To note attendances, including officers, and any apologies for absence.

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 of interest 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.

There were no questions from members of the public.

To consider the following matter referred by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee –

(a)  Events at Old Trafford Task and Finish group report.

The Chair of Overview and Scrutiny presented a report on Events at Old Trafford. In 2022 the Scrutiny Committee agreed to form a Task and Finish Group to look at the impact of Events at Old Trafford Football Ground upon the local Community and to look at ways that impact could be reduced. This report focuses upon the issues faced regarding Traffic and puts forward recommendations to alleviate the issues faced.

The Chair made reference to the survey which had been sent out with 438 responses received, paragraph 2 of the report refers. Traffic and anti social parking were the main problems. As a result the report was produced with  recommendations. He drew attention to plans to classify certain roads around Manchester United on match days as red routes. Also need to encourage the club to provide secure bike storage at the stadium to increase the use of bicycles as an option to driving and the expansion of TFGM shuttle service to the ground.

The Leader informed the Executive that beyond the Task and Finish Group the Ward Councillors have secured some good relationships with the club and some positive actions have already been achieved. He was of the view that there were good suggestions arising from the report to take away and work with.

RESOLVED: That the Executive

1.    Support plans to classify certain roads around Manchester United as red routes.

2.    Work with Manchester United over time to reduce the number of spectators arriving by car, noting that there are currently around 16,000 cars not able to park at Old Trafford.

3.    Work with TFGM to extend the Shuttle service and the possibility of providing car parks further away from the ground, for example within Trafford Park.

4.    Request Manchester United to provide a list of all genuine car parking facilities to fans they have.

5.    Work with Manchester United and TFGM to see whether car parking facilities for games are highlighted on Google Maps, Waze, or other mapping apps.

6.    Look to link to TFGM’s live Traffic Data and Manchester United information from the Council website and social media accounts.

7.    Spread awareness of the monthly newsletter to ensure people are made aware of when matches are being held.

8.    Look at the option to run a secure bike storage trial with Manchester United to see if it increases cycling to matches, and if positive, encourage Manchester United to commit to further provision of safe, secure cycle parking facilities on site.

9.    Work with TFGM and the Trafford Centre with a view to utilising the parking spaces at the Trafford Centre for Match Day Parking.

10.Ensure that the monitoring data from Manchester United Traffic Management Plan be shared with Ward Councillors.

11.Support the continuation of the regular meetings between Manchester United and ward Councillors and that performance data from the Traffic Management Plan be shared at those meetings.

12.Support the reforming of the task and finish group to look at significant issues by residents  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74.

To receive and, if so determined, to approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meetings held on 15.11.23, 27.11.23 and 11.12.23.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings held on 15 November 2023, 27 November 2023 and 11 December 2023 be approved as an accurate record.

To consider a report provides an overview of the current progress with development and supporting Infrastructure around Carrington and Partington – known as ‘New Carrington’. It also explains, principally, the necessity of transport improvements to the future growth in the area – and how this inter-dependency will be managed.

(1)     That the approach to Master Planning for New Carrington be noted.

(2)     That the Transport Strategy for Carrington set out at Appendix 1 to the report be endorsed.

(3)     That the resolution in September 2021 to progress the planning application for the Carrington Relief Road be noted and that authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place to carry out all necessary steps to secure funding for the route and, in consultation with the Director of Legal & Governance, to conclude any appropriate agreements in principle for securing the land necessary for the route and its related infrastructure.

(4)     That the planning strategy set out in Section 8 of the report be endorsed and the Planning & Development Committee be invited to consider and approve a detailed formula for interim infrastructure contributions.

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration & the Executive Member for Climate Change presented a report which provides an overview of the current progress with development and supporting Infrastructure around Carrington and Partington – known as ‘New Carrington’. It also explains, principally, the necessity of transport improvements to the future growth in the area – and how this inter-dependency will be managed.

