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.

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.

The Leader asked the following question submitted to the Committee in writing on behalf of Mr Gould, who was unable to attend in person:

“The Friends of Trafford’s Parks and Green Spaces, a group representing ‘Friends’ groups across Trafford, would like to question the recommendation to proceed with the Tennis Investment Program option c and outsource Trafford’s tennis facilities to the Lawn Tennis Association.

The ‘Friends’ groups associated with the individual parks identified for inclusion in the program have been contacted for their opinions. We understand that almost all of the groups were against the proposal to select option c as it stands.

We do have real concerns that any consultation carried out up until now has not reached the key stakeholders i.e. those who would most often use Trafford’s tennis courts in a formal or casual way. We offered to help the program to gather opinions from Trafford’s tennis players via our social media and other avenues and thus help guide the Executive decision. This offer was not taken up. We strongly believe that option c should not be selected without much wider consultation with the users of Trafford’s tennis spaces. Can we ask that this change to tennis provision in Trafford is extensively consulted on before a decision is made.”

The Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, and Strategic Partnerships gave the following response:

“The outcome of the Tennis Investment Project is to ensure parks tennis courts are secured for future use. There is no transfer of ownership proposed as part of the Tennis Investment Project.

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) are offering funding to Trafford Council to improve tennis facilities in Trafford, this funding has a number of conditions, which include the installation of access gates, a sustainable operating model, secured free provision and the development of a secure sinking fund, these elements have been shown to increase usage, maintenance and sustainability in similar projects.

The feedback of the meetings held with Friends of Groups, has been shared with me of those only two have expressed their outright opposition to all elements of the proposal.

The council will engage in a full consultation on this project in the next phase. As part of the briefing offered to Friends of Groups, the phasing of the project was set out, which indicated that consultation would happen and was key part of the project. Once approval to consult has been obtained we would welcome support from stakeholders to promote engagement in this process.”

The Leader then invited Hanna Spencer to ask the questions she had submitted to the Committee in writing. Hanna proceeded to read out the following questions and the Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, and Strategic Partnerships provided the responses detailed below.

1.    Why haven’t local groups (including Friends groups) been properly consulted on the proposed charging? As far as I understand more information has been sought from you but not provided.

All the affected parks have been engaged with and have provided information on the proposals being discussed,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53.

To receive and, if so determined, to approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 24 October 2022 and 12 October 2022.

Councillor Butt stated that he had not received a response from the Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, and Strategic Partnerships and asked for a response to be provided. The Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, and Strategic Partnerships confirmed she would provide a response after the meeting.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings held 12 October 2022 and 24 October 2022 be agreed as an accurate record.

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

Councillor Acton introduced the Budget Scrutiny report. As part of his introduction Councillor Acton recognised the difficult situation the Council was working in with the post pandemic recovery and the cost-of-living crisis being particularly challenging. Councillor Acton drew the Committee’s attention to recommendation 2 of the report which asked that a report detailing the impact of the cost-of-living crisis upon residents and the actions the Council were taking to mitigate that impact be submitted to the Scrutiny Committee at their first meeting of the 2023/24 municipal year.

Following the introduction, the Leader welcomed the report and the involvement of Scrutiny in the Council’s budget process.

Councillor Acton informed the Executive of the outcome of the Scrutiny review of the feasibility of putting all the Council’s Green Spaces and parks into Fields in Trust. Councillor Acton informed the Committee that due to the costs associated it was the Scrutiny Committee’s Recommendation that the Council continued to utilise a range of approaches to protect the areas green spaces and parks including Fields in Trust. 

RESOLVED:

1)    That the report be noted and a response to the recommendations be submitted to the Budget Executive Meeting.

2)    That the Scrutiny Committee’s recommendation to Council be noted.

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

NOTE: An associated report is to be considered in Part II of the agenda.  

1) That the Content of the report be noted.

2) That the proposal to award the contract for the provision of parking enforcement and ancillary services to the winning bidder be approved.

3) That the delegation of authority to the Corporate Director for Place, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance and the Director of Finance and Systems, to agree final terms of the contract with the winning bidder be approved.

