To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the following Council Meetings for signature by the Mayor as Chair of the Council:

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the following meetings of the Council be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair:

(a)        Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on 10 July 2019;

(b)        Meeting of the Council held on 17 July 2019;

(c)        Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on 23 July 2019; and

(d)        Reconvened Meeting of the Council held on 23 July 2019.

To receive any announcements from the Mayor, Leader of the Council, Members of the Executive, Chairs of Scrutiny Committees and the Head of Paid Service.

(a)        Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Acton, the Chair of Scrutiny Committee reported that the Climate Emergency Task and Finish Group had concluded its work and submitted recommendations to the Executive which, as could be expected, were challenging. With climate change being the most important issue the world faced in the coming years, Councillor Acton hoped Trafford would play a full part, meaning a commitment from every Member, if the Council was to deliver zero carbon by its target and that of Greater Manchester, of 2038. Councillor Acton wished to place on record his thanks to the members of the task and finish group for embarking on this vital work.

(b)        Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Denise Western, Chair of Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee reported that the Task and Finish Group on Special Educational Needs and Disability processes in Trafford had, the previous week, reported its findings on the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) system to the Executive. It was hoped that the Task and Finish Group’s recommendations could be accepted by the Executive so that they would hopefully benefit some of the Borough’s most vulnerable young people. Councillor Mrs. Western thanked Members for their commitment and hard work and indicated that they would remain focused in this area and go on to look at exclusions with particular emphasis on tribunals.

This is an opportunity for Members of Council to ask the Mayor, Members of the Executive or the Chairs of any Committee or Sub-Committee a question on notice under Procedure Rule 10.2.

The Mayor reported that 4 questions had been received under Procedure Rule 10.2, however, Councillor Butt had given notice that he wished to withdraw his question.

(a)    Councillor Welton asked the following question for which he had given notice:

“Despite being within two miles of several major population centres, the National Trust’s own statistics show that its visitor attraction at Dunham Massey is almost exclusively visited by car. Its estimated 800,000 and growing visitors per year are a major cause of congestion and air pollution on the A56 and surrounding roads. This situation is exacerbated by the absence of fit-for-purpose walking and cycling routes to the Hall and Gardens from surrounding towns and public transport hubs. Please can the Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality and Climate Change inform us what is being done by Trafford Council to support the National Trust’s Dunham Estate Future Project, and particularly their aim to create safe, attractive and accessible walking and cycling routes to the Dunham Massey attraction and across the wider National Trust estate?”

Responding to the question, Councillor Adshead, the Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality and Climate Change referred Councillor Welton to the written reply he had sent to him earlier in the day.

Councillor Welton asked as a supplementary question whether that once the National Trust report was produced whether the Executive Member would consider convening a working group of relevant agencies to bring its aims to fruition. Councillor Adshead advised that he had been briefed by the National Trust as to where things were up to and wanting to consider all matters hoped to work together in a constructive partnership.

(b)    Councillor Brophy asked the following question, the first of two questions for which she had given notice:

“With areas of Trafford hit by the tail end of Hurricane Lorenzo last Friday and severe rainfall over the weekend. Plus the recent unprecedented flooding in the Timperley area that directly impacted residents in Timperley and Village wards when Timperley and Fairywell brook both burst their banks.

And with more rainfall expected to follow this winter, attributable to our changing weather patterns and climate change.

Does Trafford Council believe that it has undertaken all necessary measures to be prepared for potential severe flooding, including the availability of pumps to help clear storm water?”

Responding to the question, Councillor Adshead, the Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality and Climate Change referred Councillor Brophy to the comprehensive written reply he had provided for her earlier in the day.

Councillor Brophy asked as a supplementary question, whether there was alleviation for people who had experienced flooding. Appreciative that the issue was concerning, Councillor Adshead again referred Councillor Brophy to his comprehensive written response and of the opinion that it was not an appropriate forum in which to discuss complicated case work, invited Councillor Brophy and her residents to meet with him at some point in the future.

(c)    Councillor Brophy asked the following question, the second of two questions for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

To note that the Chief Executive, under delegated authority, agreed, to appoint Councillor Newgrosh as a replacement for Councillor Brophy on Scrutiny Committee, with effect from 29 July 2019.

