Agenda and minutes

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

Contact: Ian Cockill  Democratic Services Officer

Note: NOTE: PRESENTATION FOR MEMBERS OF COUNCIL: CORPORATE PARENTING - Prior to Council, all Members of Council are invited to attend at 6.15 p.m. in the Council Chamber to receive a presentation on the Corporate Parenting function. 

Media

Items
No. Item

74.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 253 KB

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 21 February 2018 for signature by the Mayor as Chairman.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 21 February 2018, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

75.

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)        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 or resigning from the Council.

 

The Council joined with the Mayor in thanking Councillors Karina Carter, Mrs. Pamela Dixon, Phil Gratrix, Dolores O’Sullivan, June Reilly and Alex Williams for their loyal and dedicated work on behalf of the Council.

 

The Leaders of their respective Groups paid tribute to all their achievements and particular contributions during their time on the Council with Councillor Mrs. Dixon having served the Brooklands Ward May 1990-94 and from 1995; Councillor Gratrix, Sale Moor May 1990-2008 and from 2010; Councillor Mrs. Reilly, Davyhulme West from May 2002; Councillor Alex Williams, Altrincham from May 2003; Councillor Carter, Stretford June 2004-10 and then Bucklow St. Martins from June 2014; and Councillor O’Sullivan, Stretford from May 2010.

 

The Mayor wished each retiring Member every happiness and success for the future.

 

(b)        Deputy Leader of the Council

 

The Leader of the Council reported that he was appointing Councillor Myers as his Deputy as replacement for Councillor Alex Williams following notice of his resignation effective from 22 March 2018.

 

(c)        Scrutiny Committee Update

 

Councillor Michael Young, the Chairman of Scrutiny Committee advised the Council that the Committee had completed its review of the Scrutiny function in Trafford and submitted a report to the Executive, with a response expected in the new municipal year. The Committee had also received the Executive’s response to its review of the joint venture contract with Amey and expected an appraisal of the contract to be published in the future.

 

(d)        Health Scrutiny Update

 

Councillor Harding, Chairman of Health Scrutiny Committee reported that the Committee was finalising a report of its Task and Finish Group on Young People’s Emotional Health and Wellbeing which was to be presented to the Executive.

76.

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 6 questions had been received under Procedure Rule 10.2.

 

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

 

“The early year’s foundation data has just been published for 2017. The statistics for Good Level of Development (GLD) are particularly disturbing with apparently the most disadvantaged children getting left further behind with the gaps between the highest and the lowest increasing each year since 2014. This is particularly reflected in the figures for pupil premium and English as an additional language children.

 

What is particularly shocking to me is that the ward that I represent, Longford, has by far the lowest level of GLD in Trafford. Starting at a markedly low base, the figures have decreased by a further 12% in just one year.

 

Would the Executive member be able to identify the reasons for this poor level of attainment and would he accept that the closure of Children’s centres in the most badly affected areas has contributed to the downturn in outcomes?”

 

Councillor Whetton, the Executive Member for Children and Families acknowledged that the results for the Longford Ward showed a disappointing low figure for 2017, however, he did not believe overall there had been a general decline in Trafford. For the period 2014-17 GLD had risen by 4.7% although within that figure many dynamics were at play. With marked rises and falls over the past 4 years, the volatile nature of the statistics reflected that in essence the subject was very young children.

 

The Executive Member stated that there was not a discernible link with the results and the changes to the operations of children’s centres. Services for parents and young children were still available without necessarily being based in buildings across the borough. Stretford Children’s Centre was available to residents of Longford and showed a high level of engagement, however, evidence suggested that effective interventions had to be delivered by a range of professionals and in the community. Councillor Whetton was also mindful that a greater level of black and minority ethnic people and language diversity in certain wards led to a lower GLD performance score.

 

Councillor Whetton was cautious about single year on year fluctuations in figures at ward level, particularly as they related to relatively small numbers, however, given the marked reduction, he did intend to requisition an investigation into Longford’s 2017 figures to determine whether there were any influencing factors and would share the outcome with Councillor Jarman and his ward colleagues.  

 

As a supplementary question, Councillor Jarman wondered whether the Executive Member could commit to a timescale for the strategies and targets for improvement he intended to oversee. Councillor Whetton qualified that in his response he had not committed to oversee an improvement but to get a better understanding of the circumstances and would then, in that light, decide upon the next course of action.

 

(b)    Councillor Bennett asked the following question for which she had given notice:

 

“Could the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

77.

