Agenda and minutes

Venue: Wesley Hall, The LifeCentre, 235 Washway Road, Sale, M33 4BP

Contact: Ian Cockill  Governance Officer

Note: As the Council continues to manage the risk of Covid-19 public attendance at this meeting will be limited and anyone wishing to attend is asked to contact democratic.services@trafford.gov.uk to register in advance . The Council has a duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of staff and others from Covid transmission risks so far as is reasonably practicable and all attendees are reminded of the need for self-isolation where positive cases and contacts have been identified. Please note that the meeting will also be streamed live in line with the principles of openness and transparency in local government. To access the live stream of the meeting, please paste the following into your browser's address bar: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjwbIOW5x0NSe38sgFU8bKg 

Items
No. Item

29.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 351 KB

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 28 July 2021 for signature by the Mayor as Chair of the Council.

Minutes:

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 28 July 2021, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

 

30.

Announcements

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.

Minutes:

Coronavirus Infections

 

The Leader of the Council provided an update on Covid Infection Rates which in recent days had seen Trafford record the highest infections in the country per 100,000 head of population and advised Members that the Council was taking all steps to bring the rate of infection under control. The primary cause of the spike was believed to be a significant surge in infections in the school age population and the Council would continue to work with public health officers and take their advice on the steps needed to be taken. The key message for all residents was not to panic and to follow the basic principles of public health guidance and to take sensible steps such as regularly sanitising hands and social distancing where appropriate.

31.

Questions By Members pdf icon PDF 515 KB

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.

Minutes:

The Mayor reported that the following 4 questions had been received under Procedure Rule 10.2 and that in accordance with the procedure rules, full written answers were to be provided to the questioners at a later date and additionally the responses would be published on the Council’s website.

 

Question 1 - Submitted by Councillor Butt

 

“Can the Executive Member for Culture and Leisure tell me which parks have damaged play equipment, what items are damaged and when will the equipment be repaired?”

 

Question 2 - Submitted by Councillor Morgan

 

“Recently, some Trafford households received a letter with a Trafford Council logo on it in a GMCA envelope telling the householder that they may be eligible for a government backed Green Homes Grant. Can the Executive Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services, whose name was on the letter tell me how must it cost to design and deliver the letter, who funded it and how was it decided which homes received the letter?”

 

Question 3 - Submitted by Councillor Mirza

 

“The Hong Kong British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) visa opened on 31 January 2021 and delivers on the UK Government’s historic and moral commitment to the people of?Hong Kong. As Many families from Hong Kong have settled in Trafford through the visa programme we have as Conservatives councillors reached out to them and welcomed them but it is vital we get it right as a council. Specifically relating to accessing English courses (ESOL), can the Executive Member for Communities and Partnerships tell me what the timeline and plan is to make new arrivals from Hong Kong aware of the language courses available?”

 

Question 4 – Submitted by Councillor Morgan

 

“Can I ask the Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Children’s Services what plans the Council have to support the National Adoption Week beginning next Monday?”

32.

Green Party Group Leadership and Membership of Committees

To note the following membership changes to Committees, as agreed by the Chief Executive under delegated authority and changes to the leadership of the Green Party Group:

 

(a)     Green Party Group Leadership

 

          With effect from 6 September 2021, Councillor Coggins stood down as Leader of the Green Party Group with Councillor Jerrome becoming Group Leader and Councillor Welton Deputy Leader.

 

(b)     Accounts and Audit Committee

 

Councillor Jerrome replaced Councillor Coggins as a member of the Accounts and Audit Committee, with effect from 6 September 2021.

 

(b)     Planning and Development Management Committee

 

With effect from 6 September 2021, Councillor Welton replaced Councillor Jerrome as a member of the Planning and Development Management Committee and consequently, Councillor Jerrome was appointed to the Substitute member position previously held by Councillor Welton.

 

(c)     Standards Committee

 

Councillor Jerrome replaced Councillor Coggins as a member of the Standards Committee, with effect from 6 September 2021.

 

(d)     Licensing Committee and Public Protection Sub- Committee

 

Councillor Coggins replaced Councillor Welton on the Licensing Committee and as a member of the Public Protection Sub-Committee, with effect from 6 September 2021.

 

Minutes:

The Council was informed of changes to the leadership of the Green Party Group and were requested to note a number of consequential changes to the membership of Committees, as agreed by the Deputy Chief Executive under delegated authority.

