To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 22 November 2023, for signature by the Mayor as Chair of the Council.

The Mayor asked if the minutes could be agreed as an accurate record. Councillor Michael Taylor raised that his question regarding heating issues at Well Green Primary had not received a response. The Monitoring Officer responded that a response would be provided following the meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 22 November 2023, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

(a)   Sir Tony Lloyd, MP, and Former Member of Parliament for Stretford

It was with regret that the Mayor referred to the recent passing of Sir Tony Lloyd, serving MP and husband to Councillor Judith Lloyd. Sir Tony had represented the Stretford Parliamentary Constituency between June 1983 and May 1997 having been elected three times. Prior to this, Sir Tony had served as a local Councillor on Trafford Council.

As a mark of respect to its former colleague, the Council stood for a moments silence in reflection of his memory.

(b)   His Majesty the King’s New Year’s Honours

The Mayor took the opportunity to recognise those citizens and persons connected with Trafford who were named in His Majesty the King's New Years’ Honours List, namely:

Mr. Michael George Eakin from Altrincham, awarded the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to Music and to the community in Liverpool, Merseyside;

Miss Katie Gallagher from Urmston, awarded the OBE for services to Digital Technology Industry in the North-West;

Mr. Peter George Buchan from Sale, awarded the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the Nuclear Industry and to Young People;

Ms Amanda Chadwick from Partington, awarded the MBE for services to Children in Hospital;

Mr John Hubert Cox from Hale, awarded the MBE for services to Homeless People in Manchester;

Mr Nicholas Edward Johnson from Bowdon, awarded the MBE for services to the Business and Food Sectors;

Ms Jenny Tompson from Bowdon, awarded the MBE for services to the Business and Food Sectors;

Mr. Edward Everett from Sale, awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the Environment in Sale;

Mr. Daniel Herman from Bowdon, awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Education and to Holocaust Awareness; and

Mr. William Ellis Nixon from Sale, awarded the British Empire Medal for services to Young People in the West Midlands.

The Council joined with the Mayor in conveying the Council’s congratulations for their achievements and richly deserved recognition.

(c)   The Leader of the Council’s Announcements

Councillor Ross firstly paid tribute to Sir Tony Lloyd and recognised his service and impact on the Borough of Trafford.

Councillor Ross provided further a summary of the following Council activities since the previous meeting.

-          Trafford had won the Keep it Local award at the Annual Locality Awards in Bristol, recognising the impact of Trafford’s Community Hubs since 2020.

-          In December, Councillor Ross had written to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities urging him to bring forward a fairer funding review.

-          Councillor Ross had also written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer with a plea to keep the household support fund in place beyond the 31^st March 2024, with the Council continuing to lobby the Government on this.

-          In December, the first cyclops junction opened in the Borough to ensure better safety for pedestrian and cyclists.

-          The Council had hosted the Greater Manchester Active Travel  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

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

That Mayor reported that ten questions had been received under Procedure Rule 10.2.

On the basis that the Mayor had asked for the responses to be circulated to all Councillors and published on the website, the Council consented to taking both the question and response as read and move on to the supplementary question in each case. Where a response was yet to be provided the relevant Executive Member would provide a response in the meeting. (Note: The questions and responses are available to view on the Council’s website.)

(a)  Question 1 from Councillor Chakraborty regarding: a pelican crossing at the junction of Sinderland Road and A56.

Councillor Chakraborty asked as a supplementary question whether the Council could be certain that the crossing would be completed by the Summer when the schools finish. Councillor Adshead, Executive Member for Highways, Environmental and Traded Services did not have a timeline available but asked Councillor Chakraborty to liaise with the Executive Member and the Highways Manager following the meeting where a timeline will be provided.

(b)  Question 2 from Councillor Evans regarding: child protection.