RESOLVED: That the Council notes that the Chief Executive, under delegated authority, agreed, to appoint Councillor Newgrosh as a replacement for Councillor Brophy on Scrutiny Committee, with effect from 29 July 2019.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Finance and Investment, following a referral from the Executive Meeting on 30 September 2019.

Following a referral from the Executive meeting on 30 September 2019, the Executive Member for Finance and Investment submitted a report requesting formal approval of the Council’s local Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme before the start of the next financial year. The report proposed that the scheme remained largely as it was but with minor amendments to reflect the national changes to income related benefits and clarity relating to how the Council could recover backdated changes in entitlement (reversals) following publication by the Local Government Ombudsman of a good practice guide for CTS schemes.

It was moved and seconded that the recommendations set out in the report be approved.

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

“This Council Notes:

Special police constables receive a 50% discretionary discount under the 2019/2020 Council Tax Scheme. Moving the entitlement into the main Council Tax Support Scheme and increasing the discount to 100% would make it a right rather than a request.

The cost of implementing this change is negligible and can be absorbed within the budgeted forecasted CTS expenditure.

This Council resolves to add Recommendation 3 to the report:

3.   Special constables receive a 100% automatic discount on their Council Tax by right.”

During the debate on the amendment, the Leader of the Council gave notice of a second amendment.

The amendment was put to the vote and declared lost.

It was moved and seconded as a second amendment that:

“This Council resolves to add Recommendation 3 to the report:

3.   To ask the Executive to look at the financial implications and potential introduction of a policy that special constables receive a 100% automatic discount on their Council Tax by right.”

The second amendment was put to the vote and declared carried. The substantive Motion was then agreed with the Council’s consent.

RESOLVED: That the Council Tax Support scheme currently in operation be adopted with the inclusion of the amendments detailed below for 2020/2021:

1)          Applicable amounts, Non Dependent Deductions and other calculation elements for Council Tax Support are updated in line with the national income related benefit rates.

2)          The Council provides clarity within its Council Tax Support scheme relating to the recovery of backdated changes in entitlement (reversals).

3)          To ask the Executive to look at the financial implications and potential introduction of a policy that special constables receive a 100% automatic discount on their Council Tax by right.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Governance and Community Strategy, following a referral from the Executive Meeting on 30 September 2019, following consideration by Employment Committee on 9 September 2019 and Standards Committee on 25 September 2019.

The Monitoring Officer submitted a report advising on the outcome of a review of the Council’s constitution in respect of Human Resources procedures. The recommendations had been referred from the Executive meeting on 30 September 2019, following consideration by Employment Committee on 9 September 2019 and Standards Committee on 25 September 2019.

RESOLVED –

(1)        That the Council notes Employment Committee’s, Standards Committee’s and the Executive’s endorsement of the proposed constitutional amendments.

(2)        That the constitutional amendments in respect of Human Resources procedures, as set out in the report, be approved.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director of Governance and Community Strategy and Monitoring Officer.

The Corporate Director of Governance and Community Strategy and Monitoring Officer submitted a report advising on a protocol for dealing with motions and amendments at Council Meetings. The practice had been considered by the Constitution Working Group and the Political Group Leaders had been consulted on the resulting protocol.

Further to the report, it was proposed that amendments received in advance would be published on the Council’s website to supplement public understanding of the Council’s debate.

RESOLVED –

(1)        That the introduction of a Protocol for handling Motions at Council Meetings, as appended to the report and effective from 9 October 2019, be noted, subject to the publication of amendments received in advance on the Council’s website.

(2)        That the Council notes that the Constitution Working Group with review the workings of the Protocol in approximately six months’ time.

To note a joint report of the Executive Member for Finance and Investment and the Corporate Director of Finance and Systems, referred from the Accounts and Audit Committee on 19 June 2019 and Executive Meeting held on 15 July 2019.

The Executive Member for Finance and Investment and the Corporate Director of Finance and Systems submitted a report outlining the treasury management activities undertaken during 2018/19 and the key issues arising. The report had been referred from Accounts and Audit Committee on 19 June 2019 and the Executive Meeting held on 15 July 2019.

RESOLVED: That Council notes the Treasury Management activities undertaken in 2018/19 and that no prudential and treasury indicators were breached during 2018/19.

To consider a joint report of the Monitoring Officer and the Chair of Standards Committee.

