managers on promoting attendance and wellbeing

30-Jun-2020 Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.02.05 Implement the newCohort OH system Implement the new Cohort OH system 30-Jun-2020 HR staff currently undergoing training Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.02.06Roll out Training onthe New MenopausePolicy

Roll out training on the new Menopause Policy 30-Jun-2020 Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.02.07Continue toImplement theMental HealthCharter

Continue to implement the Mental Health Charter 31-Mar-2021 Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.02.08Promote the NewEmployeeAssistanceProgramme

Promote the new Employee Assistance Programme 30-Apr-2020 Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.03Employee Relationsand StaffEngagement

Employee Relations and Staff Engagement 31-Mar-2021 Objective Progress Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.03.01

Review and ProgressInitiatives in theEmployeeEngagementStrategy

Continue to review and progress initiatives and process in line with the 5 categories outlined in the Employee Engagement Strategy


C.HR2021.03.02

Plan and DeliverStaff EngagementEvent to IncludeDragons DenCompetition

Plan and deliver Staff Engagement Event to include Dragons Den competition 30-Jun-2020 Postponed due to current pandemic Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.03.03Plan and DeliverStaff RecognitionEvent

Plan and deliver Staff Recognition Event 31-Dec-2020 Virtual staff recognition event planned for

December Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.03.04Continue to PromoteBeSocial throughVarious Team-Building Events

Continue to promote BeSocial through various team-building events 31-Mar-2021 Virtual BeSocial activities currently being

progressed Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.04 Employment Policyand Systems Employment Policy and Systems 31-Mar-2021 Objective Progress Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

Page 47

16


C.HR2021.04.01Continue Programmeof Review andDevelopment of HRPolicies

Continue programme of review and development of HR policies to include: o Emblems Policy o Disciplinary Policy o Secondment Policy o Probation Policy o Maternity/Paternity Policy o Capability Policy o Domestic Violence Policy

31-Mar-2021 Policies currently being developed Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.04.02

Continue to ReviewDocumentation andProcesses to EnsureCompliance withGDPR

Continue to review documentation and processes to ensure compliance with GDPR


C.HR2021.05 OrganisationalDevelopment Organisational Development 31-Mar-2021 Objective Progress Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.05.01Continue to ReviewInduction Process forNew Employees

Continue to review induction process for new employees 31-Mar-2021 Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.05.02Continue to EmbedPDP Process withinthe Organisation

Continue to embed PDP process within the organisation 31-Mar-2021 Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.05.03Review LeadershipTraining Carried Outto Date

Review leadership training carried out to date and continue to promote relevant leadership development programmes for our senior managers


C.HR2021.05.04Continue to DevelopCapacity-BuildingProgrammes for LineManagers

Continue to develop capacity-building programmes for line managers 31-Mar-2021 Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.05.05Develop a PilotCoaching/MentoringProgramme for LineManagers

Develop a pilot coaching/mentoring programme for line managers 30-Sep-2020 Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.05.06 Continue to Roll OuteLearning Continue to roll out eLearning 31-Mar-2021 Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

C.HR2021.05.07Continue to ReviewCompliance TrainingProcesses andCourses

Continue to review compliance training processes and courses 31-Mar-2021 Paula Donnelly John Kelpie

Page 48

17

2.1 Lead Legal Services Officer


C.LS2021 Legal Services SSUService Plan 2020/21

31-Mar-2021 Service Progress Philip Kingston John Kelpie

C.LS2021.01Establish andMaintain the HighestLevels of GoodGovernance

Establish and Maintain the Highest Levels of Good Governance - Legal Services 31-Mar-2021 Objective Progress Philip Kingston John Kelpie

C.LS2021.01.01 Maintain CouncilConstitution Maintain Council constitution 31-Mar-2021 Philip Kingston John Kelpie

C.LS2021.01.02Complete Review ofCouncil StandingOrders

Complete review of Council standing orders 31-Mar-2021 Meeting held with elected members and

officers meeting to discuss Philip Kingston John Kelpie

C.LS2021.01.03

ProgressImplementation ofLexcel Accreditationfor Legal Services inDerry and Strabane

