To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 25 May 2022 for signature by the Mayor as Chair of the Council.

That the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 25^th May 2022, 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)  Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday Honours. The Mayor took the opportunity to recognise those citizens and persons connected with Trafford who had been named in Her Majesty the Queen's Birthday Honours List, namely:

Mr. Richard Bevan of Hale, awarded the citation of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to association football;

Mrs. Lora Fachie and Mr. Neil Fachie of Altrincham, awarded the OBE for services to cycling;

Professor Samia Nefti-Meziani of Altrincham, awarded the OBE for services to robotics.

Mrs. Rebecca Goodrich of Urmston,  awarded the citation of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to Education and the Community in Manchester;

Mr. Gary Hall of Altrincham, awarded the MBE for services to taekwondo;

Mr. Sanjaykumar Vadera of Altrincham, awarded the MBE for services to international trade.

Mrs. Helen Bedford-Gay of Sale, awarded the British Empire Medal for services to People Living with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva and their Families; and

Ms Michelle McHale of Old Trafford, awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the community in Trafford and Manchester, particularly during Covid-19.

(b)  The Mayor announced that LimeTree Primary Academy was shortlisted in two categories in the Times Educational Supplement awards and had won the award for ‘S E N D provision in a mainstream setting’. One of the judges commented that a unique element of the school was the manner in which it built partnerships to reach and wrap around both child and family.

(c)  The Chair of Scrutiny announced the outcome of the submission of the Scrutiny Task and Finish group report on Disability Access to the Executive. The Chair of Scrutiny welcomed the Executives response and the acceptance of the recommendations. The Chair of Scrutiny gave special thanks to the work of Councillor Barry Winstanley. The Chair of Scrutiny concluded by speaking of the valuable contributions of the staff disability group to the work of the Task and Finish Group and noting the changes that had already been seen within the Council.

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 9 questions had been received under Procedure Rule 10.2. Due to the amount of business to be considered at the meeting the Mayor informed questioners that their questions would be taken as read. 

Question 1 - Submitted by Councillor Thompson

“Could the Executive Member for Finance and Governance set out what in-year action officers are taking to mitigate the impact of growing inflationary pressures on our budget?”

Councillor Ross, Executive Member for Finance and Governance, thanked Cllr Thompson for the question and stated that from previous exchanges they had he knew she had followed the impact inflation was having on council finances closely. After a long period of stability, inflation had become an issue for the first time in a generation, particularly with respect to rising fuel and energy prices.

Councillor Ross added that without support from central government, the year’s pay award would have an impact on the budget. From a financial perspective, and in response to pressures emerging during this year’s budget, he had announced the creation of an Inflation Risk Reserve in June, which held £6m. In respect of energy, which cost the Council £1.6m in a normal year, it was expected that the cost would double and an energy saving scheme was about to be launched across council buildings. The Council were pre-purchasing materials where possible to maintain supply and avoid increasing costs. The Council were promoting green travel and electric bikes were starting to be used by social workers.

Councillor Thompson asked a supplementary question of what assistance the Council could expect from Central Government. Councillor Ross responded that there was no indication of support to be provided by Central Government as of the time of the meeting and he would write to the Government expressing his concerns.

Question 2 - Submitted by Councillor Chalkin

“The recent record temperatures have reinforced the need to change how we impact the environment. In the UK, the built environment is one of the sectors that has the biggest impact, but the way Landlord and Tenant law is currently written means that landowners, more often than not, do not have the ability to influence change on their buildings or within their portfolios. Will the Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration commit to having Green Leases at all properties owned and rented out by Trafford, inserting clauses that give Trafford the ability, as a property owner, to influence the necessary changes needed during the term of a lease wherever possible?"

Councillor Patel, Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, responded that the Council was committed to including green clauses within new leases and lease renewals that were appropriate/proportionate to each property, where possible. For existing leases, the Council was committed to holding discussions with tenants, where possible, and at the appropriate time noting that any changes to existing leases would have to be by mutual agreement.

Councillor Patel added that the Council was reviewing its estate and decarbonisation programme to look at all elements of its  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

To consider the following petition requiring debate:

We the undersigned (519 signatories) petition the council to create a 20 mph zone for the whole of New Street, between the junctions with Regent Road and The Downs.

