A maximum of 15 minutes will be allocated to public questions submitted in writing to Democratic Services (democratic.services@trafford.gov.uk) by 4 p.m. on the working day prior to the meeting. Questions must be relevant to items appearing on the agenda and will be submitted in the order in which they were received.

It was noted that no questions had been received for referral to this meeting.

Members to give notice of any interest and the nature of that interest relating to any item on the agenda in accordance with the adopted Code of Conduct.

No declarations were made by Executive Members.

To consider any matters referred by the Council or by the Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

It was noted that an interim report of the Scrutiny Task and Finish Group on Disability Access was to be submitted for consideration, as set out in the following Minute.

That the report be received and noted; that an interim response be promptly made to its interim recommendations; and that a further full response be made to the Scrutiny Committee in due course, after the production of the final report.

On behalf of the Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Winstanley introduced, and drew attention to the key features and recommendations of, the report of the Task and Finish Group. It was emphasised that the current report was interim in nature, and submitted at this stage in order to highlight immediate current opportunities to influence improvements in Disability Access via the Planning process. A final report would be presented to the Executive later in the year. In responding on behalf of the Executive, the Leader of the Council acknowledged the immediate focus of the interim report, and that it would be prudent to give it prompt consideration. It was agreed that the officers would give consideration to the interim recommendations within a period of ten days; and that the Executive would then consider the final report in the normal way, as and when it became available.

RESOLVED – That the report be received and noted; that an interim response be promptly made to its interim recommendations; and that a further full response be made to the Scrutiny Committee in due course, after the production of the final report.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Adult Social Care.

1. That the outcome of the consultation be noted.

2. That the response to the consultation be noted.

2.  That the outcome of the Equality Impact Assessment be noted.

4. That an inflationary uplift be approved of 4.86% to the hourly rate for standard homecare which will be an increase from £15.25 per hour to £15.99 per hour for 2020/21.

The Executive Member for Adult Social Care submitted a report which set out the outcomes from the “Fair Price for Care” consultation undertaken on the proposed hourly rate for Homecare for 20/21, and which accordingly recommended an hourly rate to be adopted.

            RESOLVED –

(1)       That the outcome of the consultation be noted.

(2)       That the response to the consultation be noted.

(3)       That the outcome of the Equality Impact Assessment be noted.

(4)       That an inflationary uplift be approved of 4.86% to the hourly rate for standard homecare which will be an increase from £15.25 per hour to £15.99 per hour for 2020/21.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Adult Social Care.

1. That the outcome of the consultation be noted.

2. That the response to the consultation be noted.

3. That the content of the EIA be noted.

4. That the following bed rates be approved for 2020/21:

1      An inflationary uplift of 3.83% for existing beds.

2      New bed rates for new spot placements from 1^st April 2020.

·         £560 for a post purchased residential bed

·         £626 for a spot purchased nursing bed

The Executive Member for Adult Social Care submitted a report which set out the outcomes from the “Fair Price for Care” consultation undertaken on the proposed bed rate for older people’s residential and nursing care places for 20/21, and which accordingly recommended an hourly rate to be adopted.

            RESOLVED –

(1)       That the outcome of the consultation be noted.

(2)       That the response to the consultation be noted.

(3)       That the content of the EIA be noted.

(4)       That the following bed rates be approved for 2020/21:

1     An inflationary uplift of 3.83% for existing beds.

2     New bed rates for new spot placements from 1^st April 2020.

·         £560 for a post purchased residential bed

·         £626 for a spot purchased nursing bed

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Children’s Social Care.

1. That the report be noted, including the methodology and approach used for the consultation process, the feedback received and the equality impact assessment. 

2. That the revised policy be approved for implementation with effect from 1 June 2020.

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Children’s Social Care submitted a report which set out details of the consultation which had been undertaken on the Council’s arrangements, and which in consequence proposed that a revised All Age Travel Assistance Policy for 2020/21 be implemented. Members’ attention was drawn to the key changes made in the revised policy; and the Executive was advised that, whilst limited responses had been received, those which were had been favourable to the proposals.

RESOLVED –

(1)       That the report be noted, including the methodology and approach used for the consultation process, the feedback received and the equality impact assessment. 

(2)       That the revised policy be approved for implementation with effect from 1 June 2020.

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

1. That the Options Appraisal report produced by ARUP be noted.

2. That it be approved that an application be made to the Registration Authority (Planning and Development Management Committee) that the former William Wroe Golf Course site be designated as a Town/Village Green to provide additional legal protection beyond its green belt status and planning policy protection.

