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

That the Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on 14 July 2014 and the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 16 July 2014, each be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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

The Mayor reported that the Leader of the Council, Councillor Anstee had completed his “Ice Bucket Challenge” the week previously, suitably aided by Councillor Acton who was on hand with the bucket to ensure that he got a soaking. £127 was raised on the day for charity with direct text donations made afterwards still to be calculated. The Mayor congratulated the Leader for entering into the spirit of the challenge and thanked everyone for their generosity.

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

The Mayor reported that 6 questions had been received under Procedure Rule 10.2.

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

“Members will have noted the Press Release 9 September in respect of Key Stage 2 Educational attainments and I ask if there is any further information available?” 

In response to the question, Councillor Cornes the Executive Member for Children’s Services provided a detailed statistical analysis of the national curriculum tests results which showed attainment in Trafford to be well in excess of both national and North West averages. Councillor Cornes welcomed a great set of results which would set great foundations for the children of the Borough’s future. 

(b)        Councillor Freeman asked the following question for which he had given notice:

“Can the Executive Member for Children’s Services please explain the rationale behind the summer retendering of SEN School Transport contracts and the level of personal scrutiny he gave to the process? When was the decision made to retender the Contracts? Why did he not foresee the need to inform Elected Members of the changes and at the same time keep parents/carers of SEN Children transported by Trafford aware of the changes?”

Councillor Cornes, Executive Member for Children’s’ Services advised that a note on the matter had been issued to the Scrutiny Committee and stressed to the Council that there had not been a policy change nor had any changes been made to the eligibility criteria. The decision was within the remit of officer decisions and as was usual practice, Members had not been involved. However, the Council had recognised that the information provided to parents and carers was insufficient and had apologised reservedly for not communicating adequately.

As a supplementary question, Councillor Freeman then asked:

“Does the Executive Member regret the fact that parents of SEN children were not kept informed of the changes and will he now apologise for this? Is it right that some children are now experiencing longer travel times to schools? Did the tendering process take account of individual children’s needs? What assurances can the Executive Member give that this Council is not putting saving money before ensuring our SEN Children are safely transported to and from school?

Can the Executive Member please explain why some contracts would appear to have been wrongly awarded resulting in some private contractors now being paid up to £1800 under the 21 day termination notice for contracts because of failings in the tendering process?

Lastly, with regard to the unfortunate incident where a contractor was sent to collect a child who had tragically died the week before school term commenced, can the Executive Member explain why I am in receipt of an email from a Senior Council Officer stating staff were unaware and had not been informed of the death, yet the Manchester Evening News are informed the Council was advised but this information was not provided to the contractor?

Considering the complexity of the supplementary question, the Executive Member assured Councillor Freeman  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

To note that the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council has agreed the following changes to the Membership of Committees and Outside Bodies:

(a)        Councillor Higgins replaced Councillor Dr. Barclay on Health Scrutiny Committee with effect from 15 July 2014.

(b)        Councillor Mitchell replaced Councillor Dr. Barclay as a Substitute Member on the AGMA appointed Greater Manchester Health Scrutiny Committee with effect from 18 July 2014.

RESOLVED: That the Council notes that the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council has agreed the following changes to the Membership of Committees and Outside Bodies:

(a)        Councillor Higgins replaced Councillor Dr. Barclay on Health Scrutiny Committee with effect from 15 July 2014; and

(b)        Councillor Mitchell replaced Councillor Dr. Barclay as a Substitute Member on the AGMA appointed Greater Manchester Health Scrutiny Committee with effect from 18 July 2014.

To consider a report of the Executive Member for Transformation and Resources referred from the Executive Meeting held on 28 July 2014.

The Executive Member for Transformation and Resources submitted a report providing information on council-wide health and safety performance, trends in workplace accidents and a summary of other key developments in health and safety over the 12-month period. The Executive Member placed on record his thanks to officers of the Health and Safety Unit for their efforts in ensuring staff were protected.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

To consider a joint report of the Executive Member for Finance and Director of Finance referred from the Executive Meeting held on 1 September 2014.

The Executive Member for Finance and Director of Finance submitted a report setting out proposed measures to reduce the shortfall which had been identified within the Children, Families and Wellbeing Budget for 2014/15.

The recommendations set out in the report were moved and seconded and after a debate were put to the vote and declared carried.

