 In 1974 , Trafford Council was created to administer the newly formed Trafford Metropolitan Borough and is headquartered at Trafford Town Hall , which was previously named Stretford Town Hall . On its formation in 1974 , the council was controlled by the Conservative Party ; the Conservatives have been in control 1973 – 85 , 1988 – 94 , and 2004 to the present . The only time the Labour Party was in control was 1996 – 2002 . The rest of the time were periods of no overall control . The council meets to decide policy and allocate budget . Its duties include setting levels of council tax , monitoring the health service in Trafford , providing social care , and funding schools . John Holden is Mayor of Trafford for 2015 – 16 . 
