To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 15 July 2015 for signature by the Mayor as Chairman.

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 15 July 2015, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any announcements from the Mayor, Leader of the Council, Members of the Executive, Chairmen of Scrutiny Committees and the Head of Paid Service.

(a)    Her Majesty the Queen – Longest Reigning British Monarch

The Council joined with the Mayor in congratulating Her Majesty the Queen on becoming the country’s longest-reigning monarch after surpassing the reign of Queen Victoria on 9 September 2015.

(b)    Kier Hardie

The Mayor acknowledged that Saturday 26 September 2015 would mark the centenary of the death of James Keir Hardie, a historically influential figure who had changed the political landscape of Britain.

(c)    Former Councillor Mrs. Rita Barber

It was with sadness that the Mayor referred to the death on 29 July 2015 of Rita Post, known to the Council as Councillor Mrs. Rita Barber when serving as a Conservative Member for the Brookland’s Ward from 1984 to 1998.

The Council stood in silence as a mark of respect to a former colleague and friend.

(d)    Lancashire County Cricket Club – NatWest T20 Blast

The Mayor was pleased to congratulate the Lancashire Lightning cricket team on being crowned NatWest T20 Blast champions for the first time in their history after beating Northamptonshire Steelbacks by 13 runs in the final at Edgbaston. The Council joined in congratulating the club on its first one-day title since 1999.

(e)    Scrutiny Committee Update

Councillor Coupe, Chairman of Scrutiny Committee provided the Council with an update on the work of the Committee advising on matters to be considered at the next meeting on 1 October 2015; a meetings date switch so that Scrutiny Committee was now on 16 March 2016 and Health Scrutiny on 30 March 2016; work to appoint to the vacant Parent Governor Representative positions; laying the foundations for Joint Scrutiny with other authorities for the benefit of Trafford; and the reactivation of the social media Twitter account to promote the profile of Scrutiny amongst the public.

(f)     Health Scrutiny Committee Update

Councillor Lloyd, Chairman of Health Scrutiny Committee outlined the areas of work that the Committee had been focusing on specifically reconfiguration of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS); the urgent Health Scrutiny Committee Meeting on 12 August 2015; the closure one of the four Group Practices based at Timperley Health Centre to work closely with Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group and Ward Councillors regarding caretaking arrangements and the redistribution of patients; and the allocation of Task and Finish Groups for 2 areas of concern - Delayed Discharges and Stroke Rehabilitation.

Regarding the urgent Health Scrutiny Committee Meeting on 12 August 2015 with all parties concerning the decision to designate Stepping Hill Hospital as a lead of one of the four single shared services, Councillor Lloyd reported that the Committee received assurances regarding the continued professional and financial stability of Wythenshawe Hospital and the level of treatment provided to Trafford residents. Since the meeting the Committee had written to the Greater Manchester Health Scrutiny Committee detailing the assurances with a request that the impact Healthier Together has on the health services delivered to Trafford residents be monitored. The Chairman also indicated that the Joint Health Scrutiny Committee with Manchester City Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

This is an opportunity for Members of Council to ask the Mayor, Members of the Executive or the Chairman of any Committee or Sub-Committee a question on notice under Procedure Rule 10.2.

The Mayor reported that 2 questions had been received under Procedure Rule 10.2.

(a)        Councillor Mrs. Brophy asked the following question for which she had given notice:

“In times of austerity what is Trafford Council doing to protect the wildlife corridors and woodland areas in the borough?”

In response, Councillor John Reilly, Executive Member for Environment and Operations indicated that austerity had not had a direct impact on wildlife corridors and woodland areas in the borough and that they continued to be protected by existing policies and the Council’s work with partners including the Red Rose Forest Partnership and most recently Amey through the Trafford Countryside Management Partnership.

As a supplementary question, Councillor Brophy enquired whether the Executive Member was aware of a new Woodland Trust report ‘Trees not Turf’ suggesting it was more cost effective to plant trees for the long-term and asked for a meeting to discuss the matter. Councillor John Reilly revealed he was not aware of the report and confirming he was happy to meet with Councillor Brophy would also be grateful if she could provide a copy.

(b)        Councillor Malik asked the following question for which he had given notice:

“What is the criteria and basis for determining whether a child who is autistic, has learning difficulties and global developmental delay, should be provided Home to School Transport?”

