Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Committee Room 2 and 3, Trafford Town Hall, Talbot Road, Stretford, M32 0TH.. View directions

Contact: Jo Maloney 

Items
No. Item

112.

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

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.

Minutes:

In connection with Item 119 below, the Executive was advised of receipt of the following question, which had been raised by a member of the public:

 

“Noting that:

  - The survey started with a mandatory and binary yes/no question "do you support (all of) the proposed cycle route improvements" which potentially prevented anyone who supported some but not all elements of the proposals from completing the survey.

 - The recommendation in item 2.4 for "Provision of semi-bound surface treatment for the routes to cater for all users including, equestrians, cyclists and pedestrians;" is unlikely to make cycling easy and attractive enough for the target market: people who don't currently cycle.

 - Members of the cycle forum have been clear and consistent throughout: if the objective is to enable as many people as possible to cycle in all seasons then an unsealed surface would not be suitable. Unsealed surfaces are not durable or easy to cycle on and it could be argued that reinstating them would be maintenance work rather than appropriate use of a capital investment.

 - The BHS's path surfacing document states that "Recent successes have occurred using resin-bound rubber crumb to provide a hard surface that can look like tarmac, is easily used by cycles and wheelchairs but is also excellent under foot for pedestrians and riders. This is a surface that the BHS recommends for shared use construction."

 - A meeting between representatives of Trafford Cycle Forum and OTP to consider the proposals in detail did not materialise.

 - The report does not mention the Mayor's Challenge Fund, with its potential to provide further investment if required. There is also no mention of any work so far or commitment or requirement to ensure the paths selected for this scheme form useful parts of the proposed Bee Network.

Please can you provide reassurances that existing and future input from the cycle forum will be considered as the scheme is developed, to ensure that any new or upgraded paths will be integral parts of the wider network that attract people who don't currently cycle, in order to achieve best value and support the GMCA Made To Move agenda?”

 

The Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality and Climate Change made the following response:

 

“As Executive Member with responsibilities for the encouragement of all sustainable travel modes in Trafford, including enhancements to the cycle network, I can give assurances that further consultation with the Trafford Cycle Forum and other stakeholders will be undertaken.

 

As the Members will be aware, a public consultation was held in late 2018 on proposals to improve the walking and cycling network between Sale Water Park and Urmston. This is a joint project between Highways England / Trafford Council. Based on the consultation responses there was significant support for enhancing and improving the existing networks and that there are competing aspirations for the various groups (walkers / cyclists / horse riders).  The final solution will, therefore, have to balance these demands.

Following on from the public consultation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 112.

113.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

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.

Minutes:

Councillor Lloyd declared a Personal Interest in Item 118 below (Trafford Homelessness Strategy) in relation to her trusteeship of Trafford Domestic Abuse Services.

114.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 143 KB

To receive and, if so determined, to approve as a correct record the Minutes of the following meetings:

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Budget Executive Meeting and Executive Meeting held on 20th and 25th February 2019 respectively be approved as correct records.

115.

MATTERS FROM COUNCIL OR OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEES (IF ANY)

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

Minutes:

The Executive received and gave initial consideration to two Scrutiny reports, as set out in the following Minutes. In addition, Councillor Acton, as Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, noted that the Committee’s working group on Climate Change had already held one meeting; and that a further meeting was to be held on 11th April, 2019.

116.

Task and Finish Report: One Trafford Partnership pdf icon PDF 194 KB

Decision:

1. That the report be received, and that its content and recommendations be noted.

 

2. That a formal response be made to Scrutiny Committee in due course.

Minutes:

Councillor Acton, as Chair of Scrutiny Committee, introduced the report of the Task and Finish Group’s review of the One Trafford Partnership, drawing the Executive’s attentions to the recommendations set out in the report. On behalf of the Executive, the Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality and Climate Change advised that the report would be considered and a formal response made to the Scrutiny Committee in due course.

 

            RESOLVED -

 

(1)       That the report be received, and that its content and recommendations be noted.

 

(2)       That a formal response be made to Scrutiny Committee in due course.

117.

Task & Finish Report: Period Poverty

Additional documents:

Decision:

1. That the report be received, and that its content and recommendations be noted.

 

2. That a formal response be made to Health Scrutiny Committee in due course.

Minutes:

Councillor Taylor, as Vice-Chair of the Health Scrutiny Committee, introduced the report of the task and Finish Group on Period Poverty, drawing attention to key features of the report and its recommendations, and thanking the Members and officers who had supported its production. Members of the Executive welcomed the report, acknowledging the impact and significance of the issues it raised; and it was agreed that a formal response would be made to the Scrutiny Committee in due course.

 

            RESOLVED -

 

(1)       That the report be received, and that its content and recommendations be noted.

 

(2)       That a formal response be made to Health Scrutiny Committee in due course.

