To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 16 February 2022 for signature by the Mayor as Chair of the Council.

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 16 February 2022, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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 6 questions had been received under Procedure Rule 10.2.

(a)      Councillor Evans asked the following question, the first of two questions for which he had given notice:

“Could the Executive Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services, as our representative on the Clean Air Committee, advise the Council how much it is costing to change the signage across Greater Manchester to read ‘Under Revue’ on the 1,309 CAZ signs installed across the city-region, including Trafford, so far?”

In response, Councillor Adshead, the Executive Member stated that the figure was £186,000.

As a supplementary question Councillor Evans enquired whether the Executive Member would agree that the scheme should now be scrapped. Councillor Adshead advised that since there was a clear directive from the Government to introduce a Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone, only the Government could decide upon the issue.

(b)      Councillor Evans asked the following question, the second of two questions for which he had given notice:

“The December 2021, January 2022 and February 2022 Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Corporate Issues and Reform Scrutiny Committee meetings were due to consider budgets under Andy Burnham’s and GMCA’s control. Budgets for the people of Greater Manchester worth hundreds of millions of pounds. The GMCA Budget this year is around £246 million, the GM Mayoral Budget over £127 million, the transport budget hundreds of millions more and Andy Burnham’s precept charge was to be part of the discussion tabled.

•     The meetings were cancelled, largely due to a lack of attendance from Labour members. 

•     The Liberal Democrat committee chair exempted the budgets from call in despite a commitment to the contrary.

•     The budgets passed without a single question in formal scrutiny.

Does the Leader of the Council think it is acceptable that a multi-million-pound budget affecting every Trafford resident is passed with no regard to the right of councillors to challenge and oversee the authority’s finances?"

In response, Councillor A. Western, the Leader of the Council replied to say that it was not.

Councillor Evans asked as a supplementary question whether the Leader of the Council would agree foster closer relations in the new municipal year in an attempt to find members across Greater Manchester with a real interest in scrutiny. Councillor A. Western reminded Members of the Motion brought by the Conservative Group to Council on 24 November 2021 (Minute 52 refers) and the actions taken arising from it. He advised that there was an ongoing review of scrutiny processes across Greater Manchester and that he was happy to work with anyone willing to improve those processes.

(c)      Councillor Boyes asked the following question for which he had given notice:

“It is well known that despite spending a considerable sum on upgrading the junction of Park Road, Timperley with the main A56, Chester Road, the traffic flow south bound has become even worse with tail backs at the busiest times, even post Covid, often exceeding a mile long.

This is not only frustrating to commuters and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74.

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council.

The Leader of the Council submitted a report proposing that the Council should object to elements of the HS2 Phase 2b Western Leg (Crewe- Manchester) hybrid Bill, deposited in Parliament on 24 January 2022.

RESOLVED –

(1)       That the Council agrees that it is expedient for Trafford Council to oppose elements of the HS2 Phase 2b Western Leg (Crewe- Manchester) hybrid Bill.

(2)       That the framework and general direction of the Council’s Petition outlined in the report, be approved.

(3)       That the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Governance and Community Strategy and the Leader of the Council or the Executive Member for Regeneration and Housing, be delegated authority to take all such steps as may be necessary to produce a Petition, including steps required to submit a Petition and thereafter to maintain it, and if considered appropriate, withdraw the whole or parts of the Petition in respect of the HS2 Phase 2b Western Leg (Crewe- Manchester) hybrid Bill.

(4)       That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Governance and Community Strategy and the Leader of the Council or the Executive Member for Regeneration and Housing, to negotiate and seek such assurances/undertaking/agreements to the HS2 Phase 2b Western Leg (Crewe- Manchester) hybrid Bill as necessary.

(5)       That the Corporate Director of Governance and Community Strategy be delegated authority to sign or seal any such documents as are required to give effect to any decisions made pursuant to this Council decision.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director of Strategy and Resources following a recommendation by Employment Committee on 28 February 2022.

