To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 17 February 2016 for signature by the Mayor as Chairman.

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 17 February 2016, 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)        Brussels Attacks

Shocked and saddened by the terrorist attacks in the Belgium capital city of Brussels on 22 March 2016, the Council stood in silence in remembrance of all those who were killed and injured by explosions at the airport and on the metro.

(b)        Public Service Awards

The Mayor was pleased to announce that Star Procurement, the shared procurement service for Stockport, Trafford and Rochdale Councils, had won the Leadership of the Year category of the National Government Opportunities (GO) Excellence in Public Procurement Awards 2016/17.

The Mayor was also delighted to announce that at the 2016 ‘Improvement and Efficiency Social Enterprise Awards’, Trafford Partnership was presented with the gold award in the ‘Police Project of the Year’ category and Trafford’s Environmental Improvement Team received bronze in the ‘Transformation in Waste and Environment’ category.

(c)        Scrutiny Committee Update

Councillor Coupe, Chairman of Scrutiny Committee provided an update on recent activity.

The Committee had convened on 9 March 2016 to consider the call in of an Executive Decision concerning a review of in-house Children's Homes. Following discussions, the Committee felt that the concerns raised had been adequately dealt with and that no further action needed to be taken. Scrutiny, however, felt that more detailed decision reports would be beneficial going forward.

The ‘Closing the Gap’ Task and Finish Group had now concluded its investigation and the final report was considered by the Executive on 21 March 2016 where it was agreed that a formal response to the report’s recommendations would be provided in due course. ‘Closing the Gap’ would be added as an ongoing item on the work programme to allow Scrutiny to follow its progress.

The Chairman announced that the Scrutiny Committee had now successfully completed its annual work programme which covered all items set out at the beginning of the municipal year and thanked Members for all their work during the year.

(d)        Health Scrutiny Committee Update

Councillor Lloyd, Chairman of Health Scrutiny Committee of Council updated the Council on the Committee’s activities since the last Council meeting. 

Councillor Lloyd had met with the new Chairman of the Trafford Adult Safeguarding Board and he will attend the next meeting of the Committee to discuss how the two bodies will work together going forward.

The Committee visited Wythenshawe Hospital in February and received a tour of the current Emergency Department the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) and the Acute Medicine Receiving Unit (AMRU) from senior managers of the University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust (UHSM) and discussed the building proposals for the new Emergency Department development.

The Chairman, Vice-Chairman (Councillor Mrs. Young) and Councillor Taylor had also held a meeting with Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group to discuss the recent inadequate rating of the Brooks Bar Medical Centre and progress since the Care Quality Commission inspection. The Councillors were assured that the practice had drawn up an action plan and would be aiming to bring the practice up to standard before the follow up inspection was conducted.

Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 75.

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 two questions had been received under Procedure Rule 10.2.

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

“The World currently faces one of the worst refugee crises in history. Please can the Leader tell Council what measures Trafford is taking to offer safe haven to refugees and allow them to resettle in our communities and rebuild their lives in safety?”

Councillor Sean Anstee, Leader of the Council reported that Trafford works with other Council’s across Greater Manchester to support asylum seekers and refugees. Support was commissioned through the COMPASS contract, managed in the North West by Serco which provides accommodation across Greater Manchester including Trafford.

Since the Prime Minister’s announcement on 7 September 2016 concerning the resettlement of Syrian refugees, the Home Office and the Department of Communities and Local Government had been working with regional strategic migration partnerships to agree the numbers to be accommodated within the regions and the accompanying package of support. Greater Manchester had taken a sub-regional approach to discussions with the Home Office. The Leader provided a commitment that once agreement had been reached, Trafford would play a full proportionate part to ensure refugees are accommodated, welcomed and supported into its communities. In preparation, a multi-agency officer team had been established to coordinate assessment and access to services so that refugees were able to rebuild their lives and a make positive contribution to Trafford.

Councillor Taylor asked as a supplementary question, whether Trafford Council would call upon the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Syrian Refugees, Richard Harrington MP to offer safe passage to #letthemfly safe routes for refugees?

The Leader of the Council indicated that he would be happy to discuss the implications of the proposal and access what the Council could do.

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

“In light of the Government rethink on benefits for the disabled and their decision to abandon their proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) arising from the Chancellors latest car crash budget, is it not time for this Trafford Conservative Council to re-think the whole 16 plus Special Needs Transport Policy and guarantee free home to school transport for 16 plus complex and special needs teenagers in this Borough?”