 

Councillor Jerrome placed on record his thanks to Councillor Coggins for leading the Green Party as a new Group on the Council and for her accomplishments in that time, making a positive difference for the residents of the Borough.

 

RESOLVED: That the Council notes:

 

(a)    Green Party Group Leadership

 

        With effect from 6 September 2021, Councillor Coggins stood down as Leader of the Green Party Group with Councillor Jerrome becoming Group Leader and Councillor Welton Deputy Leader.

 

(b)    Accounts and Audit Committee

 

        Councillor Jerrome replaced Councillor Coggins as a member of the Accounts and Audit Committee, with effect from 6 September 2021.

 

(c)    Planning and Development Management Committee

 

        With effect from 6 September 2021, Councillor Welton replaced Councillor Jerrome as a member of the Planning and Development Management Committee and consequently, Councillor Jerrome was appointed to the Substitute member position previously held by Councillor Welton.

 

(d)    Standards Committee

 

        Councillor Jerrome replaced Councillor Coggins as a member of the Standards Committee, with effect from 6 September 2021.

 

(e)    Licensing Committee and Public Protection Sub- Committee

 

        Councillor Coggins replaced Councillor Welton on the Licensing Committee and as a member of the Public Protection Sub-Committee, with effect from 6 September 2021.

33.

Petition - No Roads Across Carrington Moss pdf icon PDF 215 KB

To consider the following petition requiring debate:

 

We, the undersigned (1632 signatories), respectfully request that Trafford Council DO NOT agree to build any new roads across or through Carrington Moss. The proposal to build a bridge across the Manchester Ship Canal, as set out in Trafford’s 2012 Core Strategy, should be fully explored. We believe this would be a much more effective solution to alleviate the existing traffic problems in the area, without impacting the health and wellbeing of the local populations of both humans and wildlife.

 

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.

 

 

Minutes:

Lead petitioner, Anna Chopping introduced the following petition containing 1632 signatures, which had been presented to the Council:

 

“We respectfully request that Trafford Council do not agree to build any new roads across or through Carrington Moss. The proposal to build a bridge across the Manchester Ship Canal, as set out in Trafford’s 2012 Core Strategy, should be fully explored. We believe this would be a much more effective solution to alleviate the existing traffic problems in the area, without impacting the health and wellbeing of the local populations of both humans and wildlife.”

 

The lead petitioner explained that, as a resident of Carrington Village and Secretary of the Friends of Carrington Moss, she spoke on behalf of all those local signatories overwhelmed by development in their area and requested that the Council give consideration to 3 main requests for:

 

-       more consultation;

-       alternative options to the building of roads across Carrington Moss; and

-       more consideration of the environmental impact of the road proposal in the wake of the climate emergency.

 

Explaining that local people were feeling powerless and fearful as well as angry that planning and development appeared to be carried out despite, rather than for the community, residents were requesting a seat at the table and involvement at the design stage of plans for their locality. To date there had not been any consultation with the local community regarding the strategic agenda for the Carrington Relief Road. Carrington Village was desperate to stop the large number of HGVs on the roads in their village but the proposal did not promise to deliver any benefits or ‘relief’ to residents suffering daily from the vehicles. Rather than health, wellbeing and basic safety, the key objective of scheme was about increasing capacity to deliver growth.

 

Regarding alternative options there was no discussion about alternative tram or train connections or options to make safer, more sustainable transport choices that reduce the reliance on cars or even a commitment to improve public transport. It was understood that there was time limited external funding for the scheme which could be at risk, however, a decision now would ultimately cost more in the long term to the local environment and habitat. Emphasising that the Friends Group was not anti-development and wished to engender progressive change, professional reviews, however, by the Countryside Charity, Natural England and the Cheshire and Lancashire Wildlife Trusts, of the places for everyone proposals were damning and an appeal was made to Members to read them as there was nowhere else in Trafford as unique as Carrington Moss.

 

Councillor Wright the Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration and Councillors Evans, Newgrosh and Coggins responded to the petition on behalf of the political parties and made the following points:

 

Councillor Wright: Sustainable development was the main issue and how to provide the social and economic opportunities that current and future residents need without sacrificing environmental assets. The Council was not promoting transport improvements which included a new road without good reason  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

34.