Councillor Evans had not received a response to his question. Councillor K. Carter, Executive Member for Children and Young People responded in the meeting. The Executive Member informed Councillor Evans that Trafford Council had worked hard over the past four years to ensure that children at risk of sexual exploitation were safeguarded against effectively. This had included the establishment of the Vulnerable Adolescents Service. In response to Councillor Evans’ question, the Executive Member responded that Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had two ongoing investigations. One was a non-recent investigation with three victims and one suspect with the file currently with the CPS awaiting a decision. The second was a non-recent investigation with three victims and two suspects which had been reopened, was ongoing and the file was to be submitted following an upcoming final investigation. The Executive Member referred to a final case which had recently been closed, and informed Councillor Evans that there was no current case investigation going on with any children in Trafford.

Councillor Evans asked as a supplementary question whether the Council had completed a thorough historical investigation into cases across both Trafford and Greater Manchester. The Executive Member responded that across Greater Manchester administrations, they were on their fourth inquiry. The first two had looked at historical sexual abuse, the third had looked specifically around what had happened in Rochdale, and the current one was looking at ensuring that all services were working together to prevent these issues happening again in the future.

(c)   Question 3 from Councillor Duncan regarding: drug abuse in schools.

Councillor Duncan asked a supplementary question which can be viewed, along with the response, on the Council’s website.

(d)   Question 4 from Councillor Paul regarding: the Council’s buy nothing new campaign.

Councillor Paul asked as a supplementary question whether Trafford Council would support a buy everything local campaign to support local shops and businesses. Councillor Adshead, Executive Member for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

To note that Councillor G. Carter was nominated and subsequently appointed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority as a substitute member to the GMCA Overview and Scrutiny Committee, with effect from 15 December 2023, as a replacement for Councillor K. Procter.

RESOLVED:

That Council notes that Councillor G. Carter was nominated and subsequently appointed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority as a substitute member to the GMCA Overview and Scrutiny Committee, with effect from 15 December 2023, as a replacement for Councillor K. Procter.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive and Acting Returning Officer.

Councillor Harding, Executive Member for Finance, Change and Governance introduced and moved the report which set out proposals to enable the Council to comply with its statutory duty to review all Parliamentary polling districts and polling places and to review all Local Government polling districts and polling places at the same time.

Councillor Ross seconded the report and reserved the right to speak.

Councillors Patel and Welton welcomed the report and the changes within their wards.

RESOLVED:

That the Council;

1)    Notes the outcome of the Local Authority’s review of its polling districts and polling places;

2)    Agrees the proposed relocations of polling places as detailed in the report and set out in Appendix A;

3)    Agrees the proposed re-designation of polling districts as detailed in the report and as set out in Appendix B; and

4)    Delegates authority to the Returning Officer to:

4.1) Make further necessary changes to polling places/polling stations that may occur before the elections on 2 May 2024. This includes making changes to any polling place, should it become unavailable, prior to the election – thus allowing the polling place to be changed without full Council approval.

To consider a report of the Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage.

The Council received a report of the Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage providing information on Council wide health and safety performance and delivery. The report also provided a summary of other key developments in relation to health, safety, and wellbeing for the period 1 April – 30 September 2023.

Councillor Lepori asked if future reports could include the full RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) scale in the future so Councillors could see severity risk across all areas. The Deputy Leader responded that this could be included in future reports.

Councillor Welton thanked all public facing Council staff for the work they do amid concern over the number of incidences of violence and aggression recorded within the report.

Councillor Butt referred to table four, 2.2.4 in the report on community schools by audit type and score, asking if more detail could be provided on the headline figures on this topic in the future.

RESOLVED:

1)        That the report be noted.

2)        That the Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage provide the full RIDDOR scale in future reports to Council.

This Council believes that:

1.     Debating and disagreement is a fundamental part of a healthy democracy, and that this should always be done with respect;

2.     It is a privilege to be elected to public office and comes with the responsibility of representing everyone, regardless of how they voted and anyone, regardless of their background or political affiliation, should feel safe to become a councillor and be proud to represent their community.

This Council notes that:

1.     The Local Government Association (LGA) has amassed a considerable volume of evidence and personal accounts of the impact of abuse, intimidation, and aggression at a national level. The research showed that seven in 10 councillors reported experiencing abuse and intimidation over the last 12 months and councillors reported feeling that abuse is becoming more common and increasing in severity;

2.     If left to continue, this negative and unacceptable behaviour can prevent elected members from representing the communities they serve, deter individuals from standing for election and undermine local democracy.

