Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Trafford Town Hall, Talbot Road, Stretford

Contact: Ian Cockill  Democratic Services Officer

Media

Items
No. Item

41.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 104 KB

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 16 September 2015 for signature by the Mayor as Chairman.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 16 September 2015, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

 

42.

Announcements

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.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(a)            Armistice Day

 

The Mayor acknowledged that Members had attended Remembrance services across the Borough the past Sunday and informed the Council that a brief ceremony had been held at the Town Hall at 11.00 a.m. that morning, where a two-minute silence was observed to mark Armistice Day. 

 

(b)            Scrutiny Committee Update

 

Councillor Coupe, Chairman of Scrutiny Committee advised that work was to begin on the first of two Scrutiny Task and Finish groups, ‘Closing the Gap’. The group would be investigating the perceived education inequalities within the Borough and all Members were welcome to attend the first meeting due to be held on 18 November 2015, prior to the main Committee.

 

Council was also informed about the arrangements for Budget Scrutiny. The Leader of the Council was set to present the budget proposals to the Scrutiny Committee meeting on 18 November and 2 budget scrutiny Task and Finish Group sessions had been organised for 2 December and 8 December 2015.

 

(c)            Health Scrutiny Committee Update

 

Councillor Lloyd, Chairman of Health Scrutiny Committee informed the Council of the outcome of the Health Scrutiny Committee meeting on 7 October 2015 where representatives of Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT) attended to discuss its decision to close Stretford Memorial Hospital on the basis that running services at the hospital endangered the safety of patients and staff. The Committee requested CMFT to continue to provide Phlebotomy and INR (International Normalised Ratio) services within the Stretford area and CMFT and Trafford CCG had since confirmed that clinics would be provided at Dr. Summer’s GP practice on Ayres Road until the Shrewsbury Street development was completed.

 

The Chairman also provided an update on the closure of GP Practices in the Borough advising that:

 

-              the GP Practice of Doctors Kuan and Pickup had now closed with patient dispersal underway.

-              Dr. Florin’s practice had closed and patients were being dispersed, whilst Dr. Florin would continue to practice medicine in the area.

-              the Dr. Ali Medical Centre was due to come to the end of its 5 year temporary contract at the end of November 2015. Three options had been proposed and consulted upon, however, a decision was awaited from Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group on either extension of current arrangements; list dispersal; or procurement of services.

43.

Questions By Members

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.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Mayor reported that 3 questions had been received under Procedure Rule 10.2.

 

(a)        Councillor Lloyd asked the following question for which she had given notice:

 

“How many packages of care are in place by Ward with the number of hours involved and the age range?”

 

In response, Councillor Williams, Executive Member for Adult Social Services and Community advised that since there was a substantial amount on information to convey he would reply in writing to Councillor Lloyd after the meeting.

 

Councillor Lloyd acknowledged there was a large amount of information and as a supplementary question, enquired whether this could have been made available before the meeting. The Mayor confirmed that the Executive Member’s response was in accordance with Council procedures and Councillor Williams confirmed that he would be happy to receive a further question at or before the next meeting.

 

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

 

“For the purposes of clarity and public record can the Leader of the Council explain why the Labour Group motion submitted for this Council meeting discussing Home to School Transport for Special Needs Teenagers attending Brentwood School has been ruled out of order and why having agreed to meet the parents and carers of the teenagers affected, the Corporate Director Children Families and Wellbeing (CFW) pulled out of that meeting, when clearly he could still have met with them without prejudice?”

 

Councillor Anstee, Leader of the Council informed the Council that the motion had not been ruled out of order but had been deferred to a future meeting, pending legal action and the Leader of the Labour Group and the Corporate Director CFW had been advised of the situation.

 

Understanding the binding legal restrictions, Councillor Freeman thanked the Leader for his response and whilst suggesting that consultation and communication appeared to be a real problem, he asked as a supplementary question whether it did not even slightly trouble Councillor Anstee that he was prepared to hide behind legal process which was only started because of a lack of willingness to communicate and negotiate in the first instance?