In response, Councillor Hyman, Executive Member for Children’s Services confirmed that the Executive would consider a revised Special Needs Transport Policy at a special meeting to be convened on 29 March 2016.

To consider a report of the Acting Director of Human Resources following a referral from Employment Committee on 7 March 2016.

Following a referral from the Employment Committee meeting held on 7 March 2016 (Minute No. 26 refers), the Acting Director of Human Resources submitted a report providing the Council with information relating to Trafford’s Pay Policy for 2016/17, in line with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted and the 2016/17 Pay Policy Statement, as set out in appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

To consider the following Motion deferred from the Council meeting held on 20 January 2015:

This Council welcomes the Government’s announcement on 9 December 2015 that the new Northern and TransPennine Express Franchises have been awarded, in a massive boost to rail services bringing the Northern Powerhouse to life.

Council further welcomes the news that the franchises will make a real difference to passengers bringing benefits including:

·             The introduction of 500 brand new carriages

·             Removal of the outdated and unpopular Pacer trains across the North

·             Space for over 40,000 more passengers at the busiest of times

·             Thousands of extra services a week

·             Roll out of free Wi-Fi on trains and at stations

·             Over £55 million invested in station improvements, including new ticket machines and the introduction of staffing at 45 currently unstaffed stations

·             Improving compensation arrangements, including automatic compensation for delays for registered season and advanced purchase tickets.

The Council is pleased by the decision that the franchises will be jointly managed in the North, from Leeds, by the Department for Transport and Rail North Limited - which represents 29 Local Authorities across the North. This shows the Government’s continued commitment to devolution and to closing the economic gap between the North and South. The new franchises are expected to create jobs, opportunity and growth and – coupled with electrifying the vital trans-Pennine route – will help our region realise its full economic potential by ensuring it has a modern, 21^st Century transport system.

Council notes that the award of the new rail franchises has been roundly welcomed by business organisations and others including the Confederation of British Industry, Manchester Airport and UK Trade and Investment as well as by the Institute for Public Policy Research North.

Council therefore fully supports the award of the rail franchises and resolves to continue to make the case for the provision of a world class rail service across the North and the contribution this can make to rebalancing the UK economy, with Greater Manchester at the heart of a Northern Powerhouse.

(Note: Councillor Dagnall declared a personal interest in this item as her husband was employed by Northern Rail and remained in the meeting during consideration of the matter.)

Further to Minute No. 67 of the meeting held on 20 January 2016, it was moved and seconded that:

“This Council welcomes the Government’s announcement on 9 December 2015 that the new Northern and TransPennine Express Franchises have been awarded, in a massive boost to rail services bringing the Northern Powerhouse to life.

Council further welcomes the news that the franchises will make a real difference to passengers bringing benefits including:

·              The introduction of 500 brand new carriages

·              Removal of the outdated and unpopular Pacer trains across the North

·              Space for over 40,000 more passengers at the busiest of times

·              Thousands of extra services a week

·              Roll out of free Wi-Fi on trains and at stations

·              Over £55 million invested in station improvements, including new ticket machines and the introduction of staffing at 45 currently unstaffed stations

·              Improving compensation arrangements, including automatic compensation for delays for registered season and advanced purchase tickets.

The Council is pleased by the decision that the franchises will be jointly managed in the North, from Leeds, by the Department for Transport and Rail North Limited - which represents 29 Local Authorities across the North. This shows the Government’s continued commitment to devolution and to closing the economic gap between the North and South. The new franchises are expected to create jobs, opportunity and growth and – coupled with electrifying the vital trans-Pennine route – will help our region realise its full economic potential by ensuring it has a modern, 21^st Century transport system.

Council notes that the award of the new rail franchises has been roundly welcomed by business organisations and others including the Confederation of British Industry, Manchester Airport and UK Trade and Investment as well as by the Institute for Public Policy Research North.

Council therefore fully supports the award of the rail franchises and resolves to continue to make the case for the provision of a world class rail service across the North and the contribution this can make to rebalancing the UK economy, with Greater Manchester at the heart of a Northern Powerhouse.”

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

RESOLVED: That this Council welcomes the Government’s announcement on 9 December 2015 that the new Northern and TransPennine Express Franchises have been awarded, in a massive boost to rail services bringing the Northern Powerhouse to life.

