Agenda and minutes

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

Contact: Ian Cockill  Democratic Services Officer

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No. Item

55.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 125 KB

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 11 November 2015 for signature by the Mayor as Chairman.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 11 November 2015, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

 

56.

Announcements

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(a)    Her Majesty the Queen’s New Year’s Honours

 

The Council joined the Mayor in congratulating those residents who had received recognition in the Queen's New Year Honours List, namely:

 

Mr. Denis Law of Bowdon awarded the citation of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to football and charity;

 

Ms. Jean Oglesby of Bowdon awarded the CBE for services to Philanthropy in the North West;

 

Mr. Andrew Scallan of Sale awarded the CBE for services to electoral democracy;

 

Mr. Mark Cueto of Altrincham awarded the citation of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to Rugby Union;

 

Mr. John Howe of Urmston awarded the MBE for services to Diabetes UK and the community in Trafford;

 

Miss Jody Louisa Green of Stretford awarded the citation of Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to Community Sport in Trafford; and                                 

 

Ms. Rita Janet Jones of Stretford awarded the BEM for services to the community in Stretford.

 

On behalf of the Council, the Mayor had written to convey congratulations for their achievements.

 

(b)    Holocaust Memorial Day, 27 January 2016

 

The Mayor informed Members that Trafford Council was supporting the annual Holocaust Memorial Day, on 27 January 2016. Schools, along with representatives from faith and other community groups had been invited to participate in a two hour event at the Robert Bolt theatre in Sale with the theme being “Don’t stand by”.

 

(c)    Scrutiny Committee Update

 

Councillor Coupe, Chairman of Scrutiny Committee informed Council that Budget Scrutiny sessions had been held on 2 December and 8 December 2015 and that the Committee had prepared a review of the Executive’s draft budget proposals which would be submitted to the Executive on 25 January 2016.

 

The Chairman also advised that the ‘Closing the Gap’ Task and Finish Group; investigating education inequalities within the Borough, had now split into four smaller sub-topic groups to focus on areas agreed upon at the initial meetings in more detail. It was anticipated that the final report on the Group’s findings and recommendations would be submitted to the Executive in March 2016.

 

(d)    Health Scrutiny Committee Update

 

Councillor Lloyd, Chairman of Health Scrutiny Committee provided an update on the Committee’s focus since the last meeting of Council. 

 

The Care Quality Commission had conducted an inspection of Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT) in December 2015 and would be conducting an inspection of the University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust (UHSM) week commencing 25 January 2016.

 

The Chairman informed the Council that along with the Vice-Chairman, she had met with Matthew Colledge, the recently appointed Chairman of Trafford Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) Governing Body, and Silas Nichols, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Chief Executive of Wythenshawe Hospital, to discuss how Health Scrutiny could work with their respective organisations going forward.

 

Councillor Lloyd referred to a Manchester Evening News report that Trafford General was to be downgraded, which had been picked up  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

57.

Questions By Members

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Mayor reported that 5 questions had been received under Procedure Rule 10.2.

 

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

 

“Might the Executive Member tell us, considering the changes, both existing and aspirant to the whole gamut of small community grant funding, particularly those envisaged from Trafford Housing Trust, if he is satisfied they will sustain, or indeed improve their equitability and remain true to all principles stated at their inception and also re-assure the chamber that any implementation of revisions will be a matter for full council and not the Executive in isolation?”

(Note: Before responding, Councillor Lamb declared a personal interest in this matter as one of the Council’s nominated Non-Executive Directors of the Trafford Housing Trust (THT).)

 

Councillor Lamb, Executive Member for Communities and Partnerships reported that THT was currently reviewing its arrangements for the distribution of community grants, which was an aspect of the obligations that the Council placed on THT at the time of transfer back in 2003. The review was being carried out to ensure transparent accountability and strengthen community engagement. At this stage no proposals had been put to the Council as THT would carry out a consultation exercise about any proposed changes. All Members of Council would have the opportunity to comment on the proposals but the advice received at this stage, in terms of the potential level of change to be proposed, would indicate that a formal response to THT by the Executive would be required on behalf of the Council. Should, following consultation, proposals be received that were broader reaching than was currently suggested, advice would then be sought to confirm that this was still the most appropriate approval mechanism.

