To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 14^th November 2012 and the Minutes of the Urgent Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on 17^th December 2012, for signature by the Mayor as Chairman.

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 14 November 2012 and the Urgent Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on 17 December 2012 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’s New Year’s Honours

The Mayor took the opportunity to recognise those who reside or have a close connection with Trafford who were named in Her Majesty the Queen's New Year Honours List, namely:

Mrs. Caroline Shaw from Altrincham, Chief Executive of the Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, awarded the citation of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to the NHS;

Neil Fachie, gold medalist in the Men's individual 1km time trial at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London and resident of Broadheath, awarded the citation of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to para-cycling;

Ms. Ann Marjorie Johnson, Nurse Educator, Lecturer and Alzheimer's Campaigner from Altrincham, awarded an MBE for services to Healthcare.

Andrew Philip Turner from Altrincham, Deputy Chairman of the Greater Manchester Area Conservative Group, awarded an MBE for political service and service to the community in Hale Barns;

Mrs. Mary Christine Thomas from Altrincham awarded the citation of Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for charitable services and to the community in Bowdon; and

Mark Anthony Todd from Stretford, Accessibility Manager for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Mayor informed Members that she had written to convey the Council’s congratulations for their achievements.

(b)        Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Shaw, Chairman of Scrutiny Committee provided an update on the activities of the Scrutiny Committee, advising that Budget Scrutiny was nearing completion with the Executive’s response to the Budget Scrutiny exercise being presented to Scrutiny Committee on 6 February 2013 by the Executive Member for Finance. In addition, Scrutiny Members would be contributing to the Local Government Association’s Safeguarding Children Peer Review as the Review Team visit Trafford and the Scrutiny Topic Groups had commenced their reviews of Doorstep Crime and the Development of a Community Asset Framework.

(c)        Health Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Lloyd, Chairman of Health Scrutiny Committee reported on the outcome of the Joint Health Scrutiny Committee with Manchester City Council and advised the Council of the resolution from the meeting held on 14 January 2013. Councillor Lloyd also informed Members of the progress of the Committee’s Topic Groups reviewing the Care of Elderly Residents in NHS Hospitals and the Outcomes and Impact of the Personalisation Programme, advising that they were now meeting monthly with Scrutiny Members conducting individual research work as part of their review.

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 four questions had been received under Procedure Rule 10.2.

[Note: Prior to their consideration, the time being 7.13 p.m., the Mayor indicated that Members asking and responding to a question would be limited to a maximum of two minutes.]

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

"What is the Council’s policy on helping to meet the housing costs of disabled people?”

Responding to the question, Councillor M. Young, Executive Member for Adult Social Services, informed Members of the Council’s approach advising of the various policies and the criteria used to access funding.

Councillor Freeman asked as a supplementary question whether residents would be able to access the Disability Living Allowance should they be affected by the new Bedroom Tax. The Executive Member responded by indicating that consideration would be given as part of the proposed Council Tax Support Scheme. 

(b)        Councillor D. Western asked the following question for which she had given notice:

“What progress is being made on the localisation of the Social Fund in Trafford?” 

Councillor Dr. Barclay, Executive Member for Community Health advised the Council of progress and of schemes being delivered in partnership with the Citizens Advice Bureau, Trafford Partnership and other agencies.

          As a supplementary question Councillor D. Western sought clarity on Council help for victims of domestic violence that have to move out of the borough or have become resident and whether they would be able to access the Fund? In response, Councillor Dr. Barclay advised that everyone living in the borough would be free to access the Social Fund.

(c)    Councillor Duffield asked the following question for which notice had been given:

“An announcement last month suggested Trafford would receive approximately £1.4m from the New Homes Bonus. How many new homes will be built in Trafford as a result?” 

In response, Councillor Hyman, the Executive Member for Economic Growth and Prosperity, asserted that the funding had been top sliced from the National Grant pot for Local Government and therefore was not new money. Allowing for this, Councillor Hyman outlined the Council’s support for housing services in the borough, the action being taken with Trafford Housing Trust to secure funding from the available sources to deliver new homes and the Council’s investment in the Trafford Mortgage Scheme to help first-time buyers.

Stating that spending on construction would help economic growth in Trafford, Councillor Duffield asked as a supplementary question whether an assessment had been made of reduced construction industry activity on the local economy. In response, Councillor Hyman referred to the action and schemes he had outlined and advised on Council strategies designed to increase local construction activity.