Residents and pedestrian users of New Street (including visitors to the town centre and Altrincham Grammar School girls) feel strongly that the speed limit needs to be reduced on New Street to keep children and adults safe.

There is likely to be an increase of traffic at the bottom of New Street when the new carpark on the corner of Regent Road / New Street will open next year and the two housing schemes either side of New Street will be occupied.

The upper part of New Street is a very narrow residential street with houses on both sides. Pedestrians use both sides of the street (and often walk in the centre of the road), though a raised pavement exists on only one side, and the Council has recognised this special nature by installing speed restriction measures (bollards, and speed hump). A 20 mph zone is a logical extension to this restriction to enforce the intent of the measures already taken – which continue to be ignored by drivers who use New Street as a rat run through to The Downs and towards Hale. 30 mph, as per the current speed limit, is too fast for a road of this nature, and more often than not drivers go at a higher speed. Over the years there have been multiple near collisions between cars and pedestrians, and leaving the driveways of the houses on the left in the upper part where cars regularly drive on the pavement at speed is extremely dangerous.

Please reduce the speed limit and implement appropriate signage warning drivers.

Note: In accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme, a petition containing more than 500 signatures will be debated by the Council. The petition organiser will be given five minutes to present the petition and then it will be discussed by the Council for a maximum of 15 minutes.

Lead Petitioners, Mr Moberly and Mrs Padmore, introduced the following petition which had received 519 signatures from addresses within the Borough.

“We petition the council to create a 20mph zone for the whole of New Street, between the junctions with Regent Road and The Downs. Residents and pedestrian users of New Street (including visitors to the town centre and Altrincham Grammar School girls) feel strongly that the speed limit needs to be reduced on New Street to keep children and adults safe.

There is likely to be an increase of traffic at the bottom of New Street when the new carpark on the corner of Regent Road / New Street will open next year and the two housing schemes either side of New Street will be occupied.

The upper part of New Street is a very narrow residential street with houses on both sides. Pedestrians use both sides of the street (and often walk in the centre of the road), though a raised pavement exists on only one side, and the Council has recognised this special nature by installing speed restriction measures (bollards, and speed hump).

A 20 mph zone is a logical extension to this restriction to enforce the intent of the measures already taken – which continue to be ignored by drivers who use New Street as a rat run through to The Downs and towards Hale. 30 mph, as per the current speed limit, is too fast for a road of this nature, and more often than not drivers go at a higher speed. Over the years there have been multiple near collisions between cars and pedestrians, and leaving the driveways of the houses on the left in the upper part where cars regularly drive on the pavement at speed is extremely dangerous.

Please reduce the speed limit and implement appropriate signage warning drivers.”

In presenting the petition, Mr Moberly spoke about how despite the road being C19 width road much of the Traffic was C21 (heavy vehicles). Mr Moberly drew Council Member’s attention to a photograph provided, which was to demonstrate that the road’s infrastructure was not adequate to deal with C21 vehicles travelling at 30mph or more.  Mr Moberly noted the Councils actions so far and stated that a 20mph was the logical extension to the existing restrictions.

Mr Moberly spoke of many near collisions on the unraised side of the road and the risks residents faced when exiting their driveways, which would increase as developments in the surrounding area would lead to an increased level of traffic on the road. Mr Moberly concluded by stating that the introduction of a 20mph speed limit on the road would have environmental as well as public safety benefits, noting the national trend towards introducing 20mph zones, and asking that New Street have a 20mph speed limit.

Mrs Padmore spoke of the experience of her and her family and the risks they faced when using their car or when they entered/exited their property on foot. Mrs Padmore  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

To consider the following petition requiring debate:

We the undersigned (637 signatories) petition the council to investigate and create with TfGM a new cycle route using the redundant rail tracks 3 and 4 between Sale Britannia Road and Trafford Bar Talbot Road.

The current transport routes from Sale to Trafford Bar capacity would be increased by creating a new dedicated cycle way using the redundant rail tracks. A new route for cyclists would ease the pressure on the A56 and the canal towpath creating a safer environment for all users including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

The additional traffic created by the housing and business expansion forming part of Places For Everyone will increase the pressure on existing transport routes.