The Places for Everyone Plan (PfE) provides the context for future homes and employment development in this locality – an area currently constrained by poor accessibility and limited transport infrastructure. Master planning required by PfE is now underway and will help provide a detailed framework for future development and the transport, physical, green and social infrastructure needed to underpin it.

Alongside this a transport strategy for the area has been prepared and this will help guide the detailed design of measures such as the Carrington Relief Road – the main highway and active travel artery for the area.

This report sets out the current programme and costings for this route – and options for future funding. As a major brownfield site, the former Carrington refinery is subject to contamination which complicates both development and the provision of future infrastructure.

Finally given ongoing constraints on the Highway Network, the report considers how planning applications for new development should be managed in the short term, pending implementation of planned transport improvements.

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration summarised the background to the Plan as referred to in paragraph 1 to the report. As well as highlighting the Places for Everyone Plan which includes future homes and employment development in the Carrington and Partington locality, the Carrington Relief Road was highlighted as an integral part of the Plan to support the housing and employment growth. Members attention was drawn to The  Carrington Transport Strategy where the overall goal is to develop a new sustainable community in the Carrington area (Carrington, Partington and Sale West), with high levels of internal walking and cycling connectivity, provision of internal facilities and good public transport connections, including to the wider Greater Manchester network. The Carrington Relief Road Programme and Funding is set out in Paragraph 6 to the report.

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration underlined the following conclusions in the report –

(i)             New Carrington will be the main growth point in Trafford for the next decade or more; as a consequence it will require ongoing effort to ensure development is coordinated with necessary infrastructure – and that there is effective place-making to bequeath successful communities to future generations.

(ii)   The first step is to ensure the timely delivery of the Carrington Relief Road, as this will underpin key developments and facilitate other transport improvements. The new route sits on the context of a wider Transport Strategy for Carrington & Partington – an approach fully aligned with the rapidly evolving Greater Manchester Bee Network. Every effort must now be made to secure the detailed design of the route and the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76.

To consider the Overview and Scrutiny Review of the Executive’s Draft Budget proposals for 2024-25.

The Scrutiny Committee Chair presented The Overview and Scrutiny Review of the Executive’s Draft Budget proposals for 2024-25. The Executive’s Draft Budget Proposals for 2024-2025 were agreed at its meeting held on 15th November 2023.

Two Budget Scrutiny Working Group sessions were held on the 28^th and 30^th November 2023 with the relevant Executive Members and Senior Officers in attendance to address Members questions. Members were also provided with background information on the budget proposals.

This report reflects the outcome of those discussions, summarises areas, and provides recommendations for the Executive to consider in developing its final budget proposals and response to the Scrutiny Committee.

The Chair of Scrutiny acknowledged that Trafford are finding it difficult to balance the budget like many Councils and underlined the point that as a result of 14 years of austerity approximately £300 Million has been taken out of the budget since these measures had been put in place, the covering Forward of the report refers. Scrutiny is supportive of the Executive to lobby the government for improved funding. He wanted to put on record his thanks to the Executive and Corporate Leadership Team and staff for the work they do in these difficult times.

The Leader thanked Scrutiny for the report and advised that the Executive would take away the suggestions and recommendations and we will report back at the Executive Budget meeting in a few weeks time.

RESOLVED: That the Executive notes the following Scrutiny Committee recommendations to be considered at the Executive Budget meeting –

1.       that the Executive keep all Councillors informed of the Council’s full lobbying plans and for Scrutiny to have input to those plans.

2.       that the Executive Member for Finance and Governance continue to lobby the Government over support to Local Authorities and where possible work with other local authorities in doing so.

3.       that the Executive provide the Scrutiny Committee with further information on how the savings listed within the savings plan would be achieved and provide the plans that support their success.

4.       that Scrutiny support the Executive producing a communications strategy which can inform residents of the financial restraints of the Council and reasons behind any service changes provided by the Council.

