Agenda and minutes

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

Contact: Ian Cockill  Democratic Services Officer

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Items
No. Item

59.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 220 KB

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 29 November 2017, for signature by the Mayor as Chairman.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 29 November 2017, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

60.

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.

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Minutes:

(a)        Former Councillor Mrs. Eadie

 

It was with sorrow that the Mayor referred to the death of former Councillor and Mayoress Edith Eadie who had sadly passed away on Christmas Day. Mrs. Eadie had served on the Council as a Conservative Member from 1994 to 2008, representing the Davyhulme East Ward and was Mayoress during her late husband Councillor Frank Eadie’s Mayoral Year in 1986/87.

 

The Council stood for a moments silence and paid its respects to a former friend and colleague.

 

(b)        New Year’s Honours

 

The Mayor took the opportunity to recognise those residents named in Her Majesty the Queen's New Year Honours List, namely:

 

Member of Parliament for Altrincham and Sale West, Mr Graham Brady of Altrincham, was awarded a Knighthood for political and public service;

 

Professor Caroline Dive of Hale received the citation of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to Cancer Research;

 

Professor Christopher Griffiths of Bowdon was awarded the citation of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to dermatology;

 

Lou Cordwell of Sale was awarded the OBE for services to the Creative and Digital Economy;

 

Mrs. Elinor Chohan of Altrincham was awarded the citation of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to Interfaith and Community Cohesion;

 

Mr. Antony Goodman of Hale Barns was awarded the MBE for services to International Trade and UK Exports;

 

Mr. Sean Ryan of Flixton was awarded the MBE for services to Refugee Resettlement; and

 

Mrs. Janice Moss of Hale received the British Empire Medal for voluntary services and fundraising for the Christie Hospital.

 

On behalf of the Council, the Mayor had written to convey the Council’s congratulations to all the recipients.

 

(c)        Executive Member for Highways, Parks and Environmental Services

 

The Leader of the Council reported that earlier that day he had appointed Councillor Brian Shaw as the Executive Member for Highways, Parks and Environmental Services, as a replacement for Councillor John Reilly who had elected to stand down due to illness.

 

For the time being, the Leader had decided not to appoint a Deputy Executive Member for Highways, Parks and Environmental Services, the position Councillor Shaw had previously held.

 

The Council joined with the Leader of the Council in wishing Councillor John Reilly well in his recovery.

 

(d)        Stretford Public Hall

 

The Leader referred to the recent theft of lead from the roof of Streford Public Hall and announced that he had agreed to make available £2,500 to the Friends of Streford Public Hall Group to assist with the repairs, which were undoubtedly a distraction, as it continued to fund raise for the restoration of the Hall’s ballroom.

 

(e)        Scrutiny Committee Update

 

Councillor Michael Young, Chairman of Scrutiny Committee reported that 2 reports had been presented to the Executive: Budget Scrutiny 2018/19; and a Task and Finish Group Review of the Council’s Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) System, where there was concern over delays at bringing the system into  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60.

61.

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.

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Minutes:

The Mayor reported that 5 questions had been received under Procedure Rule 10.2.

 

(a)    Councillor Andrew Western asked the following question for which he had given notice:

 

“Please could the Executive Member advise why Trafford will not be hosting a Holocaust Memorial Event this year, and what support if any the Council offered to organisers to ensure that such an event took place in Trafford this year as previously?”

 

Councillor Mrs. Evans, the Executive Member for Communities and Partnerships reported that the Council had supported a number of events in relation to Holocaust Memorial Day over recent weeks with particular focus on engaging a wider number of people across the borough to be aware of, and understand, such a disturbing event in history. The Council’s approach, which had been well received by regional representatives of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, focused on a three week engagement period with the theme ‘The Power of Words’, poet Pavel Friedman’s thought provoking poem, ‘The Butterfly’. The public was invited to participate and contribute to a central display at Sale Waterside, closing at Noon on 5 February 2018.

 

The Council had managed to reach over 11,000 people via social media channels, libraries and schools and all Members of Council were notified of the planned activity on 17 January 2018. Libraries and Sale Waterside had been decorated and used as the base for community events involving schools and local groups and the display at Sale Waterside had been praised for its creativity and its impact. The Council recognised the tremendous efforts and enthusiasm which had been shown by all and hoped to continue the small community based theme next year.