Salary and Benefits Package in Excess of £100,000 pdf icon PDF 203 KB

To consider a report of the Deputy Chief Executive.

Minutes:

The Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report advising the Council of a Director salary and benefits package that was going to exceed £100,000 for a temporary period and that it was vital to ensure that the Council continued to have a robust approach to the pandemic response and recovery planning.

 

In response to a question, the Leader of the Council advised he would provide Councillor Jerrome with the specific reasons as to why the issue had not come to light earlier and would suggest an investigation of measures designed to auto-flag any similar occurrence, should in the future, any additional payments breach the officers’ scheme of delegation.

 

RESOLVED: That the salary and benefits package for the Director of Public Health, be approved as set out in the report.

35.

Greater Manchester Minimum Licensing Standards for Taxi and Private Hire Stage 1 pdf icon PDF 408 KB

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services recommended by the Executive on 27 September 2021.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services submitted a report setting out the proposed Greater Manchester Minimum Licensing Standards for Taxi and Private Hire which had been referred from the Executive meeting on 27 September 2021. The report represented Stage One of the Standards which relate to Drivers, Operators and Local Authorities and set out the responses to the recent public and trade consultation for Stage One and outlined the proposed standards, policies and procedures. Stage Two related to Vehicles and it was anticipated that those proposals would be reported to the Executive in October 2021.

 

Councillor Miss Blackburn referred to Standard 6 Driver Training (page 33 of the report) and Councillor Adshead indicated that he would reply directly regarding the frequency of the training and what would happen should a driver refuse the training and whether the relevant authority would be notified of refusal by a driver from outside the area.

 

        RESOLVED:

 

(1)    That Enhanced Criminal Record checks be undertaken as per Driver Standard 1 in table A of the report.

 

(2)    That Medical Checks be undertaken as per Driver Standard 2 in table A of the report.

 

(3)    That assessments of English proficiency be undertaken as per Driver Standard 4 in table A of the report.

 

(4)    That driver proficiency tests be implemented as per Driver Standard 5 in table A of the report.

 

(5)    That driver training is undertaken as per Driver Standard 6 in table A of the report.

 

(6)    That the Licensed Drivers Dress Code, set out at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved.

 

(7)    That the Private Hire Driver Conditions Policy, set out at Appendix 2 to the report, be approved.

 

(8)    That the Private Hire Operator Conditions Policy, set out at Appendix 3 to the report be approved and that Council notes the proposed amendments to Operator Conditions set out at Appendix 4.

 

(9)    That Enhanced Criminal Record checks for Operators and their staff be undertaken as per Operator Standard 2 in table B of the report.

 

(10)  That the timescales for applications be adopted, as per Local Authority Standard 1 in Table C of the report.

(11)  That the development of a common enforcement approach be approved, as per Local Authority Standard 2 in Table C of the report.

 

(12) That a common methodology for setting the costs and calculating the taxi and private hire fees be adopted, as per Local Authority Standard 3 in Table C of the report.

 

(13)  That the Council delegates decision making powers, as per Local Authority Standard 5 in Table C of the report.

 

(14)  That the implementation dates for standards, policies and procedures contained within the report, be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Environment and Regulatory Services, with consideration of the need to communicate changes to the trade and ensure that processes are in place to ensure the robust implementation of the standards.

 

 

 

36.

Motion Submitted by the Green Party Group - Universal Basic Income Trial (Deferred from Council on 28 July 2021)

 

This Council notes:

 

Many argue a Universal Basic Income (UBI) is the fairest, most effective way to mitigate the effects of coronavirus on people’s incomes. A network of Universal Basic Income Labs has been set up and works with local authorities across the UK developing UBI proposals to address problems such as poverty, inequality, discrimination and environmental damage, long-term and immediately, in relation to coronavirus.

 

GM Poverty Action: “The rise of in-work poverty in the UK has been a growing trend over the last decade and suggests that employment alone is often not an effective means of escaping poverty.”

 

UBI is a non-means-tested sum paid by the state to cover the basic cost of living, which is paid to all citizens individually, regardless of employment status, wealth, or marital status, and which has been more widely debated in recent months than ever before. It replaces a complex panoply of means-tested benefits of which £10 billion remains unclaimed each year.

 

Trafford Council is ideally placed to pilot a UBI, given its economic and demographic diversity.