Progress implementation of Lexcel accreditation for Legal Services in Derry and Strabane

31-Mar-2021 Philip Kingston John Kelpie

C.LS2021.01.04Maintain and UpdateDeeds Audit inRespect of CouncilProperty

Maintain and update deeds audit in respect of Council property 31-Mar-2021 Ongoing review Philip Kingston John Kelpie

Page 49

18

2.1 Strategic Business Manager


C.SP2021Strategic ProjectsSSU Service Plan2020/21

31-Mar-2021 Service Progress Rachael Craig John Kelpie

C.SP2021.01Lead and Facilitatethe CommunityPlanning Process

Lead and facilitate the Community Planning process in the Derry City and Strabane District council region

31-Mar-2021 Objective Progress Rachael Craig John Kelpie

C.SP2021.01.01Convene and HostMeetings of theStrategic GrowthPartnership

Convene and host at least 3 meetings of the Strategic Growth Partnership 31-Mar-2021

Meeting held on 02 July 2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and in adherence to social distancing guidance this meeting was convened virtually via WebEx and live streamed via the council’s YouTube channel.

Rachael Craig John Kelpie

C.SP2021.01.02Co-ordinate, Monitorand SupportOutcome DeliveryPartnerships

Co-ordinate, monitor and support Outcome Delivery Partnerships in the ongoing implementation of Strategic Growth/Community Plan actions

31-Mar-2021ODPs meetings have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. All ODP meetings are to be reconvened in September.


C.SP2021.02Commence a Reviewof the StrategicGrowth Plan

Undertake consultation an engagement with Community Planning stakeholders around key themes of governance/structures, actions and, use of data

31-Mar-2021Process amended following COVID -19 Impacts on meetings and workshops. Draft questionnaire prepared and due to be issued shortly.


C.SP2021.03

Carnegie UK TrustEmbeddingWellbeing inNorthern IrelandProject

Successful participation in the Carnegie UK Trust Embedding Wellbeing in Northern Ireland Project and delivery of the associated projects being taken forward as part of the programme


C.SP2021.03.01

Develop andImplement aCommunityEngagementStrategy

Develop and implement a Community Engagement Strategy, action plan and associated communications and marketing activities directed towards the delivery of the Strategic Growth Plan

31-Dec-2020

Final draft being considered by stakeholders. Due to be presented at next SGP in October. Comms and Marketing ongoing in relation to SGP activity.


C.SP2021.03.02Develop and Delivera Youth FocusedParticipatoryBudgeting Pilot

Develop and deliver a Youth Focused Participatory Budgeting pilot in line with the children and young people’s actions identified within Local Area Growth Plans.

31-Dec-2020

Following initial delays due to the impact of COVID ‘Youth Making It Happen’ PB Pilot has now launched. First PB process in NI to be co-designed by young people. Currently calling for Phase 1 applications.


C.SP2021.03.03

Deliver a SharedLeadershipProgramme forMembers of theStrategic GrowthPartnership

Deliver a Shared Leadership Programme for members of the Strategic Growth Partnership to enhance the diffusion of power and collective decision-making abilities of community planning partners.

31-Dec-2020Programme delivery delayed due to impact of COVID. First virtual workshop held on 15.09.20


C.SP2021.03.04

Deliver a Co-ProductionProgramme to BuildCapacity WithinLocal GrowthPartnership Boards

Deliver a co-production programme to build capacity within Local Growth Partnership Boards

31-Mar-2021

Ongoing. Design and delivery of programme has been revised in light of COVID. A range of workshops, facilitated by Community Places (as part of the CUK Embedding Wellbeing in NI programme) completed over the Spring/Summer to engage with C&V sector.


