Venue: Council Chamber, Trafford Town Hall, Talbot Road, Stretford
Contact: Ian Cockill Democratic Services Officer
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To approve as correct records the Minutes of the following meetings for signature by the Mayor as Chairman: Additional documents: Minutes: That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Council held on 18 September 2013 and the Minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on 14 October 2013, be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
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Announcements 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. Additional documents: Minutes: (a) Councillor Ken Weston
The Mayor referred with sadness to the recent death of former Mayor and serving Councillor, Ken Weston aged 70. Ken had been a loyal Broadheath Ward Councillor, since his election in 2000 and had been very proud to serve as the Borough’s Mayor in 2010/11.
The Group Leaders conveyed condolences and recollected that Ken was a true gentleman with an abundance of character and a community person through and though.
The Council echoed these words and stood in silence, as a mark of respect and a tribute, to a dedicated colleague.
(b) Health Scrutiny Committee
Councillor Lloyd, Chairman of Health Scrutiny Committee reported on the outcome of the Joint Health Scrutiny Committee meeting with Manchester City Council on 22 October 2013. Councillor Lloyd stated that there was still a monitoring role for the Committee and it would be scrutinising the hospital accident and emergency figures early in 2014. |
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Questions By Members 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. Additional documents: Minutes: The Mayor reported that 2 questions had been received under Procedure Rule 10.2.
(a) Councillor Freeman asked the following question for which he had given notice:
“Please can you detail to this meeting the negotiations undertaken with Elected Members of this Chamber, the Contractor, the Residents of Trafford, and User Groups, in arriving at the decision you have made to close Trafford Water Sports Centre? What assurances can you give that Sale Water Park will not now just fall into terminal decline?”
Councillor Coupe, Executive Member for Safe and Strong Communities responded by advising that the Council’s approved budget for 2013/14 included an indicative proposal to review the funding arrangements for sport and leisure as a saving option for 2014/15. Negotiations with the Contractor had progressed since March 2013, to cease the index linked subsidy for water sports provision at Sale Water Park. The subsidy represented 73% of the income generated by the centre and the agreement was to be in place until 2020.
The Executive Member explained that as negotiations progressed it became apparent that without the subsidy the current contract was not deliverable and both parties decided it would be best to terminate the contract. Based on the business case, a formal decision to terminate the contract from 31 December 2013 was made, saving the Council £1.1 million over the next 6 years.
Officers wrote on 5 November to Ward Members and opposition spokespersons to inform them of the decision and provided a confidential briefing setting out the rationale behind the decision. Staff were informed on 6 November and letters were sent to all users on 8 November, informing them of the decision and asking them to contact the Council to discuss the matter further and in some cases renegotiate their contracts.
Councillor Coupe reported that funding of £48,000 had been retained so that the Council could maintain the Water Park once the contract had terminated and the £1.1 million saving would be delivered in addition to the annual maintenance funding. The Executive Member assured the Council that it was not the end for Sale Water Park but the end of a contract that was not sustainable. Some initial inquiries from interested parties wishing to remain anonymous at the moment had been received and he was happy to talk to any group or individual interested in working with the Council to continue to offer water sports at Sale Water Park.
Commenting upon the decision making process, Councillor Freeman asked as a supplementary question how this particular decision measured up to the principle that openness, honesty and transparency should be at the heart of all local government decisions. In response, Councillor Coupe asserted that the matter was decided in accordance with Council procedures. It had been impracticable to give 28 days’ notice given the position regarding negotiations with the Contractor, since it only became evident that a formal decision would be required within this timescale and when taken it was deemed to be urgent in order to maximise savings. ... view the full minutes text for item 50. |
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Draft Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy PDF 66 KB To consider a report referred from the Executive on 23 September 2013 and the Health and Wellbeing Board on 1 October 2013. Additional documents:
Minutes: (Note: Councillor Mrs. Brophy declared a personal interest in this matter, insofar as it related to her employment by the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, and remained in the meeting.)
The Executive Member for Community Health and Wellbeing submitted a report seeking approval of the draft Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The draft strategy had been approved by the Executive and the Health and Wellbeing Board at their meetings held on 23 September 2013 and 1 October 2013, respectively.