The Corporate Director of Strategy and Resources submitted a report providing the Council with information relating to Trafford’s Pay Policy for 2022/23 in line with the requirements for the Localism Act 2011.

In response to a request from Councillor Myers for a comparison of Trafford’s approach with other Greater Manchester councils, Councillor Ross, Executive Member for Finance and Governance advised that he would seek to provide the information outside of the meeting.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted and the 2022/23 Pay Policy statement, as recommended by Employment Committee on 28 February 2022, as set out in the report, be approved.

To consider a report of the Monitoring Officer recommended by the Executive on 28 February 2022.

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report on the development of a new Councillor Code of Conduct for Trafford.

In accordance with the approval process for constitutional amendments, the Standards Committee on 15 December 2021, the Scrutiny Committee on 7 February 2022 and the Executive on 28 February 2022 recommended to Council the new Councillor Code of Conduct for Trafford.

RESOLVED: That the Council adopts the Councillor Code of Conduct for Trafford.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Finance and Governance which is anticipated to be recommended to Council by the Executive on 21 March 2022.

The Executive Member for Finance and Governance submitted a report providing details of the review of the current Contract Procedure Rules (“CPRs”) and proposing the adoption of a new set of CPRs by each of the STAR Authorities, namely Stockport, Trafford, Rochdale and Tameside Council’s.

In accordance with the approval process for constitutional amendments, the proposed new CPRs had been recommended for adoption by the Standards Committee on 14 March 2022, the Scrutiny Committee on 16 March 2022 and the Executive on 21 March 2022.

RESOLVED: That the proposed new Contract Procedure Rules be adopted by the Council.

To consider a report of the Scrutiny Committee.

The Council considered a report of the Scrutiny Committee providing a summary of the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel which included areas reviewed; areas of success and areas of potential improvement; and details of proposed improvements which were currently being considered by Members.

The report advised that the scrutiny function review undertaken by the Scrutiny Review Panel and the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny had highlighted that the Scrutiny function at Trafford was effective and that the proposed changes were around process and procedure, rather than fundamental changes.

RESOLVED: That the work of the Scrutiny Review Panel and the recommended improvements, set out in section 6 of the report, be approved.

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 2022/23 municipal year.

RESOLVED: That the provisional timetable of Council and Committee meetings for the 2022/23 municipal year, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be approved and recommended to the Annual Meeting of the Council on 25 May 2022.

This Council wholeheartedly condemns the barbaric and illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces. As a democratic chamber, we are appalled by what we have seen unfold over recent weeks – horrors which we all hoped we would never see on our continent again. All our thoughts are for the men, women and children who are currently suffering immeasurably, whether it be in the cities under bombardment, those occupied by Russian forces, or those who have fled their homes.

There is no justification for the actions of the Russian Government, and we offer our backing to the Ukrainian people, Ukrainian Government and President Zelenskyy as they continue to fight for Ukrainian freedom, democracy and independence.

We applaud countries across the world who have come out to condemn and sanction the Russian regime and President Putin’s leadership.

We are proud that our country has been one of the leaders in condemning Russia and has implemented the most severe economic sanctions in history. We are also proud of the millions of pounds the UK has sent to Ukraine in humanitarian aid, both from the government and ordinary people.

We welcome the government’s plans to offer sanctuary to Ukrainians fleeing danger and are ready to help support those who comes to live in Trafford.

We recognise these actions are not the actions of the Russian people, but the Russian Government. We reject any attacks on Russian people in the UK, and offer our moral support to the Russian opposition groups bravely opposing the Putin regime.

Finally, this Council extends its thoughts and prayers to members of the Trafford Ukrainian community and pays tribute to the incredible generosity the people of Trafford have shown in their personal efforts to support the humanitarian response to this crisis. 

With the consent of the Council to a proposed alteration to the Motion that had been submitted, it was moved and seconded that:

“This Council wholeheartedly condemns the barbaric and illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces. As a democratic chamber, we are appalled by what we have seen unfold over recent weeks – horrors which we all hoped we would never see on our continent again. All our thoughts are for the men, women and children who are currently suffering immeasurably, whether it be in the cities under bombardment, those occupied by Russian forces, or those who have fled their homes.

