Agenda and minutes

Venue: Virtual Meeting

Contact: Ian Cockill  Governance Officer

Note: To access the live stream of the meeting, please paste the following into your browser's address bar: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjwbIOW5x0NSe38sgFU8bKg 

Items
No. Item

3.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 184 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 18 March 2020 and the Extraordinary Meetings of the Council held on 15 May 2020 and 14 July 2020, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

4.

Announcements

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.

Minutes:

(a)        Mayoral Engagements

 

The Mayor announced that on behalf of the Council he had attended a wreath laying ceremony at Sale War Memorial to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day. The Mayor also informed the Council that along with the Mayoress, Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress he had also attended the 80th commemoration of the Battle of Britain again at Sale War Memorial. Both had been particularly moving and well received given the current pandemic restrictions. 

 

(b)    Altrincham Football Club

 

Acknowledging that it was the first meeting to allow the Council to recognise the club’s achievements in the summer, the Mayor conveyed congratulations to Altrincham Football Club on promotion to the National League after the team’s victories in the play-offs.

 

(c)        Budget Scrutiny

 

Councillor Acton, the Chair of the Pandemic Scrutiny Committee informed the Council that two budget scrutiny meetings were to be held to consider the Executive’s budget proposals and that all Members were welcome to participate in due course.

5.

Questions By Members pdf icon PDF 460 KB

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.

Minutes:

The Mayor reported that 5 questions had been received under Procedure Rule 10.2.

 

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

 

“The Council has agreed to borrow up to half a billion pounds to invest in properties that will generate revenue and support regeneration.  Most of the investment has been pre-Covid and much of the investment has been in retail premises which are now worth considerably less than the price paid. In addition, the empty retail premises have left a shortfall in revenue.

 

Would the Executive Member for Finance and Investment outline the strategy to mitigate the losses?”

 

Indicating that a full written response had been provided to Members and was available on the Council’s website, the Mayor invited Councillor Ross, Executive Member for Finance and Investment to respond.

 

Councillor Ross advised that all the Council’s investments had been made in accordance with the agreed investment strategy and were monitored closely with regular updates provided to the Investment Management Board.  The range of investments was both diverse across a number of sectors and comprised a mix of investments including directly acquired assets and provision of development debt. Of the amounts invested at the end of 2019/20 approximately 25% had a direct retail exposure and one quarter of that was invested in supermarkets. Real estate valuations would rise and fall over time with the normal market cycles. However, as the Council is a long-term investor, portfolio income levels were more significant than “on paper” value. Investments provided an important revenue stream for Council services and were estimated to generate a nett income of £7.4 million in the current financial year.

 

Councillor Myers asked as a supplementary question whether the Executive Member could assure the Council that the £3.9 million reserve was enough to safeguard the Council’s investments in the falling retail market. Councillor Ross advised that the Council’s reserves were continuously under review and that consideration was being given to increasing the reserve set aside for the Investment Strategy. At this point in time, he assured the Council that the matter was subject to further review and if, at any time in the future, the position needed to be reviewed it would be. 

 

(b)    Councillor Coggins asked the following question for which she had given notice:

 

“Does the council agree that 2 years is not an appropriate timescale for an emergency response, like the climate emergency report and draft action plan we have had this week?”

 

Councillor Adshead, the Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality and Climate Change advised that Trafford was one of the first Council’s to declare a climate emergency and addressing the challenge was not a simple task nor could it be achieved alone requiring the support of Trafford businesses, communities and residents. External experts were commissioned to support the development of a framework and their report was well received and approved at the Executive Meeting on 28 September 2020, with the target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2028. It  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

Council and Committee Meetings - Arrangements, Format and Timetable pdf icon PDF 234 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Public Safety, Governance and Reform submitted a report presenting the Constitution Working Group’s recommendations regarding the continued arrangements for Council and Committee meetings which had been introduced in response to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

 

The report’s recommendations were moved and seconded and after a debate were put to the vote and declared carried.

 

RESOLVED: That, subject to confirmation of the Planning and Development Control Committee start time and a change to the Committee’s meeting date from 8 to 15 October 2020, the Council agrees to adopt the Constitution Working Group’s recommendations, as set out below, for Council and Committee meetings for the period October 2020 to the end of December 2020:

 

(1)        That the Draft Calendar of Meetings for the period October 2020 to May 2021, as set out in the Appendix 1, be approved.