Upcycling a piece of redundant Victorian transport infrastructure which has been disused since 1963 would provide a 4.6km cycle highway. Access ramps would be needed at each of the crossing points. The North end would merge into Talbot Road. The South end could lead into Hope Road.

The project would require fencing, lighting, access ramps, management at the Old Trafford station, CCTV and other items. However, there is a firm trackbed (after 60 years of running heavy trains) and little more than a top surface would be required to provide a cycle quality route.

Please create this new cycle route.

Note: In accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme, a petition containing more than 500 signatures will be debated by the Council. The petition organiser will be given five minutes to present the petition and then it will be discussed by the Council for a maximum of 15 minutes.

Lead Petitioners, Mr Denshum, introduced the following petition which had received 519 signatures from addresses within the Borough.

“We the undersigned (637 signatories) petition the council to investigate and create with TfGM a new cycle route using the redundant rail tracks 3 and 4 between Sale Britannia Road and Trafford Bar Talbot Road. The current transport routes from Sale to Trafford Bar capacity would be increased by creating a new dedicated cycle way using the redundant rail tracks. A new route for cyclists would ease the pressure on the A56 and the canal towpath creating a safer environment for all users including drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. The additional traffic created by the housing and business expansion forming part of Places For Everyone will increase the pressure on existing transport routes.

Upcycling a piece of redundant Victorian transport infrastructure which has been disused since 1963 would provide a 4.6km cycle highway. Access ramps would be needed at each of the crossing points. The North end would merge into Talbot Road. The South end could lead into Hope Road. The project would require fencing, lighting, access ramps, management at the Old Trafford station, CCTV and other items. However, there is a firm trackbed (after 60 years of running heavy trains) and little more than a top surface would be required to provide a cycle quality route. Please create this new cycle route.”

In presenting the petition, Mr Denshum spoke about the issues of having multiple forms of transport and dogs using the same route. Mr Denshum believed that the old tracks three and four which ran from Britannia Road in sale to Talbot Road in Trafford Bar offered a possible option for a dedicated cycle route. Mr Denshum listed some of the challenges in creating the route which included management of Old Trafford Metrolink Station (due to the volume of users), Metrolink substations narrowing the route at points, security (particularly at night), and the route having a limited number of access points.

Mr Denshum then provided a list of advantages which included having a straight route 4.6km long, the route being a long way from cars and pollution, the route being ideal for a dedicated cycle route, and the limited number of crossing points with other user types. Mr Denshum concluded his introduction by noting Manchester’s track record of repurposing of old Victorian infrastructure for modern use and stating that this was another opportunity to do so.

Councillor Williams, Executive Member for Climate Change and Transport Strategy, welcomed Mr Denshum’s petition and the increase in public interaction. Councillor William’s spoke of the Council’s active travel strategy and confirmed that the routes proposed would be added to the programme of routes for consideration. The active transport plan was to align with the Greater Manchester Mayors Cycling Challenge and Councillor Williams encouraged Mr Denshum to be involved with the scheme. Councillor Williams then provided an update on the Councils current programmes to encourage cycling across the Borough.

Councillor Blackburn welcomed the petition and thanked  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration.

Councillor Patel, Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, introduced the report and informed Members that the strategy had been updated several times since its inception. Councillor Patel noted the changes made to the strategy in recent years which moved towards investment in developments to increase the revenues for the Council to support the delivery of services. The changes proposed within the report would provide the Investment Management Board with more flexibility in the type of investment opportunities they could consider without increasing the Council’s level of risk.

Councillor Mirza spoke about the principles of investment and how the Council was not an investment body and raised concerns that the Council was investing public money. Councillor Mirza felt that the parameters set within the original strategy were already broad enough and urged Members not to agree the proposed changes.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted and the updated Asset Investment Strategy included at Appendix 1 be approved.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, recommended to Council by the Planning and Development Management Committee on 14 July 2022. 