Declaration of Vacancy - Altrincham Ward pdf icon PDF 67 KB

To consider a report of the Chief Executive.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Chief Executive submitted a report advising that Matthew Sephton had become disqualified for being a member of the authority by virtue of his conviction and imprisonment and recommending that the Council formally declare a vacancy in the Altrincham ward.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(1)        That Council notes that Matthew Sephton has become disqualified for being a member of this authority.

 

(2)        That the Council declares as vacant the office held by Matthew Sephton as a councillor for the Altrincham Ward and notes that the election for the ward will be held on 3 May 2018.

78.

Trafford Council's Pay Policy Statement for 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 189 KB

To consider a report of the Director of Human Resources on a recommendation from Employment Committee on 7 March 2018.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Council considered a report of the Acting Director of Human Resources providing information relating to Trafford’s Pay Policy for 2018/19, in line with the requirements of the Localism Act 2011, and advising of the recommendation from Employment Committee at its meeting held on 7 March 2018 (Minute No. 28 refers).

 

RESOLVED: That the report be noted and the 2018/19 Pay Policy Statement, as set out in appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

79.

Highways Capital Programme 2018/19: Prudential Indicator Changes as a result of the Highways Capital Programme 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 74 KB

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Corporate Resources, subsequent to a decision of the Executive meeting held on 19 March 2018.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Corporate Resources submitted a report detailing the changes required to the Council’s Prudential Indicators as a result of the Executive’s decision on 19 March 2018 to increase the level of Capital Investment in Highways. 

 

Detail of the Highways Capital Programme and the changes required to the Prudential Indicators were set out in the Executive report of the Executive Member for Highways, Parks and Environmental Services appended to the report.

 

 

RESOLVED: That Council approves the additional expenditure of £17 million over the years 2018-21, to be financed from borrowing £16.6 million and one-off contributions, as detailed in the appended Executive report and the updated prudential indicators, as included in Appendix I of the Executive report.

80.

Motion Submitted by the Labour Group - Social Care Funding

 

To consider the following Motion deferred from the meeting held on 31 January 2018:

 

This Council welcomes the addition of Social Care to the role of the Secretary of State for Health. Council has long been aware of not only the national crisis across social care but the one we face here in Trafford.

 

The lack of social care continues to have a major impact on the winter crisis across the NHS. There are stories of many people left in hospital beds and not able to get home due to the lack of provision of adequate social care packages. Delayed Transfers of Care many of which are due to social care have meant an increase in delayed beds days of 109,000 since 2010.

 

This Council recognises that in October 2017 there was a 10% reduction in delayed transfers (59,943) on the year before (65,888) but they are still 13% higher than at the same time in 2015 (52,791). The number of people spending the Christmas period in hospital due to Delayed Transfers of Care almost doubled between 2010 and 2016 (from 1,995 people on December 30th 2010 to 3,929 on 29 December 2016).

 

This Council recognises that the care sector remains deeply unstable - according to the Association for the Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) Autumn survey 50 councils had experienced handbacks of care contracts. 92% (46 Councils) had experienced handbacks in home care, 24% (12) in residential care and 52% (3 Councils) in nursing care.

 

Here in Trafford as recently as last month there have been issues with care homes rated as inadequate and home care providers unable to meet the demand for social care. Indeed the St. Marks Centre in Sale has been found to be in such difficulty that they have been prevented from admitting new residents.

 

Nationally, budget funding cuts are having a detrimental impact upon the quality of care. Almost a quarter of all adult social care services had the poorest ratings for safety from the Care Quality Commission – 22% of care facilities require improvement and 2% are inadequate. Trafford’s figures are higher than this national average.

 

The funding situation remains precarious with no extra money identified for social care as per the Local Government Finance settlement. The Social care gap is projected to rise to £2.5 billion by 2020 according to the Kings Fund.

 

With these stark statistics in mind this Council calls on the Government to:

 

·             Provide an immediate injection of cash to properly fund social care (The Local Government Association state that an immediate cash injection of £1.3 billion is required to stabilise social care).

·             Assist local government with a national 10 year workforce strategy – investing in staff alongside increased financing is critical to ensure the sustainability of adult social care.

·             To develop and implement a fair funding scheme as part of the Green Paper to be initiated in the summer.

·             To provide councils with adequate funding for a Fair Price for Care – here in Trafford  ...  view the full agenda text for item 80.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to the deferral at the meeting held on 31 January 2018 (Minute No. 68) it was moved and seconded that:

 

“This Council welcomes the addition of Social Care to the role of the Secretary of State for Health. Council has long been aware of not only the national crisis across social care but the one we face here in Trafford.