 

(2)        That the Council’s meetings should continue to be held virtually and at the earlier time start time of 4.00 p.m. and be concluded by 6.00 p.m. at the latest, with the exception of the full Council meetings in September, October and November, which will be at the usual time of 7.00 p.m. and meetings of the Planning and Development Committee which will continue to be held at 4.00 p.m. and continue until 6.30 p.m.

 

(3)        That the arrangements agreed by Council on 15 May 2020  in relation to the Trafford Pandemic Scrutiny Committee and the suspension of the other Scrutiny Committees be extended until the end of 2020.

 

(4)        That Council re-affirms the extension of the 6 month attendance rule for Members unable to attend meetings whilst alternative arrangements are in place as agreed by Council on 15 May 2020.

 

(5)        That the Constitution Working Group reviews the position again in December 2020 and that a more in depth review of the impact of these arrangements on the efficacy of meetings and on members, including possible alternative options, be conducted and submitted to inform the review in December.

7.

Accounts and Audit Committee Annual Report to Council 2019/20 pdf icon PDF 553 KB

To note a report of the Chair of Accounts and Audit Committee (2019/20) recommended from Accounts and Audit Committee on 15 July 2020.

Minutes:

The Chair of the Accounts and Audit Committee for 2019/20 submitted to the Council a report setting out the Committee’s Annual Report for 2019/20. The Annual Report which had been presented to the Accounts and Audit Committee on 15 July 2020 summarised the work undertaken by the Committee during the year and its impact and also provided assurance to the Council on the fulfilment of the Committee’s responsibilities.

 

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

8.

Year End Corporate Report on Health, Safety and Wellbeing - 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020 pdf icon PDF 426 KB

To note a report of the Executive Member for Finance and Investment.

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Finance and Investment submitted a report providing information on council wide health and safety performance and trends in workplace accidents. The report also provided a summary of other key developments in health and safety for the period 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020.

 

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

9.

Motion Submitted by the Labour Group - Domestic Violence (Deferred from the Council Meeting held on 18 March 2020)

 

This Council fully supports the Trafford Partnerships Domestic Violence and Abuse Strategy and recognises that the Domestic Abuse Bill has been finally brought to Parliament almost three years after it was first promised. This legislation is welcome and urgently needed, but will only be effective if it is underpinned by sustainable funding for specialist women’s services.

 

This Council notes that:

 

Trafford Council strives to have a zero tolerance approach towards domestic violence and abuse. Domestic abuse is a complex social issue which affects people from all groups, genders and cultures and impacts across all services. However, it is important to recognise that Domestic Abuse is a gendered crime. The Office of National Statistics states that whilst 2 million adults aged 16-59 experienced domestic abuse last year, 1.6 million of these are women. Almost one in three women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and two women a week are killed by a current or former partner. This Council also notes that all children who live with domestic abuse are victims too.

 

“Every case of domestic abuse should be taken seriously and each individual given access to the support they need. All victims should be able to access appropriate support. Whilst both men and women may experience incidents of inter-personal violence and abuse, women are considerably more likely to experience repeated and severe forms of abuse, including sexual violence. They are also more likely to have experienced sustained physical, psychological or emotional abuse, or violence which results in injury or death” (Statement from Women’s Aid)

 

The causes and effects of domestic abuse are numerous and significant. Across Trafford there are a range of organisations that work directly or indirectly with residents affected by domestic abuse, including Trafford Domestic Abuse Services (TDAS). Recent Home Office Statistics put the financial cost of domestic abuse in England and Wales at £66 billion, but it is the human cost that is more devastating. 

 

This Council believes that:

 

In Trafford we are committed to enabling our residents, their families and communities to live a healthy life, free from abuse and violence. We will support this by reducing the impact of domestic abuse on the population of Trafford by developing and implementing a sustainable system wide approach to prevention, early intervention, response and support. 

 

This Council will ensure that we:

 

·          Promote awareness, raising the profile of domestic abuse across all Trafford Partnership organisations and services

·          Encourage staff, partners and Elected Members to attend the excellent training offered by TDAS. A request will be submitted to provide an extra session at Trafford Town Hall.

·          Work to ensure our services enhance the safety of victims and the support that they receive

·          Promote early identification and harm reduction

·          Work in partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority and our partners to ensure an effective, evidence based response to perpetrators through to conviction and management of offenders, including rehabilitation and behavioural change programmes.