4) That the delegation of authority to the Director of Legal and Governance to enter into contracts as required to implement these recommendations be approved.

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration introduced the next item on the agenda, which also had a Part II element to be considered. The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration Explained that the current contract arrangements were due to come to an end in March 2023 and a joint re-tender exercise was being conducted by Trafford, Salford, and Tameside, although each authority would have their own contract in place. The report set out the details of the procurement exercise and that the Executive approve award of the contract to the winning bidder.

Councillor Butt asked for details regarding dispute resolution as part of the contract. In response the Corporate Director of Place informed Councillor Butt that dispute resolution would be handled in the Council’s statutory deadlines and would be conducted by the Council’s Parking enforcement team.

Councillor Welton asked whether the current civil enforcement officers would be retained and for details of the forthcoming ‘SMART’ technologies mentioned within the report. The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration responded that there were no staffing implications as part of the contract and that the ‘SMART’ technologies were covered within the Part II element of the report.

The Committee noted the report as the decision would be made after the Part II report had been considered.

[NOTE: Following the consideration of the Part II the recommendations were moved and agreed.]

RESOLVED:

1) That the Content of the report be noted.

2) That the proposal to award the contract for the provision of parking enforcement and ancillary services to the winning bidder be approved.

3) That the delegation of authority to the Corporate Director for Place, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance and the Director of Finance and Systems, to agree final terms of the contract with the winning bidder be approved.

4) That the delegation of authority to the Director of Legal and Governance to enter into contracts as required to implement these recommendations be approved.

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

1. That the final content of the Civic Quarter Area Action Plan (CQAAP), based on the CQAAP as submitted to the Secretary of State on 26^th November 2021 (see Appendix A) be approved, subject to the inclusion of:
   1. The final schedule of Main Modifications as recommended by the Inspector as necessary to make the CQAAP sound (see Appendix Cb);
   2. The changes to the policies map and parameter plans (see Appendix Bb); and
   3. The updated schedule of minor modifications (see Appendix Cc);   
2. That the submission of the CQAAP, as described in recommendation 1 above, to Full Council on 25th January 2023 for formal adoption be approved; and
3. That, based upon the urgency provisions detailed within the report, the decision shall not be subject to the call-in process. 

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration introduced the report and stated that the plan demonstrated Trafford Council recognised and valued the importance of strategic planning. The process had taken several years to conclude and had been subject to several reports to the Executive as well as a statutory examination phase. The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration drew the Committee’s attention to the wealth of supporting information provided. This was not unusual as it would be a working planning document used in the determination of planning applications.

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration stated that the plan provided a coherent flexible long-term guide to the Civic Quarter’s future development. The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration noted some key headlines from the report and the associated appendices. The highlights included the creation of new neighbourhoods with their own distinct identity, improving green infrastructure and promoting sustainable modes of Transport, the transformation of 20 hectares of Brownfield land, the delivery of green spaces, up to 4,000 new high-quality homes, and the potential for development of up to 50,000 square meters of new office and commercial space.  

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration informed the Committee that the plan would provide a mechanism to raise and coordinate developer contributions to support future development of the area. The Civic quarter area action plan was the first of several key strategic planning documents that would come to the Committee within the next year including the Trafford design guide and, hopefully, the adoption of places for everyone, which would support the new local plan.

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration concluded her introduction by thanking the residents, businesses, and developers that had taken part in the process and offered a particular thank you to the officers for the many years of work which had gone into developing the plans to this stage.

Following the introduction, Councillor Butt welcomed the report and the support for further development of the Lancashire County Cricket Club as a venue for world class sporting events.

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration then moved the recommendations of the report, the Leader seconded the recommendations, and they were approved by the Committee.

RESOLVED:

1)    That the final content of the Civic Quarter Area Action Plan (CQAAP), based on the CQAAP as submitted to the Secretary of State on 26^th November 2021 (see Appendix A) be approved, subject to the inclusion of:

a.    The final schedule of Main Modifications as recommended by the Inspector as necessary to make the CQAAP sound (see Appendix Cb);

b.    The changes to the policies map and parameter plans (see Appendix Bb); and

c.     The updated schedule of minor modifications (see Appendix Cc);   

2)    That the submission of the CQAAP, as described in recommendation 1 above, to Full Council on 25th January 2023 for formal adoption be approved; and

3)    That, based upon the urgency provisions detailed within the report, the decision shall not be subject to the call-in process. 

