Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Trafford Town Hall, Talbot Road, Stretford M32 0TH

Contact: Jo Maloney  Governance Officer

Note: Attendance restricted due to Covid 19 precautions; by prior appointment only. 

Items
No. Item

22.

QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

A maximum of 15 minutes will be allocated to public questions submitted in writing to Democratic Services (democratic.services@trafford.gov.uk) by 4 p.m. on the working day prior to the meeting. Questions must be relevant to items appearing on the agenda and will be submitted in the order in which they were received.

Minutes:

It was noted that no questions had been received in time for consideration at this meeting. The Deputy Leader reported that a question had been submitted in relation to item 27; but that, as this had been considerably after the final deadline, it was not possible to respond at this meeting. It was reported that a response would, however, be made, outside the meeting.

23.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members to give notice of any interest and the nature of that interest relating to any item on the agenda in accordance with the adopted Code of Conduct.

Minutes:

No declarations were made by Executive Members.

24.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 205 KB

To receive and, if so determined, to approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meetings held on 21st June and 26th July 2021.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the Meetings held on 21st June and 26th July 2021 be approved as correct records.

25.

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

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

Minutes:

Councillor Acton, as Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, advised Members that a Panel overseeing a review of the Council’s Scrutiny function had met and agreed terms of reference. A survey had been issued to Members and to senior officers, seeking to identify where arrangements currently worked well and where there might be room for improvement; and both Councillor Acton and the Deputy Leader encouraged the completion of this survey.

26.

RE-DEVELOPMENT OF FORMER SALE MAGISTRATES COURT SITE, SALE - PART I pdf icon PDF 732 KB

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

[Note: A related item is to be considered in Part II of this agenda.]

Minutes:

[Note: A related report was considered in Part II of the agenda.]

The Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration submitted a report which sought approval to implement the recent planning permission and commit the necessary resources to enable the Council to undertake a direct development of the former site of Sale Magistrates Court, Sale. A related report, setting out financial details relating to the proposal, was considered in Part II of the agenda. In response to queries raised by Members, it was noted that the Council did have aspirations to promote the development of zero-carbon homes in future; and that it was intended that the “Pocket Park” would be retained if the current proposal proceeded.

 

          RESOLVED -

 

(1)      That the due diligence currently undertaken, as set out in the report, be noted.

 

(2.)     That the re-development of the former Sale Magistrates Court be authorised pursuant to planning permission : 102822/FUL/20 and in accordance with planning policy, to include all non-material amendments and variations that may be required as a consequence of the development.

 

(3)      That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place in consultation with the Corporate Director of Governance and Community Strategy to negotiate agree and authorise the entering into of all contracts, professional appointments, or any other similar matter required or beneficial to the delivery of the development.

 

(4)      That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place in consultation with the Corporate Director of Governance and Community Strategy to negotiate, agree and authorise the entering into of easements, wayleaves, substation leases or any other similar matter required or beneficial to the delivery of the development whether or not it secures the best consideration that can be obtained.

 

(5)      That the disposal of the completed units be authorised in principle, and that authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place to negotiate agree and authorise the entering into of all contracts and deeds for the disposal of the completed units.

 

(6)      That the Corporate Director of Governance and Community Strategy be authorised to finalise and enter into all legal agreements required to implement the above recommendations.

 

(7)      That approval be given to an increased level of sustainability at a cost of £350k and inclusion of a contribution of £260k to Trafford Housing Trust towards Social Rent.

27.

CARRINGTON & PARTINGTON TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE - CARRINGTON RELIEF ROAD UPDATE pdf icon PDF 398 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration submitted a report which referred to the proposals in the 2012 Trafford Core Strategy for a number of transport improvements around Carrington, including the provision of a new link road to provide better capacity, alleviate congestion and improve public transport and cycling. The report noted that the Council had undertaken further appraisal of route options for the proposed new link road and had identified the offline route (Option F) as the preferred option to be taken forward to submission of a planning application. The report set out the rationale for selection and the strategy for progressing the scheme.