 

This Council believes:

 

That with UBI so many other benefits exist:

 

·         More flexible workforce and greater freedom to change jobs

·         Supporting a caring economy to value unpaid work

·         Removing the negative impacts of benefit sanctions and conditionality

·         Breaking the link between work and consumption, thus helping reduce strain on the environment

·         Enabling greater opportunities for people to work in community and cultural activities or to train or reskill in areas that will be needed to transition to a lower carbon economy

 

That Andy Burnham, GM Mayor, is right when he says:

 

·         UBI should be ‘seriously considered’

·         Essential workers and those on insecure contracts need this vital support

·         “All people should be paid enough at work so they have a decent amount to live on”

 

This Council resolves to:

 

·         Write to the Government calling for a fully evaluated basic income trial in Trafford with reference to the benefits listed

Minutes:

 

        RESOLVED: That the Council notes that the Motion has been withdrawn.

 

37.

Motion Submitted by the Liberal Democrats Group - Hongkongers in Trafford

 

As a result of the Chinese government’s imposition of new ‘national security’ laws and the British government’s policy shift on British National (Overseas) [BN(O)] visas, many people are choosing to emigrate to the UK from Hong Kong. The Home Office predicts that as many as 300,000 Hongkongers may choose to relocate to Britain with many choosing to settle in Trafford and elsewhere across Greater Manchester. This Council recognises and welcomes the enormous contribution that immigrants of all nationalities and backgrounds have made to British life. The historical, political and economic factors currently surrounding democratic freedoms in Hong Kong make the decision to emigrate particularly stressful for many Hongkongers. There are several considerations and measures that local authorities can take to extend the warmest possible welcome to everyone who decides to make the journey to the UK.

 

This Council notes:

 

-     That the Home Office figure of 300,000 migrants from Hong Kong is an estimation for the next 5 years and that – with around 70% of the population of Hong Kong being eligible for BN(O) status – that number may rise considerably.

-     The ‘Coming for Hope’ report published by ‘Hongkongers in Britain’, which indicates the following:

-     That the mean age of applicants is 37 and that 71% of applicants hold a university degree.

-     That 16% of those surveyed say they cannot afford the cost of living for the first 6 months after arriving in the UK.

-     That, of those surveyed, 73% expect to have difficulty finding accommodation, 57% are concerned about living costs and 48% are anxious about finding employment.

-     That 96% of respondents felt that Hong Kong was no longer a ‘safe and free home’.

-     That Home Office estimates suggest a net benefit to government finances of between £2.4 and £2.9 billion over five years as a result of the arrival of highly skilled migrants from Hong Kong.

 

This Council also notes the advice and guidance that is available through the governments ‘Hong Kong UK Welcome Programme’.

 

This Council welcomes:

-     The provision of up to £2,720 per BN(O) household for destitution support.

-     The government’s commitment to set up 12 new ‘Welcome Hubs’ across the UK, to support the settlement of BN(O) holders.

This Council resolves to:

-         Monitor the intake of Hong Kong children into Trafford’s schools and allocate additional resources for ‘English as a Second Language’ and Personal, Social, Health and Economic education to aid with integration.

-     Assist parents of children with special educational needs by providing information on the ‘SEN Local Offer’ and Educational Health Care Plans in Cantonese through the council website.

-     Write to the Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government to express Trafford’s interest in contributing to and forming part of the UK’s new Hong Kong ‘Welcome Hubs’.

-     Ensure progress on the resolutions of this motion are regularly reported back to this council and are incorporated into the Executive Member for Communities and Partnerships brief.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

As a result of the Chinese government’s imposition of new ‘national security’ laws and the British government’s policy shift on British National (Overseas) [BN(O)] visas, many people are choosing to emigrate to the UK from Hong Kong. The Home Office predicts that as many as 300,000 Hongkongers may choose to relocate to Britain with many choosing to settle in Trafford and elsewhere across Greater Manchester. This Council recognises and welcomes the enormous contribution that immigrants of all nationalities and backgrounds have made to British life. The historical, political and economic factors currently surrounding democratic freedoms in Hong Kong make the decision to emigrate particularly stressful for many Hongkongers. There are several considerations and measures that local authorities can take to extend the warmest possible welcome to everyone who decides to make the journey to the UK.

 

This Council notes:

 

-         That the Home Office figure of 300,000 migrants from Hong Kong is an estimation for the next 5 years and that – with around 70% of the population of Hong Kong being eligible for BN(O) status – that number may rise considerably.