 

Mindful of the legal restrictions, Councillor Anstee referred Councillor Freeman to the response he had just provided.

 

(c)        Councillor Jarman asked the following question for which he had given notice:

 

“Kings Road Primary School in Stretford is having terrible problems with traffic, particularly parking, at school start and finish times. The school is set to double in size in the next few years which will make the problem worse. Could a Traffic Engineer please visit the school during these times, meet the staff, parents and residents and see if anything can be done to alleviate the problem?”

 

Councillor John Reilly, Executive Member for Environment and Operations confirmed that this was agreeable and having met with the Senior Highways Engineer and the Highway Safety Inspector, suggested they meet with Councillor Jarman on site. Councillor Jarman welcomed the response and confirmed he was happy to meet at the school.

44.

Delegation to China

To receive an oral report of the Leader of the Council.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council reported to Council on a business and Ministerial delegation to China in September 2015 attended by civic leaders from across the north of England.

 

The delegation, which included the leaders of Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Leeds, Newcastle and Trafford visited Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu over a 5 day period and attended events with investors and political leaders, trade shows and the Shanghai Stock Exchange. The trip aimed to foster United Kingdom – China relations and provide a showcase for the ‘Northern Powerhouse’.

 

Follow-up visits to the North West had occurred, most notably the visit of President Xi of China to Manchester, whilst Councillor Anstee hosted a Chinese delegation to Manchester Science Park the week prior to Council.

 

The visit to China had been an opportunity to highlight significant investment opportunities and important contacts were made within the delegation. With major sites coming up in Old Trafford, Pomona, Carrington and Trafford Waters, alongside existing assets that contribute to the Regional Framework, the Council shall be encouraging economic growth and investment and positioning Trafford on the international stage.

 

RESOLVED: That the oral report be noted.

45.

Composition of Political Groups pdf icon PDF 73 KB

To note a report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Legal and Democratic Services submitted a report advising Council of a change to the political composition of the Council and the position in relation to the constitution of Council Committees for the remainder of the 2015/16 municipal year.

 

RESOLVED –

 

(1)        That the current composition of the political groups on the Council, as set out in the report, be noted.

 

(2)        That the Council notes that there will be no consequential change to the allocation of Committee places.

46.

Scrutiny Committee Membership - Appointment of Parent Governor Representatives as Co-Opted Members pdf icon PDF 92 KB

To consider a joint report of the Chairman of Scrutiny Committee and the Director of Legal and Democratic Services.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chairman of Scrutiny Committee and the Director of Legal and Democratic Services submitted a joint report detailing the process to appoint to the three Parent Governor Representative vacancies on Scrutiny Committee.

 

RESOLVED: That the new membership of the Scrutiny Committee be agreed with the appointment of the following three Parent Governor Representatives as Co-opted Voting Members of the Committee:

 

Primary – Ms. Saadia Shearaz Khan

Secondary – Mrs. Judith Hanley

Special – Ms. Tora Rushby

47.

Licensing Act 2003 - Statement of Licensing Policy 2016-2021 pdf icon PDF 1 MB

To consider a report of the Corporate Director Economic Growth, Environment and Infrastructure.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Corporate Director for Economic Growth, Environment and Infrastructure submitted a report inviting the Council to consider a summary of responses received following statutory consultation on the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy. The report also provided a summary of amendments incorporating all proposed changes.

 

RESOLVED: That the revised Statement of Licensing Policy, as set out at Appendix 3 to the report, be adopted by the Council to come into force on 7 January 2016.

48.

Gambling Act 2005 - Statement of Gambling Policy Statement 2016-2019 pdf icon PDF 524 KB

To consider a report of the Corporate Director Economic Growth, Environment and Infrastructure.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Corporate Director for Economic Growth, Environment and Infrastructure submitted a report presenting the Council’s Statement of Gambling Policy and a summary of the response received to the statutory consultation. The report advised that following a review there were no changes to the Policy.

