To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 17 February 2021 for signature by the Mayor as Chair of the Council.

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 17 February 2021, 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)     Retiring Members of Council

The Mayor indicated that it was the last Council meeting for a number of Members since they would not be seeking re-election in the forthcoming local elections, namely Councillors Sean Anstee, Mrs. Claire Churchill, Mrs. Denise Haddad, Shirley Procter, Brian Rigby, Brian Shaw and Whit Stennett.

The Leader of the Council thanked them all for their dedicated work on behalf of the Council and their constituents and indicated that Councillor Shirley Proctor would be standing down the next day due to personal reasons. Of those retiring, Councillor Rigby had been a great servant of the Borough for 27 years, particularly for education having been awarded an MBE for services in that field; Councillor Stennett was a past Mayor, had given 28 years’ service to the Council and the Clifford ward and the Leader considered him an Old Trafford legend recognised with the MBE for services to the West Indian community of Greater Manchester and beyond; and Councillor Anstee was a former Leader of the Council, a recipient of the CBE and Councillor Andrew Western, despite their political differences, recognised him to be always open and honest. The Leader appreciated that Councillor Anstee’s actions were for the good of the Borough and wished him well in his new role as Chair of Trafford Housing Trust.

The Leader’s words were echoed by Councillor Evans on behalf of the Conservative Group who paid his own tribute, particularly to Councillor Anstee who at the time became the youngest Council Leader aged 26, Councillor Rigby for his support to Trafford schools and Councillor Stennett, Mayor in 2003/4 and superb advocate for his ward. The Council joined in placing on record it’s thanks to all those retiring and wished them every happiness and success for the future.

(b)     Covid – One Year-on from Lockdown

Following the previous day’s national day of reflection marking the anniversary of the first Covid lockdown, the Council paused for a minute’s silence to reflect upon the events of the last 12 months and remember all those who had very sadly died during the pandemic, 512 of which had been in Trafford.

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.

The Mayor reported that 10 questions had been received under Procedure Rule 10.2.

(a)     Councillor D. Western had given notice of a question and asked:

“Please could the Leader of the Council advise what steps the Council are taking to support and engage with women to improve their safety following the murder of Sarah Everard and the series of shocking sexual assaults seen here in Trafford in recent weeks, including several in my own ward of Broadheath, and furthermore does the Leader consider it appropriate given these issues to continue with proposals to dim street lights overnight across the Borough?”

Councillor A. Western, the Leader of the Council responded to the question indicated that the proposals had been included as part of the budget setting process, however, following representations from several Members, particularly, the three Broadheath Ward Councillors, the Council had been able to offset the saving it would had produced in a concurrent manner, which enabled him to confirm that there would be no cut to street lighting that year or in the future. Responding to the important issue of the personal safety of women, the Leader reported that he had asked Councillor Slater, the Executive Member with responsibility for equalities to lead a series of workshops open to all women after the elections and over a period of six months to allow for as much engagement and to look at the interventions the Council and working partners, including the police, could take. Councillor A. Western was confident that by prioritising based on the feedback received, positive steps and proactive interventions could be taken to improve women’s safety moving forward.

Councillor D. Western did not have a supplementary question but asked to be joined in thanking the police for resolving the recent issues in Trafford and for the successful arrest of the person responsible. On behalf of the Council, the Mayor wholeheartedly agreed and thanked the police for their work on this serious matter.

(b)     Councillor Hartley had given notice of a question and asked:

“Some residents will have read alarming posts and information that there might not be sufficient school places in Sale.  Would the Lead Member for Education like to comment on this?”

Councillor Carter, Lead Member for Education was grateful for the question and the opportunity to address the misinformation. The matter had been discussed at the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny on 16 March 2021 at which an officer clearly stated that this was not the case and that there were enough school places in Sale. Councillor Carter recommended that all Members that had an interest read the School Place Planning for New Developments paper which was available on the Council’s website which explained how new school places were calculated and allocated.

As a supplementary question, Councillor Hartley asked whether the Council’s expansion plans for schools have taken account of new developments in the Sale area, like the development at Trafford Magistrates Court and would there be sufficient capacity as a result.

Councillor  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer.

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report proposing an extension to a number of temporary changes to the Constitution which had been agreed by Council on 18 March 2020 and were intended to be only used when strictly necessary and were to be in place for as long as was required for the Council to respond to the Coronavirus situation.