RESOLVED: That the draft Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy be approved and formally incorporated into the Council’s Policy Framework. |
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Year End Corporate Report on Health and Safety - 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013 PDF 185 KB To consider a report of the Executive Member for Transformation and Resources as recommended to Council by the Executive at its meeting held on 23 September 2013. Additional documents: Minutes: The Executive Member for Transformation and Resources 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 over the 12-month period.
RESOLVED: That the report be noted. |
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Motion submitted by the Labour Group - Spending Review
Fully supports the open letter signed by
151 Council Leaders (43%) from all political parties to the
Chancellor of the Exchequer expressing concerns that further cuts
to local government in the next spending review would have a
devastating impact on services. Additional documents: Minutes: It was moved and seconded that:
“This Council: Fully supports the open letter signed by 151 Council
Leaders (43%) from all political parties to the Chancellor of the
Exchequer expressing concerns that further cuts to local government
in the next spending review would have a devastating impact on
services.
It was moved and seconded as an amendment that:
“This Council:
Recognises the open letter signed by 151 Council Leaders (43%) from all political parties to the Chancellor of the Exchequer expressing concerns that further cuts to local government in the next spending review would have a detrimental impact on services;
Acknowledges that the economy is benefiting from the deficit reduction programme but contends that local government has reduced its expenditure significantly in comparison to central government departments and that further reductions of this scale are unsustainable;
And will therefore, continue to lobby the Department for Communities and Local Government for a fairer funding settlement for Trafford to show the people of our Borough that the Council can no longer tolerate further cuts to funding on the scale seen in recent years and demand that local government finance is put on a more sustainable footing.”
Following a debate on the matter, the amendment was put to the vote and declared carried. Consequently, the substantive Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.
RESOLVED: That this Council:
Recognises the open letter signed by 151 Council Leaders (43%) from all political parties to the Chancellor of the Exchequer expressing concerns that further cuts to local government in the next spending review would have a detrimental impact on services;
Acknowledges that the economy ... view the full minutes text for item 53. |
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Motion submitted by the Labour Group - Urmston Post Office
This Council notes the plan to close and franchise
the existing Crown Post Office in Urmston. This will mean:- Additional documents: Minutes: It was moved and seconded that:
“This
Council notes the plan to close and franchise the existing Crown
Post Office in Urmston. This will mean:-
Following a debate on the matter, the Motion was put to the vote and declared lost. |
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Motion submitted by the Labour Group - Robin Hood Tax
This Council notes
with dismay the Government agreed Austerity Measures which will
result in the Council cutting its budget by around £140
million between the years 2010/2015. Already the cuts have resulted
in devastating many services in Trafford which has led to the
closure of Children Centres, Day Care Centre , Elderly People
Homes, Mobile Library, and massive cuts to Libraries, Youth and
Children services, Care for the Elderly and People with
Disabilities, Road repairs, street cleaning and much more.
For the revenue to be used to help pay off the National debt and to help Councils to provide improved services, particularly for Elderly People and People with Disabilities, Children and Young People, Libraries, the maintenance of our roads and to create jobs and prosperity for our Towns and Communities. Additional documents: Minutes: (Note: Councillors Anstee and Bunting each declared personal interests in this matter due to their employment in the financial services sector and remained in the meeting during its consideration;
Councillor Mitchell declared a personal interest, being the Council’s appointed representative on the Greater Manchester Pensions Fund Management Panel and also remained in the meeting.)
It was moved and seconded that:
“This Council notes with dismay the Government
agreed Austerity Measures which will result in the Council cutting
its budget by around £140 million between the years
2010/2015. Already the cuts have resulted in devastating many
services in Trafford which has led to the closure of Children
Centres, Day Care Centre, Elderly People Homes, Mobile Library, and
massive cuts to Libraries, Youth and Children services, Care for
the Elderly and People with Disabilities, Road repairs, street
cleaning and much more.
For the revenue to be used to help pay off the National debt and to help Councils to provide improved services, particularly for Elderly People and People with Disabilities, Children and Young People, Libraries, the maintenance of our roads and to create jobs and prosperity for our Towns and Communities.”