 

RESOLVED: That, subject to a correction to the date in Section 2.6, the Statement of Gambling Policy, as set out at Appendix 2 to the report, be adopted by the Council to come into force on 31 January 2016.

49.

Year End Corporate Report on Health and Safety - 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015 pdf icon PDF 203 KB

To note a joint report of the Executive Member for Transformation and Resources.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Transformation and Resources submitted a report providing information on council wide health and safety performance and trends in workplace accidents. The report also provided a summary of other key developments in health and safety for the period 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015.

 

With regard to future reporting, the Executive Member agreed to provide Councillor Baugh with clarification of the arrangements for staff delivering services under the joint venture contract with Amey.

 

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

50.

Motion Submitted by the Conservative Group - Education

 

This Council welcomes the Conservative Government’s recent decision to allow a new Grammar School site in Sevenoaks in Kent, reflecting the desire of local parents for increased provision.

 

Thanks to our school system and the efforts of pupils, teachers, parents and governors, Trafford not only produces some of the best education results in the country but also provides increased social mobility within our communities. Our selective system provides all children in the Borough with the best possible start in life and the ability to achieve their potential.

 

In light of the Government’s decision, this Council:

 

i.       reaffirms its support for Trafford’s selective education system and for our Grammar and High schools, which provide a world class education for all Trafford children, irrespective of their background or parental wealth; and

 

ii.      condemns the recent comments of the Shadow Secretary of State for Education, Lucy Powell MP, opposing selection and stating that “the Government will be actively encouraging inequality in our education system”.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

This Council welcomes the Conservative Government’s recent decision to allow a new Grammar School site in Sevenoaks in Kent, reflecting the desire of local parents for increased provision.

 

Thanks to our school system and the efforts of pupils, teachers, parents and governors, Trafford not only produces some of the best education results in the country but also provides increased social mobility within our communities. Our selective system provides all children in the Borough with the best possible start in life and the ability to achieve their potential.

 

In light of the Government’s decision, this Council:

 

i.       reaffirms its support for Trafford’s selective education system and for our Grammar and High schools, which provide a world class education for all Trafford children, irrespective of their background or parental wealth; and

 

ii.      condemns the recent comments of the Shadow Secretary of State for Education, Lucy Powell MP, opposing selection and stating that ‘the Government will be actively encouraging inequality in our education system’.”

 

Following a debate on the matter, the Motion was put to the vote and declared.

 

RESOLVED: That this Council welcomes the Conservative Government’s recent decision to allow a new Grammar School site in Sevenoaks in Kent, reflecting the desire of local parents for increased provision.

 

Thanks to our school system and the efforts of pupils, teachers, parents and governors, Trafford not only produces some of the best education results in the country but also provides increased social mobility within our communities. Our selective system provides all children in the Borough with the best possible start in life and the ability to achieve their potential.

 

In light of the Government’s decision, this Council:

 

i.       reaffirms its support for Trafford’s selective education system and for our Grammar and High schools, which provide a world class education for all Trafford children, irrespective of their background or parental wealth; and

 

ii.      condemns the recent comments of the Shadow Secretary of State for Education, Lucy Powell MP, opposing selection and stating that ‘the Government will be actively encouraging inequality in our education system’.

51.

Motion Submitted by the Labour Group - Voter Registration and Transition to Individual Electoral Registration

 

Council welcomes:

 

·              The Electoral Commission’s warning that there is “a risk that a considerable number of eligible voters could be removed from the registers before the significant set of polls scheduled for May 2016 if the transition to IER is brought forward.”

 

·              The Electoral Commission’s recommendation that the end of these transitional arrangements before IER is fully implemented “should remain December 2016 as stated in law and should not be brought forward to December 2015”.