-         The ‘Coming for Hope’ report published by ‘Hongkongers in Britain’, which indicates the following:

-         That the mean age of applicants is 37 and that 71% of applicants hold a university degree.

-         That 16% of those surveyed say they cannot afford the cost of living for the first 6 months after arriving in the UK.

-         That, of those surveyed, 73% expect to have difficulty finding accommodation, 57% are concerned about living costs and 48% are anxious about finding employment.

-         That 96% of respondents felt that Hong Kong was no longer a ‘safe and free home’.

-         That Home Office estimates suggest a net benefit to government finances of between £2.4 and £2.9 billion over five years as a result of the arrival of highly skilled migrants from Hong Kong.

 

This Council also notes the advice and guidance that is available through the governments ‘Hong Kong UK Welcome Programme’.

 

This Council welcomes:

 

-         The provision of up to £2,720 per BN(O) household for destitution support.

-         The government’s commitment to set up 12 new ‘Welcome Hubs’ across the UK, to support the settlement of BN(O) holders.

 

This Council resolves to:

 

-         Monitor the intake of Hong Kong children into Trafford’s schools and allocate additional resources for ‘English as a Second Language’ and Personal, Social, Health and Economic education to aid with integration.

-         Assist parents of children with special educational needs by providing information on the ‘SEN Local Offer’ and Educational Health Care Plans in Cantonese through the council website.

-         Write to the Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government to express Trafford’s interest in contributing to and forming part of the UK’s new Hong Kong ‘Welcome Hubs’.

-         Ensure progress on the resolutions of this motion are regularly reported back to this council and are incorporated into the Executive Member for Communities and Partnerships brief.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

38.

Motion Submitted by the Green Party Group - Empowering Trafford to take Climate Action

 

This Council acknowledges that in order to tackle the climate crisis we must empower residents and council officers to take action. In order to enable everyone to act with sufficient urgency, the Council’s procedures must be better aligned with its priorities.

 

The Council has also learned about dealing with crises from the pandemic and lessons learnt from Covid can give examples of how council systems can treat the climate emergency as an emergency.

 

This Council resolves to:

 

-      Emphasise urgency in the language we use around the climate. Where possible the Council, its Councillors and officers should choose the language of ‘climate crisis’ or ‘climate emergency’ – not the more passive ‘climate change’ or ‘global warming’.

 

-      Carry out a case study on the way that the community hubs were created, in a nimble and effective way at a crucial stage in the pandemic. See what lessons can be learnt for the climate crisis response in terms of how the Council can act quickly and with impact. Report back on what lessons can be learnt in terms of creating an urgent and nimble response to a crisis.

 

-      Events and buildings: ensure that alongside accessibility information, council building and events highlight how to access them by walking / cycling / using public transport. Currently the Town Hall part of the website only talks about parking options, despite being on National Cycle Network route 55, and extremely near to Old Trafford tram and several bus stops.

 

-      Highlight the Council’s climate emergency web pages on the front page of the Council’s website. This will enable residents to easily find information on what the Council is doing. It will also raise awareness the urgency of the crisis by highlighting it to everyone who comes to the council’s home page.

 

-      To review our HR policy in respect of dress codes. These need to explicitly support staff and officers who chose to commute or travel for work by active or public transport. Too often spoken or unspoken assumptions about what looks professional stop people using active or public transport when they would otherwise like to.

 

-      In advance of COP26 to add our voice to calls for a joint local and national government task force on reaching ‘net zero’ emissions. This partnership could set regulations, benchmarks and targets and create long-term funding mechanisms to enable local communities to decarbonise whilst remaining resilient and sustainable.

 

-      Write to Alok Sharma MP, President for COP26 , the Prime Minister and the Leadership Board of the LGA informing them of our support for a joint Local/National Government Climate Change Partnership Taskforce and asking for one to be established as soon as possible.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“This Council acknowledges that in order to tackle the climate crisis we must empower residents and council officers to take action. In order to enable everyone to act with sufficient urgency, the Council’s procedures must be better aligned with its priorities.

 

The Council has also learned about dealing with crises from the pandemic and lessons learnt from Covid can give examples of how council systems can treat the climate emergency as an emergency.