Councillor Patel, Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, introduced the report and informed the Council that Trafford’s planning Committee was one of the busiest in Greater Manchester. The proposed changes had been approved by the Planning Committee and sought to reflect changes to the Committee since the code was first introduced in 2017 and formalise some of the Committee’s common practice. The code was relevant for Planning Officers, Planning Committee Members, and all Councillors involved in the planning process. Councillor Patel concluded the introduction by taking the opportunity to thank the planning team for all their efforts, especially during the pandemic, as well as the Members of the planning Committee. 

RESOLVED: That the report be noted and the updated Planning Committee Code of Practice be adopted and replace the existing code contained in Part 5 of the Constitution.

To note a report of the Executive Member for Climate Change and Transport Strategy submitted to the Executive Meeting on 25 July 2022.

Councillor Williams, Executive Member for Climate Change and Transport Strategy, introduced the report and informed Members that the report gave an update on recent developments within the clean air plan, which was led by the GMCA. The previous plan had included a charging element, which had been removed in the updated version.

Councillor Coggins spoke about how the government had faced a number of legal cases around the high levels of emissions. Councillor Coggins noted that while the plan made some positive steps it did not go far enough to bring about the change required as it did not go beyond the legal minimum requirements. Councillor Coggins felt that the government suggested that they could either support people through the cost-of-living crisis or have clean air, but the Green party believed that both could be done and asked that the Council looked to strengthen what was proposed within the plan.

The Leader responded that the Council had a very limited scope within the clean air plan. However, the Council had a much larger suite of work ongoing to improve the air quality across the Borough and Greater Manchester.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

To note a report of the 2021/22 Chair and Vice-Chair of the Accounts and Audit Committee which is expected to be referred from the Accounts and Audit Committee meeting held on 20 July 2022.

Councillor Brotherton, Chair of the Accounts and Audit Committee, moved the report and thanked the Members of the Accounts and Audit Committee and the supporting officers for their work over the course of the year.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

To note a report of the Executive Member for Finance and Governance.

Councillor Ross, Executive Member for Finance and Governance, gave a short introduction to Members informing them that the report covered work undertaken during the pandemic, an overview of incidents, and ongoing health and safety activity. Incident data was shown in table 5 and 6 of the report with the number of incidents having risen from 69 up to 158, which was comparable to 2019/20. Violence and aggression were the highest form of incident, most noticeably within schools when dealing with challenging behaviour.

Councillor Myers stated that the 32 incidents in community schools was of concern and asked what would be done to address this for schools without an SLA with the Council. Councillor Ross thanked Councillor Myers for the question and responded that this would be addressed by a further report to come to the Council.

Councillor Blackburn asked whether the 52 incidents in special schools included those that happened in home to school transport. Councillor Ross responded that he thought the figures did included home to school transport and would provide clarity in writing to Councillor Blackburn after the meeting.

RESOLVED:

1)    That the report be noted.

2)    That clarification on whether the incidents in schools included home to school transport be provided in writing to Councillor Blackburn.

To consider the following motions submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 11:

The Mayor informed Members that 3 Motions had been submitted in accordance with Procedure Rule 11.

Our local rivers, brooks and watercourses are invaluable assets to our borough. They make up a vital part of our natural ecosystem, providing habitat for bird, fish and insect life as well as being sites for recreation for Trafford residents. Flash flooding is an increasingly prevalent issue in Trafford and this is likely to continue in the years ahead as a direct result of the climate emergency.

This Council gives thanks to its officers and environment agency workers who go above and beyond the call of duty, to offer support to our residents during instances of severe weather.

Local waterways are also subject to harmful sewage dumping practices, which damage ecosystems and pose a significant public health risk, especially in the context of flash flooding.

This Council notes that:

-       Every river in England is now polluted beyond legal limits; with the Environment Agency rating only 14% as Good in 2019.

-       This chemical pollution is mostly caused by sewage discharges from water companies and the run-offs of nutrients from farms.

-       Government funding to the Environment Agency to monitor river quality and regulate farms and water companies has dropped 75% over the last 10 years and as a result, farms are now almost never inspected, water quality is rarely tested, and water companies can pump raw sewage into rivers with virtual impunity.

-       In recent years, flash flooding has been a growing issue across Trafford, with many residents facing risks to their homes during severe weather.

