This week in Trafford:

Fostering Futures: Council Backs Regional Drive to Recruit More Foster Carers

Trafford Council is set to boost the number of foster carers in the borough by joining a new regional initiative. The Greater Manchester End-to-End Fostering Recruitment Hub, which aims to streamline the process of finding, assessing, and approving foster carers across the region, has received in-principle approval from the Council's Executive.

This move is crucial for ensuring vulnerable children in Trafford have access to stable and loving homes. The Council's initial financial contribution is estimated at £136,149, with a potential further commitment of up to £342,003 in the following year, subject to final confirmation of funding from the Department for Education and successful workforce consultations.

The decision highlights a commitment to regional collaboration for a vital local service. By pooling resources and expertise, the hub aims to create a more effective and efficient system for recruiting foster carers, ultimately benefiting the children who need them most.

For more details, see the Executive meeting.

New Board to Champion Sustainable Transport and Environmental Goals

A new Sustainable Transport and Environment Board is being established as a sub-committee of Trafford Council's Executive. This dedicated board will be responsible for overseeing and advising on policies related to sustainable transport, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience. It will also play a key role in Trafford's engagement with the Greater Manchester Bee Network, a major initiative to improve public transport and active travel across the region.

The establishment of this board signals a clear focus on creating a greener and more sustainable future for Trafford. By bringing together expertise and strategic direction, the Council aims to drive progress on critical environmental and transport issues that directly impact residents' quality of life and the borough's long-term health.

For more details, see the Executive meeting.

Planning Decisions to be Streamlined Under New National Scheme

Trafford Council is preparing to implement a National Scheme of Delegation for planning applications, a statutory requirement that will come into effect on October 31, 2026. To comply with this new framework, amendments to the Council's constitution and the Planning Committee Code of Practice are necessary.

The Executive has recommended these constitutional changes to Full Council for adoption. The aim is to ensure lawful and efficient planning decision-making by potentially increasing the delegation of certain planning functions to officers. This move, driven by national guidance, seeks to speed up planning decisions and contribute to housing delivery targets. While some councillors have expressed concerns about transparency and local democracy, the Council maintains that these changes are necessary to align with statutory requirements and that Trafford's existing planning processes are already robust.

For more details, see the Executive meeting.

Council Exits Sale Waterside PFI Deal, Bringing Assets Back In-House

Trafford Council's Executive has approved a plan to exit the Sale Waterside Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract. This significant move, scheduled for completion by October 28, 2028, will see the assets associated with the contract return to Council ownership. The decision includes the acquisition of two commercial units at their current market value.

This strategic shift is expected to provide the Council with greater control over these assets and potentially lead to long-term financial benefits by ending the PFI agreement. The Executive has delegated authority to key officers to finalise the necessary agreements, ensuring a smooth transition. This decision reflects a proactive approach to managing Council assets and optimising financial resources for the benefit of residents.

For more details, see the Executive meeting.

Other Matters

Fostering Futures: Council Backs Regional Drive to Recruit More Foster Carers

Trafford Council is set to boost the number of foster carers in the borough by joining a new regional initiative. The Greater Manchester End-to-End Fostering Recruitment Hub, which aims to streamline the process of finding, assessing, and approving foster carers across the region, has received in-principle approval from the Council's Executive. This move is crucial for ensuring vulnerable children in Trafford have access to stable and loving homes. The Council's initial financial contribution is estimated at £136,149, with a potential further commitment of up to £342,003 in the following year, subject to final confirmation of funding from the Department for Education and successful workforce consultations. The decision highlights a commitment to regional collaboration for a vital local service. By pooling resources and expertise, the hub aims to create a more effective and efficient system for recruiting foster carers, ultimately benefiting the children who need them most.

For more details, see the Executive meeting.

Financial Oversight and Security

The Accounts and Audit Committee met to review a range of financial and governance matters. Discussions included updates on cyber security, counter fraud activities, and the progress of external auditors. The committee also received reports on treasury management performance for 2025/26, which showed a favourable outturn of £0.895 million, and an update on the first quarter's internal audit work. The committee's work programme for 2026/27 was also presented.

For more details, see the Accounts and Audit Committee meeting.