This Council further notes that:

1.     The LGA has launched its “Debate Not Hate” campaign, which aims to raise public awareness of the role of councillors in their communities, encourage healthy debate and improve the responses and support for local politicians facing abuse and intimidation;

2.     This research outlines seven recommendations that Councils, the LGA, police forces, the Government and social media companies should take to improve the environment for current and prospective councillors, ranging from protecting privacy to creating a long-term culture change that de-normalises the abuse of politicians and other high-profile individuals;

3.     This campaign has received support from across the political spectrum, as well as representatives from bodies such as the National Association of Local Councils, Compassion in Politics, the Local Government Information Unit and the National Hate Crime Awareness Week.

The Council resolves to:

1.     Endorse the LGA Debate Not Hate campaign and call on all political groups to sign the public statement;

2.     Support the LGA’s proposal for a national working group to produce and implement an action plan that addresses the abuse and intimidation of elected members and candidates and ensures their safety while they fulfil their democratic roles;

3.     Assess how it can take greater responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of its members, taking a proactive approach to preventing and handling abuse and intimidation and addressing the impacts of abuse on mental health and wellbeing

Councillors agree to continually promote diversity and inclusion ahead of the next Local Elections and beyond, including diversity of thought – publicly condemning politically fuelled abusive behaviour.

The Motion set out on the Summons regarding Debate Not Hate was moved and seconded.

The first proposed Amendment was moved and seconded, as set out and published.

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

The second proposed Amendment was moved and seconded, as set out and published.

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

The substantive Motion was then put to the vote and declared carried.

RESOLVED:

This Council believes that:

1)    Debating and disagreement is a fundamental part of a healthy democracy, and that this should always be done with respect;

2)    It is a privilege to be elected to public office and comes with the responsibility of representing everyone, regardless of how they voted and anyone, regardless of their background or political affiliation, should feel safe to become a councillor and be proud to represent their community.

This Council notes that:

1)    The Local Government Association (LGA) has amassed a considerable volume of evidence and personal accounts of the impact of abuse, intimidation, and aggression at a national level. The research showed that seven in 10 councillors reported experiencing abuse and intimidation over the last 12 months and councillors reported feeling that abuse is becoming more common and increasing in severity;

2)    If left to continue, this negative and unacceptable behaviour can prevent elected members from representing the communities they serve, deter individuals from standing for election and undermine local democracy.

This Council further notes that:

1)    The LGA has launched its “Debate Not Hate” campaign, which aims to raise public awareness of the role of councillors in their communities, encourage healthy debate and improve the responses and support for local politicians facing abuse and intimidation;

2)    This research outlines seven recommendations that Councils, the LGA, police forces, the Government and social media companies should take to improve the environment for current and prospective councillors, ranging from protecting privacy to creating a long-term culture change that de-normalises the abuse of politicians and other high-profile individuals;

3)    This campaign has received support from across the political spectrum, as well as representatives from bodies such as the National Association of Local Councils, Compassion in Politics, the Local Government Information Unit and the National Hate Crime Awareness Week.

The Council resolves to:

1)    Endorse the LGA Debate Not Hate campaign and call on all political groups to sign the public statement;

2)    Support the LGA’s proposal for a national working group to produce and implement an action plan that addresses the abuse and intimidation of elected members and candidates and ensures their safety while they fulfil their democratic roles;

3)    Assess how it can take greater responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of its members, taking a proactive approach to preventing and handling abuse and intimidation and addressing the impacts of abuse on mental health and wellbeing.

Councillors agree to continually promote diversity and inclusion ahead of the next Local Elections  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

This Council notes that:

-         Trafford Council is proud of its rich history of welcoming and supporting all those seeking safety in our borough and is committed to continuing to uphold the principles of dignity, respect and compassion towards all our residents.

-         More and more men, women and children are being forced to flee from their homes due to conflict, war, persecution, human rights violations and the effects of the climate crisis.