5.       that the Executive explores the closure of Trafford Town Hall once a week and provides Scrutiny with any negative impacts that are found from this change if they occur.

6.       the Executive continue to monitor reserves closely and inform the Scrutiny Committee if further concerns are raised around the Council’s levels of reserves.

7.       the Executive be requested to continue to monitor increased income and opportunities for income generated through contract changes with Amey and keep Scrutiny updated on results of this.

8.       the Executive look to increase transparency on the service management process in both Children and Adults services and highlight these changes to a future meeting of Scrutiny for comment.

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

The Leader presented the Budget Monitoring 2023-24 Period 8 (April 2023 to November 2023). He emphasised the challenging financial environment he informed the Executive that it is encouraging to see the outturn forecast has improved from Period 6 £0.51m overspend to Period 8 £0.59m underspend. This is positive news which reflects the effectiveness of our financial management practices and those additional controls put in place to contain the forecast adverse outturn anticipated earlier in the year. The report sets out the variances from budget of each directorate and gives an update on the capital progress set out in Section 6 and Annex 3 of the report.

The Director of Finance and Systems reiterated the Leader’s presentation that the movement from Period 6 is positive particularly as we have not called on reserves other than what had been included in the Budget. The demand pressures are reflected in the 2024-25 Budget planning. He also referred to Contingencies which for this year which was also positive even though there was a little way to go.

The Leader thanked the Director of Finance and Systems and his colleagues for all the work they do in supporting the finances.

Councillor Evans made the following points –

(i)             With regard to Business Rates $2.2 million deficit so that amount the Council will get back.

(ii)            How have we managed to get a rent reduction of £63,000 when the market is good.

(iii)          Building Control is reporting a loss and how does that happen.

(iv)          The language around Treasury Management reducing the position of underborrow which was £93 Million which suggests this is a problem whereas its actually a bonus. Please revisit that language.

(v)           He thought that GMCA were paying for charging points, outurn projection is £0 page 252 refers. We should be making money from this.

(vi)          The language on page 264 – the first line of the first paragraph does not make sense to an outside reader and needs to be clearer.

(vii)         Page 227 – the removal of the scheme for the two resomation cremators at the crematorium of £1.95 million, he is stunned that this amount was in the budget for an experimental process.

The Leader informed the Member that the two points on language will be taken away with a view to making the points clearer. On the resomation point this was looked at from an environmental stance but following a review of this it was decided that it was not sustainable.

Director of Finance and Systems referred to the Business Rates issue he advised that the challenge this year has been maintaining income levels and that this is a timing issue. So with regard to the Marks and Spencer unit they are waiting for the Valuation Office Agency to put the unit back onto the rating list and this will be payable from when they open and that has been accommodated in Budget Planning for 2024025.

The Director of Growth and Regulatory Service advised that Building Control operates as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 78.

To consider the report of the Executive Member of Finance, Change and Government which sets out an extension to the 75% Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Business Rates Reliefs scheme to eligible businesses in 2024-25, delivered via local authority discretionary powers. The cost of the scheme will be fully funded through a Section 31 grant. 

1) That the extension to the 75% RHL Business Rates Relief Scheme in 2024-25, be approved  in line with the government guidance.

2) That the amendment to the Council’s National Non-Domestic Rating Discretionary Policy from 1 April 2024 to include backdating time limits for granting awards in line with the current legislative wording which is being revoked, be approved. 

The Leader presented the Business Rates Reliefs (Autumn Budget Measures) and National Non-Domestic Rating Discretionary Policy Changes 2024-25 report.

This report sets out an extension to the 75% Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) Business Rates Reliefs scheme to eligible businesses in 2024-25, delivered via local authority discretionary powers. The cost of the scheme will be fully funded through a Section 31 grant. 

