The Executive of Trafford Council met on Monday 21 September 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, approving participation in the Greater Manchester End-to-End Fostering Hub and the exit from the Sale Waterside Private Finance Initiative contract. The meeting also addressed the Corporate Plan's third quarter and fourth quarter performance for 2025-26, noting an overall budget overspend of £2.78 million, primarily driven by demand-led services in Children's and Adults' social care.

Petition for Resurfacing of Green Walk

The Executive noted a petition requesting the prioritisation of the full resurfacing of Green Walk in Altrincham and Bowdoin, with inclusion in the 2027-28 capital programme. Councillor Stephen Adshead, Executive Member for Highways and Environmental Services, confirmed that while some sections of Green Walk would be resurfaced this year, further work would be inspected as part of the normal asset management process and addressed according to council maintenance priorities and available funding. Residents have received formal responses regarding their request.

Corporate Plan Q3/Q4 2025/26 & Annual Report 2025/26

Councillor Tom Ross, Leader of the Council, presented the Corporate Plan report, highlighting achievements across the council's five priorities. Key successes included expanded SEND support, new school streets, secured oral health resources for children, and the expansion of EV charging points. Councillor Rose Thompson, Executive Member for Housing, Partnerships and Live Well, noted the significant delivery of new homes, exceeding targets, and progress on town centre regeneration. Councillor George Devlin, Executive Member for Babies, Children and Young People, detailed developments in health visiting services and coordinated support for families. Julia, who stepped in for a Corporate Director, provided further detail on areas for development, including the percentage of 16 and 17-year-olds not in education, training, or employment (NEET), the completion rate of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), children with repeat child protection plans, and the attainment gap for disadvantaged children. Councillor Adshead also highlighted the council's high recycling rate, the upgrade of bus stops, and the expansion of EV charging points. Councillor Jane Slater, Executive Member for Healthy & Independent Lives, welcomed the new adult services front door, the self-service health machine in Partington, and the launch of the Adult Safeguarding Board strategy. Councillor Eve Parker, Executive Member for Leisure, Arts, Culture and Heritage, congratulated the team at move Altrincham on their first year since refurbishment, noting surpassed gym membership targets. Councillor Barry Winstanley, Executive Member for Climate Change, highlighted the success of move Altrincham's data centre heat recovery system and the council's commitment to renewable energy sources. Councillor Keleigh Glenton, Executive Member for Community Safety and Civil Contingencies, briefly highlighted the success of anti-social behaviour and violence reduction work. Councillor Evans raised concerns about the RAG ratings for children's services targets, noting that 50% were in red, and questioned the report's focus on climate change over children's services. Councillor Devlin responded that the report reflected the previous year's data and that Ofsted ratings from the current year would be reflected in future reports. Councillor Eckersley inquired about the housing figures, and Councillor Thompson confirmed that the figures were not yet reflected in the report but could be provided. Councillor Ennis asked about timeframes for improvement on performance indicators and directorates slow on Freedom of Information requests. Councillor Coggins questioned the indicators used for children's services and the practice of stopping the clock on HCPs. Councillor Xie raised concerns about climate change indicators being lower than statistical neighbours and asked about plans to achieve net zero by 2038. Councillor Winstanley responded that targets were ambitious and that work was ongoing. Councillor Duncan corrected the Chair regarding Ofsted ratings, stating only one area required improvement. The Executive noted the report.

Budget Monitoring Report 2026/27 Period 4

Councillor Joanne Harding, Executive Member for Finance, Change & Governance, presented the budget monitoring report for period four, highlighting an estimated revenue outturn position showing a budget overspend of £2.78 million. The overspend is primarily attributed to demand-led services in Children's and Adults' social care. Mitigating actions and transformational work are detailed in the annexes. The report also noted an allocation from Greater Manchester of £4.99 million towards highways work. The Executive noted the report and recommended management actions and mitigating actions for a balanced budget.

Treasury Management Outturn Report 2025/26

Councillor Harding also presented the Treasury Management Outturn Report for 2025-26, noting a favourable outturn of £0.895 million, largely due to higher than expected returns on short-term investments. All legislative and regulatory requirements were complied with. Councillor Eckersley inquired about the Council's under-borrowed position and forecast fall in reserves, and Councillor Harding assured that reserves remained adequate. Councillor Butt raised concerns about property fund valuation risk, and Councillor Harding explained the trade-offs and reserve strategy in place. Councillor Patel provided an update on the vandalism to car parking machines, noting a £4,000 drop in cash payments in August 2026 compared to the previous year, but an overall increase in Ringgo app usage. Councillor Ghee asked about the capital programmes funding shortfall and priority order for reducing the programme. Graham provided clarification on temporary borrowing costs met from reserves. The Executive noted the report.

Greater Manchester End to End Fostering Recruitment Hub

Councillor George Devlin, Executive Member for Babies, Children and Young People, presented the report seeking approval in principle for Trafford's participation in the Greater Manchester End-to-End Fostering Hub. This initiative aims to expand the regional fostering recruitment hub to cover recruitment, assessment, and approval of mainstream foster carers across Greater Manchester. Participation will benefit from regional investment and contribute to a coordinated approach to increasing foster care capacity. Trafford would retain responsibility for foster carer support, supervision, annual reviews, kinship fostering assessment, and wider statutory duties. Financial implications include an estimated contribution of £136,149 between October 2026 and March 2027, rising to £342,003 in 2027-28, subject to DfE funding. Councillor Coggins questioned the variation in application-to-approval conversion rates and the optimism of recruitment targets. Councillor Duncan asked what the hub would do differently to improve recruitment and retention and what assurances could be given regarding future costs. Councillor Devlin expressed confidence in efficiency savings and the opportunity to catch up on lost foster carers. The Executive agreed to the recommendations.