(Note: Proceeding to the debate on the Motion, the time being 8.25 p.m., the Mayor indicated that the length of speeches on this item would be restricted to 2 minutes per speaker. With the time being 8.37 p.m., the Mayor further reduced speeches to 1 minute.)
Following the debate, the Motion was put to the vote and declared lost. |
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Motion submitted by the Labour Group - Legal Aid
The Council is concerned that since 2010 Trafford Legal Aid (TLA is a not for profit legal advice service based in Trafford) has had its budget cut by the Government from £200,000 to £50,000.
The £200,000 funding enabled TLA to provide free legal advice and representation services in Trafford and surrounding areas in Housing and Homelessness, Immigration, Asylum and Employment.
However, since April 2013 the following is not funded and out of scope, Employment, Discrimination, Housing and all Immigration except where it relates to detention, violence and trafficking.
There is an increased need for legal advice and representation, particularly because of the Welfare Reforms taking place this year. No other organisation in Trafford provides legal advice and representation to residents of Trafford on the matters that are now out of scope.
Clearly there is a real need in Trafford for the TLC services to be able to advise and represent some of the most vulnerable people.
In light of the above we call on the Council Executive to consider carefully the ’’Spot Purchasing’’ proposals submitted by TLC to Trafford Council, with a view to consulting TLC and bringing a report back to Council which outlines a way forward to provide vulnerable Trafford residents with advice services which have recently been taken out of scope. Additional documents: Minutes: It was moved and seconded that:
“The Council is concerned that since 2010 Trafford Legal Aid (TLA is a not for profit legal advice service based in Trafford) has had its budget cut by the Government from £200,000 to £50,000.
The £200,000 funding enabled TLA to provide free legal advice and representation services in Trafford and surrounding areas in Housing and Homelessness, Immigration, Asylum and Employment.
However, since April 2013 the following is not funded and out of scope, Employment, Discrimination, Housing and all Immigration except where it relates to detention, violence and trafficking.
There is an increased need for legal advice and representation, particularly because of the Welfare Reforms taking place this year. No other organisation in Trafford provides legal advice and representation to residents of Trafford on the matters that are now out of scope.
Clearly there is a real need in Trafford for the Trafford Law Centre (TLC) services to be able to advise and represent some of the most vulnerable people.
In light of the above we call on the Council Executive to consider carefully the “Spot Purchasing’’ proposals submitted by TLC to Trafford Council, with a view to consulting TLC and bringing a report back to Council which outlines a way forward to provide vulnerable Trafford residents with advice services which have recently been taken out of scope.”
Following speeches of support, the Motion was unanimously agreed by the Council.
RESOLVED: That the Council is concerned that since 2010 Trafford Legal Aid (TLA is a not for profit legal advice service based in Trafford) has had its budget cut by the Government from £200,000 to £50,000.
The £200,000 funding enabled TLA to provide free legal advice and representation services in Trafford and surrounding areas in Housing and Homelessness, Immigration, Asylum and Employment.
However, since April 2013 the following is not funded and out of scope, Employment, Discrimination, Housing and all Immigration except where it relates to detention, violence and trafficking.
There is an increased need for legal advice and representation, particularly because of the Welfare Reforms taking place this year. No other organisation in Trafford provides legal advice and representation to residents of Trafford on the matters that are now out of scope.
Clearly there is a real need in Trafford for the Trafford Law Centre (TLC) services to be able to advise and represent some of the most vulnerable people.
In light of the above we call on the Council Executive to consider carefully the “Spot Purchasing’’ proposals submitted by TLC to Trafford Council, with a view to consulting TLC and bringing a report back to Council which outlines a way forward to provide vulnerable Trafford residents with advice services which have recently been taken out of scope. |
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Motion submitted by the Conservative Group - An Improving Economy in Greater Manchester
The Council welcomes the overall positive news contained within the October 2013 Manchester Monitor Quarterly Report published by New Economy Manchester, in particular that unemployment and crime is falling and levels of business activity increasing.
The Council notes: 1. The number of Job Seekers Allowance claimants fell by 9.9% on the same period last year. 2. That airport passengers increased by 4.3% since May 2012. 3. That 47% of Greater Manchester firms reported higher levels of activity in Quarter 2 2013 when compared to Quarter 1. 4. That overall crime fell by 8.8% since August 2012.