To consider a report from the Executive Member for Environmental Services.

1. That the submission of an application to the Secretary of State for Transport to allow the Council to utilise powers under Part 6 of Traffic Management Act legislation relative to Moving Traffic Offences be approved.

2. That the use of powers that allows postal penalties to be used together with future use of approved devices for Civil Enforcement of parking as detailed in section 9 and 10 of the report be approved.

3. That the delegation of authority to the Corporate Director of Place and Director of Legal & Governance and Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Executive Member for Environment Services, in relation to any amendments that maybe required as part of the submission for the application for powers be approved.

4. That the delegation of authority to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Environmental Services, to propose and implement any new locations for enforcement in the future in accordance with the consultation requirements of the Act and as set out in Section 8 be approved.

The Executive Member for Environmental Services introduced the report on parking enforcement, which included details of the proposed changes, a timeline for delivery of the plans, details of the outcomes of consultations carried out, and a description of the changes to the Council’s powers. The Leader welcomed the report and how the additional monies raised would be able to fund the improvement of transport links within the borough. The Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing, and Equalities also welcomed the report stating that the measures would help to address issues continually reported by residents.

Councillor Frass noted the report stated further zones could be set without consultation and asked for further clarification. The Executive Member for Environmental Services responded to Councillor Frass and informed him that while the report did delegate additional powers to himself with the agreement of officers it was to enable the Council to utilise those powers to tackle traffic problems in a timely manner. The Executive Member for Environmental Services assured the Committee that Ward Councillors would be consulted with before further developments were implemented.

Councillor Whetton noted that many yellow lines across Trafford were warn, making them hard to discern, and hoped that they would be refreshed and made clear before people were punished using the new powers. Councillor Whetton questioned the junctions that had been selected and asked that something be done to consult with drivers. In response to Councillor Whetton the Executive Member for Environmental Services asked for any Councillors aware of faded lines to report them to him or the relevant officers so they could be addressed. The Executive Member for Environmental Services then spoke about the issues he was aware of with the junctions chosen and informed the Committee why the additional enforcement set out within the report was needed. The Corporate Director of Place added that there were no new powers or box junctions being created but rather a transfer of existing powers from the Police to the Council to enforce existing restrictions. A six-month grace period would be given for infringement of any box junctions created unless it was a second offence within the six-month period.

Councillor Blackburn stated that sufficient notice was not provided to motorists that the road narrowed at the two junctions chosen and asked whether something could be done to address that issue. The Leader responded that this would be picked up after the meeting.

Councillor Newgrosh asked whether there would be any profits after the costs were accounted for and how they would be used. The Executive Member for Environmental Services responded to Councillor Newgrosh informing him that it was difficult to calculate profits and any profits generated would have to be used to support transport within the borough.

Councillor Newgrosh noted that there were only 58 responses to the Council’s consultation and asked whether the outcomes were considered valid given the low level of responses received. The Executive Member for Environmental Services noted the low level of responses, although it was in line with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods and the Executive Member for Environmental Services.

1)    That the feasibility considerations relevant to the creation of a Temporary Stopping Place be noted.

2)    That plans for a Temporary Stopping Place at Boyer Street be subject to local consultation.

3)    That delegation of authority to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Members for Housing and Neighbourhoods and Environmental Services, to make the decision on whether to proceed following consultation and, if appropriate, all subsequent steps in developing a Temporary Stopping Place be approved.

4)    That a review of the site’s operation, if it is progressed, following the first summer season be approved.

The Executive Member for Environmental Services introduced the report and informed the Committee that the Council had been looking at the impact of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller visits to the borough over the last two years. The Committee were also informed that the report and the recommendations were not the end of the work, as more long-term solutions would be sought as part of the new local plan. The Executive Member for Environmental Services concluded his introduction by endorsing the measures laid out within the report. 