 

This Council resolves to:

 

-      Emphasise urgency in the language we use around the climate. Where possible the Council, its Councillors and officers should choose the language of ‘climate crisis’ or ‘climate emergency’ – not the more passive ‘climate change’ or ‘global warming’.

 

-      Carry out a case study on the way that the community hubs were created, in a nimble and effective way at a crucial stage in the pandemic. See what lessons can be learnt for the climate crisis response in terms of how the Council can act quickly and with impact. Report back on what lessons can be learnt in terms of creating an urgent and nimble response to a crisis.

 

-      Events and buildings: ensure that alongside accessibility information, council building and events highlight how to access them by walking / cycling / using public transport. Currently the Town Hall part of the website only talks about parking options, despite being on National Cycle Network route 55, and extremely near to Old Trafford tram and several bus stops.

 

-      Highlight the Council’s climate emergency web pages on the front page of the Council’s website. This will enable residents to easily find information on what the Council is doing. It will also raise awareness the urgency of the crisis by highlighting it to everyone who comes to the council’s home page.

 

-      To review our HR policy in respect of dress codes. These need to explicitly support staff and officers who chose to commute or travel for work by active or public transport. Too often spoken or unspoken assumptions about what looks professional stop people using active or public transport when they would otherwise like to.

 

-      In advance of COP26 to add our voice to calls for a joint local and national government task force on reaching ‘net zero’ emissions. This partnership could set regulations, benchmarks and targets and create long-term funding mechanisms to enable local communities to decarbonise whilst remaining resilient and sustainable.

 

-      Write to Alok Sharma MP, President for COP26 , the Prime Minister and the Leadership Board of the LGA informing them of our support for a joint Local/National Government Climate Change Partnership Taskforce and asking for one to be established as soon as possible.”

 

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

 

“This Council acknowledges that in order to tackle the climate crisis we must empower and enable residents and council officers to take action. In order to enable everyone to act with sufficient urgency, the Council’s procedures must  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

39.

Motion Submitted by the Labour Group - Tackling Health Inequalities in Trafford

 

This Council notes:

 

-        From the beginning of the 20th century, England experienced continuous improvements in life expectancy but from 2011 these improvements slowed dramatically, almost grinding to a halt. For part of the decade 2010-2020 life expectancy actually fell in the most deprived communities outside London for women and in some regions for men. For men and women everywhere the time spent in poor health is increasing.

 

-        The health of the population is not just a matter of how well the health service is funded and functions, important as that is: health is closely linked to the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age and inequities in power, money and resources – the social determinants of health.

 

-        Government spending has decreased most in the most deprived places and cuts in services outside health and social care have hit more deprived communities hardest.

 

-        Approximately 11.6% of children aged 0-16 in Trafford (an estimated 5,085 children) live in poverty, with this percentage rising to almost 40% in some of the most deprived wards: well above the regional or national averages. Poverty and deprivation can damage the health and wellbeing of children and young people and have severe impacts on ‘life chances’.

 

-        Life expectancy is 9.3 years lower for men and 7.4 years lower for women in the most deprived areas of Trafford than in the least deprived areas.

 

-        The Marmot review into health inequalities of 2020 found that Covid 19 death rates were a quarter higher in Greater Manchester than the rest of England. The more impoverished a local authority, the higher its mortality rate.

 

This Council believes:

 

-        As a local authority we have a crucial role to play in tackling some of the widest and most entrenched health inequalities across our Borough.

 

-        Tackling health inequalities should be a priority across all the local authority’s areas of responsibility.

 

-        All councillors, whether members of the Executive or Scrutiny and in our community and casework roles, can play a positive role in championing the work we do to reduce health inequalities and tackle the wider determinants of health.

 

-        Levelling up will only succeed if there is investment across all local government.

 

This Council resolves to:

 

Consider how Trafford meet the six policy objectives of the Marmot review 2020 as part of Scrutiny, Health & Wellbeing Board and sub board work plans.

 

Give every child the best start in life.

 

Enable all children, young people and adults to maximise their capabilities and have control over their lives.

 

Create fair employment and good work for all.

 

Ensure a healthy standard of living for all.

 

Create and develop healthy and sustainable places and communities.

 

Develop a health and social care system that prioritises not just the treatment of ill health but also focuses on how it can be prevented in the first place.

 

Consider the health inequality impact on all our decision making.

 

Write to Ministers to request an urgent reversal of cuts to  ...  view the full agenda text for item 39.

Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“This Council notes:

 

-     From the beginning of the 20th century, England experienced continuous improvements in life expectancy but from 2011 these improvements slowed dramatically, almost grinding to a halt. For part of the decade 2010-2020 life expectancy actually fell in the most deprived communities outside London for women and in some regions for men. For men and women everywhere the time spent in poor health is increasing.

 

-     The health of the population is not just a matter of how well the health service is funded and functions, important as that is: health is closely linked to the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work and age and inequities in power, money and resources – the social determinants of health.

 

-     Government spending has decreased most in the most deprived places and cuts in services outside health and social care have hit more deprived communities hardest.

 

-     Approximately 11.6% of children aged 0-16 in Trafford (an estimated 5,085 children) live in poverty, with this percentage rising to almost 40% in some of the most deprived wards: well above the regional or national averages. Poverty and deprivation can damage the health and wellbeing of children and young people and have severe impacts on ‘life chances’.

 

-     Life expectancy is 9.3 years lower for men and 7.4 years lower for women in the most deprived areas of Trafford than in the least deprived areas.

 

-     The Marmot review into health inequalities of 2020 found that Covid 19 death rates were a quarter higher in Greater Manchester than the rest of England. The more impoverished a local authority, the higher its mortality rate.

 

This Council believes:

 

-     As a local authority we have a crucial role to play in tackling some of the widest and most entrenched health inequalities across our Borough.

 

-     Tackling health inequalities should be a priority across all the local authority’s areas of responsibility.

 

-     All councillors, whether members of the Executive or Scrutiny and in our community and casework roles, can play a positive role in championing the work we do to reduce health inequalities and tackle the wider determinants of health.

 

-     Levelling up will only succeed if there is investment across all local government.

 

This Council resolves to:

 

Consider how Trafford meet the six policy objectives of the Marmot review 2020 as part of Scrutiny, Health & Wellbeing Board and sub board work plans.

 

Give every child the best start in life.

 

Enable all children, young people and adults to maximise their capabilities and have control over their lives.

 

Create fair employment and good work for all.

 

Ensure a healthy standard of living for all.

 

Create and develop healthy and sustainable places and communities.

 

Develop a health and social care system that prioritises not just the treatment of ill health but also focuses on how it can be prevented in the first place.

 

Consider the health inequality impact on all our decision making.

 

Write to Ministers to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

40.

Motion Submitted by the Labour Group - Social Care Funding

 

Council notes that on 7 September this year the Prime Minister announced plans to reform how people pay for adult social care in England and the introduction of a new Health and Social Care Levy.

 

Council recognises that plans for adult social care reform are long overdue and that the financial sustainability of the sector is at risk. However this Council is deeply concerned that the Prime Minister’s announcement does not amount to reform; does not appear to improve the current funding position, and will have a significant financial impact on working people.

 

In particular, Council notes:

 

-     That the provision of social care is one of our most important duties as a local authority.

-     That the current situation in adult and children’s social care is an emergency after 11 years of austerity and that the funding of adult and children’s social care in England is in crisis.

-     That the overwhelming majority of funding arising from the new Health and Social Care Levy will be spent on dealing with the current NHS backlog rather than on social care.

-     That the Conservatives went into the 2019 election claiming they had a plan for social care which did not involve increasing income tax or National Insurance.

-     That a National Insurance increase impacts working people and struggling businesses without taxing income from unearned wealth.

-     That this proposal considers the future of adult social care funding only, and does nothing to address the issues in the funding of children’s social care.

 

Council, therefore, calls on the Government to review their proposed changes, to properly fund social care, and to look at a mechanism to do so that asks those with the broadest shoulders to pay their fair share of the burden.

 

Council resolves that the Leader of the Council write to the Prime Minister outlining these concerns.

Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“Council notes that on 7 September this year the Prime Minister announced plans to reform how people pay for adult social care in England and the introduction of a new Health and Social Care Levy.

 

Council recognises that plans for adult social care reform are long overdue and that the financial sustainability of the sector is at risk. However this Council is deeply concerned that the Prime Minister’s announcement does not amount to reform; does not appear to improve the current funding position, and will have a significant financial impact on working people.

 

In particular, Council notes:

 

-     That the provision of social care is one of our most important duties as a local authority.

-     That the current situation in adult and children’s social care is an emergency after 11 years of austerity and that the funding of adult and children’s social care in England is in crisis.