There is no justification for the actions of the Russian Government, and we offer our backing to the Ukrainian people, Ukrainian Government and President Zelenskyy as they continue to fight for Ukrainian freedom, democracy and independence.

We applaud countries across the world who have come out to condemn and sanction the Russian regime and President Putin’s leadership.

We welcome the government’s plans to offer sanctuary to Ukrainians fleeing danger and are ready to help support those who comes to live in Trafford.

We recognise these actions are not the actions of the Russian people, but the Russian Government. We reject any attacks on Russian people in the UK, and offer our moral support to the Russian opposition groups bravely opposing the Putin regime.

Finally, this Council extends its thoughts and prayers to members of the Trafford Ukrainian community and pays tribute to the incredible generosity the people of Trafford have shown in their personal efforts to support the humanitarian response to this crisis.”

Following speeches in support, the Motion was agreed with the unanimously consent of the Council and declared carried.

RESOLVED: That this Council wholeheartedly condemns the barbaric and illegal invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces. As a democratic chamber, we are appalled by what we have seen unfold over recent weeks – horrors which we all hoped we would never see on our continent again. All our thoughts are for the men, women and children who are currently suffering immeasurably, whether it be in the cities under bombardment, those occupied by Russian forces, or those who have fled their homes.

There is no justification for the actions of the Russian Government, and we offer our backing to the Ukrainian people, Ukrainian Government and President Zelenskyy as they continue to fight for Ukrainian freedom, democracy and independence.

We applaud countries across the world who have come out to condemn and sanction the Russian regime and President Putin’s leadership.

We welcome the government’s plans to offer sanctuary to Ukrainians fleeing danger and are ready to help support those who comes to live in Trafford.

We recognise these actions are not the actions of the Russian people, but the Russian Government. We reject any attacks on Russian people in the UK, and offer our moral support to the Russian opposition groups bravely opposing the Putin regime.

Finally, this Council extends its thoughts and prayers to members of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81.

This Council asks the Leader and Chief Executive to express the following sentiments on behalf of the Council and the people of Trafford urgently and in writing:

-        To the Russian Ambassador in the UK, asking that he requests his Government to withdraw troops from Ukraine immediately.

-        To the Ukrainian Ambassador in the UK, expressing the Council’s support and solidarity, and respect for his nation’s sovereignty and freedom.

-        To the Prime Minister of the UK, asking that all efforts are made to welcome refugees coming from Ukraine to the UK without the need for a visa, and advise of our willingness to help in any way we can as a council to settle individuals and families whose lives have so sadly and suddenly been affected by the military action in Ukraine.

-        To Ukrainians - and those of Ukrainian heritage - living in Trafford, that we stand with you and the people of Ukraine and offer our support in these unsettling times.

-        To Russians living in Trafford, that whilst we profoundly condemn the actions of the Russian President we know this is Putin’s war and that Russophobia has no place in Trafford.

It was moved and seconded that:

This Council asks the Leader and Chief Executive to express the following sentiments on behalf of the Council and the people of Trafford urgently and in writing:

-         To the Russian Ambassador in the UK, asking that he requests his Government to withdraw troops from Ukraine immediately.

-         To the Ukrainian Ambassador in the UK, expressing the Council’s support and solidarity, and respect for his nation’s sovereignty and freedom.

-         To the Prime Minister of the UK, asking that all efforts are made to welcome refugees coming from Ukraine to the UK without the need for a visa, and advise of our willingness to help in any way we can as a council to settle individuals and families whose lives have so sadly and suddenly been affected by the military action in Ukraine.

-         To Ukrainians - and those of Ukrainian heritage - living in Trafford, that we stand with you and the people of Ukraine and offer our support in these unsettling times.

