Members to give notice of any interest and the nature of that interest relating to any item on the agenda in accordance with the adopted Code of Conduct.

No declarations were made by Executive Members.

To receive and, if so determined, to approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 27^th March, 2017.

RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the meeting held on 27^th March 2017 be approved as a correct record.

To consider two reports referred by the Council or by the Overview and Scrutiny Committees, along with the associated proposed responses by the Executive:

The Executive received for its consideration, and for the agreement of formal responses, two reports from Scrutiny, as set out in the following Minutes.

Councillor M. Young, as Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee, noted that the review, carried out by the Scrutiny Committee Task and Finish Group into the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) Process in Trafford, had now been formally presented to the Executive for its consideration. A formal response was to be agreed by the Executive at this meeting; and this would be considered in detail by the Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 5^th July, 2017.

1. That the content of the Scrutiny review report be noted.

2. That the recommendations set out in detail in the report be accepted; and that the actions taken, as detailed in section 2 of the report, be noted.

The Executive Member for Children and Families submitted a report which set out a proposed response to the Scrutiny Committee’s review of the Education, Health and Care Plan process. It was noted that the Executive Member was to attend the forthcoming meeting of Scrutiny Committee at which the Executive’s agreed response was to be considered.

            RESOLVED -

(1)       That the content of the Scrutiny review report be noted.

(2)       That the recommendations set out in detail in the report be accepted; and thatthe actions taken, as detailed in section 2 of the report, be noted.

Councillor M. Young, as Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee, noted that the review, carried out by the Scrutiny Committee Task and Finish Group into the Joint Venture Contract between Trafford Council and Amey, had now been formally presented to the Executive for its consideration. A formal response was to be agreed by the Executive at this meeting; and this would be considered in detail by the Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 5^th July, 2017.

1. That the content of the Scrutiny review report be noted.

2. That the response to recommendations proposed by Scrutiny Committee, as set out in section 2 to the report, be approved.

The Executive Member for Highways, Parks and Environmental Services submitted a report which set out a proposed response to the Scrutiny Committee’s review of the Joint Venture Contract between Trafford Council and Amey. It was noted that the Executive Member was to attend the forthcoming meeting of Scrutiny Committee at which the Executive’s agreed response was to be considered.

            RESOLVED -

(1)       That the content of the Scrutiny review report be noted.

(2)       That the response to recommendations proposed by Scrutiny Committee, as set out in section 2 to the report, be approved.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Housing and Strategic Planning.

1. That the preferred option of the Warrener Street Options and Feasibility Study will form the Council’s strategy to take forward the Warrener Street site.

2. That authority be delegated to the Director of Growth and Regulatory Services to progress the delivery strategy for the site and enter discussions with third party land owners.

3. That the site be added to the Land Sales Programme once the delivery strategy is confirmed.

The Executive Member for Housing and Strategic Planning submitted a report seeking approval, in the light of an Options and Feasibility study, for the optimum delivery approach in relation to the car park site and adjoining third party land, particularly in the context of the Council’s Investment Strategy.

            RESOLVED -

(1)        That the preferred option of the Warrener Street Options and Feasibility Study will form the Council’s strategy to take forward the Warrener Street site.

(2)        That authority be delegated to the Director of Growth and Regulatory Services to progress the delivery strategy for the site and enter discussions with third party land owners.

(3)        That the site be added to the Land Sales Programme once the delivery strategy is confirmed.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Investment.

PLEASE NOTE: A related report is to be considered in Part II of this agenda.

1.       That the outcome of the 2016/17 Land Sales Programme be noted.

2.       That approval be given to the Land Sales Programme for 2017/18 as set out in the public report, and associated report considered in Part II of the agenda.

3.       That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive to:

a.            negotiate and accept bids.

b.            engage external resources where this will assist in implementing the programme.

c.            submit an application for planning permission on any properties included in the programme where this will assist in marketing.

d.            offset eligible disposal costs against capital receipts in accordance with capital regulations up to a maximum of 4% of the value of the capital receipt.

e.            advertise the intention to dispose of a site in the event that it comprises open space as defined by the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, in accordance with the relevant statutory procedure, and if any objections are received, to refer to the relevant portfolio holder for consideration in consultation with the Executive Member for  Highways, Parks and Environmental Services.

f.             i)  add to or substitute sites into the programme during the year.

ii)  hire security services or arrange for the demolition of any property.

iii)authorise alternative methods of disposal where appropriate.