Therefore, the Council considers that the report evidences that the policy pursued by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Conservative led Coalition Government to deal with the deficit and control public spending is working, and that as the national economy continues to recover from Labour’s appalling financial mismanagement, Greater Manchester too is able to feel the benefit. Additional documents: Minutes: (Note: Councillor Walsh declared a personal interest in this item, insofar as it related to his employment with Royal Mail and remained in the meeting.)
It was moved and seconded that:
“The Council welcomes the overall positive news contained within the October 2013 Manchester Monitor Quarterly Report published by New Economy Manchester, in particular that unemployment and crime is falling and levels of business activity increasing.
The Council notes:
1. The number of Job Seekers Allowance claimants fell by 9.9% on the same period last year. 2. That airport passengers increased by 4.3% since May 2012. 3. That 47% of Greater Manchester firms reported higher levels of activity in Quarter 2 2013 when compared to Quarter 1. 4. That overall crime fell by 8.8% since August 2012.
Therefore, the Council considers that the report evidences that the policy pursued by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Conservative led Coalition Government to deal with the deficit and control public spending is working, and that as the national economy continues to recover from Labour’s appalling financial mismanagement, Greater Manchester too is able to feel the benefit.”
(Note: Proceeding to the debate on the Motion, the time being 8.52 p.m., the Mayor indicated that the length of speeches on this item would be restricted to 1 minute per speaker).
Following the debate, the Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.
RESOLVED: That the Council welcomes the overall positive news contained within the October 2013 Manchester Monitor Quarterly Report published by New Economy Manchester, in particular that unemployment and crime is falling and levels of business activity increasing.
The Council notes:
1. The number of Job Seekers Allowance claimants fell by 9.9% on the same period last year. 2. That airport passengers increased by 4.3% since May 2012. 3. That 47% of Greater Manchester firms reported higher levels of activity in Quarter 2 2013 when compared to Quarter 1. 4. That overall crime fell by 8.8% since August 2012.
Therefore, the Council considers that the report evidences that the policy pursued by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Conservative led Coalition Government to deal with the deficit and control public spending is working, and that as the national economy continues to recover from Labour’s appalling financial mismanagement, Greater Manchester too is able to feel the benefit. |
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Motion submitted by the Conservative Group - Annual Audit Letter 2012/13
The Council welcomes the content of the Annual Audit Letter 2012/13.
In particular, the Council is pleased to receive a Value for Money sign off from Grant Thornton that indicates that proper arrangements were in place to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources for the year ending 31 March 2013.
Further, the Council is pleased with the comments received from the Auditor that it has strong aspects of financial resilience, and applies a disciplined and structured approach to identifying savings. In providing the letter, the Auditor praised the Council’s approach to transformation identifying that it grasped the nettle about the need for transformation before many others, recognising that traditional efficiency measures on their own would not be enough.
Consequently, the Council wishes to place on record its gratitude to all members of staff who contribute to the successful financial management of the Council. Additional documents: Minutes: It was moved and seconded that:
“The Council welcomes the content of the Annual Audit Letter 2012/13.
In particular, the Council is pleased to receive a Value for Money sign off from Grant Thornton that indicates that proper arrangements were in place to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources for the year ending 31 March 2013.
Further, the Council is pleased with the comments received from the Auditor that it has strong aspects of financial resilience, and applies a disciplined and structured approach to identifying savings. In providing the letter, the Auditor praised the Council’s approach to transformation identifying that it grasped the nettle about the need for transformation before many others, recognising that traditional efficiency measures on their own would not be enough.
Consequently, the Council wishes to place on record its gratitude to all members of staff who contribute to the successful financial management of the Council.”
Following the debate, the Motion was put to the vote and declared carried.
RESOLVED: That the Council welcomes the content of the Annual Audit Letter 2012/13.
In particular, the Council is pleased to receive a Value for Money sign off from Grant Thornton that indicates that proper arrangements were in place to secure economy, efficiency and effectiveness in its use of resources for the year ending 31 March 2013.