 

Council resolves:

 

To take every possible step to ensure that as many local residents as possible are registered to vote including, but not limited to, the following:

 

-       Fully analysing the last annual household canvass and comparing the results on a ward by ward basis to the previous year’s canvass.

 

-       Maintaining a database of electors who have confirmed their electoral registration details via the “No Change” method and using this database to ensure people who have been previously registered but haven’t been re-registered are contacted.

 

-       Using all available council-held databases to ensure that as many electors as possible are data-matched for electoral registration purposes.

 

-       Using all available methods of communication to explain the transition to IER to local residents.

 

-       Prompting local residents with electoral registration reminders at other points of contact with the council, such as when residents apply for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and other council services.

 

-       Liaising with local private sector landlords to ensure electoral registration information is included in tenancy packs and other communications they have with their tenants.

 

-       Having council officers attend citizenship ceremonies and local schools and colleges to encourage newly eligible electors to register to vote at the earliest opportunity.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

Council welcomes:

 

·          The Electoral Commission’s warning that there is ‘a risk that a considerable number of eligible voters could be removed from the registers before the significant set of polls scheduled for May 2016 if the transition to IER is brought forward.’

 

·          The Electoral Commission’s recommendation that the end of these transitional arrangements before IER is fully implemented ‘should remain December 2016 as stated in law and should not be brought forward to December 2015’.

 

Council resolves:

 

To take every possible step to ensure that as many local residents as possible are registered to vote including, but not limited to, the following:

 

-       Fully analysing the last annual household canvass and comparing the results on a ward by ward basis to the previous year’s canvass.

 

-       Maintaining a database of electors who have confirmed their electoral registration details via the “No Change” method and using this database to ensure people who have been previously registered but haven’t been re-registered are contacted.

 

-       Using all available council-held databases to ensure that as many electors as possible are data-matched for electoral registration purposes.

 

-       Using all available methods of communication to explain the transition to IER to local residents.

 

-       Prompting local residents with electoral registration reminders at other points of contact with the council, such as when residents apply for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and other council services.

 

-       Liaising with local private sector landlords to ensure electoral registration information is included in tenancy packs and other communications they have with their tenants.

 

-       Having council officers attend citizenship ceremonies and local schools and colleges to encourage newly eligible electors to register to vote at the earliest opportunity.”

 

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

 

        “Council notes the hard work undertaken by the Electoral Service Officers in carrying out the updating of the Electoral Register for individual registration.

 

        Over the last six months they have conducted a campaign of canvasing both physically and by letter to ensure no qualified elector will be deleted from the register but at the same time duplicate entries and those who have left Trafford are removed.

 

        In addition, Council acknowledges that the House of Lords debated the issue on the 27 October 2015 and voted to proceed with the timeframe outlined by Government.

 

        Council therefore resolves:

 

To continue to take every possible step to ensure that as many local residents as possible are registered to vote including, but not limited to, the following:

 

-       Fully analysing the last annual household canvass and comparing the results on a ward by ward basis to the previous year’s canvass.

 

-       Maintaining a database of electors who have confirmed their electoral registration details via the “No Change” method, and using this database to ensure people who have been previously registered but haven’t been re-registered are contacted.

 

-       Using all available council-held databases to ensure that as many electors as possible are data-matched for electoral registration purposes.

 

-       Using  ...  view the full minutes text for item 51.

52.

Motion Submitted by the Labour Group - Trade Union Bill

 

That this Council recognises the positive contribution that trade unions and trade union members make in our workplaces. This Council values the constructive relationship that we have with our trade unions and we recognise their commitment, and the commitment of all our staff, to the delivery of good quality public services.

 

This Council notes with concern the Trade Union Bill which is currently being proposed by the Government and which would affect this Council’s relationship with our trade unions and our workforce as a whole. This Council rejects this Bill’s attack on local democracy and the attack on our right to manage our own affairs.