 

Thanking Councillor Lamb for his response, Councillor Smith sought clarity through a supplementary question, as to whether the Council would or would not have THT maintain the obligations that had been given to tenants?

 

The Executive Member acknowledged the importance and substantial nature of the obligations placed upon THT and that it was working to make the process more transparent. At the moment it was envisaged that the Executive will take the decision, though it was waiting what proposals came forward. Until that time, Councillor Lamb urged all Members to engage with the consultation process.

 

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

 

“How confident is the Executive Member for Stronger Communities that the New Trafford Partnership Strategy will deliver the building of strong communities across all of Trafford?”

 

Councillor Lamb, Executive Member for Communities and Partnerships thanked Councillor Freeman for his question since it gave him the opportunity to update the Council on some important changes to the operation of the Trafford Partnership. For the past several months a review of the effectiveness of the Partnership had been undertaken to ensure that it was operating at its most effective in terms of the Trafford and Greater Manchester (GM) focus on economic growth and public sector reform. The Trafford  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

58.

New Revised Terms of Reference for the Trafford Health and Wellbeing Board

To consider a report of the Acting Corporate Director Children, Families and Wellbeing.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Corporate Director Children’s, Families and Wellbeing submitted a report outlining recommendations made by the Health and Wellbeing Board to adopt new Terms of Referencefollowing a review of the Board and its place within the new Trafford Partnership structures.

 

RESOLVED: That the contents of the report be noted and that the new revised Terms of Reference and membership for the Health and Wellbeing Board, be approved by the Council.

59.

Treasury Management - Minimum Revenue Provision pdf icon PDF 105 KB

To consider a joint report of the Executive Member for Finance and the Director of Finance, which has been recommended to the Council by the Executive on 16 November 2015 and the Accounts and Audit Committee on 25 November 2015.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Finance and Director of Finance submitted a joint report outlining the recent review undertaken of the Council’s annual Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) charge to the revenue budget in respect of capital expenditure financed by borrowing. The report had been recommended to the Council by the Executive on 16 November 2015 and the Accounts and Audit Committee on 25 November 2015.

 

RESOLVED: That with effect from 1 April 2015:

 

(a)    the Council’s MRP policy, paragraph (a) only, be amended to, “For capital expenditure incurred before 1 April 2008: MRP will be calculated on a straight line basis over the expected average useful life of the assets”

 

(b)    the annual Public Finance Initiative lease charge be financed from the provision currently set-up to cover the final bullet payment and that capital receipts be used to replenish this provision to ensure this can still be made in 2028/29.

60.

Council Tax Support Scheme for 2016/17 pdf icon PDF 83 KB

To consider a joint report of the Executive Member for Finance and the Director of Finance that is anticipated to be referred from the Executive meeting on 20 January 2016.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Finance and the Director of Finance submitted a joint report seeking approval of the Council’s local Council Tax Support Scheme for the 2016/17 financial year. The report proposed minor amendments to reflect national changes to income related benefits and had been recommended to Council from the Executive Meeting held earlier that day.

 

RESOLVED: That, subject to the inclusion of the following amendments, the Council Tax Support scheme currently in operation, be adopted for 2016/17:

 

(a)        Applicable amounts for working age claimants are frozen in line with the national income related benefit rates (state pension age rates are contained within the prescribed regulations);

 

(b)        That the remaining funding allocated to the Council Tax Support discretionary fund from when it was first introduced in April 2013, be rolled over into 2016/17. This is estimated to be approximately £17,000 by the end of the financial year.

61.

Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill 2015/16 pdf icon PDF 68 KB

To receive an oral update by the Leader of the Council.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council provided an update on progress with the Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill and circulated a report outlining the timetable for implementation of the Orders required. The Leader also advised that the Greater Manchester Combined Authority would also require the ability to exercise health related functions from April 2016 to enable it to play a full part in health and social care devolution.

 

In accordance with a previous decision of the Council, the Chief Executive, in consultation, with the Leader of the Council would respond to any Orders regarding the establishment of the GMCA and report to Council on progress at appropriate times.

 

RESOLVED: That the Leader’s report and the approach being taken be noted.

62.