 

Members held a wide-ranging discussion which sought to draw attention both to the need to cater for the range of infrastructure and transportation needs of current and future communities and businesses in Partington and Carrington, and to the potential ecological and environmental impacts of the proposed road’s construction and route. Questions were also raised in relation to financial aspects of the proposals, and the extent to which other adjacent areas of land might potentially become vulnerable to additional future development. The Executive Member drew attention to a public statement which had been prepared, responding to a range of representations which had been made as part of the consultation process. It was noted that further consultation was planned; and that detailed assessments of environmental and transportation aspects of the proposals, and the potential need for additional protection for adjacent areas, would be considered as part of the planning process for any eventual development.

 

            RESOLVED -

 

(1)       That the outcome of the public engagement process be noted.

 

(2)      That Option F be approved as the route for the new Carrington Relief Road and that the Corporate Director of Place be authorised to:

a.    engage external resources where this will assist in implementing the relief road, including a professional team where reasonably required.

b.    Commission, submit and/or authorise as appropriate:

i) an application for planning permission to deliver the relief road; and

ii) any surveys/investigations where such surveys will reduce risks and/or assist with the preparation, submission and resolution of any planning permission application, or any other usual pre-construction survey or investigation.

c.    authorise community engagement and consultations where the Corporate Director deems it necessary or advantageous

 

(3)       That the funding position for the next development phase be noted.

 

(4)       That the current funding gap and strategy for securing further funds be noted.

28.

PROPOSED LEASE OF THE FORMER PARTINGTON YOUTH CENTRE, MOSS LANE, PARTINGTON TO THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER MANCHESTER pdf icon PDF 335 KB

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

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration submitted a report which sought approval for the Council to proceed with granting a 99 year lease to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Manchester (at an undervalue) to enable them to invest in the building and reinstate the asset as a Youth Facility to benefit the children in the Locality of Partington. In discussion a broad welcome was expressed for the proposals, which would involve partners with a creditable track record in promoting participation in constructive activities and physical exercise in an area where need existed, and whose population included the highest proportion of young people in the borough.

 

          RESOLVED -

 

(1)      That approval in principle be given to the grant of a 99 year lease of the former Partington Youth Centre on similar terms to the draft heads of terms included in the report.

 

(2)      That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for Place to finalise and agree the heads of terms in order to facilitate the grant of a lease.

 

(3)      That the Corporate Director of Governance and Community Strategy be authorised to enter into any legal documents required to finalise the transaction.

29.

TRAFFORD TOGETHER LOCALITY PLAN 2019 - 2024 REFRESH pdf icon PDF 301 KB

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council and Joint Chair of Trafford One System Board, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Equalities.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council and Joint Chair of Trafford One System Board, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Equalities submitted a report which presented for endorsement the refresh of the Trafford Together Locality Plan 2019-24. This had been developed in conjunction with the Council’s health and social care system partners and was strategically owned by the Trafford One System Board. It was noted that both the Trafford One System Board and the Trafford Local Care Alliance (and in its future state as the Trafford Together Health and Care Alliance) were fully committed to establishing the key steps outlined in this plan to define the future of Trafford’s health and social care system and see it thrive in the new Greater Manchester Integrated Care System (GM ICS) arrangements. In discussion the Executive Member emphasised that the Plan was a dynamic document, with further updates to be reported in future as appropriate. She commended the effective partnership work which had already been undertaken under the Plan’s auspices, and which had proved vital in assisting the response, across the borough, to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

          RESOLVED -

 

(1)      That the content and approach laid out in the Trafford Together Locality Plan 2019-24 Refresh be agreed.

 

(2)      That it be noted that this is an evolving document which will be strategically owned by the Trafford One System Board and Trafford Together Health and Care Alliance (Trafford Local Care Alliance currently).

30.