Further to Minute No. 38 of the Reconvened Meeting of the Council held on 23 July 2019, the Monitoring Officer and Chair of Standards Committee submitted a joint report detailing the outcome of a review, conducted by the Monitoring Officer and the Independent Person, of the position in relation to members’ allowances in the light of the issues raised in the Motion to Council on 17 July 2019.

Following a debate on the matter, the recommendations set out in the report were put to the vote and declared carried.

        RESOLVED:

(1)        That the contents of the report and of the report to Standards Committee of the Monitoring Officer and Independent Person, be noted.

(2)        That the Council notes that there was nothing improper in the actions of the Labour and Liberal Democrat Groups in indicating that the voluntary reduction in allowances should be reversed for their members.

(3)        That it be noted that there was no requirement that such a decision should be subject to public scrutiny as it was essentially a decision which fell to each individual member.

(4)        That the proposal to add an explanatory sentence on the annual publication of Members Allowances and to identify those Members who have renounced part of their allowance on the same document, be approved.

This Council notes:

·          The increasing possibility of a No Deal Brexit, which forecasts show would place jobs and the local economy in Trafford at risk

·          Significant concerns about the impact of a No Deal Brexit nationally, including access to medicines and food supplies as well as the threat to environmental protections, health and safety standards and crucial worker’s rights

·          That no Brexit deal put forward thus far has been supportable, and that any Brexit deal that may emerge would almost certainly have a negative impact on the economy when compared to continued EU membership

·          That the established position of Trafford Council agreed formally in the Council Chamber is to support a People’s Vote (second referendum) on UK membership of the European Union

Council therefore condemns the reckless policies and shameful tactics of the Prime Minister which threaten the future prosperity of the people of Trafford and reaffirms that No Deal Brexit must be stopped at all costs and a second referendum should take place with Remain as an option on the ballot paper.

Council asks the Leader of the Council to write to Trafford’s MPs, the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union and the Prime Minister setting out our view that No Deal will be a disaster for the UK; any Brexit deal would leave us worse off, and calling for their support for a second referendum.

It was moved and seconded that:

“This Council notes:

·          The increasing possibility of a No Deal Brexit, which forecasts show would place jobs and the local economy in Trafford at risk

·          Significant concerns about the impact of a No Deal Brexit nationally, including access to medicines and food supplies as well as the threat to environmental protections, health and safety standards and crucial worker’s rights

·          That no Brexit deal put forward thus far has been supportable, and that any Brexit deal that may emerge would almost certainly have a negative impact on the economy when compared to continued EU membership

·          That the established position of Trafford Council agreed formally in the Council Chamber is to support a People’s Vote (second referendum) on UK membership of the European Union

Council therefore condemns the reckless policies and shameful tactics of the Prime Minister which threaten the future prosperity of the people of Trafford and reaffirms that No Deal Brexit must be stopped at all costs and a second referendum should take place with Remain as an option on the ballot paper.

Council asks the Leader of the Council to write to Trafford’s MPs, the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union and the Prime Minister setting out our view that No Deal will be a disaster for the UK; any Brexit deal would leave us worse off, and calling for their support for a second referendum.”

(Note: The time being 7:59 p.m., the Mayor indicated that speeches on this matter would now be limited to a maximum of one minute per speaker.)

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

RESOLVED: That this Council notes:

·          The increasing possibility of a No Deal Brexit, which forecasts show would place jobs and the local economy in Trafford at risk

·          Significant concerns about the impact of a No Deal Brexit nationally, including access to medicines and food supplies as well as the threat to environmental protections, health and safety standards and crucial worker’s rights

·          That no Brexit deal put forward thus far has been supportable, and that any Brexit deal that may emerge would almost certainly have a negative impact on the economy when compared to continued EU membership

·          That the established position of Trafford Council agreed formally in the Council Chamber is to support a People’s Vote (second referendum) on UK membership of the European Union

Council therefore condemns the reckless policies and shameful tactics of the Prime Minister which threaten the future prosperity of the people of Trafford and reaffirms that No Deal Brexit must be stopped at all costs and a second referendum should take place with Remain as an option on the ballot paper.

Council asks the Leader of the Council to write to Trafford’s MPs, the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union and the Prime Minister setting out our view that No Deal will be a disaster for the UK; any Brexit deal would leave  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

This Council notes:

·         That Transport Poverty is an issue currently affecting economic growth within the city region, limiting residents access to employment opportunities and training whilst at the same time denying employers access to a fully flexible labour market.

