The Council meeting on Wednesday 14 October 2026 addressed a range of significant issues. Key decisions were made regarding the national scheme of delegation for planning committees, and motions concerning vaccine accessibility, youth disconnection from education, employment, and training, and climate change adaptation were adopted.

Review of Standards Committee Hearing Procedures

The Council considered a report on the review of the Standards Committee hearing procedures. Councillor Shona Gilbert, Chair of the Standards Committee, introduced the report, highlighting that the recommendations had been developed through cross-party scrutiny and aimed to strengthen the framework for Standards hearings. The report proposed amendments to the Members' Code of Conduct Formal Investigation and Hearing Procedures process. The report was moved and seconded, and after a brief discussion, it was agreed.

National Scheme of Delegation for Planning Committees and Updates to the Planning Committee Code of Practice

Two reports were presented concerning the implementation of the National Scheme of Delegation for Planning Committees, a statutory requirement effective from 31 October 2026. Councillor Liz Patel, Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, explained that these changes were driven by national guidance aimed at speeding up planning decisions and delivering more homes. Several councillors expressed concerns about the changes, arguing that the new scheme would reduce transparency and local democracy. Councillor Patel defended the changes, stating that councils cannot refuse national guidance and that Trafford is a well-performing authority. A recorded vote was requested and subsequently held. The motion to adopt the constitutional changes and update the planning committee code of practice was carried.

Renters' Rights Act and Other Related Responsibilities

Councillor Keleigh Glenton, Executive Member for Community Safety and Civil Contingencies, introduced a report on the Council's Renters' Rights Enforcement Policy, developed in response to the Renters' Rights Act 2025. This policy aims to drive up standards in the private rented sector, support good tenants and landlords, and tackle unsafe accommodation and unfair practices. The policy provides a framework for enforcing standards. The report was moved and seconded, but it was not agreed.

Accounts and Audit Committee Annual Report 2025/26

Councillor Olly Baskerville, Chair of the Accounts and Audit Committee, presented the committee's annual report for the municipal year 2025/26. He noted that the committee had continued its work to provide assurance on the Council's governance, risk management, and internal control arrangements. A significant point raised was the external auditor's disclaimer opinion on the Council's 2024/25 accounts due to insufficient audit evidence, and a significant weakness identified in financial sustainability. The report was for noting, and Councillor Eckersley spoke, expressing concern about the disclaimer opinion and the Council's financial sustainability. The report was noted.

Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report

Councillor Will Jones, Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, presented the Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025/26. He highlighted key achievements. Councillor Frass raised concerns about the follow-through on committee resolutions. The report was for noting and was subsequently noted by the Council.

Appointment of Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer)

Councillor Joanne Harding, Executive Member for Finance, Change and Governance, introduced a report regarding the appointment of a new Director of Finance and Statutory Section 151 Officer. She explained that the report sought Council approval for the salary and benefits package for this key statutory role. The report was moved and seconded, and it was approved.

Motions

Motion 11a: Restoring Confidence in Trafford Council's Financial Governance

Councillor Nathan Evans, Leader of the Conservative Group, moved a motion calling for an independent external review of Trafford Council's major investment, regeneration, and commercial decisions over the past ten years. Councillor Harding responded on behalf of the Labour administration, arguing that the motion was brought in bad faith to spend public money on another review. The motion was put to a vote and was lost.

Motion 11b: Making Vaccines Accessible

Councillor Meena Minnis moved a motion to explore ways to improve access to vaccinations, suggesting the use of community venues like Live Well centres and in-school vaccinations for pre-school boosters. Councillor Slater, Executive Member for Healthy & Independent Lives, welcomed the motion's ambition but clarified that commissioning and delivery of vaccinations primarily sit with NHS partners. The motion was put to a vote and carried.

Motion 11c: Milburn Ready - Reconnecting Trafford's Young People with Education, Employment and Training

Councillor George Devlin, Executive Member for Babies, Children and Young People, moved a motion to become 'Milburn Ready' by launching a SEET (Seeking Employment, Education or Training) Taskforce. Two amendments were proposed. The Liberal Democrat amendment was put to a vote and lost. The Conservative amendment was also put to a vote and lost. The substantive motion was then put to a vote and carried.

Motion 11d: Beat the Heat: Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience in Trafford

Councillor Michael Welton moved a motion calling for a heat action plan and increased climate adaptation and resilience measures in Trafford. Councillor Axford moved an amendment, welcoming the motion but stating that the plan should align with the Greater Manchester Climate Adaptation Strategy. The Labour amendment was put to a vote and carried. The substantive motion, as amended, was then put to a vote and carried.

The meeting concluded with thanks to attendees and an invitation to refreshments.