Renters' Rights Act and Other Related Responsibilities

Councillor Keleigh Glenton, Executive Member for Community Safety and Civil Contingencies, and Councillor Rose Thompson, Executive Member for Housing, Partnerships and Live Well, presented the report on the Renters' Rights Act 2025. The new policy provides a framework for investigating complaints, using enforcement powers, issuing civil penalties, and taking action against landlords and letting agents who fail to meet their obligations. Councillor Thompson highlighted that there are approximately 18,000 privately rented properties in Trafford and that the policy aims to support responsible landlords while targeting those whose behaviour undermines the sector. Councillor Patel welcomed the report, emphasizing its significance in protecting private renters' rights. Councillor Slater shared a distressing anecdote about a tenant facing illegal eviction, highlighting the importance of the Act. Councillor Winstanley welcomed the Act and the report, noting the removal of Section 21 no-fault evictions. Councillor Devlin linked the policy to the corporate priority of giving children and young people the best start in life, emphasizing the importance of good quality housing. Councillor Ennis suggested linking good landlord accreditation to retrofit funding opportunities. Councillor Evans raised concerns about the funding for the Act and potential risks of landlords leaving the sector. Councillor Thompson and Richard provided information on landlord support resources and the self-funding nature of enforcement penalties. The Executive noted the report and recommended the policy to Council for approval.

Sustainable Transport and Environment Board

Councillor Barry Winstanley, Executive Member for Climate Change, sought approval for the establishment of a Sustainable Transport and Environment Board. The Board will provide oversight and policy development for sustainable transport, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience, and will support engagement with the Greater Manchester Bee Network. Councillor Adshead welcomed the initiative, noting its potential for early feedback on proposals. Councillor Welton inquired about the Board's structure, engagement with non-councillor voices, and the political affiliation of the Chair and Deputy. Councillor Coggins questioned the distinction between a board and a committee and the rationale for allowing substitutes on other committees. Councillor Evans asked about the comparison with the Children's Improvement Board and resource implications. Councillor Harding clarified that the Board is advisory and not a scrutiny committee. Councillor Ennis supported the proposal and asked about public questions and petitions. Emma Malpas, Head of Legal and Governance, confirmed that the Constitution sets out petition schemes and that the Board's role in hearing petitions would be explored. Councillor Harding noted the potential for constitutional working group reconvening. The Executive approved the recommendations.

Trafford Park Business Improvement District (BID) Feasibility Study - Findings and Recommendations

Councillor Liz Patel, Deputy Leader of the Council and Executive Member for Economy & Regeneration, presented the findings of the Trafford Park BID Feasibility Study. The study engaged with over 500 businesses, revealing a strong need for improvements in cleanliness, safety, highways, transport, and connectivity. Businesses expressed an appetite for collaboration and a high level of confidence, with 89% not currently part of any local group or network. Financial viability models suggest potential investment generation of £2.9 million to £6.4 million over five years. Councillor Devlin highlighted the employment and training opportunities arising from the BID. Councillor Adshead welcomed the report, noting the long-term investment potential. Councillor Slater shared personal connections to Trafford Park's industrial history and expressed excitement for its future. Councillor Coggins inquired about the sustainability and green aspects of the BID, expressing concern about greenwashing. Councillor Patel and Richard responded that the BID's remit would be developed by the BID board, and that sustainability would be a priority. The Executive approved the recommendations to progress to the BID development phase, establish a BID Steering Group, and delegate authority for grant agreements and implementation.

Sale Waterside Private Finance Initiative Exit

Councillor Patel presented the report on the Sale Waterside PFI exit. The contract expires in October 2028, and the report outlines the preparation and decision-making around the exit. The recommended option is to exit the contract and take back the complex for the final bullet payment, including the acquisition of two commercial units at open market value. Councillor Glenton welcomed the proposal, emphasizing the importance of Trafford having full ownership of the building and its operations for sustainable long-term stewardship. The Executive agreed to items 1 to 5 as set out in the report.

Elected Member Social Media Guide 2026

Councillor Harding introduced the Elected Member Social Media Guide, highlighting the cross-party work involved in its development. The guide provides practical advice to support members in their use of social media, ensuring compliance with legal duties and maintaining high standards of conduct. Councillor Adshead inquired about sharing the guide with all members, which was confirmed. Councillor Winstanley welcomed the guide, particularly its emphasis on respect, courtesy, and adherence to the Members' Code of Conduct. Councillor Evans raised concerns about potential overreach and the wording used in the guide. Councillor Harding clarified that the guide does not introduce new rules but provides practical guidance on existing obligations. Councillor Ennis supported the guide, noting the positive outcome of cross-party collaboration. The Executive agreed to the recommendations.

National Scheme of Delegation for Planning Committees: Incorporation into the Council's Constitution

Councillor Patel presented the report on the National Scheme of Delegation for Planning Committees, explaining that it is a statutory requirement for all Local Planning Authorities. The scheme introduces a two-tier system for determining planning applications, with Schedule 1 applications delegated to officers and Schedule 2 applications subject to a gateway test involving a nominated officer and member. Trafford's existing scheme of delegation will be layered onto the national scheme to maintain its high delegation rate. Councillor Evans inquired about the process for members' applications and potential democratic accountability changes. Councillor Hancock asked about communication with residents regarding the changes. Councillor Welton suggested improvements to the weekly planning update to clarify Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 applications. Councillor Patel confirmed that communications would be considered and that the weekly planning update would be reviewed. The Executive recommended that Full Council adopt the constitutional changes.

Urgent Business

Councillor Ross stated there was no urgent business.

Exclusion Resolution

The public were excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the remaining items of the agenda due to the likelihood of disclosure of exempt information.