·         The remorseless deterioration in bus services in Trafford since deregulation 30 years ago is not sustainable when set against the need to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

·         That for Greater Manchester to compete as a world class City-Region requires an integrated public transport network organised and commissioned to serve across our towns and not just on the most profitable routes such as the Oxford Road corridor.

Council therefore welcomes the decision of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on the 28 June 2019 to proceed towards bus franchising and to publicly consult on this and encourages residents and businesses to engage positively with consultation with a view to creating a bus network fit for the 21st Century.

It was moved and seconded that:

“This Council notes:

·          That Transport Poverty is an issue currently affecting economic growth within the city region, limiting residents access to employment opportunities and training whilst at the same time denying employers access to a fully flexible labour market.

·          The remorseless deterioration in bus services in Trafford since deregulation 30 years ago is not sustainable when set against the need to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

·          That for Greater Manchester to compete as a world class City-Region requires an integrated public transport network organised and commissioned to serve across our towns and not just on the most profitable routes such as the Oxford Road corridor.

Council therefore welcomes the decision of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on the 28 June 2019 to proceed towards bus franchising and to publicly consult on this and encourages residents and businesses to engage positively with consultation with a view to creating a bus network fit for the 21st Century.”

(Note: The time being 8:18 p.m., the Mayor indicated that speeches on this matter would now be limited to a maximum of one minute per speaker.)

Following a debate on the matter, the Motion was agreed with the unanimous consent of the Council.

RESOLVED: That this Council notes:

·          That Transport Poverty is an issue currently affecting economic growth within the city region, limiting residents access to employment opportunities and training whilst at the same time denying employers access to a fully flexible labour market.

·          The remorseless deterioration in bus services in Trafford since deregulation 30 years ago is not sustainable when set against the need to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

·          That for Greater Manchester to compete as a world class City-Region requires an integrated public transport network organised and commissioned to serve across our towns and not just on the most profitable routes such as the Oxford Road corridor.

Council therefore welcomes the decision of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority on the 28 June 2019 to proceed towards bus franchising and to publicly consult on this and encourages residents and businesses to engage positively with consultation with a view to creating a bus network fit for the 21st Century.

This Council notes that:

·         no fault evictions, introduced under Section 21 of the 1988 Housing Act, allow landlords to evict tenants, without having to give a reason, once the term of the tenancy has expired;

·         most of England’s 11 million renters are on tenancies with fixed terms of six months or a year; after this period has ended, landlords can evict their tenants under Section 21;

·         research published by The Observer campaign group Generation Rent indicates that Section 21 evictions are now the single biggest cause of homelessness in England; and that

·         in 2017, the Scottish Government made tenancies indefinite and banned no-fault evictions under the terms of the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.

This Council believes Abolishing Section 21 no-fault evictions:

·         would help to make renting more secure, improve standards and increase tenant confidence;

·         would further help to tackle homelessness, which should be a priority for government at all levels; and,

·         should happen as soon as practicably possible.

This Council therefore:

·         welcomes the UK Government announcement in April on plans to consult on new legislation to abolish Section 21 evictions in England, with which we will engage constructively; and

·         resolves to work with the Unfair Evictions Campaign led by Generation Rent, the New Economics Foundation, ACORN and the London Renters Union, to bring about the swift Abolition of Section 21 no fault evictions.

It was moved and seconded that:

“This Council notes that:

·          no fault evictions, introduced under Section 21 of the 1988 Housing Act, allow landlords to evict tenants, without having to give a reason, once the term of the tenancy has expired;

·          most of England’s 11 million renters are on tenancies with fixed terms of six months or a year; after this period has ended, landlords can evict their tenants under Section 21;

·          research published by The Observer campaign group Generation Rent indicates that Section 21 evictions are now the single biggest cause of homelessness in England; and that

·          in 2017, the Scottish Government made tenancies indefinite and banned no-fault evictions under the terms of the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.

This Council believes Abolishing Section 21 no-fault evictions:

·          would help to make renting more secure, improve standards and increase tenant confidence;

·          would further help to tackle homelessness, which should be a priority for government at all levels; and,

·          should happen as soon as practicably possible.