-     To Russians living in Trafford, that whilst we profoundly condemn the actions of the Russian President we know this is Putin’s war and that Russophobia has no place in Trafford.”

Following speeches in support, the Motion was agreed with the unanimously consent of the Council and declared carried.

RESOLVED: That this Council asks the Leader and Chief Executive to express the following sentiments on behalf of the Council and the people of Trafford urgently and in writing:

-         To the Russian Ambassador in the UK, asking that he requests his Government to withdraw troops from Ukraine immediately.

-         To the Ukrainian Ambassador in the UK, expressing the Council’s support and solidarity, and respect for his nation’s sovereignty and freedom.

-         To the Prime Minister of the UK, asking that all efforts are made to welcome refugees coming from Ukraine to the UK without the need for a visa, and advise of our willingness to help in any way we can as a council to settle individuals and families whose lives have so sadly and suddenly been affected by the military action in Ukraine.

-         To Ukrainians - and those of Ukrainian heritage - living in Trafford, that we stand with you and the people of Ukraine and offer our support in these unsettling times.

-     To Russians living in Trafford, that whilst we profoundly condemn the actions of the Russian President we know this is Putin’s war and that Russophobia has no place in Trafford.

This Council notes:

1.      The evidence collected and verified by a range of international non-governmental organisations that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is carrying out alleged crimes of Genocide and crimes against Humanity with regards to Uyghur, Kazakh and other Turkic Muslim populations. 

2.      On 9^th of December 2021, Sir Geoffrey Nice QC delivered in London an independent tribunal’s judgement that:

-            “Crimes against humanity attributable to the PRC is established beyond reasonable doubt by acts of: deportation or forcible transfer; imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty; torture; rape and other sexual violence; enforced sterilisation; persecution; enforced disappearance; and other inhumane acts.”

-            “As to genocide … all elements of an intended genocide to be accomplished by a Convention-listed act imposing measures to prevent births within the group are established”

This Council believes:

It has a responsibility to act when crimes against humanity take place anywhere in the world. This responsibility extends to using all legal, political and economic powers it has at its disposal to challenge, disrupt and ultimately contribute to ending these crimes.

This Council agrees to:

1.      Ask our procurement managers to develop, as quickly as possible, a revised procurement policy establishing a boycott of any product or service that has links to companies, individuals or bodies that are directly or indirectly involved in the crimes of humanity currently taking place in China.

2.      To ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Chair of the Local Government Association and the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities asking that binding procurement rules are brought forward introducing this position across local government as soon as possible.

3.      To share this motion with our fellow Greater Manchester councils and the Greater Manchester Mayor inviting them to adopt the same approach at forthcoming council meetings.

With the consent of the Council to a proposed alteration to the Motion that had been submitted, it was moved and seconded that:

“This Council notes:

1.     The evidence collected and verified by a range of international non-governmental organisations that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is carrying out alleged crimes of Genocide and crimes against Humanity with regards to Uyghur, Kazakh and other Turkic Muslim populations. 

2.     On 9th of December 2021, Sir Geoffrey Nice QC delivered in London an independent tribunal’s judgement that:

-     “Crimes against humanity attributable to the PRC is established beyond reasonable doubt by acts of: deportation or forcible transfer; imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty; torture; rape and other sexual violence; enforced sterilisation; persecution; enforced disappearance; and other inhumane acts.”

-     “As to genocide … all elements of an intended genocide to be accomplished by a Convention-listed act imposing measures to prevent births within the group are established”

This Council believes:

It has a responsibility to act when crimes against humanity take place anywhere in the world. This responsibility extends to using all legal, political and economic powers it has at its disposal to challenge, disrupt and ultimately contribute to ending these crimes.

This Council agrees to:

1.     Ask our procurement managers to develop, as quickly as possible, a revised procurement policy which would lawfully enable the Council to boycott entering into any future contracts for products or services that have links to companies, individuals or bodies that are directly or indirectly involved in the crimes against humanity currently taking place in China with regards to Uyghur, Kazakh and other Turkic Muslim populations.