EDUCATION AND EARLY YEARS BASIC NEED CAPITAL REPORT pdf icon PDF 544 KB

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Children's Services.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Children’s Services submitted a report which referred to the Council’s a statutory duty to provide sufficient places in schools and early years settings. It noted that to support the achievement of this duty, and to meet any risks in relation to school conditions and access, the Council had received Basic Need capital funding (for expansion of pupil places) of £7.842m for 2021/22 and a nil allocation for 2022/23. The report provided further details and an update on the progress that had been made on existing projects to meet demand for places as projected in January 2021. It set out the Council’s proposals to address the shortfall of places, it being noted that all proposals were at the budget estimate stage and would be met from within the grant allocation available. In particular it provided an update on the current position in relation to Stamford Park Schools. In discussion, Members noted the unprecedented recent demand which had been placed on school admissions. A significant factor in this was the Hong Kong visa scheme; whilst this covered a five year period, evidence suggested that demand was now stabilising. Members were reminded of the limited control the LEA possessed over schools’ admission arrangements, and the impact of applications from outside the borough. Extensive monitoring and planning was in place to assist the Council in manging envisaged needs, and the Council was continuing to liaise with the DfE and Regional Schools Commissioner to assist with identified pressures. The Executive’s thanks were accorded to all who were involved in this significant work.

 

RESOLVED - That the Executive agrees the proposals contained within the report be agreed as the detailed capital programme for 2021/22, specifically:

 

1.    Note the demand for primary and secondary school places in Section 2 and 4 of the report.

 

2.    Note the feasibility study and options appraisal in Section 3 of the report for refurbishment and expansion of the now amalgamated Stamford Park Primary School and approve the proposal not proceed with the expansion of Stamford Park Primary School and to reallocate the £8m budget and instead proceed with the expansion of The Willows Primary School.

 

3.    Approve the expansion proposals detailed in Section 6 of the report:

Willows Primary School (PAN 45 to 60)

Templemoor Infant School (PAN 60 to 90)

Moorlands Junior School (PAN 60 to 90)

Davyhulme Primary School (PAN 70 to 90)

 

4.    Note and agree the completion of previous schemes and the demand for early years places in Section 5 of the report.

31.

BUDGET MONITORING 2021/22 - PERIOD 4 (APRIL TO JULY 2021) pdf icon PDF 942 KB

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

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Finance and Governance and the Director of Finance and Systemssubmitted a report which informed Members of the current 2021/22 forecast outturn figures relating to both Revenue and Capital budgets. It also summarised the latest forecast position for Council Tax and Business Rates within the Collection Fund. In discussion a question was asked, and an update provided, on the latest position on the Trafford Waters project. In relation to re-phasing of the capital programme, Members were advised that no Government grant funding was at risk in consequence. Within Leisure, re-phased monies related primarily to planned repairs; these would need to be scheduled in the light of the wider investment programme which was to be brought forward in the autumn.

 

RESOLVED – That the updated positions on the revenue budget, collection fund and capital programme be noted.

32.

GREATER MANCHESTER MINIMUM LICENSING STANDARDS FOR TAXI AND PRIVATE HIRE STAGE 1 pdf icon PDF 408 KB

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services, for information and recommendation to Council.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Environmental and Regulatory Servicessubmitted a report which set out the proposed Greater Manchester Minimum Licensing Standards for Taxi and Private Hire.  It represented Stage One of the Standards which relate to Drivers, Operators and Local Authorities.  Stage Two related to Vehicles and these proposals would be reported to the Executive in October.  The current report set out the responses to the recent public and trade consultation for Stage One, and outlined the proposed standards, policies and procedures which would be considered by Council on 13th October 2021. In discussion there was a very broad welcome for the proposals and the contribution they would make to personal safety in what was an integral part of the region’s transport system. Whilst some disappointment was expressed that it was not possible under existing legislation to restrict the operation of drivers who had been licensed under less stringent regimes, it was noted that the Council would continue to lobby Government on the issue; and also that publicity and awareness of the Greater Manchester scheme would allow customers to make informed choices regarding the operator they selected.