It also sets out the impact of existing legislation in relation to Business Rates Discretionary Rate Relief which is being revoked with effect from 1 April 2024.  This follows the Government’s Business Rates (Technical Consultation) Review in relation to the constraints on local authorities’ ability to backdate awards of relief and the required notice period to reduce or remove awards of relief. Local Authorities need to decide if they want to include any of the revoked matters into their local discretionary schemes. 

Trafford is proposing to include in its National Non-Domestic Rating Discretionary Policy the same backdating provisions that currently exist in the legislation.

RESOLVED:That

1) the extension to the 75% RHL Business Rates Relief Scheme in 2024-25, be approved  in line with the government guidance.

2) the amendment to the Council’s National Non-Domestic Rating Discretionary Policy from 1 April 2024 to include backdating time limits for granting awards in line with the current legislative wording which is being revoked, be approved. 

To consider the report of the Director of Finance and Systems regarding the Council Tax Support Scheme (CTS) 2024-25 which sets out the basis on which the Council will carry out assessments to establish eligibility for CTS, which is a means tested financial support award designed to help residents on a low income to pay their Council Tax.

That the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2024-25 be approved and the Council be recommended to adopt the Scheme  as part of the budget setting process.

The Leader presented the Council Tax Support (CTS) Scheme for 2024-25.

The Council’s CTS Scheme sets out the basis on which the Council will carry out assessments to establish eligibility for CTS, which is a means tested financial support award designed to help residents on a low income to pay their Council Tax.

There is a legal requirement to formally approve the Council’s CTS scheme before the start of each financial year. It is proposed that the CTS Scheme for 2024/25 be worded in accordance with the decision made by the Executive on 27 November 2023, and that claims will be operationally assessed on the basis set out in that decision.

RESOLVED: That the Executive approves the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2024-25 and recommends the approval and adoption of the Scheme to Council as part of the budget setting process.

To consider the report of Executive Member for Finance, Change and Governance regarding the Council’s discretion to amend the council tax premium.

That the Executive gives approval to:

·        Consult on the proposed Council Tax Discretionary Council Tax Premium Exemption Policy;

·        Note that the Council Tax Discretionary Council Tax Premiums Exemption Policy will be presented to the Executive for consideration and approval following conclusion of the consultation exercise;

·        Increase the council tax empty homes premium to 100% (200% in total) for properties empty between one and five years (currently between two and five years) from 1 April 2024; and

·       Implement the discretionary 100% second homes council tax premium (200% in total) from 1 April 2025.

The Leader presentedCouncil Tax Empty Homes and Second Homes Premium – Introduction and Proposal to Consult on Exempt Categories report.

The Council has the discretion to amend the council tax premium to 100% (200% in total) for properties empty between one and five years (currently between two and five years) from 1 April 2024.

The Council has the discretion to charge an additional 100% (200% in total) on all second homes from 1 April 2025.

Executive approval was sought in October 2022 to align future long term empty home premiums with the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill changes once the Bill received Royal Assent, which it did on 26 October 2023.

This report seeks final approval to implement these premiums as well as to consult on a proposed Exemption Policy in line with the national consultation.

Councillor Evans asked what happens to Air Bed and Breakfast homes.

The Director of Finance and Systems advised that they are categorised as second homes in accordance with legislation.

Councillor Butt asked what form the consultation will take.

The Director of Finance and Systems informed Members that it would be a public consultation but couldn’t give an answer on the timespan of the Consultation. He would inform Councillor Butt of the specific details when they are available.

Councillor Ennis referred to Exemptions and asked if the armed services covenant can be reviewed as it may have changed since it was previously looked at in 2019.

The Leader acknowledged the point raised and that this would be reviewed.

Councillor Lepori in supporting the report will there be safeguarding in place where building work is taking place and not moving forward for various reasons.

The Leader acknowledged the point raised and assured the Member that this will be looked at together with any further issues raised in the consultations period.

