The Cabinet of Melton Council met on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to discuss several key issues, approving recommendations on asset disposal, a refreshed performance and risk management framework, and a biodiversity action plan. The meeting also reviewed treasury management reports and corporate performance updates.

Asset Disposal

The Cabinet approved the disposal of an asset known as 'The Cove', located on Sysonby Street in Melton Mowbray, and its preparation for sale via auction. This decision follows a feasibility study that concluded converting the building, formerly a Sure Start Children's Centre, into residential flats was not financially viable due to parking constraints and high conversion costs. While the site is being prepared for sale, a concurrent exploration of a community use option is underway, which must demonstrate both deliverability and a financially favourable outcome compared to disposal. Authority was delegated to the Director for Place and Prosperity to conclude this community use consideration.

Corporate Performance, Risk and Feedback Report 2025/26, Quarter 3

The Cabinet noted the contents of the Corporate Performance, Risk and Feedback Report for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The report indicated that 65% of targeted performance indicators were on track, with 5% within tolerance and 30% not meeting targets. The Cabinet also approved the refreshed 'Performance and Risk Management Framework', which outlines the Council's approach to managing performance and risk to ensure the delivery of its Corporate Strategy priorities. The report highlighted areas for improvement, including the recycling rate, and noted strategic risks such as the implementation of food waste collection arrangements and uncertainties regarding future leisure provision.

Biodiversity Action Plan

The Cabinet approved the Biodiversity Duty Plan, a statutory requirement under the Environment Act 2021, which sets out policies, objectives, and actions for the Council to conserve and enhance biodiversity. The plan reflects existing and future work across departments, including Planning, Housing, Environmental Services, and Corporate functions, to improve ecological resilience. The Cabinet also recommended that the Terms of Reference of the Member Climate Change Working Group be amended to include the monitoring of biodiversity action on an annual basis.

Treasury Management Report 2025/26, Quarter 3

The Cabinet noted the Quarter 3 position on treasury activity for 2025-26 and the Prudential Indicators for the same period. The report indicated that investment returns had been boosted by higher interest rates, with a forecasted surplus of £209k against a budgeted income of £786k. The Council's average rate of return was 4.26%, exceeding the comparable performance indicator of 4.14%. The report also detailed the Council's investment in the CCLA property fund, which showed a notional loss but had generated significant investment income since its inception. The Cabinet was assured that the Council had operated within its treasury and prudential indicators throughout the quarter.

Asset Disposal

The Cabinet approved the disposal of 'The Cove', a former Sure Start Children's Centre building on Sysonby Street, Melton Mowbray. A feasibility study concluded that converting the building for residential use was not financially viable due to parking constraints and high conversion costs, which exceeded the cost of acquiring similar housing units on the open market. The building has been vacant since 2021 and incurs annual maintenance costs. While the site is being prepared for auction, a final opportunity to explore a community use option is being considered, which must demonstrate deliverability and a financially favourable outcome compared to disposal. Authority was delegated to the Director for Place and Prosperity to conclude this community use consideration.