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

“Vehicles parked on pavements can force people with pushchairs or children to walk in the road. Older people and those in wheelchairs can often feel worried about leaving their homes especially on bin collection day as they feel  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.

To receive a presentation from Greater Manchester’s new Police and Crime Commissioner, Tony Lloyd.

Greater Manchester’s new Police and Crime Commissioner, Tony Lloyd attended the meeting and informed Members of his approach to the job of reducing crime and delivering an effective and efficient police service within Trafford and the Greater Manchester area as a whole. Mr. Lloyd stated that partnership working was of the essence and that building and sustaining effective partnerships would be his primary aim.

Mindful of the reduction of the numbers of police officers, Mr. Lloyd emphasised the significance of his monitoring role to ensure there was no material impact on the direction of crime. In relation, the Commissioner informed the Council that he had received assurances from the Chief Constable that new intelligent policing would maintain detection rates ensuring that the reduction of officers would not have an adverse impact.

Members’ comments echoed the importance of partnership working and intelligent policing. Responding to specific points, Mr. Lloyd explained the rationale ensuring that resources should be targeted in the right areas rather than shared evenly across all authorities; acknowledged that he was looking at different start times for consultation meetings with the public, however, would ultimately be influenced by levels of turnout; and with regard to meaningful consultation on future changes, was confident on the success of the model, though in due course he would be judged on his monitoring of the force.

Concluding the new Police and Crime Commissioner wanted to see crime continue to reduce in Trafford and with funding being an enduring issue, would use resources in the most intelligent way.

The Mayor thanked Mr. Lloyd for his attendance and wished him every success in his role.

To note any decisions taken under special urgency provisions (if any).

RESOLVED: That the Council notes that neither the Leader of the Council nor the Executive have taken decisions under special urgency provisions since the last report to Council on 19 September 2012.

To consider a joint report of the Executive Member for Finance and the Acting Corporate Director Transformation and Resources which is expected to be referred from the Executive meeting on 21^st January 2013.

(Members are requested to refer to the report circulated in respect of Agenda Item 5 for the Executive meeting on 21^st January 2013.)

The Executive Member for Finance and the Director of Finance submitted a joint report summarising the outcomes of the consultation on the Council’s alternative Council Tax Support Scheme. As part of the Government’s welfare reform programme, the existing scheme would end and be replaced with a new local scheme from April 2013.

The report, which outlined the views expressed by various groups and individuals during the consultation process, had been considered at the Executive meeting held on 21 January 2013, at which the Executive had recommended Proposal 1 to Council as the preferred scheme for Trafford’s own local arrangements.

RESOLVED –

(1)        That the introduction of a local Council Tax Support Scheme, as outlined in proposal 1 and set out in appendix 6 to the report, be approved.

(2)        That the 100% empty property council tax exemption be removed and replaced with a 100% discount for one month, followed by the full charge.

(3)        That the second home council tax discount be removed.

(4)        That the above changes will be effective from 1 April 2013.

To consider a joint report of the Executive Member for Economic Growth and Prosperity and the Director of Finance which is expected to be referred from the Executive meeting on 21^st January 2013.

(Members are requested to refer to the report circulated in respect of Agenda Item 8 for the Executive meeting on 21^st January 2013.)

(Note: The Mayor allowed consideration of the following matter as an item of urgent business following a referral from the Executive Meeting held on 21 January 2013 with a recommendation for the Council Tax chargeable financial year commencing 1 April 2013.)

The Executive Member for Economic Growth and Prosperity and the Director of Finance submitted a joint report proposing the introduction of an Empty Property Premium to supplement the existing Empty Homes Strategy.

RESOLVED –

(1)        That from 1 April 2013 a council tax premium of 50% be applied for properties that have remained empty for more than two years.

(2)        That the Executive have the discretion to vary this premium if it deems appropriate to do so following the expected release of guidance from the Department of Communities and Local Government.

To consider the following motions submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 11:

(a)   Motion submitted by the Conservative Group

Following the co-location of the CCTV Control Room to Stretford Police station in September 2011, Council staff have been instrumental in assisting Greater Manchester Police attain arrests, prevent anti-social behaviour and protect residents and police officers themselves.

From December 2011, when the team were given access to the Police Airwaves and direct access to patrols, they have assisted, monitored, or created over 120 arrests. In addition they have also dealt with over 2000 incidents relating either directly to calls from the police over airwaves or viewing requests for footage. 