 

RESOLVED -

 

(1)       That the feedback be noted from the recent public and trade consultation on the proposed Greater Manchester Minimum Licensing Standards for Taxi and Private Hire.

 

(2)       That it be recommended to Council that Enhanced Criminal Record checks are undertaken as per Driver Standard 1 in table A of the report.

 

(3)       That it be recommended to Council that Medical Checks are undertaken as per Driver Standard 2 in table A of the report.

 

(4)       That it be recommended to Council that assessments of English proficiency are undertaken as per Driver Standard 4 in table A of the report.

 

(5)       That it be recommended to Council that driver proficiency tests are implemented as per Driver Standard 5 in table A of the report.

 

(6)       That it be recommended to Council that driver training is undertaken as per Driver Standard 6 in table A of the report.

 

(7)       That it be recommended to Council that it approves the Licensed Drivers Dress Code, at Appendix 1 to the report.

 

(8)       That it be recommended to Council that it approves the Private Hire Driver Conditions Policy at Appendix 2 to the report.

 

(9)       That it be noted that a further report on alcohol and drug testing for taxi drivers will be forthcoming in 2022.

 

(10)     That it be recommended to Council that it approves the Private Hire Operator Conditions Policy at Appendix 3 to the report and notes the Appendix 4 proposed amendments to Operator Conditions.

 

(11)     That it be recommended to Council that Enhanced Criminal Record checks for Operators and their staff be undertaken as per Operator Standard 2 in table B of the report.

 

(12)     That it be recommended to Council to adopt the timescales for applications as per Local Authority Standard 1 in Table C of the report.

 

(13)     That it be recommended to Council to approve the development  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32.

33.

COUNCIL'S DIGITAL STRATEGY UPDATE pdf icon PDF 493 KB

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Covid-19 Recovery and Reform.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Executive Member for Covid-19 Recovery and Reform submitted a report which summarised progress on the Council’s Digital Strategy. It noted that Digital was now recognised as a key enabler of the locality priorities and a contributor to the financial challenges faced by the Council; and that the Council’s Digital Strategy 2020-23 provided the focus for its digital ambitions over the coming years. The report provided further detail of the Strategy’s key themes, the progress achieved during 2020 and the first half of 2021, and the remaining work needed in digitally modernising the Council and its operations.  The Executive Member noted the impact on progress of the COVID-19 pandemic, but drew attention to the key areas of focus for the forthcoming year. In response to a question regarding progress in relation to the Greater Manchester Full Fibre network programme, it was agreed that a response would be provided outside the meeting.

 

RESOLVED – That the progress made on implementing the digital strategy, as detailed within the report, be noted.

34.

EXCLUSION RESOLUTION

Motion   (Which may be amended as Members think fit):

 

            That the public be excluded from this meeting during consideration of the remaining items on the agenda, because of the likelihood of disclosure of “exempt information” which falls within one or more descriptive category or categories of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, as amended by The Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006, and specified on the agenda item or report relating to each such item respectively.

Minutes:

RESOLVED - That the public be excluded from this meeting during consideration of the remaining items on the agenda, because of the likelihood of disclosure of “exempt information” which falls within one or more descriptive category or categories of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, as amended by The Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006, and specified on the agenda item or report relating to each such item respectively.

35.

RE-DEVELOPMENT OF FORMER SALE MAGISTRATES COURT SITE, SALE - PART II

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

[Note: A related item is to be considered in Part I of this agenda.]

Minutes:

[Note: A related report was considered in Part I of the agenda.]

 

The Executive Member for Housing and Regeneration submitted a report setting out financial details in relation to the seeking of approval to implement the recent planning permission and commit the necessary resources to enable the Council to undertake a direct development of the former site of Sale Magistrates Court, Sale. A related report setting out other details relating to the proposal had been considered in Part I of the agenda; and details of issues discussed and all formal resolutions relating to this issue are set out earlier in these Minutes. In discussion, a question was raised regarding the expected financial returns to the Council, with the Executive Member responding that the Executive was comfortable with the envisaged position.