4.     That the Director of Legal and Democratic Services in consultation with the Chief Executive and, where appropriate, the Chief Finance Officer be authorised to finalise and enter into all legal agreements required to implement the above decisions.

The Executive Member for Investment submitted a report which advised Members of the outcome of the 2016/17 Land Sales Programme, proposed a programme for the disposal of land and buildings during the financial year 2017/18 and sought the necessary delegations. A related report, setting out additional financial information relating to the Land Sales Programme, was considered in Part II of this meeting. (Minute 116 below refers.) In response to a question, it was agreed that further detail would be supplied of the site at Britannia Road, Sale, referred to in the report.

          RESOLVED -

(1)     That the outcome of the 2016/17 Land Sales Programme be noted.

(2)     That approval be given to the Land Sales Programme for 2017/18 as set out in the public report, and associated report considered in Part II of the agenda.

(3)     That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive to:

a.            negotiate and accept bids.

b.            engage external resources where this will assist in implementing the programme.

c.            submit an application for planning permission on any properties included in the programme where this will assist in marketing.

d.            offset eligible disposal costs against capital receipts in accordance with capital regulations up to a maximum of 4% of the value of the capital receipt.

e.            advertise the intention to dispose of a site in the event that it comprises open space as defined by the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, in accordance with the relevant statutory procedure, and if any objections are received, to refer to the relevant portfolio holder for consideration in consultation with the Executive Member for  Highways, Parks and Environmental Services.

f.             i)  add to or substitute sites into the programme during the year.

ii)  hire security services or arrange for the demolition of any property.

iii)authorise alternative methods of disposal where appropriate.

(4)    That the Director of Legal and Democratic Services in consultation with the Chief Executive and, where appropriate, the Chief Finance Officer be authorised to finalise and enter into all legal agreements required to implement the above decisions.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Housing and Strategic Planning.

1. That approval be given to each of the proposed modifications to the text of the ATCNBP contained within the Examiner’s report (Appendix 2 to the report).

2. That the proposed modification to the ATCNBP area made by the Examiner (see PM7 in Appendix 2 and the Plan at Appendix 3 to the report) be approved.

3. That it be approved that the ATCNBP proceed to referendum and that authority be delegated to the Director of Growth and Regulatory Services and the Director of Legal and Democratic Services to carry out any action to enable  the ATCNBP  to proceed to referendum.

4. That the referendum boundary as recommended by the Examiner (detailed in Appendix 3 to the report) be approved.

The Executive Member for Housing and Strategic Planning submitted a report which provided a summary of the Examiner’s report and proposed modifications to the Altrincham Town Centre Neighbourhood Business Plan (ATCNBP). The report sought approval of the Examiner’s modifications in order to ensure that the ATCNBP met the Basic Conditions which a draft neighbourhood plan must meet if it is to proceed to referendum. The report also sought approval that the ATCNBP should proceed to referendum and for the proposed area in which the referendums (for both the residents and businesses) were to take place. Members were advised that, in relation to the Referendum, all of the proposed delegation arrangements set out below would be exercised under the auspices of the Council’s Chief Executive in her capacity as Chief Counting Officer.

            RESOLVED -

(1)        That approval be given to each of the proposed modifications to the text of the ATCNBP contained within the Examiner’s report (Appendix 2 to the report).

(2)        That the proposed modification to the ATCNBP area made by the Examiner (see PM7 in Appendix 2 and the Plan at Appendix 3 to the report) be approved.

(3)        That it be approved that the ATCNBP proceed to referendum and that authority be delegated to the Director of Growth and Regulatory Services and the Director of Legal and Democratic Services to carry out any action to enable  the ATCNBP  to proceed to referendum.

(4)        That the referendum boundary as recommended by the Examiner (detailed in Appendix 3 to the report) be approved.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Highways, Parks and Environmental Services.

1. That the Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to execute and complete the necessary Agreement and documentation to enable the delivery of the project.

2. That the Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to execute and complete any subsequent Deeds of Variation to enable the delivery of the project.

The Executive Member for Highways, Parks and Environmental Services submitted a report seeking approval to authorise the signing of the legal document between the GMCA, TfGM and Trafford Council, associated with the implementation of the second round of the Cycle City Ambition Grant.