6-month Corporate Report on Health and Safety - 1 April to 30 September 2015 pdf icon PDF 203 KB

To consider a report of the Corporate Director Resources.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Corporate Director Resources submitted a report providing information on council-wide health and safety performance and trends in workplace accidents. The report also provided a summary of other key developments in health and safety for the six month period 1 April to 30 September 2015.

 

Further to Minute No. 49 of the previous meeting, Councillor Mrs. Evans, Executive Member for Transformation and Resources, indicated that she would obtain a response for Councillor Baugh from the Council’s partner Amey regarding the statistical reporting of incidents involving its staff.   

 

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

63.

Motion Submitted by the Labour Group - Post-16 Home to School Transport - Brentwood School

 

This Council notes the Home to School Transport Policy for Special Needs Children and in particular Annex A; Transport Guidance for young people aged 16-18 in Further Education and Continuing Students aged 19 – May 2011.

 

Council notes the withdrawal of School Transport to some of the 16 plus special needs teenage cohort attending Brentwood School in September this year, and further notes under the existing policy that this is the first year that the parents and carers of 16 plus teenagers attending Brentwood have had to apply for continuing transport. Indeed up until the Review of Transport Provision undertaken in May 2015 the parents and carers of pupils reaching the age of 16 were not asked to re-apply for travel assistance as long as they had been deemed eligible when starting school. This measure has caused considerable distress to the teenagers and families concerned, who are the parents of some of our most vulnerable children.

 

This Council notes the lack of meaningful consultation that has taken place with those affected by this policy change and therefore resolves with immediate effect to reinstate Transport to all the teenagers from whom the service has been withdrawn, and enter into meaningful consultation with Parents and Carers over future provision in a wholly open and transparent manner.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(Note: The Mayor, Councillor Holden declared a personal interest in this item since he was a Governor of Brentwood School and remained in the meeting during consideration of the matter.)

 

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“This Council notes the Home to School Transport Policy for Special Needs Children and in particular Annex A; Transport Guidance for young people aged 16-18 in Further Education and Continuing Students aged 19 – May 2011.

 

Council notes the withdrawal of School Transport to some of the 16 plus special needs teenage cohort attending Brentwood School in September this year, and further notes under the existing policy that this is the first year that the parents and carers of 16 plus teenagers attending Brentwood have had to apply for continuing transport. Indeed up until the Review of Transport Provision undertaken in May 2015 the parents and carers of pupils reaching the age of 16 were not asked to re-apply for travel assistance as long as they had been deemed eligible when starting school. This measure has caused considerable distress to the teenagers and families concerned, who are the parents of some of our most vulnerable children.

 

This Council notes the lack of meaningful consultation that has taken place with those affected by this policy change and therefore resolves with immediate effect to reinstate Transport to all the teenagers from whom the service has been withdrawn, and enter into meaningful consultation with Parents and Carers over future provision in a wholly open and transparent manner.”

 

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

 

“This Council notes the Home to School Transport Policy for Special Needs Children and in particular Annex A; Transport Guidance for young people aged 16-18 in Further Education and Continuing Students aged 19 – May 2011.

 

Council notes the changes to provision outlined for the cohort attending Brentwood School, including withdrawal of transport for a small number of pupils aged post 16 no longer eligible under the revised policy and the need to re-apply for transport provision annually. 

 

The Council is aware that changes to provision of this nature may cause distress to families and young people who previously accessed the service however continues to target its reducing resources as best it can to support those who are eligible for transport provision across the Borough.

 

This Council is presently consulting on an All Age Travel Assistance policy as part of the 2016/17 budget round, and recognises that some concern has been raised on previous consultation.  

 

The Council resolves to consider carefully all responses received in a wholly open and transparent manner, including consideration on the merits or otherwise of reinstatement of transport provision.”

 

Following a debate on the matter, the amendment was put to the vote and in accordance with Procedure Rule 16.5 a recorded vote was called for. This resulted as follows:

 

Those in favour of the amendment: Councillors S.A. Anstee, S.K. Anstee, Dr. Barclay, Miss Blackburn, Boyes, Mrs. Bruer-Morris, Bunting, Butt, Candish, Cawdrey, Chilton, Cornes, Coupe, Mrs.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63.

64.

Motion Submitted by the Labour Group - Fracking in Trafford

 

This Council is deeply concerned by the announcement on the 17 December 2015 that the Conservative Government's Oil and Gas Authority has awarded a Petroleum Exploration and Development Licence (PEDL) to the company Ineos covering an area incorporating much of the south of Trafford. This is the first stage in a process that could ultimately lead to 'fracking' taking place in Trafford.

