The Scrutiny Committee of Melton Council met on Thursday 23 April 2026 to review the council's housing regulatory compliance, the work of the Landlord Assurance Board, and receive an update on the Stockyard project. Key decisions included noting the progress in housing regulatory compliance, acknowledging the impact of the Landlord Assurance Board, and receiving a detailed update on the Stockyard development.

Housing Regulatory Compliance Annual Update

The committee received an update on Melton Borough Council's housing regulatory compliance, noting the progress made since the Regulator for Social Housing (RSH) awarded the council a C2 grade following its inspection in August 2024. The report highlighted significant improvements across all four consumer standards, particularly in turning up the volume of tenant voice and improving the collection and use of tenant data. The council has seen increased tenant satisfaction across all measures, with a notable 13.5% rise in satisfaction with anti-social behaviour handling. Initiatives such as a tenant-led Code of Conduct for contractors and officers, and a comprehensive tenant census, are demonstrating tangible outcomes for residents. The council is also strengthening its approach to ASB case management with a new system, ECINs, and has seen a 15.2% increase in satisfaction with ASB case handling. Building safety compliance remains strong, with gas safety at 100% and electrical safety at 99.3%. Damp and mould inspections and mitigations are areas of focus, with ongoing efforts to improve response times and contractor performance.

Landlord Assurance Board Annual Report

The committee reviewed the second annual report of the Landlord Assurance Board (LAB), established in April 2024. The LAB, comprising officers, councillors, and tenants, acts as a partnership of equals to oversee housing matters, regulatory duties, and tenant voice. The report detailed the board's significant impact over the past year, including its role in overseeing regulatory compliance, performance, and tenant satisfaction. Key achievements highlighted include the co-design of a tenant-led Code of Conduct for contractors and officers, and tenant involvement in shaping the specification for new repairs, voids, and planned maintenance contracts. The board has also been instrumental in monitoring progress on Awaab's Law requirements and has benefited from sector learning through training and conferences. Tenant representatives have been actively involved, providing valuable feedback and influencing service improvements. The report also considered the potential role of the LAB in maintaining stability during the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation.

Stockyard Project Update

An update was provided on the significant Stockyard project in Melton Mowbray, which is being developed with Levelling Up Funding. The project aims to create a food and drink hub rooted in the historic livestock market. The council has secured a Tier 1 contractor, Robertsons, for the main construction works, with a projected start on site in summer and completion by March 2028. The project budget is £13.6 million, comprising £12.1 million in grant funding and £1.5 million in council match funding. The council will assume full landlord responsibility for the site from June 2027. Preparatory work is underway for the operational phase, including securing specialist expertise for markets and events, developing the Stockyard's offer and tenant engagement programme, and creating a comprehensive business, marketing, and communications plan. The Stockyard brand has been successfully registered as a trademark. The project is also developing a Producer's Pantry concept to support local food businesses and is investing in new event infrastructure to make the site a seven-day-a-week destination. A cultural hub is planned within the Banqueting Suite and Exhibition Hall, with preliminary discussions held with Loughborough College. The project is intrinsically linked to Melton's ambition to be the Rural Capital of Food and its expression of interest for the Town of Culture initiative. Risks associated with the project, including financial, legal, and programme delivery, are being actively managed.

The meeting also included discussions on the council's forward plan, reflections on the scrutiny work programme, and declarations of interest. Apologies were received from Councillors Lumley, Pritchett, and Sharp. The minutes of the previous meeting held on 17 March 2026 were confirmed. Councillor Gordon declared an interest as a council flat tenant, and Councillor Webster declared an interest in relation to the town estate.