TRAFFORD CONSERVATIVES

2011 MANIFESTO

Introduction by Cllr Matthew Colledge,
Leader, Trafford Council.

This year the Coalition Government's attempt to pull Britain back from the brink of Labour's financial catastrophe has meant a set of tough budgetary challenges for all local councils.

In many authorities, and particularly Labour controlled councils, the response to the budget pressure has been to introduce a devastating programme of swingeing cuts. Trafford Conservatives have chosen to take a different direction to ensure that we maintain excellent front line services through innovative and creative means, whilst delivering over £21 million of savings this year alone.

That's why within this year's Manifesto, Trafford Conservatives have committed to keep all of our library buildings open and continue to invest in our roads and pavements. Trafford Conservatives will provide better and more personalised care in Adult Social Services - thanks to extra investment of £2.8 million, we will keep all our parks and children's centres open and we will support the Trafford economy through our revised parking charges and town centre plans. Furthermore, we will invest an extra £1.7 million in supporting vulnerable children and families.

In 2011/12, under Conservative control, Trafford Council will continue to strengthen its approach to efficiency and value for money, slashing back office and management costs. We will further embrace technology and transformational working to deliver better services and bigger savings. This year, by freezing council tax, Trafford will continue to have the lowest council tax in the North West. We will remain tough on crime thereby ensuring Trafford continues to be the safest place to live in Greater Manchester. Our focus on providing the best education system remains as strong as ever whilst we continue to improve our support for the vulnerable, both young and old, that was failing so badly when Labour controlled Trafford.

This is a forward looking manifesto designed to protect residents from funding cuts but also to continue to improve our services further and take Trafford forward.

Matt Colledge.

Meeting the Financial Challenge.

In 2011/12 Trafford Conservatives plan to meet the spending challenge by saving over £21 million from the council's budget but ensuring that 83% of front line services will not be affected by these reductions. Through driving down back office costs, reducing management and bureaucracy and transforming how we provide services Trafford Conservatives will not only keep our essential services open but we will be able to invest £2.8m extra in adult social care and £1.7m extra in to supporting vulnerable children, on top of £500,000 of extra investment to help our town centres through lower parking charges.

Low Council Tax & Value for Money

Trafford Conservatives will freeze council tax this year ensuring council tax levels remain amongst the lowest in England. We will continue to maximise efficiencies, cut waste and transform services so we can invest in supporting the vulnerable, our town centres and maintaining front line services.

In contrast Trafford Labour group raised council tax by 12.9% in one year alone when they ran the Council. They oppose our efficiencies and have no credible plans to deal with the budget pressures which, they were responsible for the budget, would result in a massive £13 million black hole - equivalent to a 15% rise in council tax.

Excellence in Education

Trafford Conservatives believe passionately in our Grammar and High School system, which is recognised nationally as providing some of the best schools in England.

Trafford Conservatives will protect our Grammar and High Schools.

When Labour ran Trafford they tried to abolish our superb school system.

Ensuring Community Safety

Trafford Conservatives, working with the Police through the Safer Trafford Partnership, have ensured that our borough is the safest place to live and work in the whole of Greater Manchester. However we recognise that any aspect of crime or anti-social behaviour is unacceptable and so we will locate Safer Partnership staff within our neighbourhoods to better combat local crime and antisocial behaviour.

Better Roads & Pavements

Trafford Conservatives have invested a massive £24 million to improve our roads and pavements over recent years. This year we will provide an additional £6.8 million for repairs and maintenance. In contrast, when Labour controlled the Council, they allowed our roads to crumble.

Supporting our town centres

We will slash our car parking charges, down to just 10p for the first hour and 30p for the second, to provide vital support for our town centres. Under Labour, parking charges were up to TEN times higher.

Supporting Vulnerable Adults & Children

Adult Social Care in Trafford is judged by the Quality Care Commission as being amongst the top 25% of providers in the country. Similarly Children's Services in Trafford have been rated by Ofsted as 'excellent', an achievement matched by only 19 other local authorities in England.