The Executive Member for Climate Change and Transport Strategy noted the work had started with the Scrutiny committee conducting a task and finish group which engaged council officers and interested parties and led to a set of practical recommendations being produced for implementation in a relatively short timescale. The Executive Member for Climate Change and Transport Strategy stated that it was some of the best work he had seen Scrutiny do during his time as a Councillor and asked Councillor Acton to pass hid feedback onto the Committee at their next meeting.

The Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Equalities added that it was important for the item to come to the Committee and welcomed the progress Trafford had made around Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller visits to the area.

Councillor Acton welcomed the feedback from the Executive Member for Climate Change and Transport Strategy, the Executive’s response to the work of scrutiny, and the recommendations within the report to establish a temporary stopping site within the borough.

Councillor Blackburn raised concerns about the proposed site as there was no access to water and the site was used as an unofficial car park by people attending matches at Old Trafford Football Ground. Councillor Adshead responded to Councillor Blackburn’s concerns and informed the Committee that many of the sites which had been visited in the last two years did not have access to water and that the Council would investigate people using the site for parking on match days.

Councillor Jerrome welcomed the report and asked whether the training which had been delivered as part of the task and finish group work would continue to be rolled out and whether the Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller Community would be consulted on the recommendations. The Leader responded to Councillor Jerrome stating that he wanted the training to continue to be delivered and the Executive Member for Environmental Services added that all affected communities would be consulted with. 

The Leader then moved the recommendations of the report, and they were approved.

RESOLVED:

1)    That the feasibility considerations relevant to the creation of a Temporary Stopping Place be noted.

2)    That plans for a Temporary Stopping Place at Boyer Street be subject to local consultation.

3)    That delegation of authority to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Members for Housing and Neighbourhoods and Environmental Services, to make the decision on whether to proceed following consultation and, if appropriate, all subsequent steps in developing a Temporary  ...  view the full minutes text for item 59.

To consider a report from the Leader and the Director of Finance and Systems.

1)    That the use of proposed relief and support schemes as detailed in the report in line with the government guidance be approved;

2)    That the proposed eligibility criteria as detailed in the report be approved;

3)    That the minor wording changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme be approved.

The Leader introduced the report by stating that the Council would be following the guidance provided by the Government on business rates support. The Leader informed the Committee that the Council had additional funding for the Council Tax support scheme which meant 3,400 recipients would receive up to an extra hundred pounds of support over the course of the year. The Leader concluded his introduction by stating that there were no other significant changes to the current council tax support scheme, which remained one of if not the most generous schemes in Greater Manchester.

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration welcomed the report as there were a lot of residents who struggled with their council tax bills in Trafford.

The Leader then moved the recommendations of the report, and they were approved.

RESOLVED:

1)    That the use of proposed relief and support schemes as detailed in the report in line with the government guidance be approved;

2)    That the proposed eligibility criteria as detailed in the report be approved;

3)    That the minor wording changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme be approved.

To consider a report from the Leader and the Director of Finance and Systems.

The Leader went through the budget report and informed the Committee that the outturn was estimated at £4.97M in period 8 which was an improvement of £1.09M since period 6 and if the impact of inflation was taken away the Council would have achieved an underspend during the year. The Leader listed some key overspends during the year which included the £656K overspend in children's placements and £1.266M overspend in home to school transport. The Council’s strategic investments were estimated to be £1.89M lower than forecasted and there was a £1.93M underspend in the Staffing budget. There was also £2.23M of investment income from surplus cash balances for the year to date due to the increases to the base interest rates by the bank of England. Following his introduction, the Leader welcomed any questions from the Committee and those in attendance.

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration noted the hard work that had gone into managing the Council budget during the difficult times the Council faced and the fact that the Council would have achieved an underspend if it was not for the impact of inflation was testament to that work. The Leader thanked the Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration for her comments and stated that the Council’s ability to manage the impacts of inflation were in large part due to the efforts of the Corporate Leadership Team, in particular the Director of Finance and Systems and his team.