Further, the Council is pleased with the comments received from the Auditor that it has strong aspects of financial resilience, and applies a disciplined and structured approach to identifying savings. In providing the letter, the Auditor praised the Council’s approach to transformation identifying that it grasped the nettle about the need for transformation before many others, recognising that traditional efficiency measures on their own would not be enough.
Consequently, the Council wishes to place on record its gratitude to all members of staff who contribute to the successful financial management of the Council. |
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Motion submitted by the Conservative Group - Domestic Abuse
Council notes that domestic abuse affects every community in Trafford: rich or poor, white or black, old or young, gay or straight.
Over the past 12 months, Greater Manchester Police dealt with 3,097 cases of domestic abuse in Trafford.
This represents the tip of the iceberg. It is estimated that one in four women will experience domestic abuse at some point in their life. It doesn’t just affect women – 13% of the victims who report domestic abuse to police in Trafford are men. Domestic violence isn’t just physical – many people suffer serious emotional turmoil at the hands of abusive partners.
Council notes that help and advice is available to victims of domestic abuse – and those who fear their friends or loved ones may be victims – at the www.endthefear.co.uk website.
This Council resolves:
- to make a stand against domestic abuse.
- to work with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Greater Manchester Police, the NHS, housing associations, other agencies and – most importantly of all – local communities across Trafford to make clear that domestic abuse in all its forms is unacceptable.
- to do all we can to encourage people to report domestic abuse to the police.
- to instruct the chief executive to report back by April 2014 on progress made by this local authority and partner agencies to improve and enhance services provided to victims of domestic abuse.
The Council agrees to sign up to the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner’s promise to “say no to domestic abuse” at www.gmpcc.org.uk/endthefear and encourage as many Trafford residents as possible to do the same. Additional documents: Minutes: It was moved and seconded that:
“Council notes that domestic abuse affects every community in Trafford: rich or poor, white or black, old or young, gay or straight.
Over the past 12 months, Greater Manchester Police dealt with 3,097 cases of domestic abuse in Trafford.
This represents the tip of the iceberg. It is estimated that one in four women will experience domestic abuse at some point in their life. It doesn’t just affect women – 13% of the victims who report domestic abuse to police in Trafford are men. Domestic violence isn’t just physical – many people suffer serious emotional turmoil at the hands of abusive partners.
Council notes that help and advice is available to victims of domestic abuse – and those who fear their friends or loved ones may be victims – at the www.endthefear.co.uk website.
This Council resolves:
- to make a stand against domestic abuse.
- to work with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Greater Manchester Police, the NHS, housing associations, other agencies and – most importantly of all – local communities across Trafford to make clear that domestic abuse in all its forms is unacceptable.
- to do all we can to encourage people to report domestic abuse to the police.
- to instruct the Chief Executive to report back by April 2014 on progress made by this local authority and partner agencies to improve and enhance services provided to victims of domestic abuse.
The Council agrees to sign up to the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner’s promise to “say no to domestic abuse” at www.gmpcc.org.uk/endthefear and encourage as many Trafford residents as possible to do the same.”
(Note: Proceeding to the debate on the Motion, the time being 9.24 p.m., the Mayor indicated that the length of speeches on this item would be restricted to 1 minute per speaker).
Following the debate, the Motion was put to the vote and was unanimously carried.
RESOLVED: That Council notes that domestic abuse affects every community in Trafford: rich or poor, white or black, old or young, gay or straight.
Over the past 12 months, Greater Manchester Police dealt with 3,097 cases of domestic abuse in Trafford.
This represents the tip of the iceberg. It is estimated that one in four women will experience domestic abuse at some point in their life. It doesn’t just affect women – 13% of the victims who report domestic abuse to police in Trafford are men. Domestic violence isn’t just physical – many people suffer serious emotional turmoil at the hands of abusive partners.
Council notes that help and advice is available to victims of domestic abuse – and those who fear their friends or loved ones may be victims – at the www.endthefear.co.uk website.
This Council resolves:
- to make a stand against domestic abuse.
- to work with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Greater Manchester Police, the NHS, housing associations, other agencies and – most importantly of all – local communities across Trafford to make clear ... view the full minutes text for item 59. |