Building on this Trafford Conservatives will invest an additional £2.8 million in to our Rapid Response Service to support adults and the elderly who have failing or poor health – providing a better quality of life by keeping them out of hospital or specialist care. We will also invest an additional £1.2 million supporting our vulnerable children and families.

Under Labour Adult Social Services had 'all but collapsed' according to Government Inspectors in 2002.

Transformation and Resources

Libraries

Following consultation with residents, we now have at least one Library open across the Borough until 7pm each weekday.

In 2010 new signage and branding was introduced into all Trafford Libraries to deliver a consistent customer experience regardless of which Library is visited.

Key commitments:

• If re-elected we will keep all of our static libraries open and to further improve value for money, we will look to operate our libraries under trust status.
• Provide an audio download service from our website in 2011.

Customer Services

Trafford Conservatives launched a new customer pledge in January 2011, letting residents know what services they can expect from the Council and how quickly they can expect a resolution to an enquiry.

Response times to resident enquiries have improved significantly since Conservatives took control of the Council. For example, through the increased use of technology, parents can now get a decision on a free school meal application in one day (compared to six weeks previously) via a new online eligibility checking service. A new online bulky item collection service allows customers to identify their items for collection, and then make a payment online.

Our contact centre has increased its opening hours by 29% - we are now open from 8am to 7pm, Monday to Friday.

Key commitments:

• If re-elected we will further improve on our phone call handing response times, seeking to ensure that calls into the council are answered within 4 rings.
• Introduce a single, individual customer account that residents can log into via the web or a mobile device and view their council interaction history and track service requests.
• Further increase the use of electronic forms on the Council website so that customers can self serve at a time that suits them.
• Provide 'google style' maps on our website to enable residents to more easily advise the Council of location based faults or issues, further speeding up resolution times.
• Increase the number of services such as Planning, Public Protection and Parking that are accessible via our contact centre.

Increased access to Council services via the use of technology

Trafford is the first council in the country to introduce an iPhone application that allows you to:
• Report an issue from your mobile phone (attaching a photo to each request).
• Access a bin calendar, with the ability to enter your postcode and check the date on which your bins will be collected.

Issues reported via the app have reduced processing time at the Contact Centre saving £1.50 per contact. Unique user downloads now stand at 2,588 and the app was short listed for a national award.

Live Chat was introduced in February and allows customers to chat in real time to customer service officers in the contact centre. The new channel is running alongside the telephone channel from 8am – 7pm, Monday to Friday. This allows customer service officers to chat to more than one resident at once, further reducing processing time and saving money.

Key commitments:

• If re-elected we will further integrate the iphone into the Council's IT systems, resolving residents' requests even more quickly.
• Increase the percentage of Council contacts made through our website.
• Introduce a new Trafford Council Facebook page with greater use of Twitter to improve accessibility and transparency of Council services.

Open Data

We are a national leader on transparency, publishing supplier spending over £500 and giving public visibility on a range of other data. We lead the 'OpenData' store across Greater Manchester.

Key commitments:

• If re-elected we will continue to make non personal data available free of charge in a useable format and enhance our reputation as one of the most transparent Councils in the country.

Value for Money

Through maximising efficiencies and investing in a transformation team to improve services, local Conservatives have been able to invest more in supporting the vulnerable, our town centres and the Big Society, whilst also freezing Council tax (for the first time in Trafford's history).

The Trafford Labour party have opposed the Council's efficiency programme (which will save £9m next year), opposed our plans to save money from improved procurement activities (which will save £4.5 million) and opposed the Council's plans to reduce the number of administration buildings (which will save over £5million and reduce our carbon footprint by 30%). In total, Labour's plans locally would result in a £13m black hole in next year's budget that would result in massive cuts to front line services.

Key commitments:

• If re-elected we will seek to keep Council Tax the lowest in the North West next year
• We will continue to fight against Labour's 'slash and burn' approach which would result in front line services being cut first.

HR/Staff

We will continue to recognise and reward staff who have 'gone the extra mile' to deliver excellent customer service.