Councillor Whetton asked whether more information could be shared on the impact of the cost-of-living crisis upon council tax income. The Corporate Director of Finance and Systems responded to Councillor Whetton that council tax receipts within Trafford were buoyant and had been during the pandemic and it appeared as though it would continue to be buoyant during the cost-of-living crisis. The Corporate Director of Finance and Systems added that this was monitored regularly and the latest figures showed the Council’s position was healthy.

Councillor Newgrosh asked for the reasons behind the home to school transport overspend. The Leader responded to Councillor Newgrosh informing him that the overspend was in part due to the cost of fuel, the difficulty of finding providers, and an increase in demand. The Corporate Director of Children’s Services added that the Council had seen an exponential increase in Educational Help and Care Plans (EHCPs) which when combined with the high demand for school places meant more children with EHCPs had to travel further to school.

Councillor Jerrome noted on page 54 of the report that there had been a rise in emissions on the A56 and asked whether the budget was failing to reduce emissions on that road. The Leader stated that he would have to review that section of the report and get back to Councillor Jerrome.

The Leader then moved the recommendations of the report, and they were approved.

RESOLVED:

1)    That the updated summary positions on the revenue budget, collection fund, capital programme and Prudential Indictors be noted.

2)    That the virement  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.

To consider a report from the Leader and Director of Finance and Systems.

1)             That the necessary work as detailed in the report undertaken to prepare Trafford Council to make a Real Living Wage (RLW) Accreditation application be noted;

2)             That the associated expenditure of circa. £25,000 in 2022/2023 which will be split 50/50 between the Council and schools be noted;

3)             That the annual accreditation fee detailed in the report be noted; and

4)             That the proposal to submit a RLW Accreditation application in January 2023 as detailed in the report be approved.

The Leader introduced the report and was pleased to announce that the Council was receiving the accreditation and noted the work of his predecessor in moving the Council towards this achievement, which had been many years in the making. The Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing, and Equalities also welcomed the report and what it meant for workers and their families during the difficult times.

The Leader then moved the recommendations of the report, and they were approved.

RESOLVED:

1)    That the necessary work as detailed in the report undertaken to prepare Trafford Council to make a Real Living Wage (RLW) Accreditation application be noted;

2)    That the associated expenditure of circa. £25,000 in 2022/2023 which will be split 50/50 between the Council and schools be noted;

3)    That the annual accreditation fee detailed in the report be noted; and

4)    That the proposal to submit a RLW Accreditation application in January 2023 as detailed in the report be approved.

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

1.    That the implementation of a sustainable operating model as set out in this report, including the introduction of a charging policy be approved.

2.    That the delegation of authority to the Corporate Director of Place to procure an operator and to agree the terms of the LTA funding and finalise the terms of any funding agreement be approved.

3.    That the delegation of authority to the Director of Legal and Governance to enter into any documents required to implement the above decisions.

The Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, and Strategic Partnerships introduced the report and asked the Executive Members and those in attendance to focus upon the words of investment and sustainability within the report. The Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, and Strategic Partnerships informed the Committee of the condition of the tennis courts across the borough with some being in a state of disrepair and only two listed as being in good condition. The Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, and Strategic Partnerships welcomed the investment within this asset and hoped that this would lead to the courts being used for tennis and improve the health and wellbeing of the Trafford population.

The Committee were asked to note that it would mean the introduction of gates on the courts and charging for their use. The Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, and Strategic Partnerships recognised the work of the Friends of Parks groups across the borough, but they were not able to provide all the support required to sustain the courts. The Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, and Strategic Partnerships concluded the introduction by stating that there was still more work needed to deliver the programme of work.

The Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing, and Equalities was surprised at how poor the level of repair of tennis courts was across the area and agreed that there was a need to change the Councils approach to guarantee the facilities remained available in Trafford.

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration had looked at other areas where the model had been implemented and had found that it had increased access to and use of tennis courts in those areas.

Councillor Jerrome asked when further consultation would be conducted and whether any details of that consultation were available. The Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, and Strategic Partnerships welcomed Councillor Jerome’s involvement and agreed to contact him with the details of the consultation when they became available.