Health Services Focus: Falls Prevention and Birth Trauma

The Health Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss Trafford's approach to falls prevention, occupational therapy, and equipment services. Falls are a significant public health issue, particularly for older residents, leading to hospital admissions and placing pressure on services. The report highlighted that in 2025/26, there were 921 hospital admissions due to falls among Trafford residents aged 65 and over. The committee was also set to review a Member Review report on the prevention of birth trauma and the support available to women and parents in Trafford, noting that an estimated one in three women experience birth trauma.

For more details, see the Health Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Planning Applications Under Review

The Planning and Development Management Committee was scheduled to consider several planning applications, including a significant residential scheme at 499 Chester Road, Old Trafford, proposing 286 dwellings, and the erection of four semi-detached dwellings at the United Services Club in Sale. The committee was also due to discuss procedural matters, including the delegation of planning functions to Manchester City Council for a cross-boundary development and the upcoming National Scheme of Delegation for Planning Committees.

For more details, see the Planning and Development Management Committee meeting.

This week in Trafford:

Children's Services Under Scrutiny: Ofsted Update and SEND Inspection Readiness

Trafford's Children and Young People's Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday 29 September 2026 to tackle critical issues facing the borough's children and young people. The meeting provided updates on the Ofsted Inspection of Local Authority Children's Services (ILACS), readiness for the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) area inspection, and the future of youth services.

Ofsted ILACS Update: Addressing Concerns and Improving Response Times

The committee received a frank update on the recent Ofsted inspection of children's services. Councillor Rob Duncan, Vice-Chair of the committee, voiced concerns about the timeliness of responses, particularly for children at risk of significant harm. Jill McGregor, Corporate Director of Children's Services, acknowledged the increased demand and staffing challenges impacting the service. She assured the committee that improvements are underway, including a new approach to strategy meetings and recruitment efforts for the front-line service. A walk through of the front-line service with colleagues from Manchester Children's Services has been commissioned to focus on decision-making and demand management.

Councillor Shaun Ennis, Leader of the Liberal Democrats Group, highlighted concerns about communication breakdowns between the service and council leadership. The Leader of the Council acknowledged that vital information had not always reached senior leaders, a point being addressed by a Department for Education (DfE) Appointed Expert Adviser.

The availability of school places for children with SEND was also discussed, with the Leader of the Council expressing an ambition to expand capacity. Councillor Maitland raised concerns about staff feeling able to raise issues confidentially, and the Corporate Director confirmed that existing mechanisms like whistleblowing and a Practitioner Forum would be reviewed in light of the inspection findings.

The implications of these findings are significant, potentially impacting the speed and effectiveness of support for children in need and those at risk.

For more details, see the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Committee meeting.

SEND Inspection Readiness: Demonstrating Progress and Future Improvements

Trafford is preparing for a SEND area inspection, with a focus on showcasing improvements made since the previous inspection in 2023. Delyth Mathieson, Interim Director for Education, Inclusion and Early Support, reported that 47.4% of new Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) were issued within the statutory 20-week timeframe in 2025, exceeding the national average. However, the significant increase in EHCP numbers presents ongoing challenges.

The committee was informed that the Self-Evaluation Framework (SEF) for SEND is being updated to reflect the system's strengths and weaknesses, with input from schools, health providers, social care, young people, and the Parent Carer Forum. Key areas for improvement include health outcomes, EHCP quality, youth participation, and preparation for adulthood. The committee's support for revising the SEF and ensuring all stakeholders contribute to improving SEND provision was sought.

This work is crucial for ensuring that children with SEND and their families receive the timely and appropriate support they need, impacting their educational journey and future life chances.

For more details, see the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Relaunch of Trafford Youth Service: Enhancing Visibility and Accessibility

A report on youth services across the borough highlighted issues with the visibility, accessibility, and equitable reach of existing provisions. Andy Zilkha, Service Manager for the Youth Engagement Service, presented findings from a Needs Analysis indicating that many young people and families are unaware of available services, with barriers such as cost and transport limiting participation.

Eight recommendations, co-designed with young people, include improving access to sports facilities, co-designing youth club activities, enhancing communication, ensuring inclusion, improving parks, offering life skills development, addressing safety and transport concerns, and improving library access. The committee was asked to support the planned relaunch and rebrand of Trafford Youth Service, aiming for a more visible, inclusive, and accessible offer.