3. That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place to complete and submit the application.

4. That it be acknowledged that the designation of William Wroe as a Town and Village Green may constitute a disposal under section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 and that such a disposal would be a disposal at undervalue; and that the disposal be approved as it promotes the social and environmental well-being of Flixton and its residents.

(v) That the undertaking be approved of further work to develop a masterplan for the William Wroe site and determine the most appropriate management and funding models.

The Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration submitted a report which provided an update on public engagement and options appraisal work which had been undertaken in relation to the former William Wroe golf course. In seeking the designation of the site as a Town and Village Green, it was also intended that the Executive would continue to develop a masterplan for the site and determine the most appropriate management and funding models. An opportunity was provided for Members to raise questions, which centred on the merits of alternative protection mechanisms, and implications more broadly across the borough.

RESOLVED –

(1)       That the Options Appraisal report produced by ARUP be noted.

(2)       That it be approved that an application be made to the Registration Authority (Planning and Development Management Committee) that the former William Wroe Golf Course site be designated as a Town/Village Green to provide additional legal protection beyond its green belt status and planning policy protection.

(3)       That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place to complete and submit the application.

(4)       That it be acknowledged that the designation of William Wroe as a Town and Village Green may constitute a disposal under section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 and that such a disposal would be a disposal at undervalue; and that the disposal be approved as it promotes the social and environmental well-being of Flixton and its residents.

(5)       That the undertaking be approved of further work to develop a masterplan for the William Wroe site and determine the most appropriate management and funding models.

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

That the application be approved to designate:

1. The Flixton Neighbourhood Plan Area as a Neighbourhood Area, in line with the Localism Act 2011 and the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 and;
2. The Flixton Neighbourhood Plan Forum as a Neighbourhood Forum in line with the Localism Act 2011 and the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012.

The Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration submitted a report which gave details of the application made to the Council by the Flixton Neighbourhood Plan Group formally to designate both a Neighbourhood Plan boundary and Forum for the purposes of plan making, and which provided a summary of consultation responses received in respect of the application. In introducing the report, the Leader of the Council noted his thanks to the community Group, and expressed his commitment to further collaborative working in the future.

            RESOLVED – That the application be approved to designate:

1.         The Flixton Neighbourhood Plan Area as a Neighbourhood Area, in line with the Localism Act 2011 and the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 and;

2.         The Flixton Neighbourhood Plan Forum as a Neighbourhood Forum in line with the Localism Act 2011 and the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012.

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

NOTE: A related report is to be considered in Part II of this agenda.

1. That the content of the Part I and Part II reports and the options identified for future housing and homelessness service delivery be noted.

2. That the preferred option, as set out in the Part II report, be approved.

3. That it be agreed to receive an update report in September 2020.

[NOTE: A related report was considered in Part II of this agenda.]

The Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration submitted a report which advised Members of the conclusion of the current contract with Salix Homes for the delivery of this service, and the need for an alternative arrangement. Full details of the options considered and a recommended course of action were considered in a related report in Part II of this agenda. (Minute 125 below refers and sets out formal resolutions accordingly.)

          RESOLVED -

(1)       That the content of the Part I and Part II reports and the options identified for future housing and homelessness service delivery be noted.

(2)       That the preferred option, as set out in the Part II report, be approved.

(3)       That it be agreed to receive an update report in September 2020.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality and Climate Change.

1. That the role of TfGM be noted, and the rollout of EV charge points across Greater Manchester (GM) that affects Trafford.

2. That the options that the Council has to consider be noted, and that further exploration be undertaken with regard to future rollout of EV charge points in Trafford.

3. That the continued rollout of EV charge points be supported; and that options be developed through soft market testing that seeks to maximise potential net revenue streams from the technology.

The Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality and Climate Change submitted a report which provided information for Members relating to the rollout and options associated with the introduction of Electric Vehicle (EV) charge points across Trafford. An opportunity was provided for Members to raise questions in relation to the content of the report. These centred on the interrelationship between the Government’s Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund and the provision already made by the Council in its current budget, the potential timing of developments related to both funding streams, intentions for temporary and permanent provision in relation to the Regent Road car park in Altrincham, and the potential for the Council to participate in different types of car club, as discussed in the report.

RESOLVED –

(1)       That the role of TfGM be noted, and the rollout of EV charge points across Greater Manchester (GM) that affects Trafford.

(2)       That the options that the Council has to consider be noted, and that further exploration be undertaken with regard to future rollout of EV charge points in Trafford.

(3)       That the continued rollout of EV charge points be supported; and that options be developed through soft market testing that seeks to maximise potential net revenue streams from the technology.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Culture and Leisure.