-     That the overwhelming majority of funding arising from the new Health and Social Care Levy will be spent on dealing with the current NHS backlog rather than on social care.

-     That the Conservatives went into the 2019 election claiming they had a plan for social care which did not involve increasing income tax or National Insurance.

-     That a National Insurance increase impacts working people and struggling businesses without taxing income from unearned wealth.

-     That this proposal considers the future of adult social care funding only, and does nothing to address the issues in the funding of children’s social care.

 

Council, therefore, calls on the Government to review their proposed changes, to properly fund social care, and to look at a mechanism to do so that asks those with the broadest shoulders to pay their fair share of the burden.

 

Council resolves that the Leader of the Council write to the Prime Minister outlining these concerns.”

 

Following a debate on the matter, the Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.

 

RESOLVED: That Council notes that on 7 September this year the Prime Minister announced plans to reform how people pay for adult social care in England and the introduction of a new Health and Social Care Levy.

 

Council recognises that plans for adult social care reform are long overdue and that the financial sustainability of the sector is at risk. However this Council is deeply concerned that the Prime Minister’s announcement does not amount to reform; does not appear to improve the current funding position, and will have a significant financial impact on working people.

 

In particular, Council notes:

 

-     That the provision of social care is one of our most important duties as a local authority.

-     That the current situation in adult and children’s social care is an emergency after 11 years of austerity and that the funding of adult and children’s social care in England is in crisis.

-     That the overwhelming majority of funding arising from the new Health and Social Care Levy will be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

41.

Motion Submitted by the Labour Group - Voter ID

 

Council notes Government plans to legislate to require people to show an approved form of identification in order to vote.

 

Council believes that this is an expensive and unnecessary change that will cost the taxpayer millions of pounds. In particular, Council recognises that:

 

-      Public confidence in the running of elections is at its highest since 2012.

-      Research for the Cabinet Office found that more than 2 million people do not have recognisable photographic ID.

-      Women are considerably less likely than men - and black people considerably less likely than white people - to have a driving licence; whilst certain ethnic groups are much less likely than the average to have a passport.

-      The cost of requiring photo ID at elections will be circa £40 million over the next decade.

-      At the last General Election there were 47 million registered electors and just one conviction for electoral personation.

 

This Council, therefore, opposes these changes which could lead to widespread disenfranchisement and voter suppression, with marginalised communities and those with protected characteristics the most likely to be impacted by this change.

Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“Council notes Government plans to legislate to require people to show an approved form of identification in order to vote.

 

Council believes that this is an expensive and unnecessary change that will cost the taxpayer millions of pounds. In particular, Council recognises that:

 

-     Public confidence in the running of elections is at its highest since 2012.

-     Research for the Cabinet Office found that more than 2 million people do not have recognisable photographic ID.

-     Women are considerably less likely than men - and black people considerably less likely than white people - to have a driving licence; whilst certain ethnic groups are much less likely than the average to have a passport.

-     The cost of requiring photo ID at elections will be circa £40 million over the next decade.

-     At the last General Election there were 47 million registered electors and just one conviction for electoral personation.

 

This Council, therefore, opposes these changes which could lead to widespread disenfranchisement and voter suppression, with marginalised communities and those with protected characteristics the most likely to be impacted by this change.”

 

(Note: During the debate, the time being 9:21 p.m., the Mayor indicated that speeches on this matter would now be limited to a maximum of two minutes par speaker.)

 

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

 

RESOLVED: That Council notes Government plans to legislate to require people to show an approved form of identification in order to vote.

 

Council believes that this is an expensive and unnecessary change that will cost the taxpayer millions of pounds. In particular, Council recognises that:

 

-     Public confidence in the running of elections is at its highest since 2012.

-     Research for the Cabinet Office found that more than 2 million people do not have recognisable photographic ID.

-     Women are considerably less likely than men - and black people considerably less likely than white people - to have a driving licence; whilst certain ethnic groups are much less likely than the average to have a passport.

-     The cost of requiring photo ID at elections will be circa £40 million over the next decade.

-     At the last General Election there were 47 million registered electors and just one conviction for electoral personation.

 

This Council, therefore, opposes these changes which could lead to widespread disenfranchisement and voter suppression, with marginalised communities and those with protected characteristics the most likely to be impacted by this change.