Latest figures (December 2011 to November 2012) show that Trafford has 48.9 crimes per 1,000 residents compared to a GM average of 70.3. Trafford has the lowest crime rates per resident within Greater Manchester.

Indeed the Council recognises and applauds the significant achievement that has made in reducing Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour across the Borough over the past 4 years, culminating in Trafford becoming the safest place in Greater Manchester, as shown by the figures above. These achievements show that positive outcomes can be achieved through innovation, working in partnership and engaging with local people, whilst also providing exceptional value for money.

(b)    Motion submitted by the Conservative Group

Following the resolution (supported by all parties) at the Council meeting on 14^th November 2012, this Council is pleased to note that the Government has now accepted much of the case put by the ten Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) for a fairer funding settlement for regional cities and urban areas outside of London.

This Council now renews its call for fairness within AGMA given the scale of cuts proposed by the Labour controlled Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) to our Fire Service here in Trafford (significantly more than for neighbouring Labour controlled councils).

This Council remains concerned that the proposed loss of fire engines and fire crews in Trafford’s Fire Stations will have an adverse impact on emergency response times. The Council, therefore, calls upon GMFRS to change its proposals so that Trafford residents are treated fairly in comparison to those in other AGMA boroughs.

(c)    Motion submitted by the Labour Group

This Council is very disappointed by the refusal of the Secretary of State for Health Jeremy Hunt to intervene personally and halt proposals to downgrade Accident and Emergency services at Trafford General Hospital. Trafford Council has been opposed to the plans from the outset; and it our strong view that any potential changes to services at Trafford General must not be considered in isolation given the wider review of hospital services across Greater Manchester, Healthier Together. We therefore condemn the decision of the Secretary of State in refusing to become directly involved to halt the proposals pending this regional review, and call upon him to reconsider his lack of involvement urgently in the best interests of Trafford residents.

(d)    Motion submitted by the Labour Group

We  ...  view the full agenda text for item 67.

The Mayor informed Members that four Motions had been submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 11.

(a)    Motion submitted by the Conservative Group

It was moved and seconded that:

“Following the co-location of the CCTV Control Room to Stretford Police station in September 2011, Council staff have been instrumental in assisting Greater Manchester Police attain arrests, prevent anti-social behaviour and protect residents and police officers themselves.

From December 2011, when the team were given access to the Police Airwaves and direct access to patrols, they have assisted, monitored, or created over 120 arrests. In addition they have also dealt with over 2000 incidents relating either directly to calls from the police over airwaves or viewing requests for footage. 

Latest figures (December 2011 to November 2012) show that Trafford has 48.9 crimes per 1,000 residents compared to a GM average of 70.3. Trafford has the lowest crime rates per resident within Greater Manchester.

Indeed the Council recognises and applauds the significant achievement that has made in reducing Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour across the Borough over the past 4 years, culminating in Trafford becoming the safest place in Greater Manchester, as shown by the figures above. These achievements show that positive outcomes can be achieved through innovation, working in partnership and engaging with local people, whilst also providing exceptional value for money.”

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

RESOLVED: That following the co-location of the CCTV Control Room to Stretford Police station in September 2011, Council staff have been instrumental in assisting Greater Manchester Police attain arrests, prevent anti-social behaviour and protect residents and police officers themselves.

From December 2011, when the team were given access to the Police Airwaves and direct access to patrols, they have assisted, monitored, or created over 120 arrests. In addition they have also dealt with over 2000 incidents relating either directly to calls from the police over airwaves or viewing requests for footage. 

Latest figures (December 2011 to November 2012) show that Trafford has 48.9 crimes per 1,000 residents compared to a GM average of 70.3. Trafford has the lowest crime rates per resident within Greater Manchester.

Indeed the Council recognises and applauds the significant achievement that has made in reducing Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour across the Borough over the past 4 years, culminating in Trafford becoming the safest place in Greater Manchester, as shown by the figures above. These achievements show that positive outcomes can be achieved through innovation, working in partnership and engaging with local people, whilst also providing exceptional value for money.

(b)    Motion submitted by the Conservative Group

It was moved and seconded that:

“Following the resolution (supported by all parties) at the Council meeting on 14 November 2012, this Council is pleased to note that the Government has now accepted much of the case put by the ten Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) for a fairer funding settlement for regional cities and urban areas outside  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.