·          Improve performance – to drive consistency and better performance in the response to domestic abuse across all local  ...  view the full agenda text for item 9.

Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“This Council fully supports the Trafford Partnerships Domestic Violence and Abuse Strategy and recognises that the Domestic Abuse Bill has been finally brought to Parliament almost three years after it was first promised. This legislation is welcome and urgently needed, but will only be effective if it is underpinned by sustainable funding for specialist women’s services.

 

This Council notes that:

 

Trafford Council strives to have a zero tolerance approach towards domestic violence and abuse. Domestic abuse is a complex social issue which affects people from all groups, genders and cultures and impacts across all services. However, it is important to recognise that Domestic Abuse is a gendered crime. The Office of National Statistics states that whilst 2 million adults aged 16-59 experienced domestic abuse last year, 1.6 million of these are women. Almost one in three women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime, and two women a week are killed by a current or former partner. This Council also notes that all children who live with domestic abuse are victims too.

 

“Every case of domestic abuse should be taken seriously and each individual given access to the support they need. All victims should be able to access appropriate support. Whilst both men and women may experience incidents of inter-personal violence and abuse, women are considerably more likely to experience repeated and severe forms of abuse, including sexual violence. They are also more likely to have experienced sustained physical, psychological or emotional abuse, or violence which results in injury or death” (Statement from Women’s Aid).

 

The causes and effects of domestic abuse are numerous and significant. Across Trafford there are a range of organisations that work directly or indirectly with residents affected by domestic abuse, including Trafford Domestic Abuse Services (TDAS). Recent Home Office Statistics put the financial cost of domestic abuse in England and Wales at £66 billion, but it is the human cost that is more devastating. 

 

This Council believes that:

 

In Trafford we are committed to enabling our residents, their families and communities to live a healthy life, free from abuse and violence. We will support this by reducing the impact of domestic abuse on the population of Trafford by developing and implementing a sustainable system wide approach to prevention, early intervention, response and support. 

 

This Council will ensure that we:

 

·          Promote awareness, raising the profile of domestic abuse across all Trafford Partnership organisations and services

·          Encourage staff, partners and Elected Members to attend the excellent training offered by TDAS. A request will be submitted to provide an extra session at Trafford Town Hall.

·          Work to ensure our services enhance the safety of victims and the support that they receive

·          Promote early identification and harm reduction

·          Work in partnership with Greater Manchester Combined Authority and our partners to ensure an effective, evidence based response to perpetrators through to conviction and management of offenders, including rehabilitation and behavioural change programmes.

·          Improve performance – to drive consistency and better performance in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.

Motion Submitted by the Labour Group - UK Cities, Towns and Districts Standing Up for Responsible Tax Conduct (Deferred from the Council Meeting held on 18 March 2020)

 

Trafford Council recognises that:

 

Paying tax is often presented as a burden, but it shouldn’t be. Not when considered against the huge array of public services it helps fund – from education, health and social care, to flood defence, roads, policing and defence. It also helps to counter financial inequalities and rebalance distorted economies.

 

The pressure on organisations to pay the right amount of tax in the right place at the right time has never been stronger. For example, polling from the Institute for Business Ethics finds that “corporate tax avoidance” has, since 2013, been the clear number one concern of the British public when it comes to business conduct.

 

In recent years, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has done much to clamp down on tax avoidance and evasion – but many in the tax justice movement think there is still much more to be done. It’s been conservatively estimated that losses from multinational profit-shifting (just one form of tax avoidance) could be costing the UK some £7 billion per annum in lost corporation tax revenues.

 

As recipients of significant public funding, municipalities should take the lead in the promotion of exemplary tax conduct; be that by ensuring contractors are paying their proper share of tax, or by refusing to go along with offshore tax dodging when buying land and property.

 

Where substantive stakes are held in private enterprises, then influence should be wielded to ensure that such businesses are exemplars of tax transparency and tax avoidance is shunned - e.g., no use of marketed schemes requiring disclosure under DOTAS regulations (Disclosure Of Tax Avoidance Schemes) or arrangements that might fall foul of the General Anti-Abuse Rule. The Fair Tax Mark offers a means for business to demonstrate good tax conduct, and has been secured by organisations with a combined annual income of £50 billion and more than 6,500 outlets and premises. Social enterprises and co-operatives have been early pioneers of the Fair Tax Mark, and fit especially well with the pursuit of social value in public procurement.