118.

TRAFFORD HOMELESSNESS STRATEGY AND DRAFT ACTION PLAN 2019-2024 pdf icon PDF 229 KB

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

Additional documents:

Decision:

That the Trafford Homelessness Strategy and Draft Action Plan 2019-2024 be approved for publication.

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Communities and Housing submitted a report seeking approval for the new Homelessness Strategy (2019-2024) which had been produced to identify the key priorities and the actions required to deliver them by the Council and other key stakeholders over the next 5 years. It was noted that the current Strategy and Action Plan as presented took account of consultation feedback.

 

RESOLVED - That the Trafford Homelessness Strategy and Draft Action Plan 2019-2024 be approved for publication.

119.

URMSTON TO SALE WATER PARK: CYCLE / WALKING / EQUESTRIAN IMPROVEMENT SCHEME pdf icon PDF 701 KB

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

Additional documents:

Decision:

1. That the results of the consultation be noted.

 

2. That approval be given for the scheme be developed and progressed as per Section 2.4 of the report.

 

3. That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director, Place to submit a planning application, and to make minor changes to the scheme.

 

4. That the new bridge be adopted as a highway structure.

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality & Climate Changesubmitted a report which set out proposals, following consultation, for the use of a grant awarded to the Council to improve cycling facilities running adjacent to the M60 within the Mersey Valley between Urmston and Sale Water Park. It was noted that the scheme was within the boundaries of Trafford Council and Manchester City Council, and that the aim of the improvements was to provide more attractive, safe, accessible and integrated facilities linking to the wider network. An opportunity was provided for Members to raise questions on the content of the report; these centred on linkages to wider schemes in the locality, the potential impact on recreational and commuting cyclists respectively, and the distinction between funding from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund and Highways England respectively.

 

            RESOLVED -

 

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

 

(2)       That approval be given for the scheme be developed and progressed as per Section 2.4 of the report.

 

(3)       That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director, Place to submit a planning application, and to make minor changes to the scheme.

 

(4)       That the new bridge be adopted as a highway structure.

120.

GREATER MANCHESTER'S CLEAN AIR PLAN - TACKLING NITROGEN DIOXIDE EXCEEDANCES AT THE ROADSIDE - OUTLINE BUSINESS CASE pdf icon PDF 996 KB

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

PLEASE NOTE: Annex 3 contains 28 separate documents, indexed at the beginning of the annex.

Additional documents:

Decision:

1. That it be noted that the Council is legally obliged to produce a feasibility study to identify the option which will deliver compliance with the requirement to meet legal limits fornitrogen dioxide following the Secretary of State issuing a direction under the Environment Act 1995.

 

2. That the feasibility study undertaken to date be adopted.

 

3. That it be noted that further stakeholder engagement and public consultation is an essential part of the process to help inform and refine ongoing work to produce a Full Business Case by the end of the calendar year.

 

4. That the Outline Business Case be approved for submission to the government's Joint Air Quality Unit.

 

5. That government be required to provide the financial support necessary to enable the Council to meet its legal limits fornitrogen dioxide.

 

6. That it be noted that despite this council being required to address nitrogen oxide exceedances the government has not yet addressed this issue for its own assets, including Highways England and the motorway network.

 

7. That the commencement of the public conversation and engagement activity from 15 May 2019 be approved.

 

8. That it be noted that further reports will be submitted to Executive on:

     - the proposals for statutory consultation, informed by the outcome of the public conversation and engagement.

      -   formal approval of the Full Business Case.

 

9. That it be Agree that TfGM continue with the activity to produce the Full Business Case on their behalf under the direction of the Greater Manchester Clean Air Steering Group.

 

10. That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director, Place the approval of submission of supplementary information.

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality & Climate Changesubmitted a report which set out the key features of Greater Manchester’s feasibility study and its Outline Business Case (OBC) to reduce nitrogen dioxide exceedances in Trafford and across Greater Manchester in the shortest possible time. This OBC had been developed by Trafford collectively with all Greater Manchester local authorities and the GMCA, and co-ordinated by TfGM in line with Government direction and guidance. It was noted that this represented the commencement of a consultation period, and that approval of the final business case would be referred to Council for approval in due course. An opportunity was provided for members to raise questions on the report’s content, which related to: linkages to other initiatives aimed at enhancing air quality; envisaged timescales for compliance; the applicability of the proposals to different categories of road user; and the nature and envisaged extent of the proposed delegation to the Corporate Director, Place.

 

            RESOLVED -

 

(1)       That it be noted that the Council is legally obliged to produce a feasibility study to identify the option which will deliver compliance with the requirement to meet legal limits for nitrogen dioxide following the Secretary of State issuing a direction under the Environment Act 1995.

 

(2)       That the feasibility study undertaken to date be adopted.