 

The lack of social care continues to have a major impact on the winter crisis across the NHS. There are stories of many people left in hospital beds and not able to get home due to the lack of provision of adequate social care packages. Delayed Transfers of Care many of which are due to social care have meant an increase in delayed beds days of 109,000 since 2010.

 

This Council recognises that in October 2017 there was a 10% reduction in delayed transfers (59,943) on the year before (65,888) but they are still 13% higher than at the same time in 2015 (52,791). The number of people spending the Christmas period in hospital due to Delayed Transfers of Care almost doubled between 2010 and 2016 (from 1,995 people on December 30th 2010 to 3,929 on 29 December 2016).

 

This Council recognises that the care sector remains deeply unstable - according to the Association for the Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) Autumn survey 50 councils had experienced handbacks of care contracts. 92% (46 Councils) had experienced handbacks in home care, 24% (12) in residential care and 52% (3 Councils) in nursing care.

 

Here in Trafford as recently as last month there have been issues with care homes rated as inadequate and home care providers unable to meet the demand for social care. Indeed the St. Marks Centre in Sale has been found to be in such difficulty that they have been prevented from admitting new residents.

 

Nationally, budget funding cuts are having a detrimental impact upon the quality of care. Almost a quarter of all adult social care services had the poorest ratings for safety from the Care Quality Commission – 22% of care facilities require improvement and 2% are inadequate. Trafford’s figures are higher than this national average.

 

The funding situation remains precarious with no extra money identified for social care as per the Local Government Finance settlement. The Social care gap is projected to rise to £2.5 billion by 2020 according to the Kings Fund.

 

With these stark statistics in mind this Council calls on the Government to:

 

·              Provide an immediate injection of cash to properly fund social care (The Local Government Association state that an immediate cash injection of £1.3 billion is required to stabilise social care).

·              Assist local government with a national 10 year workforce strategy – investing in staff alongside increased financing is critical to ensure the sustainability of adult social care.

·              To develop and implement a fair funding scheme as part of the Green Paper to be initiated in the summer.

·              To provide councils with adequate funding for a Fair  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80.

81.

Motion Submitted by the Conservative Group - Discretionary Business Rates

 

Trafford’s businesses are at the heart of a thriving economy across the borough, creating jobs and helping our communities to prosper and succeed.  This administration has taken a number of decisions in recent years to invest in town centres, support employers to grow and help residents in to employment.

 

Examples include the Town Centre Loan Scheme, the Trafford Pledge, increasing broadband connectivity, cheaper car parking charges and the continued identification of Trafford Park as a home of industry, manufacturing and digital innovation.

 

Council notes the additional steps proposed by this Conservative administration to automatically apply discretionary business rates relief to qualifying businesses across the borough, which is expected to see at least 180 businesses receive a reduction worth a total of £300k.

 

The Council recognises the pro-growth and business strategies pursued by the administration and welcomes this latest step to support businesses in Trafford to succeed.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“Trafford’s businesses are at the heart of a thriving economy across the borough, creating jobs and helping our communities to prosper and succeed.  This administration has taken a number of decisions in recent years to invest in town centres, support employers to grow and help residents in to employment.

 

Examples include the Town Centre Loan Scheme, the Trafford Pledge, increasing broadband connectivity, cheaper car parking charges and the continued identification of Trafford Park as a home of industry, manufacturing and digital innovation.

 

Council notes the additional steps proposed by this Conservative administration to automatically apply discretionary business rates relief to qualifying businesses across the borough, which is expected to see at least 180 businesses receive a reduction worth a total of £300,000.

 

The Council recognises the pro-growth and business strategies pursued by the administration and welcomes this latest step to support businesses in Trafford to succeed.”

 

Following speeches on the matter, the Motion was agreed with the unanimous consent of the Council.

 

RESOLVED: That Trafford’s businesses are at the heart of a thriving economy across the borough, creating jobs and helping our communities to prosper and succeed.  This administration has taken a number of decisions in recent years to invest in town centres, support employers to grow and help residents in to employment.

 

Examples include the Town Centre Loan Scheme, the Trafford Pledge, increasing broadband connectivity, cheaper car parking charges and the continued identification of Trafford Park as a home of industry, manufacturing and digital innovation.

 

Council notes the additional steps proposed by this Conservative administration to automatically apply discretionary business rates relief to qualifying businesses across the borough, which is expected to see at least 180 businesses receive a reduction worth a total of £300,000.

 

The Council recognises the pro-growth and business strategies pursued by the administration and welcomes this latest step to support businesses in Trafford to succeed.