Key commitment:

• If re-elected through a restructured and centralised HR function and a new integrated HR and payroll system with Wigan and Stockport councils, we will deliver an even better service for our staff and schools whilst also increasing efficiency further.

Education

Our schools and colleges continue to deliver some of the best outcomes in the country. Trafford is home to the best schools in the North West of England and some of the best in the whole country. We are blessed with a team of dedicated and capable professionals throughout the education infrastructure and we will continue to support these people to the very best of our ability.

Trafford Grammar and High School System

In some parts of the country, the selective school system is considered to be controversial, but not here in Trafford. We know that the maintenance of our Grammar and High schools allow every child to study in an environment that best suits their abilities and needs. Labour would seek to destroy Trafford's school system by abolishing our Grammar and High schools.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected Trafford Conservatives will protect our excellent school system and preserve our Grammar and High Schools.

Trafford Schools for Trafford Children

The success of our schools makes them amongst the most popular in the area. We will continue to address the need for places by carefully managing the resources available to us for school development. For example we are currently undergoing a building programme to boost the availability of places in our primary schools.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will strengthen the operation of schools admissions system to ensure that an appropriate school place is available to every child in the borough - ensuring that local schools are for local children.

Standards

Trafford Conservatives passionately believe that a child's background should not limit their opportunity to achieve. Children in Trafford coming from disadvantaged communities achieve some of the best results in comparison to other parts of the North West. Trafford Conservatives will continue with our guiding principle: to deliver the best possible outcomes for every child across Trafford.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will continue to work all schools to achieve the very best outcomes for their students
• We will continue to provide focus and support for schools and children who are in areas of greater challenge to give them every opportunity for improving their chances in later life.

Highways and Transportation

Roads & Pavements

Since 2004 Trafford Conservatives have invested heavily in our roads and pavements in a bid to halt the legacy of neglect left by Labour. Over the last few years Trafford Conservatives boosted spending by £24 million in our highways meaning over 83 kilometres of our roads and pavements have been totally renewed and a further 28 kilometres subject to significant additional maintenance and repairs and 77 kilometres of footway treatments.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected, over the next 12 months Trafford Conservatives will invest a further £2.8 million in improving our roads and footways, and £4 million maintaining them, and an extra £0.5m just repairing winter damage
• But it is not just about investment - we believe in efficiency and innovation. We continue to seek ever better ways of delivering the quality of roads that you demand, using new technology and novel approaches to solve problems.
• In 2011/12 our staff and contractors will deliver even more for every pound spent, as we work with our partners to win ever better prices and performance, and explore greater economies through collaborative working, guaranteeing real value for your money.

Car Parking

We recognise the critical importance of reasonably priced car parking and its contribution to re-growing local business throughout the Borough after the Labour recession. This distinguishes Trafford from virtually all its neighbours who are seeking to increase the cost of parking, and from Labour who charged up to ten times more when they controlled Trafford.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will invest over £500,000 in reducing the cost of parking throughout Trafford in all Council controlled car parks, and on street parking.
• It will cost just 10p to park for one hour and 30p for two hours both on street and in our car parks.
• Parking charges in our car parks will be reduced to 70p for three hours and up to £2.00 for four hours.
• Trafford Conservatives will keep Sunday and evening parking free.

Safer Roads

The safety of all our road users is of great importance to us. As a result of our steady focus on serious accident locations over the last few years, we have already reduced the accident rate to the lowest in Greater Manchester, making Trafford one of the safest places in the North West.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will tackle the dwindling number of accident hotspots by focusing attention and resources on these areas.
• We will continue to promote road safety education in our schools.
• We will support initiatives like Safer Routes to Schools, delivering greater protection for the borough's children. Furthermore we are determined to keep our School Crossing Patrols, and fully support the Stop Means Stop Campaign to ensure our children's safety.