RESOLVED: That the Council approves an extension of the emergency provisions to the Council’s Constitution previously approved on 18 March 2020 on the basis that, unless the provisions are subsequently renewed or cancelled, they will become inoperable and shall cease to have effect three months from the date of this decision on 24 June 2021.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director of Strategy and Resources following a referral from Employment Committee on 1 March 2021.

The Corporate Director of Strategy and Resources submitted a report providing the Council with information relating to Trafford’s Pay Policy for 2021/22 in line with the requirements for the Localism Act 2011.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted and the 2021/22 Pay Policy statement, as recommended by Employment Committee on 1 March 2021 and set out in the Appendix to the report, be approved.

To consider a joint report of the Corporate Director of Place and the Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration.

The Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration and the Corporate Director of Place submitted a joint report seeking authorisation from the Council to delegate its authority for a number of actions associated with the continued production of the Civic Quarter Area Action Plan up to and including the Examination process.

The Executive Member indicated that he would provide a written response to Councillor Jerrome with regard to suggested higher minimum energy efficiency targets (currently 5% above 2013 Building Regulations) on the Council’s own developments and whether that would be seen in plans going forward over the next few years.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That delegated authority be given to the Planning and Development Management Committee to approve and to formally submit the CQ AAP (together with associated submission documents) to the Secretary of State pursuant to Regulation 22 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

(2)       That delegated authority be given to the Corporate Director of Place for any additional work required ahead of and during the Examination process (including the completion of a Service Level Agreement).

(3)       That delegated authority be given to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Chairman of the Planning and Development Management Committee, for minor wording changes to be agreed as necessary at the Examination.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director of Governance and Community Strategy.

The Corporate Director of Governance and Community Strategy submitted a report seeking approval of fees in respect of applications made by landowners to deposit and register statements with the Council, acting as the Commons Registration Authority for Trafford, to prevent the creation of

Town and Village Greens.

RESOLVED: That the Council:

(i)            Notes the statutory process for depositing and registering a landowner statement as set out in the report;

(ii)          approves the proposed Statement Registration Fee for depositing a statement under section 15A Commons Act 2006 at £366.

(iii)         delegates authority to the Corporate Director for Governance and Community Strategy to periodically review and make minor adjustments to the Statement Registration Fee as appropriate.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director of Governance and Community Strategy.

The Corporate Director of Governance and Community Strategy submitted a report recommending adoption of a provisional timetable of Council and Committee meetings for the 2021/22 municipal year.

RESOLVED: That the provisional timetable of Council and Committee meetings for the 2021/22 municipal year, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved and recommended to the Annual Meeting of the Council on 26 May 2021.

During the last 12 months we have seen an incredible community response to the pandemic across all localities in Trafford. In response this Council puts on record it’s thanks to all those involved in this effort and recognises that this would not have been possible without a commitment to partnership working and the dedication and hard work of council staff.

That this Council:

·            Celebrates the contributions made by keyworkers, volunteers and the entire Trafford community in responding to the needs of residents during an incredibly difficult period.

·            Recognises the vital role the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector has played in support vulnerable residents, including the six hubs and all those organisations who have worked closely with them.

·            Acknowledges the importance of partnership working and the importance of the Trafford Partnership in harnessing the contributions of organisations across the public, VCFSE and private sectors in the borough.

·            Understands that the pandemic is ongoing and that professionals, volunteers and residents across the borough continue to support each other.

·            Reasserts its commitment to working with partners to achieve the best outcomes for the community and residents, and in responding to the consequences of the pandemic that we know will be felt for years to come.

It was moved and seconded that:

“During the last 12 months we have seen an incredible community response to the pandemic across all localities in Trafford. In response this Council puts on record it’s thanks to all those involved in this effort and recognises that this would not have been possible without a commitment to partnership working and the dedication and hard work of council staff.

That this Council:

·         Celebrates the contributions made by keyworkers, volunteers and the entire Trafford community in responding to the needs of residents during an incredibly difficult period.

·         Recognises the vital role the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector has played in support vulnerable residents, including the six hubs and all those organisations who have worked closely with them.

·         Acknowledges the importance of partnership working and the importance of the Trafford Partnership in harnessing the contributions of organisations across the public, VCFSE and private sectors in the borough.

·         Understands that the pandemic is ongoing and that professionals, volunteers and residents across the borough continue to support each other.

