The Council met to set the Council Tax for the upcoming financial year and to approve the General Fund Revenue Budget and the Housing Revenue Account budget. Key decisions included an increase in Council Tax by 2.99% and the approval of the 2026/27 budgets, with a revised implementation date for food waste collections.

Council Tax Setting 2026/27

The Council formally set the Council Tax for the 2026/27 financial year. This decision was made in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1992. The report detailed the precept levels from Leicestershire County Council, the Police & Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire, and the Leicestershire Combined Fire Authority, alongside the Council Tax base for the borough.

The Council approved an overall Band D council tax increase of 2.99%. This increase contributes to the Council's General Fund Revenue Budget for 2026/27 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy. The report also outlined the specific Council Tax levels for each valuation band across all precepting authorities, including parish councils. The average Band D Council Tax for parish councils saw an increase of 3.87%.

The decision to set the Council Tax was made following a recorded vote, with 23 councillors voting in favour, none against, and two abstaining.

General Fund Revenue Budget 2026/27 and Medium Term Financial Strategy

The Council approved the revenue budget for 2026/27 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2027/28 to 2029/30. This included approving high priority growth proposals as detailed in the report. A significant point of discussion was the implementation of food waste collections. The Council noted the adverse impacts of the finance settlement, including a shortfall in funding for the new weekly food waste service, which was contrary to the principles of the new burdens doctrine.

Due to the funding shortfall, the Council is currently unable to implement the food waste collection service without detrimental impacts on other essential services and the Council's financial sustainability. The Council resolved to write to the Secretary of State expressing dissatisfaction with the funding shortfall and seeking permission to delay the implementation of weekly food waste collection until the transition to a Unitary Council is concluded, to maximise opportunities for economies of scale. Consequently, the Council notified DEFRA that food waste collections will be implemented from April 2028. This decision aims to mitigate short-term funding risks and protect existing services.

The Council also noted that prudent financial modelling is being undertaken to identify potential savings and service reduction options that may be necessary to address any funding shortfall. The Council's reserves were noted as £3.2 million.

The budget was approved by a recorded vote: 16 councillors voted for the motion, 9 against, and 1 abstained.

Housing Revenue Account Budget 2026/27

The Council approved the revenue budget proposals for the Housing Revenue Account for 2026/27. This included approving the budget estimates for the year and a rent increase set at the maximum permitted level under the 2026 Rent Standard, effective from 1 April 2026. This increase incorporates any additional convergence of rents towards the formula rent. The 2026/27 capital programme for the Housing Revenue Account was also approved. Authority was delegated to the Director for Housing and Communities to approve virements within the HRA capital programme during the year to ensure flexibility and maintain decent homes. This decision was passed unanimously.

Treasury Management Strategy 2026/27

The Council approved the Treasury Management Strategy for 2026/27. This included approving the prudential indicators and limits, as well as the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement, which outlines the Council's policy on MRP. The decision was passed with 25 councillors voting in favour, none against, and one abstention.

Motions on Notice

A motion regarding the Melton Borough Hospitality and Business Sector was debated and amended. The original motion called on the Council to write to the Government requesting a temporary reduction in VAT for the hospitality and small business sector and a reversal of the increase in Employer National Insurance contributions. It also asked for a fully funded Retail, Hospitality and Leisure business rate relief scheme.

Amendments were proposed and accepted, which included adding rent to the list of rising operating costs and rephrasing parts of the resolution to call for a more comprehensive package of reforms to sustain small, single business . The amended motion was passed unanimously.

A second motion, Strengthening Transparency and Accountability within the Leader and Cabinet Model, was withdrawn by the proposer, Councillor R. Browne.

Public Question Time

One question was received from Ms Kelly Davies regarding the Council's collaboration with local universities to host events supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The response to this question was circulated prior to the meeting.

Questions from Members

Several questions were submitted by councillors on various topics, including:

• Housing policies for victims of domestic violence.
• Improvements to the Council's finances and assets since 2023.
• Non-collection of Section 106 monies from a development at Frisby on the Wreake.
• Mental health services within the Borough.
• Support for Parish Councils during the Local Government Reorganisation.
• The Council's interaction with the Borough's Parish Councils.
• The Planning service's ability to determine applications within policy timescales.
• Lobbying efforts in support of local businesses.

In several instances, Portfolio Holders committed to providing written responses to supplementary questions.