1. That approve in principle be given to the proposed transfer of the George H Carnall Leisure Centre (“GHC”) to the George Carnall Community Group (“GCCG”) as a Community Asset Transfer subject to:

              I.        Approval of full business case for the future operation of GHC by GCCG;

            II.        Completion of an agreement between the Council, Trafford Leisure Community Interest Company Limited (“Trafford Leisure”) and GCCG of the transition arrangements detailed in this report (“the Transition Agreement”);

           III.        Approval of the Secretary of State (if required) to the proposed disposal;

          IV.        A further report back to the Executive for final approval of the proposed transfer.

2. That it be agreed to fund the costs of keeping GHC open as detailed in the report during a transition period from the 1^st April to the 30^th September 2020 (“the Transition Period”) to allow for the further development of and finalisation of the proposals for the proposed Community Asset Transfer.

3. That it be formally requested that Trafford Leisure provide support to the Council and GCCG through the Transition Period, to be agreed as set out above.

4. That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Finance and Systems and the Corporate Director for Governance and Community Strategy, to agree the terms of the proposed Transition Agreement.

5. That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for Governance and Community Strategy to enter into the Transition Agreement and any other documents required to progress the proposed transfer to the point where further approval of the Executive is required in accordance with 1.IV above.

The Executive Member for Culture and Leisure submitted a report which sought approval in principle to progress with the process of a proposed Community Asset Transfer for George H. Carnall Leisure Centre, including a six month transition period from 1^st April to 30^th September 2020. The report set out details of the current position, the interest expressed by a local community group in managing the centre in the long term, the support which Trafford Leisure could offer at this stage and options for consideration. In discussing this item, Members expressed their acknowledgement of the work of the late Councillor Jane Baugh on this project in particular. An opportunity was provided for Members to raise questions on the report’s content; these principally related to the importance of a robust business plan for the centre’s operation, and the need for an approach which secured complementarity, and not competition, with the Urmston Leisure Centre.

            RESOLVED –

(1)       That approval in principle be given to the proposed transfer of the George H Carnall Leisure Centre (“GHC”) to the George Carnall Community Group (“GCCG”) as a Community Asset Transfer subject to:

              I.        Approval of full business case for the future operation of GHC by GCCG;

            II.        Completion of an agreement between the Council, Trafford Leisure Community Interest Company Limited (“Trafford Leisure”) and GCCG of the transition arrangements detailed in this report (“the Transition Agreement”);

           III.        Approval of the Secretary of State (if required) to the proposed disposal;

          IV.        A further report back to the Executive for final approval of the proposed transfer.

(2)       That it be agreed to fund the costs of keeping GHC open as detailed in the report during a transition period from the 1^st April to the 30^th September 2020 (“the Transition Period”) to allow for the further development of and finalisation of the proposals for the proposed Community Asset Transfer.

(3)       That it be formally requested that Trafford Leisure provide support to the Council and GCCG through the Transition Period, to be agreed as set out above.

(4)       That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Finance and Systems and the Corporate Director for Governance and Community Strategy, to agree the terms of the proposed Transition Agreement.

(5)       That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for Governance and Community Strategy to enter into the Transition Agreement and any other documents required to progress the proposed transfer to the point where further approval of the Executive is required in accordance with 1.IV above.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Public Safety, Governance and Reform.

The Executive Member for Public Safety, Governance and Reform submitted a report which provided a summary of performance against the Council’s Corporate Plan, 2019/20, covering the period from 1^st October to 31^st December 2020.

An opportunity was provided for Members to raise questions in relation to the report’s content. In response to a query regarding the presentation of statistics in relation to the Council’s complaints procedure, the Executive Member advised that if any details of concerns were notified to him, he would liaise with the officers with a view to addressing them.

RESOLVED – That the content of the Corporate Plan Quarter 3 Report be noted.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Finance and Investment and Corporate Director of Finance and Systems.

The Executive Member for Finance and Investment and the Corporate Director of Finance and Systems submitted a report which informed Members of the current 2019/20 forecast outturn figures relating to both Revenue and Capital budgets. It also summarised the latest forecast position for Council Tax and Business Rates within the Collection Fund.

In introducing the report, the Executive Member for Finance and Investment provided Members with a preliminary briefing on a range of key areas where the Covid-19 virus outbreak was likely to have a significant impact on the Council’s resource position, including: national interest rates, business rates and Council Tax income, emergency Government funding, and various categories of investment income. In discussion the need was acknowledged for a collaborative approach to assist the Council to meet the financial challenges it would undoubtedly face as the situation developed; and agreed that the Executive would continue to be briefed on emerging issues..

            RESOLVED –

(1)       That the report and the changes to the Capital Programme as detailed in paragraph 22 be noted.