·         Reasserts its commitment to working with partners to achieve the best outcomes for the community and residents, and in responding to the consequences of the pandemic that we know will be felt for years to come.”

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that the following be added:

“This Council resolves to:

·         Thank Trafford residents and communities by making it easier to close roads for activities such as street parties, Playing Out and other communal events.

·         Instruct Council to report to Executive by June 2021 on the feasibility of making street closures free, cheaper or in some way subsidised over the coming year

·         Include within the report what can be afforded within the Council’s current financial constraints, when such events can be safely held in relation to the pandemic and plans for how this could be administered.

·         Report back to June’s Executive on the Trafford Council 2019 Play Streets pilot scheme with a view to expanding this to wards in the south of the borough including Altrincham.”

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

RESOLVED: That during the last 12 months we have seen an incredible community response to the pandemic across all localities in Trafford. In response this Council puts on record it’s thanks to all those involved in this effort and recognises that this would not have been possible without a commitment to partnership working and the dedication and hard work of council staff.

That this Council:

·         Celebrates the contributions made by keyworkers, volunteers and the entire Trafford community in responding to the needs of residents during an incredibly difficult period.

·         Recognises the vital role the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector has played in support vulnerable residents, including the six hubs and all those organisations who have worked closely with them.

·         Acknowledges the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63.

This Council believes:

·            Levels of income, housing, education, health and environmental inequality now reached in the UK have not been seen since the Great Depression of the 1930s.  These inequalities are further exacerbated across regions, classes; genders; races; ages; and for those with and without disabilities. The growth in UK inequalities are well documented and the steps needed to address them are clearly laid out in: the Marmot Review: 10 Years On (2020); The Institute for Public Policy Research’s Economic Justice Commission (2028); and the Institute for Fiscal Studies’ ongoing Deaton Review of Inequalities. Trafford specific inequalities and the Council’s approach to tackling them are set out in the Trafford Poverty Strategy for 2020/21.

·            Local Government services have suffered disproportionately in their ability to mitigate the impact of this inequality crisis, primarily as a result of the Conservative Government’s austerity measures over the last 11 years. This has further weakened individuals, families, neighbourhoods and communities to collectively withstand the worsening economic climate in the UK and, most recently, the impact of the pandemic.

This Council calls for:

·            A national, cross-party commitment to implementing the steps required to ensure the inequality crisis is tackled with real impact. This commitment needs to reflect the levels of public and political support that was given to the 1943 Beveridge Report that led to the creation of the modern welfare state which has been so drastically undermined over the last 40 years, contributing to the current crisis of inequality. In particular, this cross-party approach must include a commitment to using the Marmot Review’s recommendations as a basic framework for identifying the key actions required to tackle the serious structural inequalities that now exist in the UK. Greater Manchester has already made this commitment, becoming the country’s first Marmot City Region in 2020, but the Government must invest in the following areas to ensure the whole nation follows Manchester’s example. These actions include but are not limited to:

-        Giving every child the best start in life:

by increasing central government levels of spending on: early years and, as a minimum, meet the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development average and ensuring funding is proportionately higher for more deprived areas; reducing levels of child poverty to 10 percent – level with the lowest rates in Europe; improving the availability and quality of early years services, Children’s Centres, in all regions of England; and increasing the pay and qualification requirements for the childcare workforce.

-        Enabling all children, young people and adults to maximise their capabilities and have control over their lives:

put equity at the heart of national decisions about education policy and funding; increase attainment to match the best in Europe by reducing inequalities in attainment; invest in preventative services to reduce exclusions and support schools to stop off rolling pupils; restore the per-pupil funding for secondary schools and especially sixth form, at least in line with 2010 levels and up to the level of London (excluding London weighting).

-        Creating fair employment and  ...  view the full agenda text for item 64.

It was moved and seconded that:

“This Council believes:

·            Levels of income, housing, education, health and environmental inequality now reached in the UK have not been seen since the Great Depression of the 1930s.  These inequalities are further exacerbated across regions, classes; genders; races; ages; and for those with and without disabilities. The growth in UK inequalities are well documented and the steps needed to address them are clearly laid out in: the Marmot Review: 10 Years On (2020); The IPPR’s Economic Justice Commission (2028); and the IFS’s ongoing Deaton Review of Inequalities. Trafford specific inequalities and the Council’s approach to tackling them are set out in the Trafford Poverty Strategy for 2020/21.