RESOLVED –

(1)        That the Council notes the additional in-year savings within the Children, Families and Wellbeing Directorate of up to £(3.3)million.

(2)        That a reduction in the Provision for Equal Pay Claims of £(1.0)million and the use of capital receipts of £(1.3)million from Urmston Town Centre, as outlined in paragraph 3.6 of the report, be approved.

(3)        That the Council approves the further use of up to £(1.6)million from the General Reserve in support of the 2014/15 budget.

(4)        That the use of the General Reserve (if required) for the Council’s contribution to the accumulated deficit on the Learning Disability Pooled Budget, be approved, on condition that the General Reserve is restored to the approved minimum level for 2015/16.

To consider a report of the Chief Executive.

(Note: Councillor Anstee, the Leader of the Council declared a prejudicial interest since the Leader’s allowance was one of the matters for consideration and in accordance with paragraph 13.4(e) of the Code of Conduct for Members, was permitted to remain in the meeting, participate in the debate and vote thereon.)

The Chief Executive submitted a report setting out the recommendations of the IRP Panel regarding amendments to the Scheme of Members’ allowances, for consideration by the Council.

The recommendations set out in the report were moved and seconded and after a debate were put to the vote and declared carried.

RESOLVED –

(1)        That the recommendations of the Panel, as set out in the report at Appendix 1, be approved.

(2)        That the Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to revise Part 6 of the Constitution (Members Allowances Scheme) as a consequence of this decision.

To consider a report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services.

The Director of Legal and Democratic Services submitted a report setting out changes to the Constitution as a result of new regulations relating to openness of local government decision making.

RESOLVED: That the changes to the Council’s Constitution, as set out in the report, be approved.

The Council is concerned that its residents are being bombarded with unsolicited and unwanted junk mail by companies who buy the open Electoral Register.

Therefore, Council notes and supports the campaign initiated by the Local Government Association for legislation to be enacted to repeal the law allowing the sale of the open Register of Electors and make all electoral registers closed.

It was moved and seconded that:

“The Council is concerned that its residents are being bombarded with unsolicited and unwanted junk mail by companies who buy the open Electoral Register.

Therefore, Council notes and supports the campaign initiated by the Local Government Association for legislation to be enacted to repeal the law allowing the sale of the open Register of Electors and make all electoral registers closed.”

Following a debate on the matter, the Motion was agreed by the general consent of the Council.

RESOLVED: That the Council is concerned that its residents are being bombarded with unsolicited and unwanted junk mail by companies who buy the open Electoral Register.

Therefore, Council notes and supports the campaign initiated by the Local Government Association for legislation to be enacted to repeal the law allowing the sale of the open Register of Electors and make all electoral registers closed.

The Council notes the consultation period for Healthier Together is approaching its end and greatly encourages all residents of Trafford to participate and comment on the options for reconfiguration of health services across Greater Manchester.

In addition, Council notes the commitments made during the New Health Deal for Trafford implementation that maintained easy and readily available access to a full complement of hospital services for all Trafford residents both at the University Hospital of South Manchester Foundation Trust and Central Manchester Foundation Trust.

On this basis, the Council contends that provision of these services is not clearly articulated in the consultation and requests that the Leader of the Council ensures a meeting is arranged with NHS England to ensure that its views are fully understood and taken into account in the consultation proceedings.

That the Council asks the Leader, with the full authority of the Council, to write to the Secretary of State to express the feelings of all Members of this Council following this debate.

Procedural Arrangements – Since the Motions set out at Items 9 (b) and 9 (c) on the Council Summons concerned the same issues, the Mayor, with the consent of the Council, suspended Procedure Rules to enable both these Motions to be moved and seconded, then debated together, before being determined.

(Note: The following Councillors declared a personal interest in this item, for the reasons set out below and remained in the meeting during consideration and determination of the matter:

Councillor D. Western - works at Wythenshawe Hospital;

Councillor Cornes – a number of family members work for the NHS locally;

Councillor Adshead – works at Trafford General Hospital;

Councillor Mrs. Bruer-Morris – is a NHS practice nurse; and

Councillor Mrs. Brophy – works for the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust).

It was moved and seconded as a 1^st Motion that:

“The Council notes the consultation period for Healthier Together is approaching its end and greatly encourages all residents of Trafford to participate and comment on the options for reconfiguration of health services across Greater Manchester.