Council further welcomes the news that the franchises will make a real difference to passengers bringing benefits including:

·              The introduction of 500 brand new carriages

·              Removal of the outdated and unpopular Pacer trains across the North

·              Space for over 40,000 more passengers at the busiest of times

·              Thousands of extra services a week

·              Roll out of free Wi-Fi on trains and at stations

·              Over £55 million invested in station improvements, including new ticket machines and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

The Council recognises and applauds the work done by Council staff and the teaching profession, across a number of areas, which has resulted in Trafford being ranked, nationally, as the 20^th best performing Local Authority in the recently published report by the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission. Whilst the focus is often on the very high educational achievements of Trafford schoolchildren and young people, this significant national position clearly shows that Trafford is also an excellent place for promoting social mobility, encouraging all disadvantaged children and young people to fulfil their potential through our truly comprehensive educational offer.

The Social Mobility Index, which forms the basis for the ranking of Local Authorities, is based on comparing the chance that a child from a disadvantaged background will do well at school and then will go on to secure a good job, thus escaping from poverty. For many years, Trafford has prided itself in having both an excellent education offer, in its widest sense, and an impressive economic environment which then provides a whole range of high quality job opportunities, at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse.

The Council further recognises that our success in enabling all Trafford children to fulfil their potential is built upon the quality of our total educational offer, with 93.5% of pupils attending ‘good or better’ schools and 56.2% attending ‘outstanding’ schools. The Council is pleased to note that non-Grammar Schools in Trafford perform at a level above the national average and so Trafford’s high ranking in the Social Mobility Index demonstrates that social mobility is positively enhanced through both the selective education system and this Council’s continued investment in economic growth activity.

Consequently, this Council supports

(i)     Trafford’s role at the heart of the Conservative Government’s Northern Powerhouse; and

(ii)   our Grammar and High school system

both of which are driving increased social mobility and world class opportunity for all children in our borough.

(Note: As Chairman of an Academy Trust, Councillor Rigby declared a personal interest in this item and remained in the meeting during consideration of the matter.)

It was moved and seconded that:

“The Council recognises and applauds the work done by Council staff and the teaching profession, across a number of areas, which has resulted in Trafford being ranked, nationally, as the 20^th best performing Local Authority in the recently published report by the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission. Whilst the focus is often on the very high educational achievements of Trafford schoolchildren and young people, this significant national position clearly shows that Trafford is also an excellent place for promoting social mobility, encouraging all disadvantaged children and young people to fulfil their potential through our truly comprehensive educational offer.

The Social Mobility Index, which forms the basis for the ranking of Local Authorities, is based on comparing the chance that a child from a disadvantaged background will do well at school and then will go on to secure a good job, thus escaping from poverty. For many years, Trafford has prided itself in having both an excellent education offer, in its widest sense, and an impressive economic environment which then provides a whole range of high quality job opportunities, at the heart of the Northern Powerhouse.

The Council further recognises that our success in enabling all Trafford children to fulfil their potential is built upon the quality of our total educational offer, with 93.5% of pupils attending ‘good or better’ schools and 56.2% attending ‘outstanding’ schools. The Council is pleased to note that non-Grammar Schools in Trafford perform at a level above the national average and so Trafford’s high ranking in the Social Mobility Index demonstrates that social mobility is positively enhanced through both the selective education system and this Council’s continued investment in economic growth activity.

Consequently, this Council supports

(i)         Trafford’s role at the heart of the Conservative Government’s Northern Powerhouse; and

(ii)   our Grammar and High school system

both of which are driving increased social mobility and world class opportunity for all children in our borough.”

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

“The Council recognises and applauds the work done by Council staff and the teaching profession, across a number of areas, which has resulted in Trafford being ranked, nationally, as the 20^th best performing Local Authority in the recently published report by the Social Mobility and Child Poverty Commission. Whilst the focus is often on the very high educational achievements of Trafford schoolchildren and young people, this significant national position clearly shows that Trafford is also an excellent place for promoting social mobility, encouraging all disadvantaged children and young people to fulfil their potential through our truly comprehensive educational offer.

The Social Mobility Index, which forms the basis for the ranking of Local Authorities, is based on comparing the chance that a child from a disadvantaged background will do well at school and then will go on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 79.

The Council welcomes the achievements in the improvement in the local economy over the last five years, and the significant amount of investment secured from major development schemes. The Council also recognises the work of the Economic Growth, Environment and Infrastructure Directorate (EGEI) in supporting jobs and business growth, and this Conservative administration’s continued focus on ensuring that Trafford is recognised regionally, nationally and internationally as open for business, is a great location to invest in and is able to attract inward investment.  

