The Executive of Trafford Council met on Monday 19 October 2026 to discuss a range of significant issues. The Executive approved the principle of residential-led development on the Oakfield Road / Moss Lane site in Altrincham and the continuation of works to de-risk and prepare the site for market, funded initially by grants. Authority was delegated to the Corporate Director for Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration and the Director of Legal and Governance, to agree terms for grant funding and contractual arrangements necessary to progress site investigation and design development. The Executive also determined that St Teresa's RC Primary School be closed (discontinued) with effect from 31 August 2027, following consideration of all relevant factors. Authority was delegated to the Interim Director of Education, Inclusion and Early Support, in consultation with the Executive Member for Babies, Children and Young People, to take all necessary steps to implement the decision, including arrangements for pupil transition and stakeholder engagement. A one-year trial for electric vehicle charging cross-pavement solutions with Kerbo Charge was approved, with authority delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Director of Highways, Transport and Environment, the Director of Legal and Governance and Monitoring Officer and the Executive Member for Highways and Environmental Services, to finalise a service agreement and amend the delivery of the proposal within the trial period. The Executive locally approved and entered into the agreement for the Greater Manchester VCFSE Accord 2026-2035, with authority delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Strategy and Resources to pursue local actions relating to the Accord in conjunction with the Executive Member for Housing, Partnerships and Live Well. The Executive approved the actions identified in Appendix A to the report that fall to the Council, including publication of the initial timetable and the notice of intention to commence preparation of the Greater Manchester Joint Minerals and Waste Plan by 31 December 2026. Delegations to the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) were also approved, and authority was delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, to take executive decisions required to progress the plan. The council also discussed the draft revenue budget proposals for 2027/28 and the medium-term financial strategy for 2028-30. An update was provided on the redevelopment of the former Greater Manchester Police site in Old Trafford. The Director of Public Health's Annual Report, Thriving in Later Life, was noted. There was no urgent business to discuss.

Regeneration of Oakfield Road / Moss Lane, Altrincham

The Executive approved the principle of residential-led development on the Oakfield Road / Moss Lane site in Altrincham. This decision follows years of discussion about the future of this strategically important site, which has faced numerous challenges. The council will continue with works to de-risk and prepare the site for market, funded initially by grants. Authority has been delegated to the Corporate Director for Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration and the Director of Legal and Governance, to agree terms for grant funding and contractual arrangements necessary to progress site investigation and design development. This residential-led approach aligns with Altrincham's development plan, making optimal use of a sustainable town centre site and allowing for a design-led, landscape-focused extension to the town centre. While a retail-led development might offer a quicker financial return, the residential scheme offers flexibility and the potential to attract regional and national grant funding.

Closure of St Teresa's Roman Catholic Primary School

A difficult decision was made to close St Teresa's RC Primary School with effect from 31 August 2027. This decision was reached after considering all relevant factors, including the school's financial unsustainability due to decreasing pupil numbers and the absence of a viable recovery plan. Despite extensive support and intervention, the school has been in significant deficit for four consecutive years. The council acknowledged the impact on pupils, families, and staff, and noted that alternative school places are available within the local area, including Catholic provision. A transition support group will be established to assist with pupil transition and stakeholder engagement.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging - Cross-Pavement Solutions Proposal

The Executive approved a one-year trial for electric vehicle charging cross-pavement solutions with Kerbo Charge. This initiative aims to reduce barriers to EV adoption for residents without off-street parking. The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) grant funding will be used to discount the first approximately 240 installations by £500. Authority has been delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Director of Highways, Transport and Environment, the Director of Legal and Governance and Monitoring Officer and the Executive Member for Highways and Environmental Services, to finalise a service agreement with Kerbo Charge and to amend the delivery of the proposal within the trial period in line with any operational or legislative changes or developments. This aligns with Trafford's commitment to addressing climate targets and supporting the transition to low-carbon transport.

Greater Manchester Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) Accord 2026-2035

The Executive locally approved and entered into the agreement for the Greater Manchester VCFSE Accord 2026-2035. This Accord is a commitment between local councils, the NHS, GMCA, and the VCFSE sector on how they will work together over the next nine years. It focuses on three main areas: 'Involve and Evolve' (giving communities more influence), 'Resource and Enable' (providing support to community groups), and 'Recognise and Value' (treating the VCFSE sector as an equal partner). Authority has been delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Strategy and Resources, in conjunction with the Executive Member for Housing, Partnerships and Live Well, to pursue local actions relating to the Accord.

Minerals and Waste Plan - Scheme of Delegation

The Executive approved the actions identified in Appendix A to the report that fall to the Council, including the publication of the initial timetable and notice of intention to commence preparation of the Greater Manchester Joint Minerals and Waste Plan by 31 December 2026. Delegations to the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) were also approved. Authority has been delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, to take all executive decisions required to progress the Greater Manchester Joint Minerals and Waste Plan through the stages of preparation identified in Appendix A to the report, to the extent that such decisions are not reserved to full Council, delegated to AGMA, or already covered by existing officer delegations.

Draft Revenue Budget Proposals 2027/28 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2028-30

The Executive discussed the draft revenue budget proposals for 2027/28 and the medium-term financial strategy for 2028-30. Councillor Joanne Harding, Executive Member for Finance, Change and Governance, highlighted the significant financial challenge facing Trafford, with a projected budget gap of £60 million over the next three years. This is attributed to rising demand for services, particularly in social care, and insufficient government funding. The proposals aim to reduce this gap through a £14.8 million savings and improvements programme, alongside a 4.99% Council Tax increase for 2027/28. The council has secured £7.5 million in government funding to support transformation programmes focused on social care, temporary accommodation, and service modernisation. Despite these measures, a gap of £8.4 million remains for 2027/28. The council continues to lobby for a fairer funding settlement.

Former Greater Manchester Police Site - Development Update

An update was provided on the redevelopment of the former Greater Manchester Police site in Old Trafford. This joint venture between Trafford Council, GMCA, and FEC aims to deliver approximately 1,400 energy-efficient homes with low-carbon heating, with a targeted completion in Winter 2034. The scheme is committed to delivering 25% affordable housing, including social rent and shared ownership properties. Key design principles include a carbon-neutral, landscape-led approach with quality green spaces and improved connections. The development represents a significant investment in the area, supporting construction roles and promoting sustainable transport.

Director of Public Health Annual Report 2025/26: Thriving in Later Life

The Executive noted the Director of Public Health's Annual Report, Thriving in Later Life. The report highlights Trafford's ageing population and the need to support residents to live healthy and independent lives. It outlines 13 recommendations focusing on areas such as engaging older men, supporting the voluntary sector, improving communication of available services, promoting physical and mental wellbeing, addressing loneliness, and challenging ageism. The report emphasizes the importance of prevention and community-based support.

Urgent Business

There was no urgent business to discuss.

The meeting concluded at 21:00.