Councillor Butt asked how confident the LTA were that the courts across Trafford would become self-sustaining. Councillor Butt also asked whether the £125K costs in the report were for the gates or the repairs. The Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, and Strategic Partnerships asked Councillor Butt to contact her with the wording for the question he wanted to ask the LTA about funding. The Executive Member for Culture, Leisure, and Strategic Partnerships informed Councillor Butt that the LTA would pay to put the gates in place and the Council would then maintain them.

Following the discussions, the Leader moved the recommendations of the report, and they were approved.

RESOLVED:

1)    That the implementation of a sustainable operating model as set out in this report, including the introduction of a charging policy be approved.

2)    That the delegation of authority to the Corporate Director of Place to procure an operator and to agree the terms of the LTA funding and finalise the terms of any funding agreement be approved.

3)    That the delegation of authority to the Director of Legal and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63.

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

1)    That the outcome of the consultation be noted

2)    Considers the response to the consultation

3)    That the following fee rates be approved for implementation from April 2023:

·                 Homecare : 8.74% inflationary uplift  -  this equates to £19.66 p/hr for framework homecare providers.

·                 Residential and Nursing Care Homes : 9.17% inflationary uplift

·                 Residential Bed Rate: £657.90

·                 Nursing Bed Rate:       £735.43

4)    The Executive confirm that in approving the above, it has taken into consideration the Council’s Public Sector Equality duty.

The Executive Member for Adult Social Care introduced the report and informed the Committee that it was a statutory requirement for the Council to consult with providers on the fair price for care. The Executive Member for Adult Social Care explained the steps that had been taken as part of the consultation and the process for determining the final uplift. The exercise had reached final figures of an 8.47% uplift for Home Care and a 9.17% uplift for Residential and Nursing Homes.

Councillor Whetton welcomed the report and the size of the reward obtained.

The Leader thanked the Executive Member for Adult Social Services and the Corporate Director for Adults and Wellbeing for their work in producing the report. The Leader then moved the recommendations, and they were approved.

RESOLVED:

1)  That the outcome of the consultation be noted

2)  Considers the response to the consultation

3)  That the following fee rates be approved for implementation from April 2023:

·     Homecare: 8.74% inflationary uplift - this equates to £19.66 p/hr for framework homecare providers.

·     Residential and Nursing Care Homes: 9.17% inflationary uplift

·     Residential Bed Rate: £657.90

·     Nursing Bed Rate:       £735.43

4)  The Executive confirm that in approving the above, it has taken into consideration the Council’s Public Sector Equality duty.

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

1)    That the report be noted.

2)    That the Executive recommends Council approves the following;

·       That the implementation dates for age limits for existing licensed vehicles are amended as per Standard 2 in Table B, within section 6 of the report;

·       That the implementation dates for emission standards for existing licensed vehicles are amended as per Standard 3 in Table B, within section 6 of the report;

·       That the decision to further amend the implementation dates for age limits and emission standards for existing licensed vehicles, as per Standard 2 and Standard 3 in Table C, within section 6 of the report, are delegated to the Corporate Director, Place in consultation with the Executive Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods, where there are further delays to the introduction of the Clean Air Plan and the taxi funding support package, and it would not be appropriate to introduce the implementation dates in Table B of the report.

The Executive Member for Environmental Services introduced the report on behalf of the Executive Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods. The Executive Member for Environmental Services provided a brief explanation of what was covered within the report and which drivers would be impacted by the changes before opening the floor for questions.

Councillor Whetton asked what percentage of the cars impacted by the changes came from outside of the borough to operate within the area. The Corporate Director of Place responded that the Council were unable to provide that information as the Council did not have powers to make out of borough drivers report into Trafford.

Councillor Blackburn asked for the Executive to continue to push for swivel chairs to be fitted within black cabs as they were proven to be very useful for those who had limited mobility.

Following the discussion, the Leader moved the recommendations of the report, and they were approved.

RESOLVED:

1)    That the report be noted.