 

This Council is clear that facility time, negotiated and agreed by us and our trade unions to suit our own specific needs, has a valuable role to play in the creation of good quality and responsive local services. Facility time should not be determined or controlled by Government in London.

 

This Council is happy with the arrangements we currently have in place for deducting trade union membership subscriptions through our payroll. We see this as an important part of our positive industrial relations and a cheap and easy to administer system that supports our staff. This system is an administrative matter for the Council and should not be interfered with by the UK Government.  

  

This Council resolves to support the campaign against the unnecessary, anti-democratic and bureaucratic Trade Union Bill.

 

This Council further resolves to seek to continue its own locally agreed industrial relations strategy and will take every measure possible to maintain its autonomy with regard to facility time and the continuing use of check-off.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

That this Council recognises the positive contribution that trade unions and trade union members make in our workplaces. This Council values the constructive relationship that we have with our trade unions and we recognise their commitment, and the commitment of all our staff, to the delivery of good quality public services.

 

This Council notes with concern the Trade Union Bill which is currently being proposed by the Government and which would affect this Council’s relationship with our trade unions and our workforce as a whole. This Council rejects this Bill’s attack on local democracy and the attack on our right to manage our own affairs.

 

This Council is clear that facility time, negotiated and agreed by us and our trade unions to suit our own specific needs, has a valuable role to play in the creation of good quality and responsive local services. Facility time should not be determined or controlled by Government in London.

 

This Council is happy with the arrangements we currently have in place for deducting trade union membership subscriptions through our payroll. We see this as an important part of our positive industrial relations and a cheap and easy to administer system that supports our staff. This system is an administrative matter for the Council and should not be interfered with by the UK Government.  

  

This Council resolves to support the campaign against the unnecessary, anti-democratic and bureaucratic Trade Union Bill.

 

This Council further resolves to seek to continue its own locally agreed industrial relations strategy and will take every measure possible to maintain its autonomy with regard to facility time and the continuing use of check-off.”

 

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

 

“This Council recognises the positive contribution that trade unions and trade union members make in our workplaces and values the constructive relationship that we have with our trade unions.  We recognise their commitment, and the commitment of all our staff, to the delivery of good quality public services.

 

The Council supports the stated aim of the Trade Union Bill as legislation to reform trade unions and protect essential public services against strikes but does expresses the following opinion in relation to both facility time and check off.

 

The Council is clear that facility time, negotiated and agreed locally with our trade unions to suit our own specific needs, has a valuable role to play in the creation of good quality and responsive local services.

 

The Council accepts the arrangements presently in place for deducting trade union membership subscriptions through our payroll run and agrees that this is an administrative matter for the Council to determine itself.

 

The Council is mindful of the need to maintain the positive relationship  it holds with its trade unions and therefore resolves to seek to continue its own locally agreed industrial relations strategy and will take every measure possible, within the law, to maintain its autonomy with regard to facility time and the continuing use  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.

53.

Motion Submitted by the Conservative Group - Business Rates

 

The Council welcomes the announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the Conservative party conference that business rates will be retained locally, and is committed to working with the Local Government Association, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Department for Communities and Local Government to represent its interests as the scheme detail is devised.

 

In particular, this announcement:

 

       will remove reliance on the government revenue support grant

       will allow local authorities to retain upside of growth in business rates

       provides local authorities with incentives to attract new business and seek inward investment

       will benefit local authorities like Trafford that support local employers and job creation

       removes uncertainty in the annual settlement process for local government

 

Trafford is the most competitive place for business in the North West with unrivalled assets such as great transport infrastructure and good superfast broadband coverage, a highly skilled population, a dedicated inward investment team and excellent education attainment.

 

Under the Conservative administration, Trafford has fostered an environment that is business friendly, helping to enhance local communities across the Borough.