Councillor Waseem Hassan PhD, Cohesion Lead Member, stressed the importance of partner accountability in delivering youth services. Councillor Mark Tobin raised concerns about the uneven availability of youth services across the borough, and Councillor Clare Sheridan highlighted the underutilisation of facilities like the Limelight library and café. Mr. Zilkha acknowledged the need to target efforts in areas of deprivation and low participation and confirmed ongoing work to improve access to facilities.

The success of this relaunch is vital for providing young people with safe, engaging spaces and opportunities, contributing to their well-being and development.

For more details, see the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Other Matters

Committee Work Programme Update

Harry Callaghan, Senior Democratic Support Officer, provided an update on the committee's work programme, noting adjustments due to the Ofsted ILACS outcome, including the scheduling of two extraordinary meetings. A more formal work programme is expected shortly.

For more details, see the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Committee meeting.

This week in Trafford:

Council Exits Sale Waterside PFI Deal, Bringing Assets Back In-House

Trafford Council's Executive has approved a plan to exit the Sale Waterside Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract. This move, set to be completed by October 28, 2028, will see the assets associated with the contract return to Council ownership. The decision includes the acquisition of two commercial units at their current market value. This strategic shift aims to bring greater control and potentially long-term financial benefits to the Council by ending the PFI agreement.

The Executive has delegated authority to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Director of Legal & Governance, to finalise the necessary agreements. This ensures a smooth transition and proper legal execution of the exit strategy.

For more details, see the Executive meeting.

Fostering Recruitment to be Boosted by Greater Manchester Hub

Trafford Council has given its in-principle approval to join the Greater Manchester End-to-End Fostering Recruitment Hub. This regional initiative aims to enhance the recruitment, assessment, and approval of foster carers across the entire Greater Manchester area. The decision is contingent on the final confirmation of funding from the Department for Education and the successful completion of workforce consultation processes.

Trafford's initial financial contribution is estimated at £136,149, with a potential further commitment of up to £342,003 in the following year. The Council's Corporate Director for Children's Services, in consultation with key officers and the Executive Member for Babies, Children and Young People, has been granted authority to finalise the legal and partnership documentation, provided there are no significant increases in Trafford's financial commitment or changes to its legal or governance risk profile. Any substantial alterations to the operating model, governance, or financial commitments will require further Executive approval.

This move signals a commitment to strengthening the support network for vulnerable children by increasing the pool of available foster carers.

For more details, see the Executive meeting.

New Board to Drive Sustainable Transport and Environmental Goals

A new Sustainable Transport and Environment Board has been established as a sub-committee of the Executive Committee. This Board will play a crucial role in overseeing, advising on, and developing policies related to the Council's priorities in sustainable transport, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience. It will also be instrumental in Trafford's engagement with the Greater Manchester Bee Network, a key initiative for improving public transport and active travel across the region.

The Leader of the Council has been empowered to appoint the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Board, with its membership reflecting the Council's political balance and nominations sought from Group Leaders. This new body underscores the Council's dedication to creating a greener and more sustainable future for Trafford.

For more details, see the Executive meeting.

Planning Decisions to be Streamlined Under New National Scheme

Trafford Council is preparing to implement a National Scheme of Delegation for planning applications, a statutory requirement for all Local Planning Authorities in England, which comes into effect on October 31, 2026. To comply with this new framework, amendments to the Council's constitution and the Planning Committee Code of Practice are necessary.

The Executive has recommended these constitutional changes to Full Council for adoption. The aim is to ensure lawful and efficient planning decision-making by potentially increasing the delegation of certain planning functions to officers. Minor wording alterations to the constitution will be made by the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Monitoring Officer, before it is presented to Full Council.

For more details, see the Executive meeting.

Other Matters

Financial Oversight and Security

The Accounts and Audit Committee met to review a range of financial and governance matters. Discussions included updates on cyber security, counter fraud activities, and the progress of external auditors. The committee also received reports on treasury management performance for 2025/26, which showed a favourable outturn of £0.895 million, and an update on the first quarter's internal audit work. The committee's work programme for 2026/27 was also presented.

For more details, see the Accounts and Audit Committee meeting.