 

Welcoming the initiatives, Councillor Andrew Western asked as a supplementary question whether, running alongside the excellent events outlined, the Council would consider reinstating the support that was offered to the organisers of Holocaust Memorial Day central events in previous years, so that they could happen again in the future. Councillor Mrs. Evans indicated that she would be delighted to discuss matters for next year so that the Council could improve and enhance what had been on offer that year. The Executive Member believed awareness was growing as a result of the innovative approach and would welcome a conversation with Councillor Andrew Western to expand things further.

 

(b)    Councillor Mitchell asked the following question for which he had given notice:

 

“Members will rightly be concerned with the recent spate of anti-social behaviour, gang related activity and deeply unpleasant and criminal incidents across the south of the borough. Please would the Executive Member outline to Council the steps being taken in partnership with Greater Manchester Police to deal with this and provide assurance to our residents?”

 

Councillor Mrs. Evans, the Executive Member for Communities and Partnerships explained that since 6 January 2018, the Altrincham and Hale areas in particular had been experiencing a period of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and robberies committed by young people on young people. A multi-agency meeting was held on 13 January  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.

62.

Stretford Masterplan Consultation Feedback pdf icon PDF 236 KB

To be informed of the feedback from the Stretford Masterplan Consultation and note a report the Executive Member for Housing and Strategic Planning presented to the Executive on 29 January 2018.

 

(Please Note: The 3 appendices to the report have been published in full with this agenda on the Council’s website, however, due to their extensive nature they are not being circulated in hard copy.)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to Minute No. 38 of the Council meeting held on 11 October 2017, the Leader of the Council reported on the Council’s response to the feedback from the Stretford Masterplan Consultation which had influenced the Refreshed Masterplan agreed at the Executive Meeting held on 29 January 2018.

Following one of the Council’s largest ever consultations, the Refreshed Masterplan outlined the approach for securing the revitalisation of Stretford, while reflecting key elements of the public’s feedback.

Following the feedback, a revised scheme for the Lacy Street area was now proposed, which would be considerably lower in height and less dense than the original proposal. The revised Masterplan also proposed that: 

·         A main university campus, due to be open by September 2019, would be located at the Talbot Road site;

·         A leisure centre would go ahead on the campus site with unrestricted access to all users, students and residents alike;

·         Turn Moss plans would progress, with a planning application expected to be submitted by February 2018;

·         Two sites of particular interest along the A56 corridor would be maintained as green space;

·         Manor Farm Industrial Estate would be retained as a key employment site.

Members welcomed the Council’s response to the public consultation and acknowledged the massive commitment and efforts displayed by local residents, Ward Councillors and staff.

Supporting the approach so far and recognising that elements of the scheme would evolve, Members highlighted a number of matters requiring assurance:

·         Lancaster University’s involvement;

·         Increased engagement of Old Trafford residents in the consultation;

·         Public Transport commitments from Transport for Greater Manchester;

·         Concern about the creation of a small ‘Town Centre’ on the former Kellogg’s site and uncertainty over the former B&Q site.

·         Air pollution levels on the A56 and a request that a survey be commissioned;

·         Request for regular feedback at the Executive;

·         Turn Moss Playing Field planning concerns, access, playing pitch provision and biodiversity aspects.

 

The Leader of the Council was appreciative of the points raised and anticipated that they would be given full consideration. He advised that more detail would be added as the Council continued to engage with the public as the Masterplan proposals moved forward.

RESOLVED: That the discussion this evening and the decision of the Executive on 29 January 2018, be noted.

63.

Sport and Leisure Proposals - Update

To receive a verbal update from the Leader of the Council.

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Minutes:

The Leader of the Council provided a verbal update on sport and leisure provision in Urmston, Davyhulme and Flixton.

With major refurbishment of Urmston Leisure Centre due to commence, the Leader revealed proposals to redevelop George H. Carnall which would see the leisure centre transformed into a sport, health and wellbeing hub, alongside becoming the new home of Manchester Giants Basketball Team.

Part of the centre would be refurbished to offer sporting facilities and accessible space for community groups, a new health hub would be created, linked to a step up-step down type facility. The redeveloped site would also include new affordable residential accommodation specifically for people who work in key public services, such as nurses, teachers and police officers. The Giants would also link with local people offering health and wellbeing programmes.  