 

Council condemns the decision to award this licence and reaffirms its previous statement, as agreed by all parties on the 12 November 2014, that “The Council is opposed to ‘fracking’ until such time as it can be proved to be safe.” In light of this statement of opposition to hydraulic fracturing in Trafford, Council agrees to write to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, and to the Oil and Gas Authority directly, outlining our concerns and asking that the decision to award this licence be reconsidered.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“This Council is deeply concerned by the announcement on the 17 December 2015 that the Conservative Government's Oil and Gas Authority has awarded a Petroleum Exploration and Development Licence (PEDL) to the company Ineos covering an area incorporating much of the south of Trafford. This is the first stage in a process that could ultimately lead to 'fracking' taking place in Trafford.

 

Council condemns the decision to award this licence and reaffirms its previous statement, as agreed by all parties on the 12 November 2014, that “The Council is opposed to ‘fracking’ until such time as it can be proved to be safe.” In light of this statement of opposition to hydraulic fracturing in Trafford, Council agrees to write to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, and to the Oil and Gas Authority directly, outlining our concerns and asking that the decision to award this licence be reconsidered.”

 

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

 

“This Council notes the announcement of the 17 December 2015 that the Oil and Gas Authority has awarded a Petroleum Exploration and Development Licence (PEDL) to the company Ineos covering an area incorporating much of the south of Trafford. This is the first stage in a process that could ultimately lead to 'fracking' taking place in Trafford.

 

Council is concerned by the decision to award this licence and reaffirms its previous statement, as agreed by all parties on the 12 November 2014, that "The Council is opposed to ‘fracking’ until such time as it can be proved to be safe." In light of this statement of opposition to hydraulic fracturing in Trafford, Council agrees to write to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, and to the Oil and Gas Authority directly, outlining our concerns and asking that the decision to award this licence be reconsidered.”

 

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

 

RESOLVED: That this Council notes the announcement of the 17 December 2015 that the Oil and Gas Authority has awarded a Petroleum Exploration and Development Licence (PEDL) to the company Ineos covering an area incorporating much of the south of Trafford. This is the first stage in a process that could ultimately lead to 'fracking' taking place in Trafford.

 

Council is concerned by the decision to award this licence and reaffirms its previous statement, as agreed by all parties on the 12 November 2014, that "The Council is opposed to ‘fracking’ until such time as it can be proved to be safe." In light of this statement of opposition to hydraulic fracturing in Trafford, Council agrees to write to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, and to the Oil and Gas Authority directly, outlining our concerns and asking that the decision to award this licence  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

65.

Motion Submitted by the Labour Group - Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service

 

The recent severe weather conditions and floods across Greater Manchester, in Salford, Rochdale, Littleborough, Bury, Manchester, and across the North West and elsewhere has highlighted the frontline role Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) plays in times of severe local and national crises.

 

GMFRS budgets have been cut by £28 million over the last five years resulting in the loss of 450 firefighter posts and 10 fire engines being taken off the run, as well as significantly cutting "back office" and management. This has left Greater Manchester stretched to the limit in terms of its resilience to be able to tackle local and national crises such as those which have taken place recently and to keep our communities safe.

 

The recent Comprehensive Spending Review announcement has meant a further cut to GMFRS of £15.8 million over the next 4 years which will seriously reduce further the resilience of GMFRS to be able to respond effectively to such crises in the future, which inevitably will put Greater Manchester residents, including Trafford residents, at further risk.

 

As the country's second largest fire and rescue service GMFRS plays a pivotal role in our local and national security and resilience, protecting homes and businesses, saving lives, and helping those in times of crises.

 

In light of the above Trafford MBC calls on the Government to reconsider their announcement to cut further GMFRS' budget at the level they propose, and consider offering similar protection to that rightly granted to the Police in the recent spending review, in recognition of the key role in local and national resilience provided by our superb fire and rescue service in Greater Manchester.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(Note: As Council representatives on the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Councillor Acton who was also its Chair and Councillor Whetton, each declared a personal interest in this item and remained in the meeting during consideration of the matter.)