RESOLVED: That the Executive gives approval to:

·       Consult on the proposed Council Tax Discretionary Council Tax Premium   Exemption Policy;

·       Note that the Council Tax Discretionary Council Tax Premiums Exemption Policy will be presented to the Executive for consideration and approval following conclusion of the consultation exercise;

·       Increase the council tax empty homes premium to 100% (200% in total) for properties empty between one and five years (currently between two and five years) from 1 April 2024; and

·       Implement the discretionary 100% second homes council tax premium (200% in total) from 1 April 2025.

To consider the report of the Executive Member for Communities and Safety which gives an update on the Trafford Community Collective.

The Executive Member for Communities and Safety presented presented an Update report on the Trafford Community Collective.

Trafford Community Collective (TCC), a registered charity since March 2021, was established to support, promote, and connect the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector in Trafford. The Collective is a membership organisation for VCFSE organisations with the aim of organisations working together to increase opportunities for the sector to develop its role as a strategic partner and support the development of community-based, holistic, person centred, services at a neighbourhood level. This report provides an update on the activity and outcomes of the Collective in 2022/23.

The report shows the Collective’s development from 2019 to the present day and it now works across Trafford’s community hubs and has a growing membership in the voluntary sector groups and is becoming a key strategic voice of the sector. In March 2023 Trafford Council and NHS Trafford committed £130,000 to continue its work until 2025.

Trafford Community Collective (the “Collective”) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation that represents the VCSFE sector in Trafford. The organisation became a registered charity in March 2021 following two years of consultation and engagement with VCFSE organisations, Trafford Council, Trafford CCG (as known in 2021), and other key statutory partners.

The Collective recognised the increased opportunities for the VCFSE sector to develop its role as a strategic partner in Trafford. As a strategic partner, the Collective aims to:

·       Support the development of community-based services at a neighbourhood level.

·       Effectively communicate, engage, and involve individuals, families, and communities at a local level.

·       Effectively communicate, engage, and involve communities of interest at a local level and across Trafford.

·       Provide a focus on the wider determinants of health and new ways of working designed to reduce health inequalities.

Throughout the period of development, Thrive Trafford, the Local Infrastructure Organisation for Trafford provided significant support to establish the Collective. In April 2022 Thrive and the Collective submitted a successful partnership application for the infrastructure contract for the period 2022 – 2025.

This briefing provides an update on the activity and outcomes of the Collective in 2022/23 and outlines the plans for the future. The Executive Member for Communities and Safety drew attention to the Background and Context to the report as set out on pages 322- 328 of the report and more specially set out on pages 329-340 to the report.

The Leader thanked the Executive Member for the report and added his thanks to George Devlin for his work with the Community Collective and Voluntary and Community Sector. He also thanked everyone at the Community Collective for all the work they have done.

Councillor Slater acknowledged the work that the Community Collective has done and welcomed the report.

Councillor Williams welcomed the funding that has been put in place for an additional School Streets officer and welcomes that VCFSE sector is showing an interest in supporting our school streets.

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration welcomed the report which is very informative at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 82.

To consider the report of the Executive Member Community and Safety which provides an end of project overview and evaluation of the Right to the Streets project in North Trafford.

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration presented a report regarding Right of Streets – End of Project. The report provides an end of project report on the Right to the Streets, a Home Office-funded gender-based violence street safety project. The Right to the Streets project commenced in Trafford in September 2022 and completed in September 2023.

This innovative project has combined community activity, policy work, podcasting, visuals campaign, social media, artwork and communities grants to build a wide reaching, impactful grassroot project.

The project focussed on North Trafford, Gorsehill, Old Trafford and Stretford areas and was shaped using a co design process using local data, engagement Events and Art projects. Local partners in the area, including Trafford Council, were keen to kickstart a successful place-based approach to addressing this complex issue of physical inactivity and community exclusion caused by fear of and experience of male violence against women and girls.