Councillor Hyman, Executive Member for Children’s Services advised that since the matter was related to the questioner, he considered it more appropriate to provide a written response.

This Council recognises the hard work put in by teachers in our primary and secondary schools which underpin the provision of outstanding test and examination results achieved by our children, right across the ability range.

This is all the more remarkable when it is taken onto account that Trafford schools receive £318 per pupil less than the national average, and that Trafford has one of the highest per pupil Minimum Funding Guarantees in the country. 

It cannot be right for children in one part of the country to be receiving less base funding per head than in other parts, and Council agrees that this unfairness renders the existing formula as flawed. 

It is these reasons that the Council is a member of the F40 group which campaigns for fairer funding for schools.  Council welcomes a statement made by the Prime Minister at Parliamentary Questions committing the Government to introducing a fairer funding formula for allocating cash to schools across England.

In consequence, this Council reiterates its support for the F40 campaign and requests that the Leader of the Council writes to the Secretary of State for Education to bring forward, more quickly, the Government’s commitment, as stated in its manifesto, to ensuring fairer funding for schools.

It was moved and seconded that:

“This Council recognises the hard work put in by teachers in our primary and secondary schools which underpin the provision of outstanding test and examination results achieved by our children, right across the ability range.

This is all the more remarkable when it is taken onto account that Trafford schools receive £318 per pupil less than the national average, and that Trafford has one of the highest per pupil Minimum Funding Guarantees in the country. 

It cannot be right for children in one part of the country to be receiving less base funding per head than in other parts, and Council agrees that this unfairness renders the existing formula as flawed. 

It is these reasons that the Council is a member of the F40 group which campaigns for fairer funding for schools.  Council welcomes a statement made by the Prime Minister at Parliamentary Questions committing the Government to introducing a fairer funding formula for allocating cash to schools across England.

In consequence, this Council reiterates its support for the F40 campaign and requests that the Leader of the Council writes to the Secretary of State for Education to bring forward, more quickly, the Government’s commitment, as stated in its manifesto, to ensuring fairer funding for schools.”

Following speeches in support, the Motion was put to the vote and carried unanimously.

RESOLVED: That this Council recognises the hard work put in by teachers in our primary and secondary schools which underpin the provision of outstanding test and examination results achieved by our children, right across the ability range.

This is all the more remarkable when it is taken onto account that Trafford schools receive £318 per pupil less than the national average, and that Trafford has one of the highest per pupil Minimum Funding Guarantees in the country. 

It cannot be right for children in one part of the country to be receiving less base funding per head than in other parts, and Council agrees that this unfairness renders the existing formula as flawed. 

It is these reasons that the Council is a member of the F40 group which campaigns for fairer funding for schools.  Council welcomes a statement made by the Prime Minister at Parliamentary Questions committing the Government to introducing a fairer funding formula for allocating cash to schools across England.

In consequence, this Council reiterates its support for the F40 campaign and requests that the Leader of the Council writes to the Secretary of State for Education to bring forward, more quickly, the Government’s commitment, as stated in its manifesto, to ensuring fairer funding for schools.

This Council notes the content of the recent submission of the Conservative-controlled Local Government Association (LGA) to the Treasury entitled ‘Spending Smarter: A Shared Commitment’. This document raises concerns about the future sustainability of local authorities in light of additional costs expected to fall upon councils in the next few years. These costs – estimated by the LGA at £6.3 billion annually in addition to a £3.6 billion increase in business as usual costs – arise as a result of policy decisions such as cutting social housing rents by 1% a year, business rate revaluation and accompanying administrative burden, and the introduction of universal credit.

Regardless of personal views on the policies in question it is clear that these have enormous financial implications for local authorities and have not as yet been mitigated by the Treasury in order to ease the pressure on councils. In particular Council notes the words of Councillor Gary Porter, Conservative Chair of the LGA, commenting on the LGA’s analysis and stating that: “Enormous pressure will be heaped on already stretched local services if the government fails to fully assess the impact of these unfunded cost burdens when making its spending decisions for the next five years. Vital services, such as caring for the elderly, protecting children, collecting bins, filling potholes and maintaining our parks and green spaces, will simply struggle to continue at current levels.”