Page 50

19


C.SP2021.04Development of aDetailed SpendingPlan and WorkProgramme

Development of a detailed spending plan and work programme of activity across the three Regional Development Pillars for North West Strategic Partnership Working


C.SP2021.04.01Host 2 Meetings ofthe NW StrategicGrowth Partnership

Host 2 meetings of the NW Strategic Growth Partnership 31-Mar-2021

Provisional date set for 2nd December 2020 for 1st meeting to be held VIA WebEx


C.SP2021.04.02Host 4 Meetings ofthe NW RegionalDevelopment Group

Host 4 meetings of the NW Regional Development Group 31-Mar-2021

2 meetings held on 19th June and 18th September 2020. Next meeting on 11th December 2020


C.SP2021.04.03Commitment ofRemaining NWDevelopment FundMonies

Commitment of remaining NW Development Fund monies 31-Mar-2021 £3885.268 Committed. £2411.271

expended. Rachael Craig John Kelpie

C.SP2021.04.04Agree ProjectExpenditure Profilesfor April 20-March 21period

Agree Project Expenditure Profiles for April 20-March 21 period 30-Apr-2020

Timescales extended on agreement with TEO to December 2021 due to COVID-19 lockdown.


C.SP2021.04.05 Quarterly Monitoringof Spend Profiles Quarterly monitoring of spend profiles 31-Mar-2021 Ongoing Rachael Craig John Kelpie

C.SP2021.04.06

Working withPartners to DeliverPlanned Activity forApril 20-March 21Period

Working with Partners to deliver planned activity for April 20-March 21 period 31-Mar-2021 Product activity ongoing Rachael Craig John Kelpie

C.SP2021.04.07 £900k of FundingDrawn Down £900k of funding drawn down 31-Mar-2021

Please Note: Amended LoO due to COVID 19. Funding to be drawn down £500k


C.SP2021.04.08Commitment ofRemaining NWDevelopment FundMonies

Commitment of remaining NW Development Fund monies 31-Mar-2021 £3885.268 Committed. £2411.271

expended. Rachael Craig John Kelpie

C.SP2021.05Provide EffectiveMedia Managementand CommunicationServices

Continue to provide effective media management and communication services within all Directorates and support services of Council

31-Mar-2021 Objective Progress Adele McCourt John Kelpie

C.SP2021.05.01Create Active MediaCoverage and SocialMedia Engagement

Create active media coverage and social media engagement that generates positive profile and coverage on all Council services, initiatives and events

31-Mar-2021 Ongoing Adele McCourt John Kelpie

C.SP2021.05.02Attend all CommitteeMeetings to EnsureCommunication ofCouncil Decisions

Attend all committee meetings to ensure communication of Council decisions is communicated, and meet on a regular basis with representatives of each directorates to ensure their communication and PR needs are met and planned in advance


C.SP2021.05.03Continue to Look atOpportunities to Linkin with Regional andNational Media

Continue to liaise regularly with all media contacts and look at opportunities to link in with regional and national media to extend awareness and recognition of Council activities, initiatives and events


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20


C.SP2021.05.04Ensure all our MediaDatabases andConnections areUpdated

Ensure all our media databases and connections are updated and that we regularly engage with our contacts to build on relationships and further develop links


C.SP2021.05.05Continue with ourMedia Monitoringand EvaluationService

Continue with our media monitoring and evaluation service to analyse data so we can maximise our media reach and coverage


C.SP2021.05.06Continue to Developand Increase ourSocial MediaEngagement

Continue to develop and increase our engagement within our social media platforms and update our social media skills through a bespoke training programme

31-Mar-2021Social media engagement has increased due to Covid-19 and to a new monitoring system. Training on hold during the pandemic.