2.     To ask the Leader of the Council to write to the Chair of the Local Government Association and the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities asking that binding procurement rules are brought forward introducing this position across local government as soon as possible.

3.     To share this motion with our fellow Greater Manchester councils and the Greater Manchester Mayor inviting them to adopt the same approach at forthcoming council meetings.”

Following speeches in support, the Motion was agreed with the unanimously consent of the Council and declared carried.

RESOLVED: That this Council notes:

1.     The evidence collected and verified by a range of international non-governmental organisations that the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is carrying out alleged crimes of Genocide and crimes against Humanity with regards to Uyghur, Kazakh and other Turkic Muslim populations. 

2.     On 9th of December 2021, Sir Geoffrey Nice QC delivered in London an independent tribunal’s judgement that:

-     “Crimes against humanity attributable to the PRC is established beyond reasonable doubt by acts of: deportation or forcible transfer; imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty; torture; rape and other sexual violence; enforced sterilisation; persecution; enforced disappearance; and other inhumane acts.”

-     “As to genocide … all elements of an intended genocide to be accomplished by a Convention-listed act imposing measures to prevent births within the group  ...  view the full minutes text for item 83.

1.      This Council notes that the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will take place in 2022;

2.      This Council notes that the 2022 May Bank Holiday Weekend will be moved to Thursday 2 June and an additional Bank Holiday on Friday 3 June will see a four-day weekend to celebrate the Jubilee - the first time any British monarch has reached this historic milestone; and

3.      This Council recognises the esteem in which the Queen is held by the British public and considers it highly likely that residents in Trafford would wish to see the authority mark the Jubilee in a significant way.

Council therefore:

4.      Requests that the Chief Executive of the Council takes steps to explore the feasibility of renaming a road, property asset or landmark in Trafford after Queen Elizabeth II to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

It was moved and seconded that:

1.          “This Council notes that the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will take place in 2022;

2.          This Council notes that the 2022 May Bank Holiday Weekend will be moved to Thursday 2 June and an additional Bank Holiday on Friday 3 June will see a four-day weekend to celebrate the Jubilee - the first time any British monarch has reached this historic milestone; and

3.          This Council recognises the esteem in which the Queen is held by the British public and considers it highly likely that residents in Trafford would wish to see the authority mark the Jubilee in a significant way.

Council therefore:

4.          Requests that the Chief Executive of the Council takes steps to explore the feasibility of renaming a road, property asset or landmark in Trafford after Queen Elizabeth II to mark the Platinum Jubilee.”

Following speeches in support, the Motion was agreed with the unanimously consent of the Council and declared carried.

RESOLVED: That:

1.          This Council notes that the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will take place in 2022;

2.          This Council notes that the 2022 May Bank Holiday Weekend will be moved to Thursday 2 June and an additional Bank Holiday on Friday 3 June will see a four-day weekend to celebrate the Jubilee - the first time any British monarch has reached this historic milestone; and

3.          This Council recognises the esteem in which the Queen is held by the British public and considers it highly likely that residents in Trafford would wish to see the authority mark the Jubilee in a significant way.

Council therefore:

4.          Requests that the Chief Executive of the Council takes steps to explore the feasibility of renaming a road, property asset or landmark in Trafford after Queen Elizabeth II to mark the Platinum Jubilee.

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 Carey, Chilton, Cordingley, Dillon, Lamb, Longden and Mitchell.

The Mayor thanked them for their service over the years and expressed the Council’s appreciation of their hard work and dedication.

(b)    Jane Le Fevre – Monitoring Officer and Corporate Director of Governance and Community Strategy

The Mayor announced that it was the last meeting for Jane Le Fevre before her retirement and invited the Leader of the Council to present a bouquet of flowers. Jane was given a standing ovation by the Council in recognition of her many years of dedicated service after which she returned thanks conveying that it had been a great honour and a privilege to work with everyone and expressed admiration of the way in which all Members represent their communities.