(2)       That the movements in reserves set out in paragraph 10 of the report be noted.

Any other item or items which by reason of:-

(a)       Regulation 11 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, the Chairman of the meeting, with the agreement of the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairman, is of the opinion should be considered at this meeting as a matter of urgency as it relates to a key decision; or

(b)       special circumstances (to be specified) the Chairman of the meeting is of the opinion should be considered at this meeting as a matter of urgency.

The Late Councillor Jane Baugh

[Note: The Leader of the Council agreed to allow consideration of this item as Urgent Business in order that a timely tribute be paid to a recently deceased Member of the Council.]

On behalf of the Executive, the Leader of the Council referred to the recently-announced death of Councillor Jane Baugh. The Leader reminded Members of Councillor Baugh’s long service, in a broad range of Council capacities, including lately as a Member of the Executive. He expressed his appreciation for the duration and loyalty of her service, her caring and active role within the community, concern for the wellbeing of the Council’s staff, and passionate commitment to the interests of young people and of cultural activities in the borough, exemplified by her key role in the development of the Waterside Arts Centre. On behalf of the Opposition, the Shadow Executive Member for Culture and Leisure endorsed the Leader’s comments, noting that Councillor Baugh would be missed by the local community which she had served well. At the Leader’s invitation, a minute’s silence was held in commemoration of Councillor Baugh.

Motion   (Which may be amended as Members think fit):

            That the public be excluded from this meeting during consideration of the remaining items on the agenda, because of the likelihood of disclosure of “exempt information” which falls within one or more descriptive category or categories of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, as amended by The Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006, and specified on the agenda item or report relating to each such item respectively.

RESOLVED - That the public be excluded from this meeting during consideration of the remaining items on the agenda, because of the likelihood of disclosure of “exempt information” which falls within one or more descriptive category or categories of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, as amended by The Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006, and specified on the agenda item or report relating to each such item respectively.

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

NOTE: A related report is to be considered in Part I of this agenda.

 [NOTE: A related report was considered in Part I of this agenda.]

The Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration submitted a report which advised Members of the conclusion of the current contract with Salix Homes for the delivery of this service, and the need for an alternative arrangement. Details of the options considered and a recommended course of preferred action, with associated implications, were considered in the report, which supplemented the related report considered in Part I of this agenda. (Minute 118 above refers.) In discussion, Members raised questions, including in relation to the calculation of estimated future costs associated with service delivery.

          RESOLVED -

(1)       That the content of the Part I and Part II reports and the options identified for future housing and homelessness service delivery be noted.

(2)       That the preferred option, as set out in the Part II report, be approved.

(3)       That it be agreed to receive an update report in September 2020.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration and the Executive Member for Adult Social Care.

1. That the content of the report and the proposed next steps be noted.

2. That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place to make an offer for the properties of up to the amount specified in the report. 

3. That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place in consultation with the Leader of the Council and under advisement from the Corporate Director for Governance and Community Strategy and the Corporate Director for Finance and Systems to agree the terms of acquisition, similar to those set out in the report.

4. That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Adult Social Care to appoint an operating partner in relation to the business to be carried on within the properties, in consultation with the Corporate Director for Finance and Systems.

5. That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for Governance and Community Strategy to enter into and complete any legal documents required to acquire and provide care within the properties.

The Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration and Executive Member for Adult Social Care submitted a report which set out details of proposed property acquisition and the related procurement of an operator to permit the delivery of services to Trafford residents. It was noted that the proposal was aligned to the Council’s broader strategy in relation to service delivery; and that the properties also had potential to be suitable for alternative use, should this be appropriate at a future date. In discussions, Members’ concerns and preference for a temporary expedient were acknowledged; but the Executive was advised, given the specific and unusual circumstances of the opportunity, of the need for prompt and definitive action to be taken, which would also have significant short-term benefits for Trafford residents, as well as being in accordance with the Council’s preferred strategic approach. Members were also given reassurance that, in the event that unforeseen circumstances were to emerge, it would still be open to the Council to withdraw from the proposed transaction.

            RESOLVED -

(1)       That the content of the report and the proposed next steps be noted.

(2)       That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place to make an offer for the properties of up to the amount specified in the report. 

(3)       That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place in consultation with the Leader of the Council and under advisement from the Corporate Director for Governance and Community Strategy and the Corporate Director for Finance and Systems to agree the terms of acquisition, similar to those set out in the report.

(4)       That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Adult Social Care to appoint an operating partner in relation to the business to be carried on within the properties, in consultation with the Corporate Director for Finance and Systems.

(5)       That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for Governance and Community Strategy to enter into and complete any legal documents required to acquire and provide care within the properties.