Adele McCourt John Kelpie

C.SP2021.05.07Continue to Developand Create ProactiveMedia Content

Continue to develop and create proactive media content to ensure positive placements, and continue with positive response times to all media queries


C.SP2021.05.08 Issue two StaffNewsletters Issue two staff newsletters 31-Mar-2021 One newsletter issued Adele McCourt John Kelpie

Page 52

Title of Report:-

Youth Focused Participatory Budget Pilot

Update

Officer Presenting:

Strategic Business Manager

Author: Strategic Projects Officer

1. Purpose of the report / key recommendations

1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide Members of the Governance and

Strategic Planning Committee with an update on the youth focused

Participatory Budgeting (PB) pilot being carried out as part of the Strategic

Growth Partnerships participation in the Embedding Wellbeing in NI Project.

1.2 It is recommended that Members endorse the content of this report and the

allocation of the £2.5k funding to the District Electoral Areas for where PB

cannot proceed.

2. Background.

2.1 As part of the Strategic Growth Partnership participation in the Carnegie UK

Trust Embedding Wellbeing in NI programme, the partnership have agreed to

deliver a youth focused Participatory Budgeting (PB) pilot across the Derry City

and Strabane District Council area on a Local Growth Area/DEA basis.

2.2 Participatory Budgeting involves citizens, in this case young people aged 12-

25, having a say on how public money is spent and the allocation of funding

by voting on projects within their own local areas.

2.3 “YOUth Making it Happen” will enable local young people to have a direct say

on how public resources are spent in their local areas. A budget of £20,000

has been made available by Council with support from Carnegie UK Trust, to

deliver a range of creative youth centred initiatives. £2,500 will be made

available in each of the 8 Local Growth Areas and young people aged 12-25

from each local area have been invited to put forward project proposals, with

a maximum of £1,000 available for individual projects.

Page 53

Agenda Item 8

3. Key Issues

3.1 YOUth Making it Happen was formally launched by the Mayor on 8

September 2020 with Phase one applications open for an initial period of one

month (to 8 November 2020). In total 18 applications were received from 6

out of the 8 Local Growth Areas across the council area by the original closing

date, however no applications had been submitted from a number of Local

Growth Partnership Areas. As a result, and in a bid to encourage a greater

number of applications the Phase 1 application deadline was extended

(initially for a period of 2 weeks) to 23 October, and then again by a further

week to the 30 October 2020. During this time targeted social media

promotion of the campaign was carried out encouraging applications. Council

officers also engaged directly with Local Growth Chairs and local

organisations/groups in the promotion of the process.

3.2 At the end of extended Phase 1 application period a total of 46 applications

had been received:

Local Growth Partnership Area No. of YMIH Applications

Ballyarnett 3

Derg 4

Faughan 4

Foyleside 14

Moor 9

Sperrin 1

Starbane 4

Waterside 7

3.3 Phase 2 of the application process involved applicants submitting a short 2

minute video outlining their project proposal and how they would use the

funding if successful.

3.4 A minimum number of projects or ideas must be received for any PB process

to be viable and to ensure that those participating have a genuine decision to

take. For YOUth Making it Happen it was agreed by the YOUth Making it

Happen Steering Group that a minimum of 3 projects or ideas must be

Page 54

received from each area so that young people can prioritise and vote for the

three projects or ideas they want to see delivered in their area.

3.5 At the last GSP Committee members were updated that the Sperrin DEA was

unable to progress to stage two as we didn’t receive enough applications and

members were content that the funding allocation of £2.5k was allocated to

the Sperrin Local Growth Partnership for youth projects via a more traditional

funding mechanism.

3.6 Members are not updated that only one of the projects (Grass Roots Gaming

– Greater Shantallow Community Arts) within the Ballyarnet Local Growth Area

submitted a video to be put forward for the online public vote in stage 2.

Therefore as the minimum number of projects (3) was not received in

Ballyarnett (Local Growth Area a Participatory Budgeting process cannot be

taken forward here.

3.6 The YOUth Making it Happen Steering Group and the young people involved

are keen to continue to support this application and to ensuring that the

funding allocation of £2,500 remain allocated to Ballyarnett. They have

recommended that the funding be made available to the Local Growth Area

Partnership to identify alternative methods on how this financial resource

could be used to deliver youth focused initiative(s) in Ballyarnett.