Better Transport

After years of Conservative campaigning, Altrincham will see the start of work on it's much needed new Interchange this year. Trafford Council successfully secured £19 million of funding for this project which will help revitalise one of our major town centres.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will continue to work with partners on the Metrolink extension into Trafford Park - bringing accessibility to one of the Borough's greatest assets.
• We will continue to press for the further development of the Bridgewater Way, to complete safe walking and cycling routes across the Borough.
• Trafford Conservatives will ensure that the Council actively works with cycling & walking partners, bus & rail operators, taxi operators, car park owners, the new Transport for Greater Manchester, businesses, schools and other interested groups to provide better transport links for all across the whole of the Borough.

Reducing Congestion

After consulting extensively in Trafford about your views, we have kept congestion high on our list of priorities because you have told us this is an area that you would like us to tackle.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will continue to invest in forward thinking initiatives such as the centrally controlled traffic lights along the A56 which will improve traffic flow for all forms of transport, as well as the junction improvements along the length of the A56, thereby reducing congestion, and improving safety for vehicles and other road users.

Economic Growth and Prosperity

Regeneration and Town Centres

Trafford Conservatives believe that, in addition to other commercial areas, our town centres perform a vital role which is for the benefit of all our communities and the commercial well being of the borough.

Stretford and Old Trafford are now set to benefit from the £24m of private sector money which will be invested in LCCC and the immediate area. This, together with the new supermarket, will create hundreds of long term jobs which will permanently boost the local economy in addition to providing much improved sports and other facilities for Stretford High School.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will continue to work with the owners of Stretford Mall to improve the Mall and secure additional retailers.

Media City, including the relocation of the set for Coronation Street, is now at the stage where it is expanding into Trafford Wharf.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will ensure council departments are able to support media and associated companies with efficient and appropriate advice to avoid delays in delivering this expansion of Trafford's skill base and thousands of job opportunities.

The redevelopment of Urmston town centre has continued despite the national economic downturn that has seen a halt to similar schemes across the UK. It is anticipated that building work on the final phase will commence this year.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will continue to work with our partners, Ask Developments, to ensure delivery of exactly what was promised – a good mix of retailers, free parking for shoppers, and modern quality housing.

Recruitment is currently underway for the new paper mill in Partington, with priority being given to those living locally. Plans are currently underway to ensure that Partington and Carrington areas both benefit from new homes, local shopping facilities, and local employment opportunities.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will continue to work with partners to actively support these plans which will utilise sites now abandoned, but previously developed, in order to preserve our precious green belt.

Sale Town Centre still presents opportunities for regeneration, for example the planned disposal by the council of Friars Court following the work to Stretford Town Hall. Sale continues to benefit as an area with a strong demand for residential accommodation.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will continue to assist developers, via the planning process, to provide a mix of residential accommodation in keeping with the locality.

Altrincham Strategy Group has been formed to properly develop a Strategic Framework capable of taking Altrincham forward as the largest town centre in the borough creating thousands of jobs. The group, established by Leader of Council Cllr. Matthew Colledge, includes business leaders, property owners, and independent experts who are focussed on the long term future of Altrincham and complement a number of short-term measures currently in place to support the town and its traders. Actions and plans are being developed to ensure the future success of Altrincham over the next 30 years.

There is emphasis to capture the town's unique heritage and character incorporating the core strengths of the quality shopping including niche retailers, leisure facilities including the ice rink, top quality restaurants, and town centre residential properties.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will secure a successful future by working with all our partners to utilise the enthusiasm for the town and exploit intelligence we have around town centres more generally.
• We will continue to build upon the huge levels of support that exists and develop the plan that shows Altrincham is open for business. This kind of major regeneration work doesn't happen overnight but we have already taken the significant first steps.
• We will continue the work already underway to pursue new opportunities in Altrincham, including the Interchange, Altair, and other sites around the town centre.

Stretford Borough Council's motto was "Service and Efficiency" and these two ideals will be brought back together when the refurbished and extended Town Hall will enable the Council to permanently reduce expenditure by more than £5million following the disposal of several older, less efficient buildings.

The improved public access to the Town Hall, and the staff permanently based there, will lead to an increase in spending in the smaller businesses that serve the immediate locality. In the meantime, just as in the 1930's when the Town Hall was originally built, there will also be the welcome creation of construction jobs when they are most needed.

