To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 11 June 2014 for signature by the Mayor as Chairman.

That the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 11 June 2014, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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.

(a)        Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Honours

The Council joined with the Mayor in congratulating those who reside or have a close connection with Trafford who were named in Her Majesty the Queen's Birthday Honours List, namely:

Francis Desmond Dolan from Sale awarded the citation of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to debt management and reform;

Scott Jonathan Fletcher of Hale awarded the citation of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to business and the community in the North West of England;

Mrs Eileen Mary Keeling of Sale awarded the MBE for Services to Children with Special Educational Needs in Timperley;

Dr Caroline Diane Sanders of Flixton awarded the MBE for Services to Paediatric Urology and Gynaecology;

Mark Paul Taylor of Timperley awarded the citation of Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to broadband services in North West England; and

Michael John Wildgoose of Sale awarded the BEM for services to the community at Altrincham Kersal Rugby Football Club and charity at the Christie in Cheshire.

The Mayor indicated he had written to convey congratulations to the recipients for their achievements and richly deserved recognition.

(a)        Ashton-on-Mersey School

The Mayor reported that the Manchester Evening News held their inaugural education awards at the Manchester Hilton Hotel on 7 July 2014 and was pleased to announce that the Secondary School of the Year category had been awarded to Ashton-on-Mersey School for its work with the Alex Hulme Foundation. Former pupil Alex died in September 2011 age 11 and the school continues to raise money for the charity set up in his name.

The Council joined with the Mayor in congratulating the pupils, teachers and support staff for their achievement.

(b)        Altrincham Football Club

The Mayor indicated that it was his first opportunity to congratulate Altrincham Football club on their return to the Conference Premier for the 2014-15 season after winning the Conference North playoffs at the end of last season.

(c)        Councillor Myers

The Mayor was pleased to report that Councillor Patrick Myers had recently been granted the freedom of the City of London at a ceremony at the Guildhall. Councillor Myers had been nominated for the honour by his livery company, the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, due to his work in advising optometrists and opticians for 30 years.

The Mayor and the Council congratulated Councillor Myers on his great honour.

(d)        Trafford Business Awards   

The Leader of the Council reported that the inaugural Trafford Business Awards were held on 4 July, in partnership with the Manchester Evening News and congratulated the winners and those nominated for their contribution to the Trafford economy.

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.

The Mayor reported that no questions had been received under Procedure Rule 10.2.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive, referred from the Employment Committee meeting held on 7 July 2014.

The Chief Executive submitted a report advising Members on the review of Corporate Management Team (CMT) arrangements and setting out the proposed changes which had been presented to the Employment Committee on 7 July 2014.

It was moved and seconded that:

“in line with the approved Pay Policy, the Council approves the remuneration arrangements for the post of Corporate Director Economic Growth and Infrastructure, in accordance with the recommendation of Employment Committee and as set out in the report.”

The Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

RESOLVED: That, in line with the approved Pay Policy, the Council approves the remuneration arrangements for the post of Corporate Director Economic Growth and Infrastructure, in accordance with the recommendation of Employment Committee and as set out in the report.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director of Transformation and Resources / Statutory Scrutiny Officer.

The Corporate Director of Transformation and Resources / Statutory Scrutiny Officer submitted a report setting out a proposed future model of operation for the Scrutiny Committees following the abolition of the role of Scrutiny Topic Group Chairmen at the Annual Meeting (Minute No. 10 (8) of the meeting held on 11 June 2014 refers).

RESOLVED:

(1)        That Scrutiny Topic Groups be abolished and that the arrangements for dealing with issues be decided upon by the relevant Scrutiny Committee.

(2)        That the Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to make any necessary constitutional changes as a result of these changes.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Finance and the Director of Finance, referred from the Accounts and Audit Committee meeting held on 26 June 2014.

The Council received a joint report of the Executive Member for Finance and the Director of Finance reviewing treasury activities for the past financial year, in accordance with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) Code of Practice. The report had been considered by the Accounts and Audit Committee on 26 June 2014.

RESOLVED: That the Council notes:

(i)     the Treasury Management activities undertaken in 2013/14;

(ii)    that no prudential limits were breached during 2013/14; and

(iii)    that both the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management and CIPFA Prudential Code for Capital Finance were fully complied with.