3.7 Officers have updated the Chair of the Ballyarnett Local Growth Partnership

Board and prepared and update paper to be tabled at the next meeting of the

Local Growth Partnership Board appraising members of same.

3.8 In total 31 video submissions were received to be put forward for the online

public vote. Following the public vote which took place from the 29

November – 06 December, the following 18 projects were successful in

receiving the most votes, and therefore funding ranging from £500-£1,000.

Derg Faughan Foyleside Moor Strabane Waterside

1st (£1,000)

Cast cic - 'Westend Masterclass'

Londonderry YMCA - 'Sparkling Clean'

Marco Louge/ DCSDC - 'Bull Park Basketball Court'

Creggan Enterprises - 'Lifehack Lockdown Live'

Strabane AYE - 'Strabane PYDP Group'

Foyle Down Syndrome Trust - “Recharge Me” Programme"

2nd (£1,000)

Intergenerational Baking w/ Social Media - 'KVC Creativity'

EDIT - 'Over The Rainbow Project'

VOYPIC - 'Our Green Space'

Matchbox Youth Club - 'Improving Health and Wellbeing'

Melmount Community Forum - 'Take Action - Make

Foyle College - 'Foyle Diggers - Excavation Project'

Page 55

Change'

3rd (£500)

Newtownstewart Highland Dancers - 'Outdoor Dance'

Ardmore Cricket Club - 'Young Peoples Fitness'

Tristar FC- 'Coach Education and Performance Tracking'

Bishop Street Youth Club - 'Give a Gift’- Social Action 2020'

Sigersons GAA - 'Leading Together'

Lotus Wellbeing Centre - 'EMPower Me'

4. Financial and other implications

4.1 £2.5K originally allocated to the Ballyarnett Local Growth Area via a

Participatory Budgeting process will now be administered via an alternative

funding mechanism by the Local Growth Partnership to implement youth

focused project/initiatives within the Ballyarnett Local Growth Area.

5. Key recommendations.

5.1 It is recommended that Members endorse the content of this report and the

need for an alternative funding mechanism (rather than PB) to facilitate the

delivery of youth focused projects in the Ballyarnett and the Sperrin area.

Page 56

Title of Report:- Officer Presenting:

North West Regional Development Group Author:

& North West Strategic Growth Partnership Strategic Business

Manager

1. Purpose of the report / key recommendations

1.1 The purpose of this report is to provide Members with an update on the

progress of the North West Strategic Growth Partnership and North

West Regional Development Group.

1.2 It is recommended that Members note the content of this report.

2. Background.

2.1 Following a process of cross-border, joint Council and government

engagement, Derry City and Strabane District Council endorsed and

adopted a new strategic model for regional development and growth in

the North West City Region with Donegal County Council in 2016.

2.2 The model is Council-led and founded on the principle of partnership

between local and central government with place-making at its core. It has a

number of key objectives - driving regional economic growth and

investment; physical and environmental development and improving

community cohesion and wellbeing across the North West Region.

2.3 Both the Irish Government and The Executive Office have committed

€2.5million each to support this regional development work as part of

the work programme of the North South Ministerial Council (A Fresh Start –

The Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan, November 2015 –

Section E5 North West Development Fund).

2.4 At a strategic level, the model comprises the North West Strategic Growth

Partnership (NWSGP) which is jointly chaired by the Mayor/Cathaoirleach of

both Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council,

and is attended by representatives from the key Government Departments,

North and South with a brief in social, economic and regional development.

2.5 This Strategic Partnership is responsible for delivering “The North West

Strategic Growth Plan - A Model for Regional Development and Growth of the

North West of the Island of Ireland” which was circulated to Members of this

Committee in July 2020. It also supports central government to deliver on

the North West Gateway Initiative and in tracking key central government

investments relevant to the growth of the North West Region. The inaugural

meeting was held on 7th December 2016 and there has been seven meetings

of this Partnership to date. The last meeting of the Partnership was held on

2nd December 2020.