Strategic Planning and Housing

Trafford Conservatives have ensured that the Core Strategy, the most important single document outlining the planned future of Trafford, has had sufficient resources allocated to enable it to progress through various consultations.

The Core Strategy, together with other documents, will replace the Unitary Development Plan in guiding developers and give confidence, making Trafford a favoured place for investment, which in turn provides employment, housing and recreation.

Trafford has been classed as the most economically resilient place in the North West, and has the lowest unemployment levels and highest number of business start-ups in Greater Manchester.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will continue to ensure Strategic Planning is properly resourced to maintain progress thereby establishing the foundations for prosperity across the whole of the Borough.

Trafford Conservatives work with all partners to deliver quality housing across the Borough. This includes homes for sale, for rent, and property offered on a shared-ownership basis. Whilst we aim to obtain the maximum return for land sold for housing for sale, we have encouraged affordable housing by releasing land at as low a price as possible.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will continue to work in partnership with those organisations who are key to delivering the varying types of quality housing required by residents across both the rented and owner-occupied sectors.

Asset Management

Trafford Conservatives have been proactive in reducing the number of buildings used for administration, disposing of those which are surplus to requirements to save on daily expenditure and to generate much needed capital receipts which can then used for schools, libraries, and highways amongst other areas.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will continue to extract as much value as possible from every disposal, whether that be for the benefit of the Council or a Community Group.

Trafford Conservatives also recognise the value of, and have a track record of supporting, Community Groups through the granting of long leases or selling property at reduced values to assist certain groups.

The Hub in Altrincham, now subject to a long lease, has been a huge success and is now viewed as an essential part of local life.

Raglan Road Community Centre in Sale was in need of major refurbishment, but this is now being transferred to a group who will, in exchange for it being incorporated into a new development, deliver much improved modern facilities within the same site.

Walton Park Leisure Centre is being transferred to a sports based Community Group which will ensure and improve its future.

The former Firswood Library is being brought back into use by a local church group who will also provide community based facilities.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will continue to look at all innovative ways in which Council Assets can be used for the benefit of communities.

Planning and Building Control

Trafford Conservatives have supported the Planning Service which has seen a radical change over the last three years. Whilst the number of applications in 2010/11 have exceeded those in 2009/10, and are almost back to 2008/09 levels, the value of the fee income has plummeted as many more smaller applications are now from households wishing to make alterations to property.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will continue our reconfiguration of the Planning Service to ensure service is maintained by investing in more IT systems and innovative ways of generating additional income.

Environmental Services

Increasing Recycling

Across Trafford over 8 million bins a year are emptied ensuring that we recycle over 44% of our household waste – saving the Council and residents over £1 million in land fill tax. Under Conservative control Trafford's approach to recycling has been recognised nationally through two prestigious awards.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will implement plans to ensure that we remain the lowest cost waste collection service in Greater Manchester but ensure that we remain one of the top recyclers thereby benefiting the environment and saving council tax payer's money.

Reducing Litter and Graffiti

The last few years has seen increased investment in and more efficient delivery of Trafford's Street Cleaning Service resulting in three quarters of residents stating that they are happy with the service.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we want to increase our Street Cleaning Service further still and we will develop a more focused, localised cleaning regime to meet local demand and needs.
• We will continue to support the many Big Tidy Up campaigns across the borough that are seeking to keep our town centres and neighbourhoods free from litter.

Sustainability

A sustainable environment remains of importance to Trafford Conservatives despite the difficult financial times we live in. Initiatives by Trafford Council and partners have reduced CO2 emissions by over 2,000 tonnes in 2009/10. For example installing cavity wall insulation or loft insulation measures for the Davyhulme Energy Saving Project (a partnership between Trafford, Energy Saving Trust & IDEA) resulted in a reduction of 177,300 kg of CO2 emissions.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will roll out and deliver the Old Trafford Energy Saving Project to repeat the success enjoyed in the Davyhulme project.