-       That councillors, residents and the Environment Agency are required to work together towards flooding resilience goals, in line with resolutions passed by this Council.

-       That whilst residents wait for long-term flood mitigation schemes, the issue of contaminated water from sewage dumping poses a potentially serious health and environmental risk – especially if homes flood during severe weather.

-       At a local taskforce meeting, The Environment Agency only committed to clearing the brooks that flow through Timperley twice a year, which repeated late-night emergency call outs have shown to be insufficient to avoid flooding.

-       That in October 2021, 265 Conservative MPs - including Altrincham and Sale West MP Sir Graham Brady – voted against provisions in Lords Amendment 45 to the Environment Bill which would have curtailed sewage dumping, removing proposals that would have placed a legal duty on water companies to “take all reasonable steps to ensure untreated sewage is not discharged from storm overflows.”

This Council believes that the UK Government should commit to:

-       Restoring Environment Agency budgets for river quality monitoring.

-       Increasing inspections of water companies and farms, and prosecuting offenders.

-       Funding local and highways authorities to introduce treatment systems to prevent road pollutants from entering our water courses.

-       Implementing a ‘Sewage Tax’ on water companies and other industries who persist in knowingly polluting our rivers and waterways

This Council resolves to:

-       Ask the Flood Resilience Working Group created in March 2021 to support the Environment Agency to inspect and clear Fairywell  ...  view the full agenda text for item 27.

It was moved and seconded that:

Our local rivers, brooks and watercourses are invaluable assets to our borough. They make up a vital part of our natural ecosystem, providing habitat for bird, fish and insect life as well as being sites for recreation for Trafford residents. Flash flooding is an increasingly prevalent issue in Trafford and this is likely to continue in the years ahead as a direct result of the climate emergency.

This Council gives thanks to its officers and environment agency workers who go above and beyond the call of duty, to offer support to our residents during instances of severe weather. Local waterways are also subject to harmful sewage dumping practices, which damage ecosystems and pose a significant public health risk, especially in the context of flash flooding.

This Council notes that:

-       Every river in England is now polluted beyond legal limits; with the Environment Agency rating only 14% as Good in 2019.

-       This chemical pollution is mostly caused by sewage discharges from water companies and the run-offs of nutrients from farms.

-       Government funding to the Environment Agency to monitor river quality and regulate farms and water companies has dropped 75% over the last 10 years and as a result, farms are now almost never inspected, water quality is rarely tested, and water companies can pump raw sewage into rivers with virtual impunity.

-       In recent years, flash flooding has been a growing issue across Trafford, with many residents facing risks to their homes during severe weather.

-       That councillors, residents and the Environment Agency are required to work together towards flooding resilience goals, in line with resolutions passed by this Council.

-       That whilst residents wait for long-term flood mitigation schemes, the issue of contaminated water from sewage dumping poses a potentially serious health and environmental risk - especially if homes flood during severe weather.

-       At a local taskforce meeting, The Environment Agency only committed to clearing the brooks that flow through Timperley twice a year, which repeated late-night emergency call outs have shown to be insufficient to avoid flooding.

-       That in October 2021, 265 Conservative MPs - including Altrincham and Sale West MP Sir Graham Brady – voted against provisions in Lords Amendment 45 to the Environment Bill which would have curtailed sewage dumping, removing proposals that would have placed a legal duty on water companies to “take all reasonable steps to ensure untreated sewage is not discharged from storm overflows.”

This Council believes that the UK Government should commit to:

-       Restoring Environment Agency budgets for river quality monitoring.

-       Increasing inspections of water companies and farms, and prosecuting offenders.

-       Funding local and highways authorities to introduce treatment systems to prevent road pollutants from entering our water courses.

-       Implementing a ‘Sewage Tax’ on water companies and other industries who persist in knowingly polluting our rivers and waterways

-       This Council resolves to:

-       Ask the Flood Resilience Working Group created in March 2021 to support the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

This Council notes:

Local government has endured central government funding cuts of more than 50% since 2010. Between 2010 and 2020, councils lost 60p out of every £1 they have received from central government. UNISON research found that councils in England had to fill a combined funding gap of £3 billion when setting budgets for 2022/23.