The Council notes:                           

1.          From 2010-2015 the number of residents in employment increased by over 6%, compared to 3% in Greater Manchester.

2.          Number of jobs grew by 9% to 139,000, 5% points higher than Greater Manchester.

3.          Those with NVQ level 4 and above increased by 19%, compared to 14% in Greater Manchester between 2010-2015.

4.          Those on main out of work benefits fell by 29% from 2010-2015.

5.          GVA increased from £6.3 billion to £6.8 billion over the last five years.

6.          About £1 billion in inward investment in the borough from a range of development projects including Saica Paper Mill, Carrington Power Station, Hotel Football, Altrincham Hospital, Altrincham Interchange and White City Retail Park.

7.          In 2014/2015 EGEI handled over 240 business enquiries (referring 70% for additional support), awarded c£110,000 through the Town Centres Loan scheme to lever c£750,000 of business investment, and supported 100 residents into employment through the Trafford Pledge.

8.          The success of Altrincham Forward in rejuvenating the Town Centre.

Therefore, the Council recognises that Trafford’s economy is robust, has performed well over the last five years and plays a vital role in the economic growth of Greater Manchester.

(Note: Having a business interest in Trafford, Councillor N. Evans declared a personal interest in this item and remained in the meeting during consideration of the matter.)

It was moved and seconded that:

“The Council welcomes the achievements in the improvement in the local economy over the last five years, and the significant amount of investment secured from major development schemes. The Council also recognises the work of the Economic Growth, Environment and Infrastructure Directorate (EGEI) in supporting jobs and business growth, and this Conservative administration’s continued focus on ensuring that Trafford is recognised regionally, nationally and internationally as open for business, is a great location to invest in and is able to attract inward investment.  

The Council notes:                           

1.           From 2010-2015 the number of residents in employment increased by over 6%, compared to 3% in Greater Manchester.

2.           Number of jobs grew by 9% to 139,000, 5% points higher than Greater Manchester.

3.           Those with NVQ level 4 and above increased by 19%, compared to 14% in Greater Manchester between 2010-2015.

4.           Those on main out of work benefits fell by 29% from 2010-2015.

5.           GVA increased from £6.3 billion to £6.8 billion over the last five years.

6.           About £1 billion in inward investment in the borough from a range of development projects including Saica Paper Mill, Carrington Power Station, Hotel Football, Altrincham Hospital, Altrincham Interchange and White City Retail Park.

7.           In 2014/2015 EGEI handled over 240 business enquiries (referring 70% for additional support), awarded c£110,000 through the Town Centres Loan scheme to lever c£750,000 of business investment, and supported 100 residents into employment through the Trafford Pledge.

8.           The success of Altrincham Forward in rejuvenating the Town Centre.

Therefore, the Council recognises that Trafford’s economy is robust, has performed well over the last five years and plays a vital role in the economic growth of Greater Manchester.”

Following a debate on the matter, the Motion was agreed with the unanimous consent of the Council.

RESOLVED: That the Council welcomes the achievements in the improvement in the local economy over the last five years, and the significant amount of investment secured from major development schemes. The Council also recognises the work of the Economic Growth, Environment and Infrastructure Directorate (EGEI) in supporting jobs and business growth, and this Conservative administration’s continued focus on ensuring that Trafford is recognised regionally, nationally and internationally as open for business, is a great location to invest in and is able to attract inward investment.  

The Council notes:                           

1.           From 2010-2015 the number of residents in employment increased by over 6%, compared to 3% in Greater Manchester.

2.           Number of jobs grew by 9% to 139,000, 5% points higher than Greater Manchester.

3.           Those with NVQ level 4 and above increased by 19%, compared to 14% in Greater Manchester between 2010-2015.

4.           Those on main out of work benefits fell by 29% from 2010-2015.

5.           GVA increased from £6.3 billion to £6.8 billion over the last five years.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

This Council is disappointed in the Government decision to limit housing benefit payments to new residents of supported housing from April 2017. This includes the 1550 Sheltered and Extra Care homes and the 143 units of supported accommodation in Trafford. This Council understands that no housing providers will build the much needed extra homes for older people in the borough if this policy is enacted and the ability for this Council to meet its aspirations in the future of allowing older people to live safe and well at home is at risk.