            RESOLVED -

(1)        That the Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to execute and complete the necessary Agreement and documentation to enable the delivery of the project.

(2)        That the Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to execute and complete any subsequent Deeds of Variation to enable the delivery of the project.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Children and Families.

1. That the changes made to the financial model be noted and that support be reaffirmed for the establishment of a Regional Adoption Agency between Stockport, Manchester, Trafford, Salford and Cheshire East local authorities as outlined in the report dated 23^rd January 2017.

2. That the agreement of the terms of the proposed Partnership Agreement as outlined in the report be delegated to the Corporate Director, Children, Families and Well-being in consultation with the Director of Legal and Democratic Services; and that the Corporate Director, Children, Families and Well-being be authorised to enter into the Agreement on behalf of the Council.

3. That this decision be deemed to be urgent, for the reasons set out in paragraph 5.0 of the report, and not subject to call-in.

The Executive Member for Children and Families submitted a report outlining changes to the previous proposal and recommendations relating to the Council’s involvement with the Regional Adoption Agency (RAA).

            RESOLVED -

(1)       That the changes made to the financial model be noted and that support be reaffirmed for the establishment of a Regional Adoption Agency between Stockport, Manchester, Trafford, Salford and Cheshire East local authorities as outlined in the report dated 23^rd January 2017.

(2)       That the agreement of the terms of the proposed Partnership Agreement as outlined in the report be delegated to the Corporate Director, Children, Families and Well-being in consultation with the Director of Legal and Democratic Services; and that the Corporate Director, Children, Families and Well-being be authorised to enter into the Agreement on behalf of the Council.

(3)       That this decision be deemed to be urgent, for the reasons set out in paragraph 5.0 of the report, and not subject to call-in.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Children and Families.

1. That the weekly fostering allowance for carers of children in younger age ranges, age 0-10 years be increased by 50% so that they are comparable to those in neighbouring local authorities with effect from 1^st October 2017.

2. That  the weekly fostering allowances for carers of older children age 11-17 years be increased by 20% so that they are comparable to those in neighbouring local authorities and independent agencies with effect from 1 October 2017.

3. That this decision be deemed to be urgent, for the reasons set out in paragraph, 5.0 below, and not subject to call-in.

The Executive Member for Children and Families submitted a report which proposed increases to the Council’s current fostering allowance rates, to encourage recruitment and retention, assist in achieving the directorate’s transformation targets, and mitigate additional risks set out in the report.

            RESOLVED -

(1)        That the weekly fostering allowance for carers of children in younger age ranges, age 0-10 years be increased by 50% so that they are comparable to those in neighbouring local authorities with effect from 1^st October 2017.

(2)        That  the weekly fostering allowances for carers of older children age 11-17 years be increased by 20% so that they are comparable to those in neighbouring local authorities and independent agencies with effect from 1 October 2017.

(3)        That this decision be deemed to be urgent, for the reasons set out in paragraph, 5.0 in the report, and not subject to call-in.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Corporate Resources.

1.That from 1^st April 2017 all Care Leavers receive a full exemption from Council Tax up until their 25^th birthday.

2. That the Executive notes and approves the proposed amendments to the existing policies to take account of new guidance and case law, as well as the wider changes to the welfare system and new business rates discretionary funding.

3. That Exchequer Services amalgamates all its discretionary policies and has one combined policy, separated by sections for each function, but with amalgamated decision making and appeal scheme of delegation governance.

The Executive Member for Corporate Resources submitted a report which proposed a number of amendments in relation to the Council’s policies covering discretionary discounts for Council Tax and Business Rates, including a proposal to introduce a full exemption for all care leavers up to their 25^th birthday.

            RESOLVED -

(1)        That from 1^st April 2017 all Care Leavers receive a full exemption from Council Tax up until their 25^th birthday.

(2)        That the Executive notes and approves the proposed amendments to the existing policies to take account of new guidance and case law, as well as the wider changes to the welfare system and new business rates discretionary funding.

(3)        That Exchequer Services amalgamates all its discretionary policies and has one combined policy, separated by sections for each function, but with amalgamated decision making and appeal scheme of delegation governance.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Investment.

NOTE: A related presentation will be considered in Part II of this agenda.