To receive a report of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Accounts and Audit Committee, referred from the Committee meeting held on 26 June 2014.

The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Accounts and Audit Committee submitted a report summarising the work undertaken by the Committee during the year and its impact. The report also provided assurance to the Council on the fulfilment of the Committee’s responsibilities.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

Whilst recognising that there is more to do, this Council welcomes the latest jobs statistics for the Borough which show:

1.     Unemployment down from 4,371 (3.1%) under the last Labour Government to 2,984 (2.1%) in May.

2.     Youth unemployment in Trafford down 48% from 7.4% under the last Labour Government to 3.9% in May.

In particular this Council welcomes the work of the Conservative Executive to boost apprenticeships and job opportunities for young people.

This work has seen:

1.     75 apprenticeships employed by the Authority to date.

2.     1,130 businesses in the Borough approached to promote apprenticeships.

3.     92 apprentices recruited by external employers to date with a further 18 vacancies in the pipeline.

Through working in partnership with the private sector, youth unemployment in the Borough has fallen from 0.3 above the national average under the last Labour Government to 0.4% below now.

This Council welcomes this news and congratulates our staff for their work to support our young people into the world of work.

It was moved and seconded that:

“Whilst recognising that there is more to do, this Council welcomes the latest jobs statistics for the Borough which show:

1.     Unemployment down from 4,371 (3.1%) under the last Labour Government to 2,984 (2.1%) in May.

2.     Youth unemployment in Trafford down 48% from 7.4% under the last Labour Government to 3.9% in May.

In particular this Council welcomes the work of the Conservative Executive to boost apprenticeships and job opportunities for young people.

This work has seen:

1.     75 apprenticeships employed by the Authority to date.

2.     1,130 businesses in the Borough approached to promote apprenticeships.

3.     92 apprentices recruited by external employers to date with a further 18 vacancies in the pipeline.

Through working in partnership with the private sector, youth unemployment in the Borough has fallen from 0.3 above the national average under the last Labour Government to 0.4% below now.

This Council welcomes this news and congratulates our staff for their work to support our young people into the world of work.”

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that the following wording be added at the end of motion:

“However, this Council shares the concern identified by business and trade unions of a growing skills shortage across many business sectors, whilst at the same time Council recognises and condemns a zero hours employment culture and low wage economy that is hindering the pace at which we return to prosperity and forcing many working families to rely on foodbanks.

Council calls upon the Executive to report back to Council by the end of summer 2014 at the latest with an assessment of strategies to work with partners to improve the skill set that is available to employers from within those available to work in Trafford.”

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

RESOLVED: That, whilst recognising that there is more to do, this Council welcomes the latest jobs statistics for the Borough which show:

1.     Unemployment down from 4,371 (3.1%) under the last Labour Government to 2,984 (2.1%) in May.

2.     Youth unemployment in Trafford down 48% from 7.4% under the last Labour Government to 3.9% in May.

In particular this Council welcomes the work of the Conservative Executive to boost apprenticeships and job opportunities for young people.

This work has seen:

1.     75 apprenticeships employed by the Authority to date.

2.     1,130 businesses in the Borough approached to promote apprenticeships.

3.     92 apprentices recruited by external employers to date with a further 18 vacancies in the pipeline.

Through working in partnership with the private sector, youth unemployment in the Borough has fallen from 0.3 above the national average under the last Labour Government to 0.4% below now.

This Council welcomes this news and congratulates our staff for their work to support our young people into the world of work.

This Council welcomes the start of the consultation of the proposed Metrolink line through Trafford Park and on to the Trafford Centre.

Council recognises the significant economic growth potential the line will bring in a way that will help connect people with jobs, and companies to markets.

In particular, Council notes:

-   the support of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority

-   the detailed work to prepare the business case undertaken by Transport for Greater Manchester

-   the enhanced public transport links the line would bring to directly benefit Davyhulme, Urmston and Flixton

Therefore, Council wishes to place on record its support for the consultation and instruct the Chief Executive to respond to the consultation on behalf of the authority and strongly encourages its residents and businesses to participate in the consultation and ensure their voice is heard.