This Council understands that the risks to current and future homes cannot be managed by discretionary housing payments. This Council therefore commits to writing to the Chancellor of Exchequer, George Osborne, to argue for him to immediately exempt supported accommodation (including that for older people) from the new housing benefit regulations. This will allow certainty for housing providers to be able to manage current homes and to develop future schemes to benefit the residents of this borough.

It was moved and seconded that:

“This Council is disappointed in the Government decision to limit housing benefit payments to new residents of supported housing from April 2017. This includes the 1550 Sheltered and Extra Care homes and the 143 units of supported accommodation in Trafford. This Council understands that no housing providers will build the much needed extra homes for older people in the borough if this policy is enacted and the ability for this Council to meet its aspirations in the future of allowing older people to live safe and well at home is at risk.

This Council understands that the risks to current and future homes cannot be managed by discretionary housing payments. This Council therefore commits to writing to the Chancellor of Exchequer, George Osborne, to argue for him to immediately exempt supported accommodation (including that for older people) from the new housing benefit regulations. This will allow certainty for housing providers to be able to manage current homes and to develop future schemes to benefit the residents of this borough.”

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

“This Council notes the Government’s current position to limit housing benefit payments to new residents of supported housing from April 2017 (deferred from April 2016). This includes the 1550 Sheltered and Extra Care homes and the 143 units of supported accommodation in Trafford. This council understands the need to ensure that both those who live in Supported Accommodation and those that provide this type of accommodation receive appropriate protections. if this policy is enacted  to assist  this council to meet its aspirations in the future of allowing older people to live safe and well at home.

The Government has set up a Supported Accommodation research project and subsequent policy review to ensure that support is concentrated on the most vulnerable and appropriate groups are protected. This council therefore commits to writing to the Chancellor of Exchequer, George Osborne, to argue that an adequate level of protection should be provided for supported accommodation (including that for older people) from the new housing benefit regulations. This will allow certainty for housing providers to be able to manage current homes and to develop future schemes to benefit the residents of this borough.”

Following a debate on the matter and with the proviso that the mover of the Motion, Councillor Duffield, has sight of the letter before it is sent to the Chancellor of Exchequer, the amendment was agreed with the unanimous consent of the Council. The substantive Motion was consequently declared carried.

RESOLVED: That this Council notes the Government’s current position to limit housing benefit payments to new residents of supported housing from April 2017 (deferred from April 2016). This includes the 1550 Sheltered and Extra Care homes and the 143 units of supported accommodation in Trafford. This council understands the need to ensure that both those who live in Supported Accommodation and those that provide this type of accommodation receive appropriate protections. if this policy is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.

In light of the large number of complaints raised by residents regarding the state and safety of Trafford's roads, this Council reaffirms its commitment to making Trafford’s streets as safe as possible. To this end, the Council will revisit the promises it made in July 2013 and, working with Amey where necessary, will, by the end of April 2016:

·             present  a report regarding the timescales involved for the completion of works relating to the following:

-              all identified traffic calming, road safety measures and casualty reduction schemes;

-              all required parking restrictions and car parking schemes

-              all necessary road and pavement repairs

·             The Council will, as promised in July 2013, draw up a list of residential roads and roads near schools which will benefit from 20 mph speed limits and will now commit to taking action on this within 6 months.

This Council recognises that the safety of residents using Trafford's roads, pavements and pathways is a priority and as such will resolve to ensure that any outstanding works are completed within as short a timeframe as possible.

It was moved and seconded that:

“In light of the large number of complaints raised by residents regarding the state and safety of Trafford's roads, this Council reaffirms its commitment to making Trafford’s streets as safe as possible. To this end, the Council will revisit the promises it made in July 2013 and, working with Amey where necessary, will, by the end of April 2016:

·              present  a report regarding the timescales involved for the completion of works relating to the following:

-              all identified traffic calming, road safety measures and casualty reduction schemes;

-              all required parking restrictions and car parking schemes;

-              all necessary road and pavement repairs.

·              The Council will, as promised in July 2013, draw up a list of residential roads and roads near schools which will benefit from 20 mph speed limits and will now commit to taking action on this within 6 months.

This Council recognises that the safety of residents using Trafford's roads, pavements and pathways is a priority and as such will resolve to ensure that any outstanding works are completed within as short a timeframe as possible.”