 

In recent polling, almost two-thirds (63%) of the public agree that the Government and local councils should consider a company’s ethics and how they pay their tax as well as value for money and quality of service provided, when undertaking procurement. At the same time, research has found that 17.5% of public contracts in the UK have been won by companies with links to tax havens. More action is needed, however, current law significantly restricts council’s ability to either penalise poor tax conduct or reward good tax conduct, when buying goods or services.

 

UK cities, counties and towns can and should stand up for responsible tax conduct - doing what they can within existing frameworks and pledging to do more given the opportunity, as active supporters of international tax justice.

 

We pledge to:

 

1.       Pass a resolution approving the Councils for Fair Tax Declaration.

 

2.Lead by example and demonstrate good practice in our tax conduct, right across our activities. Including:  ...  view the full agenda text for item 10.

Minutes:

(Note: The time being 8.21 p.m., the Mayor indicated that with the exception of Members moving and seconding the Motion, speeches would be limited to a maximum of one minute per speaker.)

 

(Note: As an employee of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, Councillor Hynes declared a personal interest in this matter and remained in the meeting.)

 

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“Trafford Council recognises that:

 

Paying tax is often presented as a burden, but it shouldn’t be. Not when considered against the huge array of public services it helps fund – from education, health and social care, to flood defence, roads, policing and defence. It also helps to counter financial inequalities and rebalance distorted economies.

 

The pressure on organisations to pay the right amount of tax in the right place at the right time has never been stronger. For example, polling from the Institute for Business Ethics finds that “corporate tax avoidance” has, since 2013, been the clear number one concern of the British public when it comes to business conduct.

 

In recent years, Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has done much to clamp down on tax avoidance and evasion – but many in the tax justice movement think there is still much more to be done. It’s been conservatively estimated that losses from multinational profit-shifting (just one form of tax avoidance) could be costing the UK some £7 billion per annum in lost corporation tax revenues.

 

As recipients of significant public funding, municipalities should take the lead in the promotion of exemplary tax conduct; be that by ensuring contractors are paying their proper share of tax, or by refusing to go along with offshore tax dodging when buying land and property.

 

Where substantive stakes are held in private enterprises, then influence should be wielded to ensure that such businesses are exemplars of tax transparency and tax avoidance is shunned - e.g., no use of marketed schemes requiring disclosure under DOTAS regulations (Disclosure Of Tax Avoidance Schemes) or arrangements that might fall foul of the General Anti-Abuse Rule. The Fair Tax Mark offers a means for business to demonstrate good tax conduct, and has been secured by organisations with a combined annual income of £50 billion and more than 6,500 outlets and premises. Social enterprises and co-operatives have been early pioneers of the Fair Tax Mark, and fit especially well with the pursuit of social value in public procurement.

 

In recent polling, almost two-thirds (63%) of the public agree that the Government and local councils should consider a company’s ethics and how they pay their tax as well as value for money and quality of service provided, when undertaking procurement. At the same time, research has found that 17.5% of public contracts in the UK have been won by companies with links to tax havens. More action is needed, however, current law significantly restricts council’s ability to either penalise poor tax conduct or reward good tax conduct, when buying goods or services.

 

UK cities, counties and towns  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.

Motion Submitted by the Labour Group - Financial Impact of Covid on Local Authority Budgets

 

This Council is deeply concerned by the failure of the Conservative Government to compensate local authorities for the full financial impact of Covid-19. In Trafford alone, despite false promises of ‘whatever it takes’ from Government, the current crisis has created a financial pressure of over £60 million that so far hasn’t been met anywhere near in full. Local authorities find themselves in this appalling position having already endured ten years of sustained austerity. Unless action is taken by Government to properly compensate councils for both costs and loss of income in full caused by Covid this could have a significant impact on this Council’s ability to deliver services to its residents in the future.

 

Council notes that as things currently stand – after utilising available resources and exhausting other options – we find ourselves in the position of having a multi-million pound in-year budget gap significantly attributable to Covid, and face a budget deficit of over £35 million for the next financial year 2021/22.

 

Council therefore resolves:

 

-    That the Government must compensate local authorities for the true financial impact of Covid-19.