1. That the detail of the proposed acquisition of a commercial property in Trafford (“the Site”) as set out in the presentation made to the Executive Meeting on 26 June 2017 be noted.

2. That approval be given to the principle of the acquisition of the Site for investment purposes.

3. That it be noted that it may be appropriate for the acquisition to be made jointly with a third party and that approval be given to the principle of the acquisition by the council acting in partnership with a third party.

4. That it be noted that both (2) and (3) above are conditional upon a satisfactory business case (independently reviewed) and commercial terms being approved by the Executive Member for Investment in consultation with the Chief Executive and under advisement from the Chief Finance Officer.

5. That authority be delegated to the Executive Member for Investment in consultation with the Chief Executive, and under advisement from  the Director of Legal and Democratic Services and the Chief Finance Officer, to finalise the terms of the proposed acquisition and the terms of the partnering arrangement (if required) to support the acquisition.

6. That authority be delegated to the Director of Legal and Democratic Services in consultation with the Interim Corporate Lead – Property & Investment to agree the terms of and to enter into any documents required to implement the above recommendations.

The Executive Member for Investment submitted a report which sought approval for the Council to acquire a commercial property in Old Trafford, which had the potential for redevelopment. In connection with this item, the Executive received, in Part II of this meeting, a related presentation (Minute 117 refers) which identified the site in question and provided a summary of financial aspects of the proposal, the site’s development potential, and risk evaluation which had been undertaken or was planned. It was noted that further information would be made available to Members in due course.

          RESOLVED -

(1)     That the detail of the proposed acquisition of a commercial property in Trafford (“the Site”) as set out in the presentation made to the Executive Meeting on 26 June 2017 be noted.

(2)     That approval be given to the principle of the acquisition of the Site for investment purposes.

(3)     That it be noted that it may be appropriate for the acquisition to be made jointly with a third party and that approval be given to the principle of the acquisition by the council acting in partnership with a third party.

(4)     That it be noted that both (2) and (3) above are conditional upon a satisfactory business case (independently reviewed) and commercial terms being approved by the Executive Member for Investment in consultation with the Chief Executive and under advisement from the Chief Finance Officer.

(5)     That authority be delegated to the Executive Member for Investment in consultation with the Chief Executive, and under advisement from  the Director of Legal and Democratic Services and the Chief Finance Officer, to finalise the terms of the proposed acquisition and the terms of the partnering arrangement (if required) to support the acquisition.

(6)       That authority be delegated to the Director of Legal and Democratic Services in consultation with the Interim Corporate Lead – Property & Investment to agree the terms of and to enter into any documents required to implement the above recommendations.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Communities and Partnerships.

1. That it be noted that initial consideration has been given to the case for closure of the Section 48 AGMA Grants programme and that a consultation on closure of the scheme is to be undertaken by AGMA to inform a final decision on closure to be taken at a later date.

2. That the development be supported of a new funding programme for culture, under the GMCA, as a potential replacement for the Section 48 Scheme.

3. That it be noted that it is intended to run the consultation for a new CA programme for culture at the same time as the consultation on closure of the Section 48 scheme.

The Executive Member for Communities and Partnerships submitted a report which requested that formal consideration be given to the closure of the current AGMA Grants Scheme established under S48 Local Government Act 1985, with a view to its replacement by a new scheme under the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

            RESOLVED -

(1)        That it be noted that initial consideration has been given to the case for closure of the Section 48 AGMA Grants programme and that a consultation on closure of the scheme is to be undertaken by AGMA to inform a final decision on closure to be taken at a later date.

(2)        That the development be supported of a new funding programme for culture, under the GMCA, as a potential replacement for the Section 48 Scheme.

(3)        That it be noted that it is intended to run the consultation for a new CA programme for culture at the same time as the consultation on closure of the Section 48 scheme.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive.

1. That approval be given to the appointment of representatives to those outside, independent and Executive bodies set out in the Appendix to the report.

2. That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Opposition Group Leader(s) if necessary, to appoint members to any vacancy that remains or arises after the meeting and to any additional bodies to which the Executive may be required to make appointment(s).

The Chief Executive submitted a report seeking the Executive’s agreement to the appointment of representatives to those bodies whose activities related to Executive functions.

            RESOLVED -

(1)       That approval be given to the appointment of representatives to those outside, independent and Executive bodies set out in the Appendix to the report.