[Note: Councillor A. Western declared a personal interest in this item since he was employed by the Engineering Consultancy Company working on the Metrolink Airport line and remained in the meeting.]

It was moved and seconded that:

“This Council welcomes the start of the consultation of the proposed Metrolink line through Trafford Park and on to the Trafford Centre.

Council recognises the significant economic growth potential the line will bring in a way that will help connect people with jobs, and companies to markets.

In particular, Council notes:

-       the support of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority

-       the detailed work to prepare the business case undertaken by Transport for Greater Manchester

-       the enhanced public transport links the line would bring to directly benefit Davyhulme, Urmston and Flixton

Therefore, Council wishes to place on record its support for the consultation and instruct the Chief Executive to respond to the consultation on behalf of the authority and strongly encourages its residents and businesses to participate in the consultation and ensure their voice is heard.”

Following the debate the Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

RESOLVED: That this Council welcomes the start of the consultation of the proposed Metrolink line through Trafford Park and on to the Trafford Centre.

Council recognises the significant economic growth potential the line will bring in a way that will help connect people with jobs, and companies to markets.

In particular, Council notes:

-       the support of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority

-       the detailed work to prepare the business case undertaken by Transport for Greater Manchester

-       the enhanced public transport links the line would bring to directly benefit Davyhulme, Urmston and Flixton

Therefore, Council wishes to place on record its support for the consultation and instruct the Chief Executive to respond to the consultation on behalf of the authority and strongly encourages its residents and businesses to participate in the consultation and ensure their voice is heard.

This Council notes with concern the pressures being experienced in the Department for Work and Pensions across a number of programmes and benefits. It notes the damaging impact on local residents of delays and backlogs in processing applications for personal independence payment, which are leaving sick and disabled people waiting months for a benefit decision, including cancer patients waiting an average of 4.5 months for an assessment according to Macmillan; and delays and wrong decisions in the operation of work capability assessments, where more than 700,000 cases await assessment.

Against this background of delays and incompetence, this Council is alarmed at the introduction of universal credit in Trafford, and about the potential impact on local residents, who risk further delays in benefit receipt, wrong decisions, and lack of money, leading to hardship, increased debt, and driving more to foodbanks. This Council recognises the success of Trafford Assist in supporting claimants in emergency need, and strongly regrets that government funding for Trafford Assist is to be ended next year.

This Council welcomes the proposed framework for local support services partnerships, but notes the long delays in establishing this programme which mean that universal credit will be introduced in Trafford without the framework being put in place. This Council condemns the coalition government for its chaotic management of welfare reforms which will lead to increased poverty, anxiety for claimants and cost to the taxpayer, and resolves to write to the Prime Minister to place on record these concerns.

It was moved and seconded that:

“This Council notes with concern the pressures being experienced in the Department for Work and Pensions across a number of programmes and benefits. It notes the damaging impact on local residents of delays and backlogs in processing applications for personal independence payment, which are leaving sick and disabled people waiting months for a benefit decision, including cancer patients waiting an average of 4.5 months for an assessment according to Macmillan; and delays and wrong decisions in the operation of work capability assessments, where more than 700,000 cases await assessment.

Against this background of delays and incompetence, this Council is alarmed at the introduction of universal credit in Trafford, and about the potential impact on local residents, who risk further delays in benefit receipt, wrong decisions, and lack of money, leading to hardship, increased debt, and driving more to foodbanks. This Council recognises the success of Trafford Assist in supporting claimants in emergency need, and strongly regrets that government funding for Trafford Assist is to be ended next year.

This Council welcomes the proposed framework for local support services partnerships, but notes the long delays in establishing this programme which mean that universal credit will be introduced in Trafford without the framework being put in place. This Council condemns the coalition government for its chaotic management of welfare reforms which will lead to increased poverty, anxiety for claimants and cost to the taxpayer, and resolves to write to the Prime Minister to place on record these concerns.”

Following the debate, the Motion was put to the vote and declared lost.