Council is supportive of the LGA’s findings and the views of Councillor Porter and therefore agrees to write to the Treasury expressing similar concerns and calling for a fairer and more substantial funding settlement – taking into account these additional cost pressures - ahead of the November Spending Review.

It was moved and seconded that:

“This Council notes the content of the recent submission of the Conservative-controlled Local Government Association (LGA) to the Treasury entitled ‘Spending Smarter: A Shared Commitment’. This document raises concerns about the future sustainability of local authorities in light of additional costs expected to fall upon councils in the next few years. These costs – estimated by the LGA at £6.3 billion annually in addition to a £3.6 billion increase in business as usual costs – arise as a result of policy decisions such as cutting social housing rents by 1% a year, business rate revaluation and accompanying administrative burden, and the introduction of universal credit.

Regardless of personal views on the policies in question it is clear that these have enormous financial implications for local authorities and have not as yet been mitigated by the Treasury in order to ease the pressure on councils. In particular Council notes the words of Councillor Gary Porter, Conservative Chair of the LGA, commenting on the LGA’s analysis and stating that: ‘Enormous pressure will be heaped on already stretched local services if the government fails to fully assess the impact of these unfunded cost burdens when making its spending decisions for the next five years. Vital services, such as caring for the elderly, protecting children, collecting bins, filling potholes and maintaining our parks and green spaces, will simply struggle to continue at current levels.’

Council is supportive of the LGA’s findings and the views of Councillor Porter and therefore agrees to write to the Treasury expressing similar concerns and calling for a fairer and more substantial funding settlement – taking into account these additional cost pressures - ahead of the November Spending Review.”

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

“Council notes the content of the recent submission made by the Local Government Association to HM Treasury entitled ‘Spending Smarter: A Shared Commitment’.

This document recognises that the forthcoming Comprehensive Spending Review rightly prioritises the radical devolution of power within England and outlines how local government can be part of the solution to streamlining public services, fostering economic growth and integrating health and social care, all while saving the public purse almost £2 billion a year by the end of the Parliament.

In particular, the report makes the following summary recommendations:

•       Enable wider integration of social care and health services to deliver savings and improve outcomes.

•       Implement a place-based budget approach for delivering all local services through a Local Public Services Fund, as part of at least five devolution deals.

•       Promote growth and productivity by accepting the case for further local decision making and calls for devolution of, or local influence over, more than £60 billion of growth, skills and infrastructure funding.

•       The transformation of the business rate mechanism and providing a four year local government finance settlement.

•       Calls for an assessment of the unfunded cost burdens that core council budgets are going to face over the spending review  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

This Council has been deeply disturbed by pictures emerging from the Mediterranean of the on-going refugee crisis and its impact on human life. In response to these devastating events, this Council affirms its commitment to fulfil our moral and humanitarian obligations to all people in crisis and Syrian refugees in particular. To this end Council agrees to write to the Prime Minister in support of a comprehensive national response to this terrible situation, pledging Trafford's full and unyielding co-operation in helping to alleviate the pain and suffering inflicted by what many have described as the worst humanitarian crisis since the Second World War.

It was moved and seconded that:

“This Council has been deeply disturbed by pictures emerging from the Mediterranean of the on-going refugee crisis and its impact on human life. In response to these devastating events, this Council affirms its commitment to fulfil our moral and humanitarian obligations to all people in crisis and Syrian refugees in particular. To this end Council agrees to write to the Prime Minister in support of a comprehensive national response to this terrible situation, pledging Trafford's full and unyielding co-operation in helping to alleviate the pain and suffering inflicted by what many have described as the worst humanitarian crisis since the Second World War.”

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

“The Council affirms its commitment to fulfil its moral and humanitarian obligations to all people in crisis and Syrian refugees in particular, and is deeply disturbed by recent images that have highlighted the urgent need for a co-ordinated and national response to support those most in need.

•       The Council recognises the emotional and humanitarian aspects of the present situation.  Its position is aligned to that of the UK Government and it will respond positively and swiftly to any request for assistance as part of a Government-led initiative. We support the Government in seeking a political solution to present turmoil in the Middle East.

•       The Council pledges to work with colleagues across Greater Manchester authorities and partners including the housing sector, social care, the NHS and transport should there be a Government-led resettlement process across the UK. 