Over the last two years, councils have led the way in efforts against the Covid-19 pandemic, providing a huge range of services and support for our communities. Local government has shown more than ever how indispensable it is. But Covid has led to a massive increase in expenditure and loss of income, and as we emerge from the pandemic, local authorities and schools need far more support from Westminster.

Council and school workers kept our communities safe through the pandemic, often putting themselves at considerable risk as they work to protect public health, provide quality housing, ensure our children continue to be educated, and look after older and vulnerable people.

Since 2010, the local government workforce has endured years of pay restraint with the majority of pay points losing at least 25 per cent of their value since 2009/10. Staff are now facing the worst cost of living crisis in a generation, with inflation hitting 9% and many having to make impossible choices between food, heating and other essentials. This is a terrible situation for anyone to find themselves in.

At the same time, workers have experienced ever-increasing workloads and persistent job insecurity. Across the UK, 900,000 jobs have been lost in local government since June 2010 – a reduction of more than 30 per cent. Local government has arguably been hit by more severe job losses than any other part of the public sector.

There has been a disproportionate impact on women, with women making up more than three-quarters of the local government workforce.

Recent research shows that if the Government were to fully fund the unions’ 2022 pay claim, around half of the money would be recouped thanks to increased tax revenue, reduced expenditure on benefits and tax credits, and increased consumer spending in the local economy.

This Council believes:

Our workers are public service super-heroes. They keep our communities clean and safe, look after those in need and keep our towns and cities running.

Without the professionalism and dedication of our staff, the council services our residents rely on would not be deliverable.

Local government workers deserve a proper real-terms pay increase. The Government needs to take responsibility and fully fund this increase; it should not put the burden on local authorities whose funding has been cut to the bone and who were not offered adequate support through the Covid-19 pandemic.

This Council resolves to:

Support the pay claim submitted by UNISON, GMB and Unite on behalf of council and school workers, for an increase of £2,000 or the current RPI rate, whichever is the greater (along with the various conditions claims proposed).

Call on the Local Government Association to make  ...  view the full agenda text for item 28.

It was moved and seconded that:

This Council notes:

Local government has endured central government funding cuts of more than 50% since 2010. Between 2010 and 2020, councils lost 60p out of every £1 they have received from central government. UNISON research found that councils in England had to fill a combined funding gap of £3 billion when setting budgets for 2022/23.

Over the last two years, councils have led the way in efforts against the Covid-19 pandemic, providing a huge range of services and support for our communities. Local government has shown more than ever how indispensable it is. But Covid has led to a massive increase in expenditure and loss of income, and as we emerge from the pandemic, local authorities and schools need far more support from Westminster.

Council and school workers kept our communities safe through the pandemic, often putting themselves at considerable risk as they work to protect public health, provide quality housing, ensure our children continue to be educated, and look after older and vulnerable people.

Since 2010, the local government workforce has endured years of pay restraint with the majority of pay points losing at least 25 per cent of their value since 2009/10. Staff are now facing the worst cost of living crisis in a generation, with inflation hitting 9% and many having to make impossible choices between food, heating and other essentials. This is a terrible situation for anyone to find themselves in.

At the same time, workers have experienced ever-increasing workloads and persistent job insecurity. Across the UK, 900,000 jobs have been lost in local government since June 2010 – a reduction of more than 30 per cent. Local government has arguably been hit by more severe job losses than any other part of the public sector.

There has been a disproportionate impact on women, with women making up more than three-quarters of the local government workforce.

Recent research shows that if the Government were to fully fund the unions’ 2022 pay claim, around half of the money would be recouped thanks to increased tax revenue, reduced expenditure on benefits and tax credits, and increased consumer spending in the local economy.

This Council believes:

Our workers are public service super-heroes. They keep our communities clean and safe, look after those in need and keep our towns and cities running.

Without the professionalism and dedication of our staff, the council services our residents rely on would not be deliverable.

Local government workers deserve a proper real-terms pay increase. The Government needs to take responsibility and fully fund this increase; it should not put the burden on local authorities whose funding has been cut to the bone and who were not offered adequate support through the Covid-19 pandemic.