2)    That the Executive recommends Council approves the following;

·       That the implementation dates for age limits for existing licensed vehicles are amended as per Standard 2 in Table B, within section 6 of the report;

·       That the implementation dates for emission standards for existing licensed vehicles are amended as per Standard 3 in Table B, within section 6 of the report;

·       That the decision to further amend the implementation dates for age limits and emission standards for existing licensed vehicles, as per Standard 2 and Standard 3 in Table C, within section 6 of the report, are delegated to the Corporate Director, Place in consultation with the Executive Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods, where there are further delays to the introduction of the Clean Air Plan and the taxi funding support package, and it would not be appropriate to introduce the implementation dates in Table B of the report.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing, and Equalities.

The Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing, and Equalities introduced the report and detailed how the strategy had originally been agreed between Trafford CCG and the Council but due to the changes within the NHS structure the strategy needed to be revised. The Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing, and Equalities went through the changes that had been made to the strategy which included the ongoing health and wellbeing work across the borough to improve safety for women to move around the borough and reducing the prevalence of vaping and racism within schools, which included a new prevent officer being appointed in January 2023.

The Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing, and Equalities informed the Committee that the former Leader had accepted an award from the Voice of BME in August 2022 on behalf of the Council in recognition of the work done within the community. The Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing, and Equalities gave an overview of the recent work being done around equalities within the borough which included work on the language used to refer to the areas Black and Asian minority population, which was to be covered in a further report to the Executive in March.

Following the introduction, the Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration welcome the report and expressed her interest in receiving the census update to see the changes within the Trafford population. The Leader noted that the census maps were available to view and work was ongoing that would be brought to the Committee at a later date.

The Leader then moved the recommendations of the report, and they were approved.

RESOVED:

1)    That the contents of the report be noted; and

2)    That the proposal for a further progress report containing updates on the success measures within the Corporate Equality Strategy to be presented in July 2023 be approved.

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.

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

NOTE: An associated report is to be considered in Part I of the agenda.

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration went through the restricted part of the report before giving opportunity for questions to be asked.

Questions were received from Councillor Welton around the reasons why the provider was chosen and the Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration stated that she would provide additional information to Councillor Welton after the meeting.

Councillor Blackburn asked what would happen to any profits received and the Corporate Director of Place answered that they would be spent on highway services.

The Leader moved the recommendations and they were approved.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted and recommendations approved.

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

1)    That the undertaking of re-procurement of an external operator and lessee for Altrincham Market in line with the recommendations within the report be approved.

2)    That the appointment of professional advisors to provide commercial support to the project be approved.

3)    That development of a vision for Altrincham Market and delegation of authority to the Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration to approve the vision be approved in principle.

4)    That the delegation of authority to the Corporate Director, Place to negotiate, finalise and agree the terms of all agreements and contracts be approved.

5)    That the delegation of authority to the Director of Legal and Governance to enter into any contracts, agreements or deeds required to implement the above be approved.

6)    It be noted that a further report will be brought to Executive to confirm the outcome of the procurement exercise and to seek approval to award the new contract(s).

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration introduced the Part II report which covered why action was being taken at this time and the details of the process that the Council would follow. The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration also explained to the Committee the reasons why the report was being considered in Part II of the meeting.

After the introduction, Councillor Coggins asked that ward Councillors be kept updated on progress. Councillor Coggins also asked about the Council’s process and the timelines for completion and the Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration provided a detailed response.

Following the discussion, the Leader moved the recommendations and they were approved.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted and recommendations approved.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Environmental Services.

1)    That the proposal to in-source the waste minimisation team and a business support officer to the Council, as detailed in the report, be approved;

2)    That the delegation of authority to the Corporate Director for Place, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance, to agree the final terms for the transfer of staff back into the Council be approved;

3)    That the delegation of authority to the Corporate Director for Place, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance to agree terms and conditions of relevant contractual documents as required be approved.

The Executive Member for Environmental Services introduced the report and informed the Committee that the changes laid out within the report would be of great benefit to the Council and would support improvements within the borough.

Following the introduction opportunity was provided for questions to be asked but none were raised.

The Leader moved the recommendations, which were approved.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted and recommendations approved.