The planned closure in June 2015 of the Independent Living Fund (ILF) is an unjustified attack on those disabled people with the highest support needs, which if unchallenged will result in disabled people becoming prisoners in their own homes or forced into residential care against their wishes. The Independent Living Fund is a model of support that works, giving disabled people choice and control over their own lives, enabling them to enjoy fulfilling lives and contribute to their communities while running on relatively low overheads and providing employment.

At a time of increasing pressure on and crisis in social care the government should be expanding not closing the ILF. Disabled people and their families need a clear and vocal message of support from our elected leaders on this matter.

We support the demands of the Save the ILF campaign that:

1.     The ILF should not only be retained for existing recipients but re-opened to new applicants as the Scottish government have committed to.

2.     That an independent living task force should be set up and co-produced with ILF users, to review independent living and specifically the ILF to identify how to best develop independent living support, building on the successful and cost effective model of ILF provision.

3.     At the very minimum the ILF funding should be ring-fenced for the care and support of those with the highest needs when funding is transferred to Local Authorities and devolved administrations.

It was moved and seconded that:

“The planned closure in June 2015 of the Independent Living Fund (ILF) is an unjustified attack on those disabled people with the highest support needs, which if unchallenged will result in disabled people becoming prisoners in their own homes or forced into residential care against their wishes. The Independent Living Fund is a model of support that works, giving disabled people choice and control over their own lives, enabling them to enjoy fulfilling lives and contribute to their communities while running on relatively low overheads and providing employment.

At a time of increasing pressure on and crisis in social care the government should be expanding not closing the ILF. Disabled people and their families need a clear and vocal message of support from our elected leaders on this matter.

We support the demands of the Save the ILF campaign that:

1.     The ILF should not only be retained for existing recipients but re-opened to new applicants as the Scottish government have committed to.

2.     That an independent living task force should be set up and co-produced with ILF users, to review independent living and specifically the ILF to identify how to best develop independent living support, building on the successful and cost effective model of ILF provision.

3.     At the very minimum the ILF funding should be ring-fenced for the care and support of those with the highest needs when funding is transferred to Local Authorities and devolved administrations.”

Following the debate, the Motion was put to the vote and declared lost.

This Council notes the piecemeal changes being proposed by the Government in the regulation of Private Hire Vehicles under the guise of Ministerial push to cut red tape and provide quick wins for business within the De-Regulation Bill currently before Parliament and that these changes are being proposed ahead of full consideration being given by Government to the Law Commission Report on Taxi and Private Hire Services, a process that commenced in 2011.

This Council notes the clauses inserted into the De-Regulation Bill which compromise public safety in relation to use of Private Hire Vehicles and in condemning these clauses reaffirms that public safety in relation to Private Hire Vehicle regulation remains the Councils primary concern.

This Council further notes the increasing use of Out of Town Licensed Hackney Carriages as Private Hire Vehicles within the Borough of Trafford by Private Hire Operators and the issues this is causing our locally licensed Private Hire and Hackney Drivers who continue to meet the high safety standards and local enforcement regulations expected of them and how this situation is compromising the safety of our public using Private Hire Vehicles.

This Council resolves to write to the Government Minister responsible expressing our opposition and concerns in regard of the three clauses pertaining to Private Hire Vehicles that have been inserted into the De-Regulation Bill.

Further this Council resolves to work closely with other Local Authorities through the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, local representatives of the National Taxi Association and National Private Hire Association to work on a solution to the Out of Town Hackney Carriages operating as Private Hire Vehicles across wide ranges of Greater Manchester. In the interest of and so ensuring public safety in Trafford is in no way compromised this Council will develop a Communication Strategy advising Taxi users in Trafford to always request a Licensed Trafford Taxi and Driver when booking and undertaking Taxi journeys.

[Note: Prior to the debate on this item, the time being 9.12 p.m., the Mayor indicated that all speeches on the matter would be limited to a maximum of one minute per speaker.]

It was moved and seconded that:

“This Council notes the piecemeal changes being proposed by the Government in the regulation of Private Hire Vehicles under the guise of Ministerial push to cut red tape and provide quick wins for business within the De-Regulation Bill currently before Parliament and that these changes are being proposed ahead of full consideration being given by Government to the Law Commission Report on Taxi and Private Hire Services, a process that commenced in 2011.