-     That the Leader of the Council should write to the Prime Minister outlining the threat to local services if this does not happen.

-     That the Council should launch a communications campaign similar to other authorities such as Redbridge to outline the Government’s failure to fund Covid-19 in full (costs and lost income) and to raise awareness of this amongst residents to highlight the risk to local services.

 

Council places on record it’s thanks to all Trafford residents for their support in these challenging times and pays tribute to all our staff who have worked to support our communities over the past six months. They are a credit to us and we are keen to ensure we are properly funded in order that they can continue this fantastic work.

Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

“This Council is deeply concerned by the failure of the Conservative Government to compensate local authorities for the full financial impact of Covid-19. In Trafford alone, despite false promises of ‘whatever it takes’ from Government, the current crisis has created a financial pressure of over £60 million that so far hasn’t been met anywhere near in full. Local authorities find themselves in this appalling position having already endured ten years of sustained austerity. Unless action is taken by Government to properly compensate councils for both costs and loss of income in full caused by Covid this could have a significant impact on this Council’s ability to deliver services to its residents in the future.

 

Council notes that as things currently stand – after utilising available resources and exhausting other options – we find ourselves in the position of having a multi-million pound in-year budget gap significantly attributable to Covid, and face a budget deficit of over £35 million for the next financial year 2021/22.

 

Council therefore resolves:

 

-  That the Government must compensate local authorities for the true financial impact of Covid-19.

-   That the Leader of the Council should write to the Prime Minister outlining the threat to local services if this does not happen.

-  That the Council should launch a communications campaign similar to other authorities such as Redbridge to outline the Government’s failure to fund Covid-19 in full (costs and lost income) and to raise awareness of this amongst residents to highlight the risk to local services.

 

Council places on record it’s thanks to all Trafford residents for their support in these challenging times and pays tribute to all our staff who have worked to support our communities over the past six months. They are a credit to us and we are keen to ensure we are properly funded in order that they can continue this fantastic work.

 

Following a debate on the matter, the Motion was put to the vote and in accordance with Procedure Rule 16.5, a recorded vote was called for. This resulted as follows:

 

Those in favour of the Motion: Councillors Acton, Adshead, Akinola, Bennett, Brophy, Brotherton, Dr. Carr, Carter, Coggins, Cordingley, Dillon, Duffield, Freeman, Harding, Hartley, Hynes, Jarman, Jerrome, Lloyd, Minnis, New, Newgrosh, Patel, K. Procter, S. Procter, Ross, Slater, Taylor, Thomas, Thompson, Walsh, Welton, A. Western, D. Western, Whitham, Whyte, Williams, Winstanley and Wright.

 

Those against the Motion: Councillors Dr. Barclay, Miss Blackburn, Boyes, Bunting, Butt, Mrs. Churchill, Evans, Mrs. Haddad, Holden, Lally, Mitchell, Morgan, Myers, Shaw and Mrs. P. Young.

 

Those choosing to abstain: None.

 

With the result of the vote being 39 in favour and 15 against, with no abstentions, the Motion was declared carried.

 

RESOLVED: That this Council is deeply concerned by the failure of the Conservative Government to compensate local authorities for the full financial impact of Covid-19. In Trafford alone, despite false promises of ‘whatever it takes’ from Government, the current crisis has created a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

12.

Motion Submitted by the Green Party Group - Lower Speeds, Safer Roads: Harnessing New Technology to Build Back Better on Trafford’s Streets pdf icon PDF 270 KB

 

Council notes that all parties in Trafford have previously supported motions or amendments backing the expansion of 20 mph zones. It also recognises that the provision of enforcement and competing demands on the police and other agencies has slowed that expansion down and has hitherto often been cited as reason not to make 20 mph zones more widespread.

 

This Council therefore welcomes the intention of our Government to abide by Regulation (EU) 2019/2144, making it a mandatory requirement for speed limiter and data recorder technology to be installed in new models of vehicle from 2022, and all new vehicles from 2024. For the first time speed

Compliance will be in-built into private vehicles, bringing them into line with HGVs.

 

And Council recognises the opportunity this provides to local authorities to look again at 20 mph schemes:

 

?       That will not be a long-term drain on policing resources and won’t need investment in humps or traffic calming.

?      That offer long-term savings through collision reduction, better public health (through cleaner air and increased active travel) and reduced highway wear and tear.