Page 57

Agenda Item 9

2.6 The work and discussions of the strategic partnership is informed and acted

upon by an all-Council group – The North West Regional Development

Group (NWRDG) – comprising six Elected Members and senior executive

officers from both Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) and

Donegal County Council (DCC). The North West Regional Development

Group’s focus is on advancing the three pillars of regional economic growth,

physical development and social-wellbeing through engagement with key

statutory and sectorial partners across both Council areas. The plans and

priorities are also aligned to the strategic objectives of each Council’s

Community and Strategic investment plans and priorities.

2.7 The last meeting of the NWRDG was held on 11th December 2020.

2.8 Governance arrangements are in place, which includes the delegation of

authority to the NWRDG to take decisions in relation to the development and

implementation of a work programme of activity across the three

development pillars, including expenditure on any one priority of investment

up to a £350k limit.

2.9 The work of the NWRDG is governed by a Partnership Agreement between

both Councils. Risk is shared equally between partners with Derry City and

Strabane District Council being the Lead Administrative Partner with

responsibility for preparation of Accounts etc.

2.10 There are currently 2 staff employed who are responsible for the day-to-day

administration of the fund and the provision of a secretariat service to both

NWRDG and NWSGP.

2.11 In order to keep Council updated and informed of the progress of these

partnerships – minutes from the North West Regional Development

Group and updates from the North West Strategic Growth Partnership

meetings are routinely presented to Council’s Governance and Strategic

Planning Committee.

Page 58

3. Key issues.

3.1 The minutes of the North West Regional Development Group meeting held on

the 18th September 2020 were approved at the last NWRDG meeting held

virtually on 11th December 2020 and are attached at Appendix 1.

3.2 At this meeting, Members received updates on financial monitoring of the

Group’s activities and considered proposed activity and initiatives under the

three pillars of economic growth and development, physical and

environmental development and social and community cohesion and

wellbeing.

3.3 Members were given an update on the NWSGP meeting of 2nd December

2020 and the Golden Bridges Conference which was held virtually in the

Guildhall in November 2020. They also received a virtual presentation from

Thrive, in relation to an update on the NW Audience Development Project.

3.4 The next meeting of the North West Regional Development Group will take

place on Friday 12th March 2021.

3.5 Members are also advised that at the NW Strategic Growth Partnership

meeting held on 2nd December 2020, delegates received an overview of

Development Collaboration in the NW City Region from the Chief Executives

of DCSDC and Donegal County Council. They were also provided with an

update in relation to Brexit and the NW City Region by both the NI Executive

Office and the Department of an Taoiseach.

3.6 The Joint Secretaries from the North South Ministerial Council delivered an

overview on the New Decade, New Approach Agreement and the North West

City Region. This was followed by an update on CoVid-19 North South

Co-operation by both Departments of Health

3.7 The meeting concluded with a round table discussion facilitated by ICLRD,

which heard about the investment in the Region’s Third Level Education

offering. ICLRD also provided delegates with an update on the Green

Transformation framework and the NW Planners Forum.

3.8 The next meeting of this Partnership is due to take place in June 2021.

4. Financial and other implications

4.1 As outlined in Section 2.3, the work of the NWRDG and NWSGP is funded

through the North West Development Fund. There are no direct financial

and/or other implications to Council arising from this report.

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Key recommendations.

4.2 It is recommended that Members note the content of this report and the

ongoing work of the North West Partnership arrangements.

Background Papers

Appendix 1 - Minutes of the North West Regional Development Group meeting held on

18th September 2020.

