Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee met on 19 September 2025 to discuss a range of strategic and operational issues. The agenda included updates on the council's Irish Language Policy, responses to consultations on sustainable places and recruitment, and several initiatives related to climate change and social support. Also scheduled for discussion were various physical programmes, asset management, and financial updates.

Shaping Sustainable Places Consultation

The committee was scheduled to discuss a draft response to the Shaping Sustainable Places consultation. The consultation itself is a document that is intended to shape the future of development in Northern Ireland. It is designed to ensure that new developments are environmentally sustainable and contribute positively to the local community.

30 Under 30 Climate Change-Makers Initiative 2025-26

The agenda included a discussion of the 30 Under 30 Climate Change-Makers Initiative 2025-26. This initiative is designed to identify and support young people in Belfast who are actively working to address climate change. The council was scheduled to discuss how to support and promote the work of these young climate leaders.

Social Supermarket Fund

The committee was scheduled to discuss the Social Supermarket Fund. Social Supermarkets provide heavily discounted food and household items to individuals and families on low incomes, helping to reduce food waste and address food poverty. The council was scheduled to discuss the allocation and management of this fund to support the establishment and operation of social supermarkets in the city.

Draft Irish Language Policy

The committee was scheduled to discuss a draft of the council's Irish Language Policy. This policy is expected to outline the council's approach to promoting and supporting the use of the Irish language within the city. The discussion was expected to cover various aspects of the policy, including service provision, cultural initiatives, and community engagement.

Rolling Apprenticeship Programme

The committee was scheduled to discuss the Rolling Apprenticeship Programme. This programme aims to provide ongoing apprenticeship opportunities within the council and in partnership with local businesses. The discussion was expected to focus on the programme's structure, funding, and its contribution to skills development and employment in Belfast.

Review of Code of Procedures on Recruitment and Selection Consultation Response

The agenda included a review of the Code of Procedures on recruitment and selection consultation response. This review is part of an effort to ensure that the council's recruitment processes are fair, transparent, and effective. The discussion was expected to cover proposed changes to the code and feedback received during the consultation process.

Physical Programme and Asset Management

The committee was scheduled to receive updates on the Physical Programme and Asset Management. This included updates on various capital projects and the management of the council's assets. The discussion was expected to cover progress on key projects, financial performance, and strategic priorities for asset management.

Other Matters

The agenda also included several other items for discussion, including:

• An update on temporary contracts and agency workers.
• An AI update.
• A discussion of the Women's World Cup.
• A finance update.
• A quarterly update on notices of motion.
• A discussion of the Night Mover Service.
• Attendance at Horizon 2020 UPSURGE in person meeting in Breda Oct25.
• A Common Purpose NI Legacy Sponsorship Proposal.
• A contracts update.
• Minutes of various meetings, including the Shared City Partnership Meeting, Party Group Leaders Consultative Forum, Cost of Living Working Group, Castle, Cavehill, Zoo and North Foreshore Steering Group, and Disability Working Group.
• Requests for use of the City Hall and the provision of hospitality.
• Use of City Hall Grounds Love Lamb Week September 2026.