·            Local Government services have suffered disproportionately in their ability to mitigate the impact of this inequality crisis, primarily as a result of the Conservative Government’s austerity measures over the last 11 years. This has further weakened individuals, families, neighbourhoods and communities to collectively withstand the worsening economic climate in the UK and, most recently, the impact of the pandemic.

This Council calls for:

·            A national, cross-party commitment to implementing the steps required to ensure the inequality crisis is tackled with real impact. This commitment needs to reflect the levels of public and political support that was given to the 1943 Beveridge Report that led to the creation of the modern welfare state which has been so drastically undermined over the last 40 years, contributing to the current crisis of inequality. In particular, this cross-party approach must include a commitment to using the Marmot Review’s recommendations as a basic framework for identifying the key actions required to tackle the serious structural inequalities that now exist in the UK. Greater Manchester has already made this commitment, becoming the country’s first Marmot City Region in 2020, but the Government must invest in the following areas to ensure the whole nation follows Manchester’s example. These actions include but are not limited to:

-        Giving every child the best start in life:

       by increasing central government levels of spending on: early years and, as a minimum, meet the OECD average and ensuring funding is proportionately higher for more deprived areas; reducing levels of child poverty to 10 percent – level with the lowest rates in Europe; improving the availability and quality of early years services, Children’s Centres, in all regions of England; and increasing the pay and qualification requirements for the childcare workforce.

-        Enabling all children, young people and adults to maximise their capabilities and have control over their lives:

       put equity at the heart of national decisions about education policy and funding; increase attainment to match the best in Europe by reducing inequalities in attainment; invest in preventative services to reduce exclusions and support schools to stop off rolling pupils; restore the per-pupil funding for secondary schools and especially sixth form, at least in line with 2010 levels and up to the level of London (excluding London weighting).

-        Creating fair employment and good work for all:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.

This Council recognises that supporting victims of domestic violence and abuse in Trafford is a key part of our work. We further recognise that as a significant local employer the Council must set a positive example in this regard, and ensure robust support for council staff impacted by domestic violence and abuse.

Council therefore resolves to sign up to the GMB Domestic Abuse Charter with immediate effect, as outlined below:

Work to Stop Domestic Abuse - GMB Employer Charter

As an employer who cares about the impact of domestic abuse on our employees, we pledge to:

1.     Support employees who are experiencing Domestic Abuse to access support services and information confidentially. 

2.     Ensure that those experiencing Domestic Abuse will not be disadvantaged within the terms and conditions of their employment and will take all reasonable measures to facilitate any needs in the workplace.

3.     Commit to working/participating with other organisations to facilitate best support for those experiencing Domestic Abuse.

4.     Provide all employees with access to toolkits, information and our policies on domestic abuse, in a format that is easily and discretely accessible within the workplace.

5.     Ensure that we have employees trained across our organisation, to provide adequate access to support within the workplace for all employees. Staff trained should be representative of our workplace and will include line managers and Trade Union representatives.

It was moved and seconded that:

“This Council recognises that supporting victims of domestic violence and abuse in Trafford is a key part of our work. We further recognise that as a significant local employer the Council must set a positive example in this regard, and ensure robust support for council staff impacted by domestic violence and abuse.

Council therefore resolves to sign up to the GMB Domestic Abuse Charter with immediate effect, as outlined below:

Work to Stop Domestic Abuse - GMB Employer Charter

As an employer who cares about the impact of domestic abuse on our employees, we pledge to:

1.     Support employees who are experiencing Domestic Abuse to access support services and information confidentially. 

2.     Ensure that those experiencing Domestic Abuse will not be disadvantaged within the terms and conditions of their employment and will take all reasonable measures to facilitate any needs in the workplace.

3.     Commit to working/participating with other organisations to facilitate best support for those experiencing Domestic Abuse.

4.     Provide all employees with access to toolkits, information and our policies on domestic abuse, in a format that is easily and discretely accessible within the workplace.

5.     Ensure that we have employees trained across our organisation, to provide adequate access to support within the workplace for all employees. Staff trained should be representative of our workplace and will include line managers and Trade Union representatives.”

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

RESOLVED: That this Council recognises that supporting victims of domestic violence and abuse in Trafford is a key part of our work. We further recognise that as a significant local employer the Council must set a positive example in this regard, and ensure robust support for council staff impacted by domestic violence and abuse.

