The Cabinet of Melton Council met on Wednesday 15 April 2026 to consider a range of important matters, including feedback from the Scrutiny Committee on the Cyber Security and Inward Investment Strategies, and the Leicester and Leicestershire Statements of Common Ground concerning housing and warehousing needs. The meeting also included a discussion on the delegation of the Building Control Service and the potential disposal of an asset.

Matters Referred from Scrutiny Committee

The Cabinet was scheduled to receive feedback from the Scrutiny Committee regarding the draft Cyber Security Strategy. The Scrutiny Committee recommended that the document be finalised and approved by the Cabinet, noting that members' input had been incorporated. Concerns were raised about lessons learned from previous cyber-attacks on UK businesses, and assurances were given that officers were taking all possible measures to secure the Council's IT systems. The committee also discussed the potential impact of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) on cyber security.

Feedback was also provided on the Inward Investment Strategy. The Scrutiny Committee highlighted the importance of giving due prominence to activity in Bottesford and rural areas, rather than being solely Melton Centric. Discussions covered the competitiveness of the Saturday market, the Council's proactive approach to planning through the Planning Productivity Plan, and the need for support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), particularly in the food, drink, and agricultural sectors. The committee noted that business rates are set nationally and are not a competitive lever for the Council. Improvements to the town centre since 2023 were acknowledged, but the need for better communication about these enhancements was stressed. The importance of reinforcing the Borough's identity as the Rural Capital of Food was also mentioned, alongside the need for improvements in the retail offer. Concerns were raised about the condition of car parking machines and the accessibility of the parking app. Discussions also touched upon public toilet facilities and the provision of Changing Places at the Stockyard. The committee emphasised the need for clear metrics to demonstrate ambition and return on investment, especially in light of LGR. The underutilisation of the Country Park and the need for better connectivity to the town centre were discussed. Concerns about heritage requirements potentially deterring businesses from taking on historic buildings were addressed, with mention of available funding and grant pots. The committee noted that local earnings remain below national averages, and Melton's strong transport connectivity was highlighted as a selling point for inward investment.

Leicester and Leicestershire Statements of Common Ground

The Cabinet was presented with two Statements of Common Ground (SoCGs) produced by the authorities in Leicester and Leicestershire.

The first, the Leicester & Leicestershire Statement of Common Ground relating to Housing Distribution under the new Standard Method (December 2025), outlines agreed positions on housing needs up to 2046. It addresses the apportionment of unmet housing need following changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and the Standard Method, and confirms joint working arrangements across the Housing Market Area. This SoCG supports the progression of local plans in Blaby District Council, Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, North West Leicestershire District Council, and Oadby & Wigston Borough Council. The report indicated that Melton Borough Council's contribution to unmet need would be 19 dwellings per annum, representing 4.2% of the total.

The second document, the Leicester & Leicestershire Authorities Statement of Common Ground relating to Strategic Warehousing Need (December 2025), addresses the need for strategic warehousing facilities (defined as units over 9,000 square metres) and its apportionment up to 2046. The study identified a need for 3,969,400 square metres of additional floorspace between 2023 and 2046. The apportionment of this need across Leicestershire means that Melton Borough Council has been apportioned zero floorspace in this particular statement. The statement also noted concerns raised by Leicestershire County Council regarding the capacity of the county's road network to accommodate the identified warehousing needs.

Building Control Delegation Agreement

The Cabinet was asked to consider the continuation of the delegation of Melton Borough Council's statutory Building Control Service to the Leicestershire Building Control Partnership (LBCP). The report detailed the background of the LBCP, the statutory duties of building control, and the impact of new regulations, including the Building Safety Regulator and the upcoming Building Safety Levy. The report highlighted significant recruitment challenges within the sector due to new professional competence requirements. It was noted that the LBCP had undergone several audits, including by the Building Safety Regulator, and an action plan was being implemented. The introduction of the Building Safety Levy, expected in October 2026, will place additional burdens on the LBCP, requiring updated systems and training. The report recommended continuing the delegation to the LBCP, citing its cost-effectiveness and stability compared to establishing an in-house service, particularly given the current regulatory landscape and staffing challenges.

Asset Disposal

The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the disposal of an asset. The report indicated that following an assessment of the viability of converting The Cove for residential purposes, this option was no longer recommended due to parking and value for money constraints. The report proposed the disposal of The Cove, with preparations for sale via auction. It also noted that a community use option was being explored concurrently, which would need to demonstrate both deliverability and a financially favourable outcome compared to disposal. Authority was to be delegated to the Director for Place and Prosperity to conclude consideration of the community use and proceed with disposal if the required tests were not met.