This Council believes that:

-     Current Government laws undermine internationally recognised rights for people fleeing war and persecution to seek safety and have created a hostile environment for refugees which is cruel and divisive, causing harm and distress to some of the most vulnerable people.

-       Those fleeing violence and persecution flourish and contribute to their new country when given comprehensive and well-co-ordinated support within their new host communities to empower them to rebuild their lives, and should always be treated with dignity and respect, housed as our neighbours and given support to integrate into our communities.

-       Becoming a member of the national network of City of Sanctuary Councils will build on, support and enhance the Council’s work in creating a culture of welcome, inclusion and empowerment for people seeking sanctuary in collaboration with organisations such as the Hub in Altrincham, which is supporting occupants of the Britannia Ashley Hotel in Hale, Rehoboth for Families, and St John’s Centre.

This Council resolves to:

-     Sign up to the City of Sanctuary membership pledge to become a non-awarded member of the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network, agreeing to work towards a City of Sanctuary Local Authority Award with the aim of becoming a recognised Council of Sanctuary, thereby influencing and offering inspiration to other Local Authorities and committing to recognising and raising awareness of the positive contribution that people seeking sanctuary make to our borough.

-       Work together with the members of the Local Authority Network to influence government policy, challenging the current hostile approach, defending the human right to seek safety, and encouraging and enabling social change.

-       Develop an action plan to embed the concept of sanctuary across council services and the wider community.

-       Continue to work in partnership with community and voluntary organisations and those with lived experience, and continue to enable and empower people seeking sanctuary to lead at all levels of the network and the community.

The Motion set out on the Summons regarding City of Sanctuary was moved and seconded.

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

RESOLVED: 

This Council notes that:

-          Trafford Council is proud of its rich history of welcoming and supporting all those seeking safety in our borough and is committed to continuing to uphold the principles of dignity, respect, and compassion towards all our residents.

-          More and more men, women and children are being forced to flee from their homes due to conflict, war, persecution, human rights violations and the effects of the climate crisis.

This Council believes that:

-          Current Government laws undermine internationally recognised rights for people fleeing war and persecution to seek safety and have created a hostile environment for refugees which is cruel and divisive, causing harm and distress to some of the most vulnerable people.

-          Those fleeing violence and persecution flourish and contribute to their new country when given comprehensive and well-co-ordinated support within their new host communities to empower them to rebuild their lives, and should always be treated with dignity and respect, housed as our neighbours, and given support to integrate into our communities.

-          Becoming a member of the national network of City of Sanctuary Councils will build on, support and enhance the Council’s work in creating a culture of welcome, inclusion and empowerment for people seeking sanctuary in collaboration with organisations such as the Hub in Altrincham, which is supporting occupants of the Britannia Ashley Hotel in Hale, Rehoboth for Families, and St John’s Centre.

This Council resolves to:

1)    Sign up to the City of Sanctuary membership pledge to become a non-awarded member of the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network, agreeing to work towards a City of Sanctuary Local Authority Award with the aim of becoming a recognised Council of Sanctuary, thereby influencing and offering inspiration to other Local Authorities and committing to recognising and raising awareness of the positive contribution that people seeking sanctuary make to our borough.

2)    Work together with the members of the Local Authority Network to influence government policy, challenging the current hostile approach, defending the human right to seek safety, and encouraging and enabling social change.

3)    Develop an action plan to embed the concept of sanctuary across council services and the wider community.

4)    Continue to work in partnership with community and voluntary organisations and those with lived experience, and continue to enable and empower people seeking sanctuary to lead at all levels of the network and the community.

This Council notes that:

1.      A Fair Funding Review for local government was first promised by the government in 2016 but has still not been delivered and there is no indication of when it will be.

2.      In 2015, the government set out plans to reset business rates baselines for council in 2020, but this has still not happened.

3.      The government’s Autumn Statement in November 2023 failed to provide any new funding for local councils, meaning there is a £4 billion funding gap facing councils just to maintain current services.

4.      Almost one in five council leaders and chief executives in England surveyed by the Local Government Association think it is very or fairly likely that they will need to issue a section 114 notice this year or next.