 

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“The recent severe weather conditions and floods across Greater Manchester, in Salford, Rochdale, Littleborough, Bury, Manchester, and across the North West and elsewhere has highlighted the frontline role Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) plays in times of severe local and national crises.

 

GMFRS budgets have been cut by £28 million over the last five years resulting in the loss of 450 firefighter posts and 10 fire engines being taken off the run, as well as significantly cutting "back office" and management. This has left Greater Manchester stretched to the limit in terms of its resilience to be able to tackle local and national crises such as those which have taken place recently and to keep our communities safe.

 

The recent Comprehensive Spending Review announcement has meant a further cut to GMFRS of £15.8 million over the next 4 years which will seriously reduce further the resilience of GMFRS to be able to respond effectively to such crises in the future, which inevitably will put Greater Manchester residents, including Trafford residents, at further risk.

 

As the country's second largest fire and rescue service GMFRS plays a pivotal role in our local and national security and resilience, protecting homes and businesses, saving lives, and helping those in times of crises.

 

In light of the above Trafford MBC calls on the Government to reconsider their announcement to cut further GMFRS' budget at the level they propose, and consider offering similar protection to that rightly granted to the Police in the recent spending review, in recognition of the key role in local and national resilience provided by our superb fire and rescue service in Greater Manchester.”

 

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

 

“Council recognises the vital role Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) plays in time of severe local and national emergency situations and places on record its appreciation for the front line role firefighters hold in keeping residents and businesses safe.

 

Since 2010, GMFRS has seen a reduction in Government grant funding of £28 million, and has responded locally by reducing the number of firefighter posts by 450, the number of fire engines by 10 and service efficiencies in back office and management costs.

 

The recent Comprehensive Spending Review announcement details a reduction, in core spending power available to GMFRS of £3.72 million over the next 4 four years, which may impact further the resilience of GMFRS to be able to respond effectively to emergency situations in the future. 

 

As the country's second largest fire and rescue service, GMFRS plays a pivotal role in our local and national security and resilience, protecting homes and businesses, saving lives, and helping those in times of crises.

 

Council notes the forthcoming governance  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

66.

Motion Submitted by the Labour Group - Political Education in Schools

 

This Council recognises the concerns raised by the young people of Trafford and supports their campaign and the petition to introduce basic political education in to the education system. They believe that there is still a large proportion of young people who do not hold the basic knowledge of politics and that if we want to engage more people and address the disengagement we need to appropriately educate them.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(Note: Prior to the debate on this item, the time being 9.22 p.m., the Mayor indicated that all speeches would be limited to a maximum of one minute per speaker.)

 

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“This Council recognises the concerns raised by the young people of Trafford and supports their campaign and the petition to introduce basic political education in to the education system. They believe that there is still a large proportion of young people who do not hold the basic knowledge of politics and that if we want to engage more people and address the disengagement we need to appropriately educate them.”

 

Following a debate on the matter, the Motion was put to the vote and in accordance with Procedure Rule 16.5 a recorded vote was called for. This resulted as follows:

 

Those in favour of the Motion: Councillors Acton, Adshead, Baugh, Bennett, Bowker, Mrs. Brophy, Brotherton, Carter, Cordingley, Fishwick, Freeman, Gratrix, Harding, Hynes, Jarman, Lloyd, Malik, O’Sullivan, Procter, Ross, Smith, Taylor, Walsh, A. Western and D. Western.

 

Those against the Motion: Councillors S.A. Anstee, S.K. Anstee, Dr. Barclay, Miss Blackburn, Boyes, Mrs. Bruer-Morris, Bunting, Butt, Candish, Cawdrey, Chilton, Cornes, Coupe, Mrs. Dixon, Mrs. Evans, N. Evans, Holden (the Mayor), Hopps, Hyman, Lally, Lamb, Mitchell, Myers, Mrs. Reilly, Sephton, Sharp, Shaw, Mrs. Ward, Whetton, Williams M. Young and Mrs. Young.

 

With the result of the vote being 25 in favour and 32 against, with 0 abstentions, the Motion was declared lost.

67.

Motion Submitted by the Conservative Group - Northern Rail Franchise

 

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, 21st 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.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED: That, the time being 9.30 p.m., consideration of this Motion be deferred to the Council meeting scheduled to be held on 23 March 2016.