Health Services Focus: Falls Prevention and Birth Trauma

The Health Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to discuss Trafford's approach to falls prevention, occupational therapy, and equipment services. Falls are a significant public health issue, particularly for older residents, leading to hospital admissions and placing pressure on services. The report highlighted that in 2025/26, there were 921 hospital admissions due to falls among Trafford residents aged 65 and over. The committee was also set to review a Member Review report on the prevention of birth trauma and the support available to women and parents in Trafford, noting that an estimated one in three women experience birth trauma.

For more details, see the Health Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Planning Applications Under Review

The Planning and Development Management Committee was scheduled to consider several planning applications, including a significant residential scheme at 499 Chester Road, Old Trafford, proposing 286 dwellings, and the erection of four semi-detached dwellings at the United Services Club in Sale. The committee was also due to discuss procedural matters, including the delegation of planning functions to Manchester City Council for a cross-boundary development and the upcoming National Scheme of Delegation for Planning Committees.

For more details, see the Planning and Development Management Committee meeting.

This week, the Trafford Council held three significant meetings: the Standards Committee on Thursday 27 June 2024, the Accounts and Audit Committee on Wednesday 26 June 2024, and the Executive on Monday 24 June 2024. Key decisions and discussions from these meetings are outlined below.

Executive Meeting: Substance Misuse Service Reprocurement and Resident Engagement

In the Executive meeting on 24 June 2024, two major decisions were made. The first was the approval of a new substance misuse service to be delivered in partnership with Salford Council. The existing service, provided by Change Grow Live (CGL), will expire on 31 March 2025. The new service will operate on a 'hub and spoke model', with a central hub in each borough and smaller satellite sites. This model aims to provide timely and accessible interventions for those in need. The total cost for the new service over five years is £12,098,955, with Trafford's share being £5,031,396.

The service will operate a Hub and Spoke Model with a central hub in each borough delivering the full range of interventions with a cluster of spoke sites in each locality delivering a smaller range of interventions... — Trafford Council, Exec Report - Substance Misuse Reprocurement 2024 Final, p.6

The second significant decision was to increase the number of 'engagement events' with residents regarding the future of Old Trafford. This decision followed a request from the Scrutiny Committee for more clarity on how the Council ensures high-quality, sustainable development around the Manchester United ground and how resident engagement would be conducted.

Increase engagement events in relation to the future development of the area around the Manchester United ground, which will feed into masterplanning for the area as set out in Policy TP2 of the Trafford Local Plan. — Trafford Council, Man United Scrutiny Response - Exec - June 2024 Final, p.4

Accounts and Audit Committee: Approval of Key Documents

The Accounts and Audit Committee met on 26 June 2024 and approved several important documents, including the Trafford MBC 22-23 Audit Strategy Memorandum and the 2023-24 Draft Annual Governance Statement - Accounts Audit. These documents outline the Council's audit strategy and governance arrangements, which are crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in the Council's operations.

The purpose of the Annual Governance Statement is to provide an overview of the Council's governance arrangements and how these support the achievement of the Council's objectives. It explains how we manage our affairs, execute our responsibilities and how we decide how much risk is appropriate.

The Committee also discussed the AAC - SRR Monitoring Report - June 24 and received the Annual Head of IA Rep 2324 AAC from Deloitte.

Standards Committee: Induction Training and Ombudsman Complaints

In the Standards Committee meeting on 27 June 2024, the focus was on the induction and training for Councillors and a report on Ombudsman complaints. The committee discussed the induction training for new Councillors, which includes a meeting with the Chief Executive of Trafford Council and introductions to various departments and partnerships like One Trafford and L&Q Housing Association.

A significant concern raised was the low uptake of Safeguarding Children training, with only 16% of Councillors having completed it. The committee suggested that Councillors should be required to keep their training up to date annually.

Mr. R. Brown was concerned about the level of Councillors who had completed safeguarding children training (16%).

The committee also noted a report on complaints made to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. The report highlighted issues such as missed waste collections, which resulted in payments to residents. The committee requested that future reports include the total amount paid out and more information on 'nominal' payments.

Councillor Gilbert asked what circumstances the Council paid out for waste collections.

These meetings highlight the Council's ongoing efforts to improve services, ensure transparency, and engage with residents.