Protect our Parks and Greenspace

Trafford Conservatives believe that maintaining attractive and enjoyable parks and green spaces across Trafford is a key ongoing priority. The fact that 91% of residents agree that parks in their local area have improved or maintained their quality in the last three years is testament to Conservative investment in our parks and support for Friends Groups.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected and despite the financial challenges facing us we will continue to manage over 40 public parks, 50 amenity green spaces, 21 recreation/sports grounds, 5 cemeteries/crematoria, 41 woodlands, 86 children's playgrounds and 35 allotment sites.
• We will continue to drive forward the 'Groundforce' program to modernise and improve our parks and open spaces.
• We will further develop relationships between the Council and Friends of Parks Groups including the development of Friends Charters.

Public Protection

Ensuring that residents have confidence in the safety of what they buy and where they eat in Trafford is down to the excellent work of the Council's Trading Standards and Environmental Health Services. Satisfaction rates are high but in order to protect residents and encourage good businesses to flourish we will be seeking to increase this level further – to over 80%

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected we will come down hard on rogue traders through the highly successful Consumer Alert Network (iCAN).
• Host the 2nd Trafford Healthy Living Awards
• Launch the National Food Hygiene Rating Scheme across Trafford
• Transform our approach to Pest Control Services in order to maintain the service in-house.

Supporting Children and Families

Trafford Conservatives are passionate about how we can help support vulnerable children and families. That's why Trafford's children and young people services have been rated as excellent by Ofsted in its annual children's services assessment. This result is a testament to the success of our innovative multi-agency teams.

Key commitments:

• If re-elected we will invest £1.2 million extra to ensure that our children's social services continue to improve the outcomes for all our children and young people.
• We will continue to support our multi agency teams.
• We will continue to support children with complex and additional needs by using innovative approaches to short breaks.

Maintaining our Children Centres

Trafford Conservatives are supporting the big society by building on the Children's Centres volunteer strategy by encouraging parents to support the delivery of services. Volunteers receive training and mentoring support, the support and experience gained can in some circumstances lead to employment.

Key commitments:

• If re-elected we will keep all of the 16 Sure Start Children Centres in the Borough open.
• We will refocus our priority areas and target support to the most vulnerable

A Strong Youth Service

Trafford Conservatives will continue to support our very successful Youth Service but we believe that even more can be done in this very important area.

Key commitments:

• If re-elected we will carry out a fundamental review of Youth Services and encourage greater involvement by voluntary and community groups, so that we can offer a more targeted service.

Trafford Corporate Parenting Responsibility

The Council, as Corporate Parents, has a responsibility to the children in its care and we take the responsibility very seriously indeed. Trafford Conservatives want the same outcomes as all parents want for their children. Statistics demonstrate that 'children looked after' do not on average achieve at the same level as their peers.

Key commitments:

• If re-elected we will help our children reach their full potential by focusing on improving
o Educational qualifications
o The education, training and employment of care leavers.
o The stability of the placements of 'children looked after'.
o Their general confidence and well being.

Excellent Foster Care Service

Since taking control of the Council in 2004 we have revitalised the Foster Care Service. We have improved the pay and conditions for our carers and now meet regularly with the Trafford Foster Carers Association. The improvements to the service mean Trafford is now considered to be amongst the best foster care providers in Greater Manchester.

Key commitments:

• If re-elected we will invest an extra £196,000 in the Foster Care Service, which will allow us to recruit more foster carers as research has shown that children placed with foster carers have significantly better outcomes.

Adult Health and Wellbeing

The population of Trafford is living longer. This has resulted in a phenomenal rise in demand of over 7% every year for six years for social care both for the elderly and those with learning difficulties. Furthermore the numbers of older people with dementia is increasing at a slightly higher rate. These trends are placing an increasing burden on Adult Social Services and make maintaining the overall well being of the community more difficult. In the last year there has been an increase of 7.5% in the number of users of Social Services.

Despite the reduced funding due to the national economic situation inherited by the Government and increases in numbers of Trafford citizens using these services, Trafford Conservatives have managed to provide a service which has:

• Been judged to provide excellent quality of service by the Care Quality Commission which places the Council in the top 25% of all local authorities in England.
• Won the Improvement and Development Agency award for innovation in the provision of services,
• Won the Regional award for working with BME communities.