In addition, Council notes the commitments made during the New Health Deal for Trafford implementation that maintained easy and readily available access to a full complement of hospital services for all Trafford residents both at the University Hospital of South Manchester Foundation Trust and Central Manchester Foundation Trust.

On this basis, the Council contends that provision of these services is not clearly articulated in the consultation and requests that the Leader of the Council ensures a meeting is arranged with NHS England to ensure that its views are fully understood and taken into account in the consultation proceedings.

That the Council asks the Leader, with the full authority of the Council, to write to the Secretary of State to express the feelings of all Members of this Council following this debate.”

It was moved and seconded as a 2^nd Motion that:

“This Council supports Wythenshawe Hospital in the Healthier together campaign to remain as a specialist hospital with a 24/7 Accident and Emergency Unit.

The residents of Trafford have already seen the loss of the 24 hour seven day a week A/E at Trafford General Hospital and were promised that the A/E at Wythenshawe would now become the A/E for all Trafford residents.

Wythenshawe Hospital is major emergency hospital with specialist care in thoracic, heart, transplant, burn and plastic surgery. It also specialises in major trauma cases e.g. Airport incidents.

We are in danger of losing these services if the hospital is downgraded.

It is vital that all residents vote and back our campaign to ensure Wythenshawe remains a clinical specialist hospital in Greater Manchester.

This is urgent as the Consultation period finishes at the end of September.”

[Note: During the debate on this item, the time being 9.01 p.m., the Mayor indicated that all speeches would now be limited to a maximum of two minutes per speaker.]

Following a debate on all matters, the Council agreed both the Motions  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

This Council supports Wythenshawe Hospital in the Healthier together campaign to remain as a specialist hospital with a 24/7 Accident and Emergency Unit.

The residents of Trafford have already seen the loss of the 24 hour seven day a week A/E at Trafford General Hospital and were promised that the A/E at Wythenshawe would now become the A/E for all Trafford residents.

Wythenshawe Hospital is major emergency hospital with specialist care in thoracic, heart, transplant, burn and plastic surgery. It also specialises in major trauma cases e.g. Airport incidents.

We are in danger of losing these services if the hospital is downgraded.

It is vital that all residents vote and back our campaign to ensure Wythenshawe remains a clinical specialist hospital in Greater Manchester.

This is urgent as the Consultation period finishes at the end of September.

Please refer to Minute No. 42 as this matter was considered together with the Motion set out at 9 (b) on the Summons.

Council notes that changes to staffing levels and severe budget cuts has led to a clear deterioration of green spaces and environment activities and calls for improvements to be made to services as a matter of urgency.

This Council notes particular the following concerns:-

• Overflowing litter bins throughout Trafford
• Overgrown grass verges
• Overgrown weeds in many of our built-up areas
• Increased levels of fly tipping
• Dirty alleyways
• A clear reduction of maintenance in our parks and green spaces

Constant promises by the Council Executive that services will improve have failed to materialise and resulted in deterioration of the Trafford environment, therefore, we call on the Council to take immediate action to deliver cleaner streets and improved environmental maintenance.

It was moved and seconded that:

“Council notes that changes to staffing levels and severe budget cuts has led to a clear deterioration of green spaces and environment activities and calls for improvements to be made to services as a matter of urgency.

This Council notes particular the following concerns:-

·     Overflowing litter bins throughout Trafford

·     Overgrown grass verges

·     Overgrown weeds in many of our built-up areas

·     Increased levels of fly tipping

·     Dirty alleyways

·     A clear reduction of maintenance in our parks and green spaces

Constant promises by the Council Executive that services will improve have failed to materialise and resulted in deterioration of the Trafford environment, therefore, we call on the Council to take immediate action to deliver cleaner streets and improved environmental maintenance.”

[Note: During the debate on this item, the time being 9.17 p.m., the Mayor indicated that all speeches 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.

Earlier this year the Council Executive gave notice to withdraw the Council grant to the Trafford Community Leisure Trust (TCLT) next year.

This move will put enormous pressure on the Council Leisure Centres and other leisure services managed by TCLT for the Council. This could lead to higher charges to users, a decline in maintenance of the Council owned buildings and potential closing down of provision.

In light of the above we call on the Council not to cut the grant to TCLT. The Council also seeks assurances that no Leisure Centres and other services managed by TCLT on the Council behalf will close in the event the Council withdraws the Council Grant to TCLT.

RESOLVED: That, in view of the time, this matter be deferred to the next meeting of the Council.