The proposals for George H. Carnall required further development and would be subject to planning and consultation. The Leader of the Council advised that he would share with Members information on the initial proposals and also provide Councillor Bowker with an update on Altrincham Leisure Centre.

RESOLVED: That the Leader of the Council’s oral update be noted.

 

64.

Trafford Council and NHS Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group Integration: Proposed Governance Arrangements pdf icon PDF 189 KB

To consider a report of the Corporate Director of Transformation and Resources.

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Minutes:

The Corporate Director of Transformation and Resources submitted a report on the proposed arrangements for further alignment of functions across the Council and NHS Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group as part of the next phase of the integration of the two organisations, including development of a single integrated strategic commissioning function.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(1)        That Council notes the Executive Structure for the integrated Trafford Council and NHS Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group approved by Trafford Council Executive on 29 January 2018.

 

(2)        That Council approves the proposal that Trafford Council Chief Executive is appointed the Accountable Officer for NHS Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group and notes that this is subject to NHS approvals.

 

(3)        That Council approves the appointment of a Joint Chief Finance Officer operating across the two organisations.

 

(4)        That Council notes the requirement for a period of assurance in relation to the financial resilience of both organisations, to be carried out by the Accountable Officer and Joint Chief Finance Officer after the implementation of the Executive structure whilst moving forward with the integration.

 

(5)        That Council notes that a further report will be taken back to the Executive in the summer to update on progression of these proposals.

65.

6-month Corporate Report on Health and Safety - 1 April to 30 September 2017 pdf icon PDF 389 KB

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Corporate Resources.

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Minutes:

The Executive Member for Corporate Resources submitted a report providing information on Council wide health and safety performance and trends in the workplace accidents. The report also provided a summary of other key developments in health and safety for the period 1 April to 30 September 2017.

 

In response to a question from Councillor Baugh, the Executive Member agreed to provide her with details of the Road Traffic Accidents reported in Appendix 3 to the report.

 

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

66.

Motion Submitted by the Conservative Group - Recycling and a Greener Environment

 

Recent data released confirms that Trafford remains the highest performing metropolitan authority for recycling in the country with a recycling rate of 61.3% for 2016/17. This makes the borough the only local authority in Greater Manchester and the wider North West region to be placed in the top ten nationally and is a vindication of the policies pursued by Trafford Conservatives to enhance recycling options, retain non-statutory collection of other recyclable waste and improve education and understanding of the benefits of recycling with our local population.

 

In a further commitment to enhancing our town centre environment and parks, this administration is investing in 300 new trio-recycling bins for installation across the borough and is seeking to further increase the number of green flag parks in Trafford this year.

 

Council places on record its thanks and appreciation to One Trafford Partnership staff, volunteers and council officers for their ongoing efforts to help keep Trafford clean, green and enjoyable for all of our residents.

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Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“Recent data released confirms that Trafford remains the highest performing metropolitan authority for recycling in the country with a recycling rate of 61.3% for 2016/17. This makes the borough the only local authority in Greater Manchester and the wider North West region to be placed in the top ten nationally and is a vindication of the policies pursued by Trafford Conservatives to enhance recycling options, retain non-statutory collection of other recyclable waste and improve education and understanding of the benefits of recycling with our local population.

 

In a further commitment to enhancing our town centre environment and parks, this administration is investing in 300 new trio-recycling bins for installation across the borough and is seeking to further increase the number of green flag parks in Trafford this year.

 

Council places on record its thanks and appreciation to One Trafford Partnership staff, volunteers and council officers for their ongoing efforts to help keep Trafford clean, green and enjoyable for all of our residents.”

 

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

 

“Recent data released confirms that Trafford remains the highest performing metropolitan authority for recycling in the country with a recycling rate of 61.3% for 2016/17. This makes the borough the only local authority in Greater Manchester and the wider North West region to be placed in the top ten nationally and Trafford Council would like to place on record its thanks to local communities and residents as this achievement is a direct result of their efforts.

 

In a further commitment to enhancing our town centre environment and parks, Trafford Council is investing in 300 new trio-recycling bins for installation across the borough and is seeking to further increase the number of green flag parks in Trafford this year.