(2)       That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Opposition Group Leader(s) if necessary, to appoint members to any vacancy that remains or arises after the meeting and to any additional bodies to which the Executive may be required to make appointment(s).

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Corporate Resources.

The Executive Member for Corporate Resources submitted a report which provided a summary of year-end performance against the Council’s Annual Delivery Plan 2016/17. An opportunity was provided for Members to ask questions on the report’s content, and these concentrated on recycling rates and green waste issues, the domestic violence Behaviour Change Programme, delayed transfers of care and staff sickness rates. It was agreed that further information on these issues would be provided to Members in appropriate forums.

RESOLVED – That the content of the Annual Delivery Plan Fourth Quarter Performance Report be noted.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Corporate Resources and Chief Finance Officer.

The Executive Member for Corporate Resources and Chief Finance Officer submitted a report which informed Members of the 2016/17 draft outturn figures relating to both Revenue and Capital budgets and the level of General and Service Reserves. It also summarised the final unaudited position for Council Tax and Business Rates within the Collection Fund. An opportunity was provided for Members to raise questions in relation to the report’s content.

            RESOLVED –

(1)       That the pre-audited revenue budget outturn be noted.

(2)       That the levels of General & Service Reserves and Collection Fund balances and commitments are noted and confirmed.

(3)       That the outturn position on the Capital Programme and Prudential Indicators be noted.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Corporate Resources and Chief Finance Officer.

The Executive Member for Corporate Resources and Chief Finance Officer submitted a report which provided details of the principal treasury management activities undertaken during 2016/17, noting that the report was also to be referred to Council. An opportunity was provided for Members to raise questions in relation to the report’s content.

            RESOLVED – That the Executive advise the Council:

(1)       of the Treasury Management activities undertaken in 2016/17;

(2)       that no prudential limits were breached during 2016/17;

(3)       that there was full compliance with both the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management and CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance.

To receive and note the following:

The Executive received for information details of decisions taken by the GMCA, and by the GMCA and AGMA Executive jointly, on 31^st March 2017.

            RESOLVED – That the content of the decision summaries be noted.

Any other item or items which by reason of:-

(a)       Regulation 11 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the Chairman of the meeting, with the agreement of the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairman, is of the opinion should be considered at this meeting as a matter of urgency as it relates to a key decision; or

(b)       special circumstances (to be specified) the Chairman of the meeting is of the opinion should be considered at this meeting as a matter of urgency.

(a) Health and Social Care Integration Update

[NOTE: The Leader of the Council agreed to the consideration of this item as Urgent Business in order to synchronise the issuing into the public domain and to staff members of information which was also to be considered by the CCG’s Board.]

The Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing submitted a report which set out the partnership work to be undertaken by Trafford Council and Trafford CCG on the path to integration.

RESOLVED – That the information regarding the approach to integration, including the commencement of the initiatives detailed in the report, be noted.

Motion   (Which may be amended as Members think fit):

            That the public be excluded from this meeting during consideration of the remaining items on the agenda, because of the likelihood of disclosure of “exempt information” which falls within one or more descriptive category or categories of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, as amended by The Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006, and specified on the agenda item or report relating to each such item respectively.

RESOLVED - That the public be excluded from this meeting during consideration of the remaining items on the agenda, because of the likelihood of disclosure of “exempt information” which falls within one or more descriptive category or categories of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, as amended by The Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006, and specified on the agenda item or report relating to each such item respectively.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Investment.

PLEASE NOTE: A related report is to be considered in Part I of this agenda.

The Executive Member for Investment submitted a report setting out additional financial information relating to the Land Sales Programme for 2016/17 and 2017/18. All details of resolutions agreed in Part I of the meeting in relation to this matter are set out earlier in these Minutes. (Minute 101 refers.)

To consider a presentation by the Executive Member for Investment. (No papers to be circulated.)

NOTE: A related report is to be considered in Part I of this agenda.

The Executive Member for Investment delivered a presentation in relation to the proposed acquisition of a commercial property in Old Trafford discussed earlier on the agenda (Minute 107 refers). The presentation identified the site in question and provided a summary of financial aspects of the proposal, the site’s development potential, and risk evaluation which had been undertaken or was planned. The formal agreement and resolutions in relation to this matter were as set out at Minute 107 above.