•       In order to ensure a high level of care and support is provided, the Council wishes to see all areas of the country to play their part, recognising that there exists today a disproportionate concentration across the North West region that has placed extra demand on local resources, and that this is a view adopted widely across all Greater Manchester authorities.

•       Council supports Parliament in legislating to maintain aid spending at present levels and welcomes the commitment of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to use the foreign aid budget to assist local authorities that help with the crisis.

•       The Council is proud of Trafford’s communities that have a long history of supporting those most in need of our help and care.

To this end Council agrees to write to the Prime Minister in support of a comprehensive national response to this terrible situation, pledging Trafford's full and unyielding co-operation to a national co-ordinated response in helping to alleviate the pain and suffering so many are presently experiencing.”

Following a debate on the matter, the amendment was put to the vote and carried unanimously. The Leader of the Council then spoke on the substantive Motion before it was agreed by the general consent of the Council.

RESOLVED: That the Council affirms its commitment to fulfil its moral and humanitarian obligations to all people in crisis and Syrian refugees in particular, and is deeply disturbed by recent images that have highlighted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

This Council notes:

•       The Home Office has announced a public consultation on the current Police Allocation Formula which is to conclude on 15th September.

•              The Home Office has so far failed to provide adequate details to Police Crime Commissioners, Police and Chief Constables that allow them to fully understand financial implications and may leave the force severely disadvantaged.

•              Potential cuts could range from £53 million to £78 million which is the equivalent of between 1,060 and 1,560 officers.

•              Since 2010 Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has lost more than 1,500 officers. 129 officers across Trafford.

•              Lack of clarity from the Home Office suggests that financial planning is and will be incredibly difficult to forecast even in the short term.

•              The National Audit Office has already warned the Government has insufficient information on how much further police funding could be cut without degrading services.

•              The Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy reports that GMP risk becoming a “reactive force”.

Council resolves:

To work with the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable to pursue the letter sent to Rt. Hon. Theresa May requesting further detail on the Police Allocation Formula.

To openly challenge this Government on the proposed further cuts to GMP and fight for a fairer deal for Trafford.

(Note: Councillor Freeman declared a personal interest in this item, having served with the Greater Manchester Police for over 30 years and was in receipt of a pension from the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, and remained in the meeting during its consideration.)

It was moved and seconded that:

“This Council notes:

•       The Home Office has announced a public consultation on the current Police Allocation Formula which is to conclude on 15th September.

•              The Home Office has so far failed to provide adequate details to Police Crime Commissioners, Police and Chief Constables that allow them to fully understand financial implications and may leave the force severely disadvantaged.

•              Potential cuts could range from £53 million to £78 million which is the equivalent of between 1,060 and 1,560 officers.

•              Since 2010 Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has lost more than 1,500 officers. 129 officers across Trafford.

•              Lack of clarity from the Home Office suggests that financial planning is and will be incredibly difficult to forecast even in the short term.

•              The National Audit Office has already warned the Government has insufficient information on how much further police funding could be cut without degrading services.

•              The Chief Constable Sir Peter Fahy reports that GMP risk becoming a ‘reactive force’.

Council resolves:

To work with the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable to pursue the letter sent to Rt. Hon. Theresa May requesting further detail on the Police Allocation Formula.

To openly challenge this Government on the proposed further cuts to GMP and fight for a fairer deal for Trafford.”

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

“This Council notes:

•       The Home Office has announced a public consultation on the current Police Allocation Formula which concluded on the 15 September 2015.

•       That Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables have requested further information from the Home Office that allow them to fully understand financial implications.

•       That since 2010, Greater Manchester Police has reduced by 1,500 the number of police officers, of which 129 were from the Trafford division and notes that this was one of the largest reductions, as a percentage, across the force area.

The Council resolves:

•       To work with the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable to pursue their letter sent to the Home Secretary requesting further detail on the Police Allocation Formula.

•       In light of the information being received, to challenge the Government to deliver a fair spending settlement for Greater Manchester Police and locally to further challenge the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner to deliver an equitable settlement for Trafford when he considers how to implement spending reductions across the force area.”

Following a debate on the matter, the Motion was put to the vote and carried unanimously. Consequently, the substantive Motion was declared carried.

RESOLVED: That this Council notes:

•       The Home Office has announced a public consultation on the current Police Allocation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.