This is a dramatic change from the situation in 2002, when under Labour, the Inspectorate reported that services for Adults had "all but collapsed."

Brand New Rapid Response Service.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected, Trafford Conservatives will deliver a new Rapid Response Service through increasing our investment in the service by £2.8 million.
• We will expand our re-enablement service and provide additional funds to expand home care.
• We will continue with increased brokerage support to assist those on personal budgets, thanks to Conservative investment in this area.
• We will deliver the reductions in the costs of contracts, saving over £3 million which will safeguard services

Personal Budgets and Extra Care Facilities

We are increasing the use of Personal Budgets to give choice and control to service users, encouraging them to take charge of their lives. As Conservatives we believe that people benefit enormously when they take personal control of managing money to pay for their own care. This corresponds with our philosophy on individual choice and freedom and with the policy of Putting People First. We recognise that our most vulnerable adults may require special care facilities

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected, we will continue to expand Personal Budgets to 50% of our service users
• We will expand the use of new technology such as our Tele Care system to assist those who wish to remain in their own houses to feel more secure and able to call for assistance in an emergency, such as a fall.
• We will work in partnership with social landlords to provide special care facilities. We commit to spend £100,000 a year to provide the necessary support to residents in the brand new Newhaven facility in Timperley.
• We will provide more low level preventative services to all and are increasing the re-enablement services to help people to live a normal life in their own homes after being discharged from hospital. We are doing this in partnership with the PCT to provide the fullest possible coverage to Trafford residents.
• We will work with our partners in Trafford to improve health outcomes in those areas where currently, on average, they are significantly lower than in other parts of the borough, so reducing the health inequality gap.

Working with the Community

We are fortunate that we have a very strong voluntary sector in our borough and we are working to support and enhance their role in Trafford. Given the increasing demand for social care in the future we will explore ways of encouraging greater community involvement in the care of our more vulnerable residents. The strength of this sector was demonstrated during the winter when help was provided to the vulnerable residents of Trafford.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected Trafford Conservatives will form a Health and Wellbeing Board to tackle the significantly lower health outcomes in deprived areas of Trafford and so reduce the inequality gap.

SAFE, STRONG COMMUNITIES

Community Safety

Community Safety will always be high on the list of priorities for Trafford Conservatives. Under this Conservative administration Trafford is one of the safest places in Greater Manchester to live - fewer crimes are committed and detection rates are rising.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected Trafford Conservatives will work closely with Greater
Manchester Police and the Safer Trafford Partnership with a
shared aim of reducing crime at all levels and in doing so increasing
public confidence.
• We will increase the effectiveness of frontline community safety by locating staff within our neighbourhoods enabling them to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour at the earliest stage.

Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour

Under this Conservative administration tackling anti-social behaviour continues to be one of the Safer Trafford Partnerships strong performance areas. We are recognised regionally and nationally as one of the leading authorities in this area.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected Trafford Conservatives will continue to work with all our partners and residents to make Trafford a safe place for all and make Trafford the worst place to come to if you are intent on criminal or anti-social activities.

The Big Society:

Developing & Delivering on Trafford's Big Society Strategy

Trafford has a very strong voluntary sector delivering the best outcomes for all our residents. Examples of our work include helping the Sale West Partnership in delivering a better quality of life for local residents.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected Trafford Conservatives will continue to work closely with the Trafford Partnership Board in developing and delivering on Trafford's Big Society Strategy. It is our vision that a newly formed Stronger Communities Board will drive our agenda forward led by the voluntary sector, in partnership with the public sector and community representatives.
• Trafford Conservatives will deliver a neighbourhood working framework enabling local residents to increase support for our communities.

Equality & Diversity

Under this Conservative administration equality and diversity is an area of strength.

Key Commitments:

• If re-elected Trafford Conservatives will continue to work with all our partners in supporting and developing Equality and Diversity throughout our borough