The Scrutiny Committee of Melton Borough Council met on Thursday 25 June 2026 to review the council's forward plan, discuss the work programme, and hear the Leader's annual presentation. Key discussions included the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), the planning service, and the council's financial position, with a particular focus on the Housing Revenue Account.

Review of the Forward Plan

Councillor Simon Orson raised concerns about the relinquishment of responsibility for clearing debris screens, particularly in relation to a specific issue in Freebie Avenue or Close, citing health and safety and insurance concerns on land not owned by the council. He also highlighted significant omissions from the forward plan concerning planning, Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), allotments, and car parking machines, as well as the budget allocation for potential work on a railway embankment. Councillor Orson requested that the committee report these reservations to the Cabinet and noted that the forward plan needed to be expanded upon. He also drew attention to the absence of the bid vote from the forward plan, which he considered a significant omission.

Review of the Scrutiny Work Programme 2026/27

The committee discussed the proposed work programme for the upcoming year, acknowledging that it was a framework rather than a fixed plan, especially given the impending Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Councillor Cox raised concerns about staffing levels and the potential impact of using agency staff on the budget, particularly in light of LGR. Councillor Holmes and Councillor Cox also highlighted the importance of ensuring existing services are not compromised during the LGR transition, with Councillor Cox specifically mentioning the need to monitor staffing and the impact on the budget. Councillor Holmes also noted the omission of the older person's housing review, the asset development and disposal process, and healthcare provision from the work programme. Councillor Orson reiterated his concerns about items missing from the forward plan and their potential inclusion in the work programme.

The Leader's Annual Presentation

Councillor Mike Brown, Leader of the Council, presented the administration's priorities, focusing on managing finances, supporting the vulnerable, ensuring the council's stability through LGR, and prioritising key areas while considering stopping other activities. He detailed plans for managing the transition to LGR, including establishing an all-member cross-party group and holding workshops. Key priorities included increasing interaction with parish councils, refreshing the Melton town centre, delivering the Stockyard project, improving the planning service, reviewing assets, and focusing on economic growth and inward investment.

Councillor Brown also addressed specific issues such as GP services, flooding, the Melton Theatre, and economic growth. He acknowledged concerns about staffing and resources, particularly in relation to LGR, and outlined the council's approach to managing financial pressures, including an overspend in the Housing Revenue Account.

During the question and answer session, Councillor Gordon raised concerns about increased construction costs and the project team's awareness of significant price increases across the construction sector, noting that elements of the programme had been secured through fixed-price arrangements where possible. Councillor Cox questioned the funding for new commitments, including the increase in Cabinet size, town centre improvements, and the establishment of a town council, expressing concern about the impact on reserves. She also sought clarification on additional commitments to inward investment and whether this would require further consultants or finance from reserves.

Councillor Atherton asked for clarification on the rationale for linking the economic growth strategy to the local plan and how cross-party working on LGR would function in practice. Councillor Glancy commented positively on the continuation of the growth strategy and the local plan review, but raised concerns about the Melton Country Park Bridge project, questioning the leader's statement about previous administrations sitting on it for 12 months. Councillor Allnatt inquired about the college's determination to sell the theatre site at a commercial rate and the process for establishing a town council. Councillor Orson welcomed the investment in the planning department and asked if this would extend to enforcement, also querying the source of these additional resources. Councillor Thwaites asked what would be different about the new approach to planning compared to previous efforts and raised concerns about the timeline for LGR decisions.

Councillor Cox raised concerns about the Parkside development, specifically regarding a time-limited capital grant and potential risks to auditors if designs were compromised. Councillor Orson questioned the portfolio holder for landlord services regarding private sector housing licensing for HMOs, expressing concern that the council might be perceived as being able to prevent HMOs for migrants, which he stated is not the case. Councillor Thwaites asked about the number of garage sites and the progress on selling them, and also raised concerns about the planning department's efficiency and revenue generation. Councillor Holmes questioned the perceived lack of progress on keeping the theatre open, contrasting it with the successful retention of the cattle market.

Councillor Orson asked for clarification on the specific support to be offered to parish councils, beyond general expressions of goodwill. Councillor Thwaites expressed concern about the timeline for LGR decisions, suggesting it might be too compressed. Councillor Cox raised further questions about the Parkside development, specifically regarding staff consultation on design changes. Councillor Orson also raised concerns about the potential impact of LGR on accommodation space requirements in Melton and the need to consider the local economy context.

Councillor Thwaites inquired about the actions being taken to upskill the younger population and improve their access to skilled jobs, referencing the town's college and apprenticeship schemes. Councillor Glancy asked about the rationale behind the proposed satellite GP surgery and how the council's view had changed from previous assessments by the Integrated Care Board (ICB). Councillor Orson also raised concerns about the ICB's stance on the need for a second surgery and the potential for Section 106 agreements to facilitate development. Councillor Thwaites and Councillor Glancy also raised concerns about the lack of local maternity provision and the perceived reluctance to refer patients to Melton Hospital for services.

Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26

The committee considered the Scrutiny Annual Report for 2025/26, which provided an overview of the work undertaken by the committee during the municipal year. The report was approved, and it was recommended that it be presented to the Council for noting.

Other Business

Lydia Rusling, Director for Place and Prosperity, announced that Melton Borough Council had won the Regional RTPI Award for Planning Excellence for the Melton Mowbray Town Centre Design Guidance Supplementary Planning Document.

The meeting was officially closed by Councillor Mike Brown.