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North West Regional Development Group Meeting

Minutes of the North West Regional Development Group held on Friday 18th

September 2020 at 11.30am via Webex

PRESENT: Derry City & Strabane District Council Councillor Sandra Duffy (Chair)

Councillor Michaela Boyle Alderman Darren Guy

Councillor Rachael Ferguson Councillor Mary Durkan

Mr John Kelpie (Chief Executive) Ms Karen Phillips Ms Karen McFarland Mr Stephen Gillespie Ms Rachael Craig

Donegal County Council Councillor Ciaran Brogan (Vice Chair)

Councillor Bernard McGuinness Councillor Albert Doherty Councillor Paul Canning Councillor Gerry McMonagle Mr John McLaughlin (Chief Executive) Mr Garry Martin Mr Michael McGarvey Mr Liam Ward Mr Brendan O’Donnell In attendance:

NWRDG Secretariat Ms Maureen Doherty Harvard Graduate School of Design Professor Gareth Doherty 1. Welcome, Introduction and apologies

The Chairperson welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted that Mr. Seamus Neely had retired as Chief Executive of Donegal County Council. Members paid tribute to and expressed their gratitude to Mr Neely for his leadership of the North West Partnership Structures, and wished him well for the future. Mr John McLaughlin was also warmly welcomed and congratulated by the Chair as his appointment as interim Chief Executive of Donegal County Council.

Apologies were noted as follows:

APOLOGIES

Councillor Martin Farren Mr Richard Gibson Mr Alfie Dallas

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2. Minutes & Matters Arising

The minutes of the meeting of 9th June were agreed as an accurate reflection of the meeting.

Agreed PROPOSED: Councillor Boyle

SECONDED: Councillor McMonagle

2.1 Matters Arising Councillor McMonagle urged the Chief Executives and Partnership Members to continue to meet with the two Governments, to continue dialogue and see continued commitment and contribution to the North West City Region particularly in light of the recent progress of the City Deal.

AGREED: Letter to Tánaiste to be issued to reconnect with the Irish Government and also to the First and Deputy First Minister

Proposed: Councillor McMonagle

Seconded: Councillor Boyle

3. Strategic North West Partnership Governance Issues

(a) NW13/20 Financial Monitoring Report and Register of Decisions

The Financial Monitoring Report and Register of Decisions was presented by the

Senior Project Officer. Members noted that £3.89million had been committed from

the fund with £2.41million actual expenditure.

Approved PROPOSED: Councillor Boyle

SECONDED: Councillor Canning

(b) NW14/20 NW Strategic Growth Partnership Support Costs

A report was presented by the Strategic Business Manger seeking approval for the

ICLRD support costs of for The North West Strategic Growth Partnership. Members

approved £33,247 for the period 01st July 2020 to 30th June 2021.

Approved PROPOSED: Councillor Mc Guinness

SECONDED: Councillor Boyle

4. Physical and Environmental Development

(a) Presentation – A post Brexit landscape of the North West. Professor Gareth

Doherty, Harvard Graduate.

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Professor Doherty from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University delivered a detailed presentation on the outcome of the commission on the “Atlas of a City Region – Imagining the post Brexit Landscapes of the North West”. Professor Doherty outlined some of the following key points as part of his presentation:

The scope and extent of the study visit and how the students undertook their field work focusing on land-use, landscape character assessments and anthropology.

How the region will develop over the next 200 years

The border as an enabler how it facilitates transactions

Rich landscape and dispersed settlement pattern

Significance of field patterns / field work (Seamus Heaney)

Potential in the future of another City forming in other areas in the region

Significance of the rich culture and dialect in the region

Relationship with areas such as Antrim and the North coast of Scotland

Foyle as the seam that runs through the region

Impact of climate change on the region, the landscape and biodiversity

How a new form of living will emerge

Borders are not a line but are a landscape Both Chief Executives and Members warmly thanked Mr Doherty and his colleagues for their fascinating input and innovative insight which they said would help shape the future of the region. Comments from the partnership were that it was a privilege to work with Harvard, the Atlas was exciting, imaginative and visionary. Others added that it was an inspirational piece of work which would help shape the region in generations to come. Members also noted that it was important that the work shaped the Local Development Plans and that it needed to become a live and actioned document. Mr Doherty in response thanked the Partnership for the opportunity of working in the North West City Region he said it was an honour to work in the region and expressed a wish to be continually involved.