 

Council places on record its thanks and appreciation to One Trafford Partnership staff, volunteers and council officers for their ongoing efforts to help keep Trafford clean, green and enjoyable for all of our residents.”

 

Following a debate on the matter, the amendment was agreed with the unanimous consent of the Council and consequently the substantive Motion was declared carried.

 

RESOLVED: That recent data released confirms that Trafford remains the highest performing metropolitan authority for recycling in the country with a recycling rate of 61.3% for 2016/17. This makes the borough the only local authority in Greater Manchester and the wider North West region to be placed in the top ten nationally and Trafford Council would like to place on record its thanks to local communities and residents as this achievement is a direct result of their efforts.

 

In a further commitment to enhancing our town centre environment and parks, Trafford Council is investing in 300 new trio-recycling bins for installation across the borough and is seeking to further increase the number of green flag parks in Trafford this year.

 

Council places on record its thanks and appreciation to One Trafford Partnership staff, volunteers and council officers for their ongoing efforts to help keep  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

67.

Motion Submitted by the Conservative Group - Trafford Libraries

 

Council welcomes proposals of the Conservative administration to abolish library fines for all ages across Trafford from April 2018.

 

Trafford will become the first public library authority in the country to adopt this policy which sends a welcome message to our residents in Trafford that they will have access to a completely free library service. This decision will overcome evidence that suggests that this charge is off-putting for customers and help to see a further increase in usage of libraries across the borough.

 

This change also aligns with the Vision 2031 ambition of ‘no one held back, no one left behind’ as there would be no barriers, either actual or perceived, of people accessing libraries and all they had to offer.

 

Council notes that most learning of literacy happens in the first 11 years of a child’s life, as does the development of a person’s love of reading and therefore supports a further policy change that WILL result in every child whose birth is registered in Trafford receiving a library card and a book start pack.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“Council welcomes proposals of the Conservative administration to abolish library fines for all ages across Trafford from April 2018.

 

Trafford will become the first public library authority in the country to adopt this policy which sends a welcome message to our residents in Trafford that they will have access to a completely free library service. This decision will overcome evidence that suggests that this charge is off-putting for customers and help to see a further increase in usage of libraries across the borough.

 

This change also aligns with the Vision 2031 ambition of ‘no one held back, no one left behind’ as there would be no barriers, either actual or perceived, of people accessing libraries and all they had to offer.

 

Council notes that most learning of literacy happens in the first 11 years of a child’s life, as does the development of a person’s love of reading and therefore supports a further policy change that WILL result in every child whose birth is registered in Trafford receiving a library card and a book start pack.”

 

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

 

“Council notes proposals of the Conservative administration to abolish library fines for all ages across Trafford from April 2018.

 

Trafford will become the first public library authority in the country to adopt this policy which sends a message to our residents in Trafford that they will have access to a completely free library service. This decision will overcome evidence that suggests that this charge is off-putting for customers and could potentially help ensure a further increase in usage of libraries across the borough.

 

This change also aligns with the Vision 2031 ambition of ‘no one held back, no one left behind’ as there would be no barriers, either actual or perceived, of people accessing libraries and all they had to offer.

 

Council notes that most learning of literacy happens in the first 11 years of a child’s life, as does the development of a person’s love of reading and therefore supports the continuation of what is a long standing policy of this Council: that every child whose birth is registered in Trafford receives a library card and a book start pack.

 

However, Council recognises a change such as this – untested elsewhere in the country – could potentially have a negative impact on the library service in terms of more books not being returned due to the absence of deterrent. Council, therefore, agrees to trial this policy for a period of 6 months and review the new approach at the end of this period, to ensure that library budgets are not affected and that it does not impact on the length of time residents are waiting to borrow books – or lead to additional books not being returned, which would deplete the Council’s book offer to its residents.”

 

Following a debate on the matter, the amendment was put to the vote and declared lost.

 

Further speeches were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67.

68.

Motion Submitted by the Labour Group - Social Care Funding

 

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 local providers state that they cannot continue to provide a service with the latest offer  ...  view the full agenda text for item 68.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED: That, the time being 9.24 p.m., consideration of this Motion be deferred to a future meeting of the Council.