 

(3)       That it be noted that further stakeholder engagement and public consultation is an essential part of the process to help inform and refine ongoing work to produce a Full Business Case by the end of the calendar year.

 

(4)       That the Outline Business Case be approved for submission to the government's Joint Air Quality Unit.

 

(5)       That government be required to provide the financial support necessary to enable the Council to meet its legal limits for nitrogen dioxide.

 

(6)       That it be noted that despite this council being required to address nitrogen oxide exceedances the government has not yet addressed this issue for its own assets, including Highways England and the motorway network.

 

(7)       That the commencement of the public conversation and engagement activity from 15 May 2019 be approved.

 

(8)       That it be noted that further reports will be submitted to Executive on:

- the proposals for statutory consultation, informed by the outcome of the public conversation and engagement.

           formal approval of the Full Business Case.

 

(9)       That it be Agree that TfGM continue with the activity to produce the Full Business Case on their behalf under the direction of the Greater Manchester Clean Air Steering Group.

 

(10)     That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director, Place the approval of submission of supplementary information.

121.

SAFETY AROUND SCHOOLS pdf icon PDF 241 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality & Climate Changesubmitted a report which provided information regarding initiatives and activity that supports the Administration’s commitment to road safety and improving air quality in and around schools in the Borough. Members welcomed the initiatives, and the partnership working which had helped to develop them, and supported the next steps outlined in the paper.

 

            RESOLVED –

 

(1)       That the current activity and progress to date to improve safety and air quality around schools be noted.

 

(2)       That the expected outcomes, as set out in the report, be noted.

 

(3)       That the initiatives and next steps in order to further to improve safety and air quality be supported.

122.

TRANSFORMATION FUND - RE-PURPOSE OF THE FUNDING pdf icon PDF 193 KB

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing and the Corporate Director of Commissioning.

Decision:

1. That the content of the report be noted.

2. That the repurposing of the fund to those areas outlined in the report be approved.

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing and the Corporate Director of Commissioning submitted a report which set out the rationale for the repurposing of part of the Transformation Fund and the proposed areas in which it was to be invested. In discussion, Members raised queries relating to the extent to which local General Practitioners were engaged with the proposals, the deployment of elements of funding already spent, programme management costs, and transformational aspects of proposed expenditure in respect of demand management in Children’s Services.

 

            RESOLVED -

 

(1)       That the content of the report be noted.

 

(2)       That the repurposing of the fund to those areas outlined in the report be approved.

123.

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY FOR STREET LIGHTING AND COUNCIL PROPERTIES pdf icon PDF 252 KB

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

Decision:

1. That approval be given to the proposal to enter into a contract via the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation Framework Agreement for the supply of electricity for Street Lighting with effect from 1st April 2019 as detailed in the report.

 

2. That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for Place, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Governance and Community Strategy, to finalise the terms and conditions of the contract.

 

3. That, for the reasons set out in the report, this decision has been deemed to be urgent and not subject to call-in.

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality and Climate Change submitted a report which provided details of procurement activities and a proposal to enter into a contract for electricity supply for street lighting and Council properties. Members were advised that, owing to the nature of the decision, it was to be deemed urgent and not subject to call-in; and that all of the information supporting the decision was to be considered in Part I of the agenda.

 

            RESOLVED -

 

(1)       That approval be given to the proposal to enter into a contract via the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation Framework Agreement for the supply of electricity for Street Lighting with effect from 1st April 2019 as detailed in the report.

 

(2)       That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for Place, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Governance and Community Strategy, to finalise the terms and conditions of the contract.

 

(3)       That, for the reasons set out in the report, this decision has been deemed to be urgent and not subject to call-in.

124.

TRAFFORD COUNCIL CORPORATE PLAN

To consider a report of the Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council.

For recommendation to Council at its meeting on 20th March 2019.

Additional documents:

Decision:

That it be recommended that Council note and approve the content of the report.

Minutes:

The Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Equalities and Partnershipssubmitted a report which provides details of the development of the Corporate Plan and Values for Trafford. It was noted that the report was to be referred to Council, and that there would be further opportunity for discussion in that forum.

 

RESOLVED - That it be recommended that Council note and approve the content of the report.

125.

BUDGET MONITORING 2018/19 - PERIOD 10 (APRIL 2018 TO JANUARY 2019) pdf icon PDF 609 KB

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

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Finance and the Corporate Director of Finance and Systemssubmitted a report whose purpose was to inform Members of the current 2018/19 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. An opportunity was provided for Members to raise questions on the content of the report. These concentrated on issues affecting variations in Business Rates receipts and the potential release of contingency funds; and it was agreed that further detail of a number of minor virements referred to at paragraph 3 of the report would be provided outside the meeting.

 

RESOLVED – That the content of the report, and the changes to the Capital Programme as detailed in its paragraph 21, be noted.