 

The Council reaffirms its commitment to be a pro-growth, open for business authority with the political resolve to support the view that the Borough is ‘First for Business’.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(Note: As a Council representative on the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and its appointed Chair, Councillor Acton, declared a personal interest in this matter insofar as it relates to the Service’s funding settlement and its ability to protect businesses in the Borough.)

 

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“The Council welcomes the announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the Conservative party conference that business rates will be retained locally, and is committed to working with the Local Government Association, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Department for Communities and Local Government to represent its interests as the scheme detail is devised.

 

In particular, this announcement:

 

       will remove reliance on the government revenue support grant

       will allow local authorities to retain upside of growth in business rates

       provides local authorities with incentives to attract new business and seek inward investment

       will benefit local authorities like Trafford that support local employers and job creation

       removes uncertainty in the annual settlement process for local government

 

Trafford is the most competitive place for business in the North West with unrivalled assets such as great transport infrastructure and good superfast broadband coverage, a highly skilled population, a dedicated inward investment team and excellent education attainment.

 

Under the Conservative administration, Trafford has fostered an environment that is business friendly, helping to enhance local communities across the Borough.

 

The Council reaffirms its commitment to be a pro-growth, open for business authority with the political resolve to support the view that the Borough is ‘First for Business’.”

 

Following speeches in support of the matter, the Motion was agreed with the unanimous consent of the Council.

 

RESOLVED: That the Council welcomes the announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer at the Conservative party conference that business rates will be retained locally, and is committed to working with the Local Government Association, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the Department for Communities and Local Government to represent its interests as the scheme detail is devised.

 

In particular, this announcement:

 

       will remove reliance on the government revenue support grant

       will allow local authorities to retain upside of growth in business rates

       provides local authorities with incentives to attract new business and seek inward investment

       will benefit local authorities like Trafford that support local employers and job creation

       removes uncertainty in the annual settlement process for local government

 

Trafford is the most competitive place for business in the North West with unrivalled assets such as great transport infrastructure and good superfast broadband coverage, a highly skilled population, a dedicated inward investment team and excellent education attainment.

 

Under the Conservative administration, Trafford has fostered an environment that is business friendly, helping to enhance local communities across the Borough.

 

The Council reaffirms its commitment to be a pro-growth, open for business authority with the political resolve to support the view that the Borough is ‘First for Business’.

54.

Motion Submitted by the Labour Group - Fair Deal for Devo Campaign

 

This Council notes the campaign ‘Fair Deal for Devo’ launched by a partnership of local newspaper organisations.

 

Council supports the Fair Deal for Devo campaign in calling for the funding necessary to be certain of making devolution a success in Greater Manchester.

 

In particular, Council notes and endorses the call from the Fair Deal for Devo campaign for fair police and local authority funding, and the resources necessary to manage health and social care at a local level.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(Note: With the consent of the meeting, the mover altered the Motion for which notice had been given by inserting the word ‘fire’ after the word ‘police’ in the final sentence.)

 

It was moved and seconded that:

 

This Council notes the campaign ‘Fair Deal for Devo’ launched by a partnership of local newspaper organisations.

 

Council supports the Fair Deal for Devo campaign in calling for the funding necessary to be certain of making devolution a success in Greater Manchester.

 

In particular, Council notes and endorses the call from the Fair Deal for Devo campaign for fair police, fire and local authority funding, and the resources necessary to manage health and social care at a local level.”

 

Following speeches in support of the matter, the Motion was agreed with the unanimous consent of the Council.

 

RESOLVED: That this Council notes the campaign ‘Fair Deal for Devo’ launched by a partnership of local newspaper organisations.

 

Council supports the Fair Deal for Devo campaign in calling for the funding necessary to be certain of making devolution a success in Greater Manchester.

 

In particular, Council notes and endorses the call from the Fair Deal for Devo campaign for fair police, fire and local authority funding, and the resources necessary to manage health and social care at a local level.