This Council resolves to:

Support the pay claim submitted by UNISON, GMB and Unite on behalf of council and school workers, for an increase of £2,000 or the current RPI rate, whichever is the greater (along with the various conditions claims proposed).

Call on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

This Council notes that:

-           Situated adjacent to Trafford, Manchester Airport is a major international airport. It was the fourth busiest airport in the UK in 2021 in terms of terminal passengers and is the global gateway to and from the North of England;

-           Trafford Council is a shareholder in the airport, along with the 9 other Greater Manchester districts and Australian investment fund IFM Investors. The holding has regularly returned a dividend which has been used to support the council’s Revenue Budget;

-           Since the airport started to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, travellers including Trafford residents have experienced delays, large queues and abandoned flights. Airlines have been offering refunds on flights or offering alternative flights, which may be in term time;

-           Civil Aviation Authority data shows that in the first three months of 2022 Manchester Airport had 72.3% of its flights leave on time. This was the lowest percentage across the 26 airports in the UK which are included in the statistics; and

-           Manchester Airport has commenced an extensive staff recruitment campaign, supported by partners including Trafford Council. The government has passed legislation as part of its 22-point plan to tackle aviation disruption which means certain new recruit training can be undertaken at the same time as background checks, speeding up the process. Ministers have also agreed that HMRC employment history letters can be used as reference checks.

This Council believes that:

-           The current situation at Manchester Airport is of great concern to the borough, especially as the council has a financial holding in the airport and many Trafford citizens work at the airport and rely on it on a regular basis; and

-           Some parents may choose to book holidays in term time to avoid peak season delays at the airport or may only be offered a re-scheduled holiday in term time. Taking a child out of class in term time will have a detrimental impact on the child’s education.

This Council resolves:

-           To ask the Chief Executive to write to Chris Woodroofe the new Managing Director of Manchester Airport to invite him to meet with Trafford Elected Members to set out the airport’s plan to improve the airport’s performance.

With the consent of the Council to a proposed alteration to the Motion that had been submitted, the Substantive motion became a Labour motion; and

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

This Council notes that:

-         Situated adjacent to Trafford, Manchester Airport is a major international airport. It was the fourth busiest airport in the UK in 2021 in terms of terminal passengers and is the global gateway to and from the North of England;

-         Trafford Council is a shareholder in the airport, along with the 9 other Greater Manchester districts and Australian investment fund IFM Investors. The holding has regularly returned a dividend which has been used to support the council’s Revenue Budget;

-         Since the airport started to emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, travellers including Trafford residents have experienced delays, large queues and abandoned flights;

-         Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union has had implications on the staffing of UK airports – in the year before the pandemic, more than a quarter of a million EU citizens left the United Kingdom, mostly working age citizens in sectors that involve public-facing jobs;

-         With a reduced pool of applicants for jobs, many sectors including aviation are finding recruitment more difficult as a result of Brexit;

-         Britain is projected to endure the worst economic recovery in the G7;

-         Britain’s employment laws allowed British airlines and airports to cut workforces earlier and deeper than European counterparts during the pandemic and as demand for travel has resumed, British passengers are uniquely positioned to suffer long airport delays as a result;

-         This Council has declared a Climate Emergency. There is an onus on central government, airlines, airports and their stakeholders to ensure that the sector works towards our environmental targets;

-         Civil Aviation Authority data shows that in the first three months of 2022 Manchester Airport had 72.3% of its flights leave on time. This was the lowest percentage across the 26 airports in the UK which are included in the statistics; and

-         Manchester Airport has commenced an extensive staff recruitment campaign, supported by partners including Trafford Council.

This Council believes that:

-       Whilst the current situation at Manchester Airport is of great concern to the borough, especially as the council has a financial holding in the airport and many Trafford citizens work at the airport and rely on it on a regular basis the Government’s response to the crisis in the aviation sector and at airports has been lamentable;

-       The 22-point plan announced by the Government at the end of June 2022 to tackle aviation disruption was a result of pressure brought to bear by the aviation sector, it came far too late to prevent the disruptions experienced at the beginning of the year and in April and May;

-       That whilst improvements have been made since the beginning of the year to the security operation at Manchester Airport much of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.