Council therefore resolves to sign up to the GMB Domestic Abuse Charter with immediate effect, as outlined below:

Work to Stop Domestic Abuse - GMB Employer Charter

As an employer who cares about the impact of domestic abuse on our employees, we pledge to:

1.  Support employees who are experiencing Domestic Abuse to access support services and information confidentially. 

2.  Ensure that those experiencing Domestic Abuse will not be disadvantaged within the terms and conditions of their employment and will take all reasonable measures to facilitate any needs in the workplace.

3.  Commit to working/participating with other organisations to facilitate best support for those experiencing Domestic Abuse.

4.  Provide all employees with access to toolkits, information and our policies on domestic abuse, in a format that is easily and discretely accessible within the workplace.

5.  Ensure that we have employees trained across our organisation, to provide adequate access to support within the workplace for all employees. Staff trained should be representative of our workplace and will include line managers and Trade Union representatives.

Flooding and severe weather is becoming increasingly common as a result of the climate emergency. All local authorities will continue to be affected in differing ways. Severe weather can be erratic and unpredictable. Nevertheless, Trafford Council still has a responsibility to act to mitigate the damage and disruption that can be caused by severe weather and flooding.

This Council notes:

-        The damage, inconvenience and disruption felt by residents across the borough, as a result of the recent flooding caused by Storm Christoph.

-        The community spirit and goodwill shown by residents who helped each other protect property and check on vulnerable neighbours.

-        The hard work of Council officers and staff during the storm.

-        AMEY plc’s lack of capacity to respond to emergency callouts during and immediately after Storm Christoph, resulting in response times of over 24 hours and residents being unable to request a callout.

This Council calls for:

-        The creation of a ‘Trafford Flooding Resilience’ programme, bringing together members and officers of this council as well as other stakeholders including but not limited to, the Environment Agency, United Utilities, the Bridgewater Canal Company, Network Rail and local residents. The aim of the programme will be to work closely with local communities in Trafford to build resilience against future floods and reduce their impact.

-        The delivery of the ‘Trafford Flooding Resilience’ programme to be overseen by a cross party committee of this Council.

It was moved and seconded that:

“Flooding and severe weather is becoming increasingly common as a result of the climate emergency. All local authorities will continue to be affected in differing ways. Severe weather can be erratic and unpredictable. Nevertheless, Trafford Council still has a responsibility to act to mitigate the damage and disruption that can be caused by severe weather and flooding.

This Council notes:

-         The damage, inconvenience and disruption felt by residents across the borough, as a result of the recent flooding caused by Storm Christoph.

-         The community spirit and goodwill shown by residents who helped each other protect property and check on vulnerable neighbours.

-         The hard work of Council officers and staff during the storm.

-         AMEY plc’s lack of capacity to respond to emergency callouts during and immediately after Storm Christoph, resulting in response times of over 24 hours and residents being unable to request a callout.

This Council calls for:

-         The creation of a ‘Trafford Flooding Resilience’ programme, bringing together members and officers of this council as well as other stakeholders including but not limited to, the Environment Agency, United Utilities, the Bridgewater Canal Company, Network Rail and local residents. The aim of the programme will be to work closely with local communities in Trafford to build resilience against future floods and reduce their impact.

-         The delivery of the ‘Trafford Flooding Resilience’ programme to be overseen by a cross party committee of this Council.”

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

Flooding and severe weather is becoming increasingly common as a result of the climate change emergency. All local authorities will continue to be affected in differing ways. Severe weather can be erratic and unpredictable. Nevertheless, Trafford Council still has a responsibility to help act to mitigate the damage and disruption that can be caused by severe weather and flooding.

This Council notes:

-         The damage, inconvenience and disruption felt by residents across the borough, as a result of the recent flooding caused by Storm Christoph.

-         The community spirit and goodwill shown by residents who helped each other protect property and check on vulnerable neighbours.

-         Places on record its thanks forTthe hard work of Council officers and our partners staff during the storm, many going beyond what could have been expected.

-         AMEY plc’s lack of capacity to respond to emergency callouts during and immediately after Storm Christoph, resulting in response times of over 24 hours and residents being unable to request a callout.

This Council calls for:

-         The creation of anofficer working group (which includes partners such as the Environment Agency, United Utilities and others) to replace the current informal arrangements (to be known as the Flood Resilience Working Group). That the new Flood Resilience Working Group report to the recently appointed ‘Air Quality and Climate Change Commission’, where members and other partners can have oversight of its findings and make recommendations. That  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.