This Council notes the clauses inserted into the De-Regulation Bill which compromise public safety in relation to use of Private Hire Vehicles and in condemning these clauses reaffirms that public safety in relation to Private Hire Vehicle regulation remains the Councils primary concern.

This Council further notes the increasing use of Out of Town Licensed Hackney Carriages as Private Hire Vehicles within the Borough of Trafford by Private Hire Operators and the issues this is causing our locally licensed Private Hire and Hackney Drivers who continue to meet the high safety standards and local enforcement regulations expected of them and how this situation is compromising the safety of our public using Private Hire Vehicles.

This Council resolves to write to the Government Minister responsible expressing our opposition and concerns in regard of the three clauses pertaining to Private Hire Vehicles that have been inserted into the De-Regulation Bill.

Further this Council resolves to work closely with other Local Authorities through the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities, local representatives of the National Taxi Association and National Private Hire Association to work on a solution to the Out of Town Hackney Carriages operating as Private Hire Vehicles across wide ranges of Greater Manchester. In the interest of and so ensuring public safety in Trafford is in no way compromised this Council will develop a Communication Strategy advising Taxi users in Trafford to always request a Licensed Trafford Taxi and Driver when booking and undertaking Taxi journeys.”

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

This Council notes the proposed changes by the government in the regulation of Private Hire Vehicles in order to cut red tape and provide an incentive for business within the Deregulation Bill currently before Parliament and that these changes are proposed before the Law Commission Report on Taxi and Private Hire Services which is on-going.

This Council notes the clauses inserted into the Deregulation Bill which could compromise public safety in relation to use of Private Hire vehicles and re-affirms that public safety in relation to Private Hire vehicle registration remains the Council’s primary concern.

This Council further notes the increasing use of out of town Licensed Hackney Carriages as Private Hire Vehicles within the Borough of Trafford by Private Hire Operators and the issues this is causing our locally Licensed Private Hire  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.

This Council opposes changes to the trespass laws in the Queens speech which will allow companies involved in fracking, which pumps water and chemicals in to shale rock deep underground to release methane gas, to drill under homes without needing permission.

These laws hastily changed at the same time as a recent poll showed 75% public are opposed to fracking.

Public concerns raised include risk of earth tremors, contamination of ground and surface water, release of greenhouse gases and noise pollution for residents living in the vicinity.

All these are genuine concerns, whilst at the same time it is recognised that the most optimistic forecast suggest that shale drilling could meet no more than 10% of European gas demand by 2030. The fact is the long term damage to our environment is irreversible as we see now in America with hundreds of abandoned wells.

We strongly believe we should be listening to the views of local people and the evidence in relation to health and safety and that our duty as a council is to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents and oppose fracking and coal bed extraction of methane gas in Trafford.

[Note: Prior to the debate on this item, the time being 9.17 p.m., the Mayor indicated that all speeches on the matter would be limited to a maximum of two minutes per speaker.]

It was moved and seconded that:

“This Council opposes changes to the trespass laws in the Queens speech which will allow companies involved in fracking, which pumps water and chemicals in to shale rock deep underground to release methane gas, to drill under homes without needing permission.

These laws hastily changed at the same time as a recent poll showed 75% public are opposed to fracking.

Public concerns raised include risk of earth tremors, contamination of ground and surface water, release of greenhouse gases and noise pollution for residents living in the vicinity.

All these are genuine concerns, whilst at the same time it is recognised that the most optimistic forecast suggest that shale drilling could meet no more than 10% of European gas demand by 2030. The fact is the long term damage to our environment is irreversible as we see now in America with hundreds of abandoned wells.

We strongly believe we should be listening to the views of local people and the evidence in relation to health and safety and that our duty as a council is to protect the health and wellbeing of our residents and oppose fracking and coal bed extraction of methane gas in Trafford.”

In accordance with Procedure Rule 13.8 (e) it was moved and seconded to adjourn the debate for the reason that the Council was not in possession of the full facts.

The Motion to adjourn was put to the vote and declared carried.

RESOLVED: That the above Motion in respect of Fracking now be adjourned.