Our Safer Streets project, ‘Right to the Streets’, explored ways to make streets and public spaces safer and more welcoming for women and girls so they feel a sense of belonging in their community and are able to live active lives.

The Right to the Streets project was delivered in a partnership consisting of a variety of key organisations that have taken responsibility for certain elements; partners, page 301 refers.

As a strategic partner, Trafford Council have supported Right to the Streets through building networks and making connections. Our role has been to support the project with expertise, networking, focusing on the local area, embedding in local plans and with local data and insight.

The legacy of the project has been varied and this includes the opportunity of Rights to the Streets. Council has secured £20,000 funding from the Cooperative Councils Innovation Network to deliver a Policy Lab on tackling Violence Against Women and Girls working with 8 other Councils in the Uk. The evidence and knowledge from this project will be used to share approaches from councils across the UK. This work will continue during 2023/24, will be reported back on the Network regularly and will be evaluated in Summer 2024.

That as part of the Legislative theatre commitments, Executive Member for Communities and Safety and the Policy Team continue to engage with GM contacts to be involved in key work in this area going forward. Trafford Council will be working with GMCA on their new GBV strategy delivery plan in 2024.

The Executive Member highlighted how Rights to the Street has helped with Trafford Council’s thinking when developing and moving forward in priority areas. This is through understanding the localities and issues with them. This has been particularly see across Partington and the Levelling Up Fund project at Partington Sports Village and Trafford Council has shown that women’s safety from male violence was considered throughout the evidence of the project.

Councillor Slater thanked the Executive Member for an excellent report and the work that has been done and that the Rights to the Streets  ...  view the full minutes text for item 83.

To consider the report of the Executive Member for Childrens Services regarding the Council’s statutory duty to provide sufficient places in schools and early years settings.

The Executive Member for Children’s Services presented a report regarding Education and Early Years Basic Need and High Needs Capital. The report sets out to address the shortfall in school places and for Trafford to meet the needs of children and young people with people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Trafford is a popular authority due to its excellent educational provision and the Dfe values the Council for managing provisions for places. Since 2010 an additional 4646 places have been created and the report details the rise of applications for both primary and high schools and schools have been expanded to meet the unprecedented demand for places. The report also mentions about the efforts of officers, local Councillors and the two MPs for the Altricham and Sale area to secure a new school in this area but this was rejected by the Dfe. The Member referred to Section 4 of the report discusses the Free Early Education Places, a government initiative. This has been beset with practical issues in Trafford as we are not sure Trafford will have the numbers of staff to be able to provide the free childcare that is being offered There is a sufficiency exercise underway to see if it is sustainable. We are waiting for funding details from the government. Section 5 details School Places Demand for SEND and about increasing the number of places at schools which is part of the Council’s Strategic Initiative. Our strategic priorities are to increase capacity within local specialist provision, including small specialist classes and resourced provision within mainstream schools, to meet the increasing demands for places.

The Leader emphasised that the report demonstrates how the Council plans school places as and when demographics change, property numbers so its important that this is looked at on a regular basis.

The Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration echoed Council Carter’s thanks to officers and the Dfe recognition for Trafford’s good approach to school applications faced with significant demand and need changes and the calm approach to those challenges.

Councillor Ennis referred to regeneration works and increasing demand if there is an increasing demand in the Waterside development what are the reasons behind Dfe rejecting the need for a new school in the south Trafford area. On SEND where a child is without a SEND place how often should Trafford be touching base with that family.

The Executive Member for Children’s Services the government sets sizes of schools which is currently 750 pupils. Trafford does not have 750 families without a place. It was averaging around 90 in Sale and Altrincham. With the schools around Trafford showing places available, on paper we have enough provision in the Borough and that is how the government makes its decision. All the high schools in the Sale and Altrincham area are on tight sites and not able to expand.

Councillor Ennis further queried that given the new development proposed at Timperley Wedge how will this development support the additional school need.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 84.

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.

There were no items of Urgent Business to consider.