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

“In light of complaints received from residents regarding the perceived state and safety of Trafford's roads, this Council reaffirms its commitment to making Trafford’s streets as safe as possible. To this end, the Council will revisit the commitments it made in July 2013 and, working with Amey where necessary, will within a reasonable timescale, but as swiftly as practicable;

·             present  a report regarding the timescales involved for the completion of works relating to the following;

-       all identified traffic calming, road safety measures and casualty reduction schemes;

-       all required parking restrictions and car parking schemes;

-       all necessary road and pavement repairs.

·             The Council will, as agreed in July 2013, draw up a list of residential roads and roads near schools which will benefit from 20 mph speed limits and will now commit to taking action on this, subject to the outcome of an ongoing Department for Transport study into the effectiveness of 20mph zones and availability of sufficient resources, within an appropriate timescale.

This Council recognises that the safety of residents using Trafford's roads, pavements and pathways is a priority and as such will resolve to ensure that any outstanding works are completed within as short a timeframe as possible.”

Following a debate on the matter, the amendment was agreed with the unanimous consent of the Council and the substantive Motion was consequently declared carried.

RESOLVED: That in light of complaints received from residents regarding the perceived state and safety of Trafford's roads, this Council reaffirms its commitment to making Trafford’s streets as safe as possible. To this end, the Council will revisit the commitments it made in July 2013 and, working with Amey where necessary, will within a reasonable timescale, but as swiftly as practicable;

·             present  a report regarding the timescales involved for the completion of works relating to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.

This Council believes that it is crucially important that all the residents of Trafford play a full part in the democracy of Local Government and the decision making process.

Council further notes that in many other Local Authorities across the country, such as Cheshire East, the active participation of residents is encouraged by allowing them to speak at full Council and other designated meetings.

It is therefore proposed that this right is extended to Trafford citizens, based on certain agreed principles and conditions. These are broadly based on the Cheshire East model, which enables members of the public to make statements and ask questions at Council meetings, excluding Planning, Licencing and Scrutiny.

Under these guidelines:

·        A total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to speak at Council meetings.

·        A total period of 10 minutes will be allocated for members of the public to speak at meetings of the Executive, committees and sub-committees.

·        Members of the public may speak on any matter relating to the work of the Council.

·        Members of the public will normally be allowed up to 5 minutes each to speak, but the Mayor or Chair will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned where there are a number of speakers.

·        Where a member of the public wishes to ask a question of an Executive member, or of the Chair of a committee or sub-committee, at least 3 clear working days’ notice must be given in writing to Democratic Services, in order that an informed answer may be given.

Council are therefore asked to agree these broad proposals, and ask Officers to set up procedures in the near future for the implementation of this initiative, which will encourage active public participation.

It was moved and seconded that:

“This Council believes that it is crucially important that all the residents of Trafford play a full part in the democracy of Local Government and the decision making process.

Council further notes that in many other Local Authorities across the country, such as Cheshire East, the active participation of residents is encouraged by allowing them to speak at full Council and other designated meetings.

It is therefore proposed that this right is extended to Trafford citizens, based on certain agreed principles and conditions. These are broadly based on the Cheshire East model, which enables members of the public to make statements and ask questions at Council meetings, excluding Planning, Licencing and Scrutiny.

Under these guidelines:

·              A total period of 15 minutes is allocated for members of the public to speak at Council meetings.

·              A total period of 10 minutes will be allocated for members of the public to speak at meetings of the Executive, committees and sub-committees.

·              Members of the public may speak on any matter relating to the work of the Council.

·              Members of the public will normally be allowed up to 5 minutes each to speak, but the Mayor or Chair will decide how the period of time allocated for public speaking will be apportioned where there are a number of speakers.

·              Where a member of the public wishes to ask a question of an Executive member, or of the Chair of a committee or sub-committee, at least 3 clear working days’ notice must be given in writing to Democratic Services, in order that an informed answer may be given.

Council are therefore asked to agree these broad proposals, and ask Officers to set up procedures in the near future for the implementation of this initiative, which will encourage active public participation.”

RESOLVED: That, as the Motion seeks to amend the Council Rules of Procedure, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 23.2, the Motion stand adjourned without discussion to the next ordinary meeting of the Council.

The Mayor indicated that it was the last Council meeting of the Municipal Year and the last for Councillor Candish who was not seeking re-election at the next local elections, therefore, was retiring from the Council in May.

The Council joined with the Mayor in thanking Councillor Candish for his work on behalf of Trafford and wished him good luck and happiness in the future.