This Council therefore:

·          welcomes the UK Government announcement in April on plans to consult on new legislation to abolish Section 21 evictions in England, with which we will engage constructively; and

·          resolves to work with the Unfair Evictions Campaign led by Generation Rent, the New Economics Foundation, ACORN and the London Renters Union, to bring about the swift Abolition of Section 21 no fault evictions.”

(Note: The time being 8:33 p.m., the Mayor indicated that speeches on this matter would now be limited to a maximum of one minute per speaker.)

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

          RESOLVED: That this Council notes that:

·          no fault evictions, introduced under Section 21 of the 1988 Housing Act, allow landlords to evict tenants, without having to give a reason, once the term of the tenancy has expired;

·          most of England’s 11 million renters are on tenancies with fixed terms of six months or a year; after this period has ended, landlords can evict their tenants under Section 21;

·          research published by The Observer campaign group Generation Rent indicates that Section 21 evictions are now the single biggest cause of homelessness in England; and that

·          in 2017, the Scottish Government made tenancies indefinite and banned no-fault evictions under the terms of the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016.

This Council believes Abolishing Section 21 no-fault evictions:

·          would help to make renting more secure, improve standards and increase tenant confidence;

·          would further help to tackle homelessness, which should be a priority for government at all levels; and,

·          should happen as soon as practicably possible.

This Council therefore:

·          welcomes the UK Government announcement in April on plans to consult on new legislation to abolish Section 21 evictions in England, with which we will engage constructively; and

·          resolves to work with the Unfair Evictions Campaign led by Generation Rent, the New Economics Foundation, ACORN and the London Renters Union, to bring about the swift Abolition  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

This Council notes that:

•     Trafford has many excellent schools producing some of the best education outcomes for children in the country;

•     Trafford has nine schools in the private sector with another two private special schools. In addition, Trafford children attend other private schools in Manchester, Stockport and Cheshire;

•     The Labour Party at its 2019 Conference supported abolishing private schools through abolishing their charitable status and seizing their land, property and other assets; and

•     Many of our residents are rightly disturbed by these proposals and seek support from their elected members and Trafford Council and are seeking firm commitments to protect their rights to choose.

This Council believes:

•     The Labour Party policy would be a disaster for Trafford residents and it would likely be a serious breach of human rights as the UDHR Article 26 (3) states that “parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children”;

•     The policy is contradictory as it would impose a tax on a sector that it wishes to abolish;

•     Putting all schools under state control would result in the state picking up the tab for educating the seven per cent of pupils who are currently educated in the private system nationally;

•     The policy sets a precedent for state seizure of private assets. Trafford residents should rightly be concerned that a future Labour government would seize their homes and cars; and

•     Trafford should retain its current education mix.

This Council resolves:

•     That Council supports all Trafford’s parents, guardians and children to have free choice in their education provision and will stand alongside our residents and all of Trafford’s schools supporting the excellence that they represent.

It was moved and seconded that:

“This Council notes that:

•     Trafford has many excellent schools producing some of the best education outcomes for children in the country;

•     Trafford has nine schools in the private sector with another two private special schools. In addition, Trafford children attend other private schools in Manchester, Stockport and Cheshire;

•     The Labour Party at its 2019 Conference supported abolishing private schools through abolishing their charitable status and seizing their land, property and other assets; and

•     Many of our residents are rightly disturbed by these proposals and seek support from their elected members and Trafford Council and are seeking firm commitments to protect their rights to choose.

This Council believes:

•     The Labour Party policy would be a disaster for Trafford residents and it would likely be a serious breach of human rights as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 26 (3) states that “parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children”;

•     The policy is contradictory as it would impose a tax on a sector that it wishes to abolish;

•     Putting all schools under state control would result in the state picking up the tab for educating the seven per cent of pupils who are currently educated in the private system nationally;

•     The policy sets a precedent for state seizure of private assets. Trafford residents should rightly be concerned that a future Labour government would seize their homes and cars; and

•     Trafford should retain its current education mix.

This Council resolves:

•     That Council supports all Trafford’s parents, guardians and children to have free choice in their education provision and will stand alongside our residents and all of Trafford’s schools supporting the excellence that they represent.”

(Note: The time being 8:45 p.m., the Mayor indicated that speeches on this matter would now be limited to a maximum of one minute per speaker.)