5.      The provisional Local Government Finance settlement announced by the government on 18 December 2023 assumes that all councils will increase their council tax by the maximum allowed in 2024/25, following the same assumption used in previous years.

6.      For the last six years, the government has only issued one-year settlements which makes it difficult for councils to plan their future financial sustainability.

7.      Responding to the settlement, the Local Government Association noted that it “does not provide enough funding to meet the severe cost and demand pressures which have left councils of all political colours and types warning of the serious challenges they face to set balanced budgets next year”.

8.      More than 40 Conservative Members of Parliament have signed a letter to the Prime Minister, warning they are “exceptionally concerned” that their local Councils are facing financial crisis.

This Council further notes that:

1.      Trafford is one of the 20 worst funded councils in the country, one of the lowest spending councils and its council tax levels are the second lowest in Greater Manchester. The Institute for Fiscal Studies identified Trafford as the lowest funded local authority compared to 150 similar authorities, meaning it receives £11 million less each year on average than similar authorities.

2.      Since 2010, Trafford has suffered a 60% real terms reduction in its budget and had to close budget gaps totalling £288 million.

3.      Between 2010-15, when the Conservatives led the council, council tax in Trafford was frozen. This has meant the council has £15 million less in income each year.

4.      Increases in demand for adult social care and children’s services, high levels of inflation and increases in the National Living Wage are costing the council around £12 million each year. Increases in council tax, business rates indexation and certain grants only provide around £6 million each year, meaning the council budget has an underlying structural deficit, where it has to find £6 million of savings every year just to stand still.

This Council resolves to:

1.      Launch a public campaign alongside other Greater Manchester authorities:

a.     calling on the Government to fix the broken system of local government finance and give Trafford a fair funding settlement.

b.     highlighting the cuts made  ...  view the full agenda text for item 55.

The motion set out on the Summons regarding Local Government Funding was moved and seconded.

The Amendment was moved and seconded, as set out and published.

Following a debate on the matter, the Amendment was put to the vote and was declared lost. The Motion was then put to the voted and was carried.

RESOLVED:

The Council notes that:

1)    A Fair Funding Review for local government was first promised by the government in 2016 but has still not been delivered and there is no indication of when it will be.

2)    In 2015, the government set out plans to reset business rates baselines for council in 2020, but this has still not happened.

3)    The government’s Autumn Statement in November 2023 failed to provide any new funding for local councils, meaning there is a £4 billion funding gap facing councils just to maintain current services.

4)    Almost one in five council leaders and chief executives in England surveyed by the Local Government Association think it is very or fairly likely that they will need to issue a section 114 notice this year or next.

5)    The provisional Local Government Finance settlement announced by the government on 18 December 2023 assumes that all councils will increase their council tax by the maximum allowed in 2024/25, following the same assumption used in previous years.

6)    For the last six years, the government has only issued one-year settlements which makes it difficult for councils to plan their future financial sustainability.

7)    Responding to the settlement, the Local Government Association noted that it “does not provide enough funding to meet the severe cost and demand pressures which have left councils of all political colours and types warning of the serious challenges they face to set balanced budgets next year.”

8)    More than 40 Conservative Members of Parliament have signed a letter to the Prime Minister, warning they are “exceptionally concerned” that their local Councils are facing financial crisis.

The Council further notes that:

1)    Trafford is one of the 20 worst funded councils in the country, one of the lowest spending councils and its council tax levels are the second lowest in Greater Manchester. The Institute for Fiscal Studies identified Trafford as the lowest funded local authority compared to 150 similar authorities, meaning it receives £11 million less each year on average than similar authorities.

2)    Since 2010, Trafford has suffered a 60% real terms reduction in its budget and had to close budget gaps totalling £288 million.

3)    Between 2010-15, when the Conservatives led the council, council tax in Trafford was frozen. This has meant the council has £15 million less in income each year.

4)    Increases in demand for adult social care and children’s services, high levels of inflation and increases in the National Living Wage are costing the council around £12 million each year. Increases in council tax, business rates indexation and certain grants only provide around £6 million each year, meaning the council budget has an underlying structural  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.