?      That can help reduce health inequalities in deprived neighbourhoods, where research shows child pedestrian deaths are over four times those in affluent neighbourhoods.1

?      That will bring policy into line with the principle of the Stockholm Declaration2, signed by the UK government in February 2020, which mandates a maximum road travel speed of 20 mph “where vulnerable road users and vehicles mix in a frequent and planned manner, except where strong evidence exists that higher speeds are safe".

?      That further the objectives of Trafford’s Public Health Report, which finds that “slowing city traffic makes roads safer for everyone, and encourages walking and cycling”.3

?      That benefit from strong public support, according to national surveys.4

 

Council resolves:

 

?      To take advantage of this new opportunity.

?      To strive to utilise the Department of Transport’s Emergency Active Travel Funding to enable new funded 20 mph limit zones.

?      In the short term, to provide Trafford residents with the right to request signed 20 mph speed limits on their streets, using a similar mechanism to the one already used for residents to request parking schemes.

?      To adopt a policy of favouring the implementation of 20 mph limits or zones as a default for all streets in residential areas, town centres/retail districts and roads where vulnerable road users and motor vehicles mix. A report outlining how this could be achieved and funded will be presented to the Council by the end of the financial year.

 

 

1    Welsh 20 MPH Task Force Group: Final Report

      https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2020-07/20mph-task-force-group-report.pdf

2    Stockholm Declaration Third Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety: Achieving Global Goals 2030

3    Combating Climate Change: Report of the Director of Public Health Trafford 2019

4    Working Together to Promote Active Travel. A briefing for local authorities

      https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/523460/Working_Together_to_Promote_Active_Travel_A_briefing_for_local_authorities.pdf

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was moved and seconded that:

 

Council notes that all parties in Trafford have previously supported motions or amendments backing the expansion of 20 mph zones. It also recognises that the provision of enforcement and competing demands on the police and other agencies has slowed that expansion down and has hitherto often been cited as reason not to make 20 mph zones more widespread.

 

This Council therefore welcomes the intention of our Government to abide by Regulation (EU) 2019/2144, making it a mandatory requirement for speed limiter and data recorder technology to be installed in new models of vehicle from 2022, and all new vehicles from 2024. For the first time speed compliance will be in-built into private vehicles, bringing them into line with HGVs.

 

And Council recognises the opportunity this provides to local authorities to look again at 20 mph schemes:

 

?     That will not be a long-term drain on policing resources and won’t need investment in humps or traffic calming.

?     That offer long-term savings through collision reduction, better public health (through cleaner air and increased active travel) and reduced highway wear and tear.

?     That can help reduce health inequalities in deprived neighbourhoods, where research shows child pedestrian deaths are over four times those in affluent neighbourhoods.1

?     That will bring policy into line with the principle of the Stockholm Declaration2, signed by the UK government in February 2020, which mandates a maximum road travel speed of 20 mph “where vulnerable road users and vehicles mix in a frequent and planned manner, except where strong evidence exists that higher speeds are safe".

?     That further the objectives of Trafford’s Public Health Report, which finds that “slowing city traffic makes roads safer for everyone, and encourages walking and cycling”.3

?     That benefit from strong public support, according to national surveys.4

 

Council resolves:

 

?     To take advantage of this new opportunity.

?     To strive to utilise the Department of Transport’s Emergency Active Travel Funding to enable new funded 20 mph limit zones.

?     In the short term, to provide Trafford residents with the right to request signed 20 mph speed limits on their streets, using a similar mechanism to the one already used for residents to request parking schemes.

?     To adopt a policy of favouring the implementation of 20 mph limits or zones as a default for all streets in residential areas, town centres/retail districts and roads where vulnerable road users and motor vehicles mix. A report outlining how this could be achieved and funded will be presented to the Council by the end of the financial year.

 

1    Welsh 20 MPH Task Force Group: Final Report

      https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2020-07/20mph-task-force-group-report.pdf

2    Stockholm Declaration Third Global Ministerial Conference on Road Safety: Achieving Global Goals 2030

3    Combating Climate Change: Report of the Director of Public Health Trafford 2019

4    Working Together to Promote Active Travel. A briefing for local authorities

      https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/523460/Working_Together_to_Promote_Active_Travel_A_briefing_for_local_authorities.pdf

 

It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:

 

Council notes that all parties in Trafford have previously supported  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.