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

This Council notes:

1.     That at least 5% of funds of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) are invested in Shell, BP and other fossil fuel companies. (See paragraph 3 of Appendix A of GMPF document in responding to Trafford’s climate emergency motion https://democratic.trafford.gov.uk/documents/s32216/Fossil%20Fuel%20Investments%20Jan%2019.pdf )

2.     That fossil fuel assets and investments are likely to become ‘stranded assets’ with 80% having to be kept in the ground to prevent runaway climate change. Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England, has said that the vast majority of fossil fuel reserves are ‘unburnable’.

3.     That Trafford Council, along with the majority of other Greater Manchester Councils, as well as the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership have all declared climate emergencies.

4.     That Trafford has assets within the GMPF valued at £732 million at 31/3/19.

5.     And so at least, approximately £36 million of Trafford’s funds are invested in the fossil fuel industry.

6.     That these facts pose a financial threat to Trafford Council.

7.    That several UK local government pension funds, other public sector organisations, universities, faith groups and whole cities and countries including New York and Ireland have committed to divesting.

8.     That UNISON and the Trades Union Congress campaign for divestment in line with obligations to pension-holders.

This Council therefore resolves to:

1.     Ask the Leader to write to the Greater Manchester Pension Fund to request a position statement within 3 months on the potential impact that divesting from fossil fuel assets will have on the GM Pension Fund. This statement should assess the impact that a gradual programme of divestment and diversification over a 2-5 year period will have on the future liability profile of the fund.

2.      Mandate our representative on the Fund to call for and work towards divestment.

3.    Work with trade union representatives and the workforce to involve them in divestment and diversification plans, providing them with a comprehensive assessment of the impacts and benefits of these changes.

4.     To focus re-investment in areas that minimise climate change and reduce the Fund's carbon footprint; while ensuring the Fund continues to generate a sufficient level of return to ensure the current and future sustainability of the fund.

(Note: Councillor Slater, being a pension fund contributor and Unison trade union member declared a personal interest in this item and remained in the meeting during consideration of the matter.)

It was moved and seconded that:

“This Council notes:

1.     That at least 5% of funds of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) are invested in Shell, BP and other fossil fuel companies. (See paragraph 3 of Appendix A of GMPF document in responding to Trafford’s climate emergency motion https://democratic.trafford.gov.uk/documents/s32216/Fossil%20Fuel%20Investments%20Jan%2019.pdf )

2.     That fossil fuel assets and investments are likely to become ‘stranded assets’ with 80% having to be kept in the ground to prevent runaway climate change. Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England, has said that the vast majority of fossil fuel reserves are ‘unburnable’.

3.     That Trafford Council, along with the majority of other Greater Manchester Councils, as well as the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership have all declared climate emergencies.

4.     That Trafford has assets within the GMPF valued at £732 million at 31 March 2019.

5.     And so at least, approximately £36 million of Trafford’s funds are invested in the fossil fuel industry.

6.     That these facts pose a financial threat to Trafford Council.

7.    That several UK local government pension funds, other public sector organisations, universities, faith groups and whole cities and countries including New York and Ireland have committed to divesting.

8.     That UNISON and the Trades Union Congress campaign for divestment in line with obligations to pension-holders.

This Council therefore resolves to:

1.     Ask the Leader to write to the Greater Manchester Pension Fund to request a position statement within 3 months on the potential impact that divesting from fossil fuel assets will have on the GM Pension Fund. This statement should assess the impact that a gradual programme of divestment and diversification over a 2-5 year period will have on the future liability profile of the fund.

2.      Mandate our representative on the Fund to call for and work towards divestment.

3.    Work with trade union representatives and the workforce to involve them in divestment and diversification plans, providing them with a comprehensive assessment of the impacts and benefits of these changes.

4.     To focus re-investment in areas that minimise climate change and reduce the Fund's carbon footprint; while ensuring the Fund continues to generate a sufficient level of return to ensure the current and future sustainability of the fund.”

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

“This Council notes:

1.           That at least 5% of funds of the Greater Manchester Pension Fund (GMPF) are invested in Shell, BP and other fossil fuel companies.

2.           That fossil fuel assets and investments are likely to become ‘stranded assets’ with 80% having to be kept in the ground to prevent runaway climate change. Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England, has said that the vast majority of fossil fuel reserves are ‘unburnable’.

3.           That Trafford Council, along with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.