Action It was agreed that a copy of the presentation would be forwarded to Members

A copy of the printed Atlas to be forwarded to Members on receipt

Ms Philips outlined that the project teams were now considering how to further engage with stakeholders on a local, national and international basis on the Atlas and also how the Atlas could be implemented over the short, medium and long term. She advised that an update on next steps would be provided at a future meeting.

5. Economic Growth and Development

(a) Presentation – City Deal/Strategic Growth Projects for the Derry~Londonderry

and Strabane City Regions

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The Chief Executive of Derry City and Strabane District Council delivered a detailed presentation on the City Deal outlining the bid process, progress, key issues, funding and projects prioritisation. He also demonstrated to Members the impact the funding would have on Strabane Town Centre regeneration, the Central Riverfront in Derry and also the University Masterplan. Mr Kelpie also outlined the next steps required in terms of governance and the implementation of the City Deal. The Chair and Members thanked the Chief Executive for the presentation and welcomed these exciting projects. Members sought more engagement with the Irish Government in relation to their contribution. Members outlined that the region had rarely witnessed investment on this scale and when delivered it will help the region become a net contributor to the Northern Ireland and Irish economies. In a discussion in relation to further commitment to match funding. It was agreed that engagement with the Irish Government would continue to seek match funding for the region and advocacy for wider strategic connectivity and infrastructure. As outlined at the start of the meeting, it was reiterated that that the Chair and Vice Chair of the group would seek meetings with the both Governments.

(b) NW15/20 Update Paper on NW Economic Development Projects Mr Garry Martin, Director of Economic Development, Emergency Services and

Information Systems, Donegal County Council provided an update of Regional

Development Activity.

Mr Martin outlined that the strands of activity which have been promoting economic

development are:

1. US FDI Lead Generation Programme

2. Ireland Northwest Trade and Investment Mission Programme

3. Gateway to Growth Export Development Programme.

He explained that due to the current coronavirus and international travel restrictions,

programme activity is currently being reviewed. Mr Martin added that the investment

teams continue to engage with networks and enhance plans in 2021. He added that

the Golden Bridges event was to take place digitally on the 20th November this year

and asked Members to note this date in their diary.

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6. Social and Community Cohesion and Wellbeing Matters Update

(a) NW/1620 NW Tourism Product Development Programme and Signage Project

Members approved a proposal to deliver a COVID-19 North West Tourism Product Development Programme and signage project to connect the Wild Atlantic Way, Causeway Coastal Route and the Walled City. Members were advised that the programme will support tourism businesses to adapt their product offering in response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and to deliver high quality memorable experiences for visitors. Members approved £130,000 towards the delivery of a NW Tourism Product Development Programme.

Agreed: £130,000 NW Tourism Product Development Programme

PROPOSED: Councillor Doherty

SECONDED: Councillor Brogan

7. AOB

Members discussed the direct and indirect impacts of the increased tourism;

camping and caravanning witnessed in the region over the summer period and the

demands this placed on waste management and car parking. It was agreed that an

update would be provided to Members at a future meeting of the short and long term

plans for motorhome accommodation as part of the North West tourism proposition.

It was agreed that a presentation from Foyle River Gardens would be provided at a

future meeting.

Action Update to be provided to Members at a future meeting of the short and long term plans for motorhome accommodation as part of the North West tourism proposition.

Presentation from Foyle River Gardens to be provided at a future meeting.

8. CLOSING

The Chair noted that the next meeting of the NWRDG is scheduled to take place on

Friday 11th December 2020.

Thanking Members and presenters for their participation and engagement, the

Chairperson declared the meeting closed at 1.05pm

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Document is Restricted

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Agenda Item 10By virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 6 ofthe Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.



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By virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 6 ofthe Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.



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Agenda AnnexBy virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 6 ofthe Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 2014.



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Documents

(Public Pack)Agenda Document for Governance and Strategic