This week in Melton:

Council Tightens Financial Grip: Audit Plans Approved Amidst Risk Management Focus

The Melton Council's Audit and Standards Committee met on Tuesday, 31 March 2026, to review and approve crucial plans that underpin the council's financial integrity and operational resilience. While the meeting itself was confirmed as held, no video transcript was provided, meaning we rely on the summary for details of the discussions and decisions.

The committee gave the green light to the Internal Audit Plan for 2026-27 and the External Audit Plan for 2025-26. These plans are vital for ensuring that council funds are managed responsibly and that financial reporting is accurate. The internal audit plan will guide the council's own auditors in examining the effectiveness of internal controls, risk management, and governance processes throughout the year. The external audit plan, conducted by an independent auditor, will scrutinise the council's financial statements. For residents, this means continued assurance that public money is being handled with care and accountability.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a Risk Management Update. This involved reviewing the council's approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential risks that could impact its ability to deliver services or achieve its objectives. The Strategic Risk Register and the Risk Management Toolkit were discussed, underscoring the council's commitment to proactive risk management. This is particularly important for vulnerable groups, as robust risk management can prevent service disruptions and ensure that support systems remain in place during challenging times.

The committee also reviewed the Audit and Standards Committee Annual Report for 2025-26, summarising its activities and findings. An update on the Internal Audit Progress Report for 2025-26 was received, detailing completed audits and their outcomes. Furthermore, the committee examined the External Audit Review of Housing Benefit Subsidy for 2023-24, focusing on the accuracy and efficiency of housing benefit claims. These reviews are essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring that services, like housing benefit, are delivered fairly and effectively to those who rely on them.

View the Audit and Standards Committee meeting details here.

Other Matters

This week in Melton:

Council Approves Pay Policy, Paving Way for Next Year's Salaries

The Melton Council met on Thursday, 26 March 2026, and made a key decision regarding the council's financial framework by approving the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27. This annual statement, a requirement under the Localism Act 2011, sets out the council's approach to employee pay. It details how the council remunerates its chief officers and its lowest-paid employees, and the ratio between these two figures.

The approved statement confirms that there are no significant changes from the previous year's policy. This means the council's commitment to maintaining a consistent approach to pay structures, including the National Joint Council (NJC) pay spine and the separate structure for Chief Officers, remains in place. Policies concerning performance-related pay, honorariums, market supplements, and other terms and conditions are also carried forward.

Crucially, the pay multiple between the highest and lowest earners has remained unchanged at 3.96. This figure is important as it reflects the council's commitment to a relatively narrow pay gap, ensuring that senior salaries are not disproportionately higher than those of its lowest-paid staff. For residents, this means a predictable approach to council staff remuneration for the upcoming financial year, with no immediate impact on the council's overall wage bill beyond standard inflationary adjustments.

The council also reviewed its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Annual Report for 2025/26. This report highlights the council's progress in fulfilling its duties under the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), as mandated by the Equality Act 2010. Achievements noted include reaccreditation as a Disability Confident Leader, the launch of the Speak Out Space for hate crime support, and the inclusion of a Changing Places facility in the Stockyard development. These initiatives demonstrate the council's ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive environment for all residents and employees.

View the Council meeting details here.

Community Governance Review: Potential for a New Parish Council in Melton Mowbray

The Council also considered the potential establishment of a Parish Council for Melton Mowbray. This discussion is part of the wider Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process and could lead to a significant change in local governance for the town.

The report outlined the process for undertaking a Community Governance Review (CGR), which involves extensive consultation with residents and stakeholders. While an informal public engagement exercise has already begun to gauge local sentiment, a formal decision on whether to proceed with a CGR will be made later in the year, following the outcome of the LGR.

The creation of a new Parish Council would mean new layers of local representation and potentially new local taxes. This could have financial implications for both Melton Borough Council and the residents of Melton Mowbray, as a parish council would have its own budget and responsibilities. The report acknowledged these potential financial impacts and the possibility that the new unitary council, post-reorganisation, may take on this matter.

This consideration highlights how local government structures can evolve, and how residents can have a say in how their local areas are governed. The outcome of this review could lead to a more localised form of governance for Melton Mowbray, with a dedicated parish council representing the town's specific needs.

View the Council meeting details here.

Other Matters

Audit and Standards Committee Gears Up for Financial Scrutiny

The Audit and Standards Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 31 March 2026. The committee will be reviewing the External Audit Plan for 2025/26, which outlines the scope and approach of the statutory audit by Grant Thornton. Key areas of focus for the audit include financial sustainability and the valuation of council assets. The committee will also receive an update on the 2023/24 Housing Benefit Audit, the Internal Audit Progress Report for 2025/26, and the draft Internal Audit Plan for 2026/27. A significant part of the meeting will be dedicated to a Risk Management Update Report, detailing the council's current strategic risks, and the committee's Annual Report for 2025/26 will also be presented. This meeting is crucial for ensuring the council's financial integrity and robust governance.

View the Audit and Standards Committee meeting details here.

This week in Melton:

• The Scrutiny Committee meeting reviewed the council's Forward Plan and Scrutiny Work Programme, and was scheduled to receive a presentation on the Inward Investment Strategy.

Scrutiny Committee

Tuesday 17 March 2026

The Scrutiny Committee of Melton Council met on Tuesday, 17 March 2026. The committee's agenda included a review of the council's Forward Plan and its Scrutiny Work Programme for the upcoming period. Additionally, a presentation on the Inward Investment Strategy was scheduled.

The Forward Plan outlines key decisions the Cabinet intends to make in the coming months. These are defined as decisions likely to have a significant financial impact or affect multiple wards. The committee's role was to identify items from this plan that warrant further scrutiny or information. The plan detailed numerous proposed decisions, including lease renewals, contract awards for asset valuations, and procurement of various services. These ranged from lift refurbishments and housing management policies to the disposal of surplus land and the acquisition of affordable homes. Funding for the ICT R&R programme and improvements to event infrastructure were also on the agenda.

The Scrutiny Work Programme for 2025/26 was also reviewed. This programme details the committee's planned activities, including reviews on developing a Youth Strategy, place-based enforcement, and the procurement of a Stockyard operator. Future reviews were anticipated on Local Government Reorganisation transition, older persons' housing, and leisure contract performance. The committee's work programme draws topics from public concerns, audit findings, and council priorities, aiming to address issues of community interest.

A presentation on the Inward Investment Strategy was also scheduled. This strategy is designed to attract investment into the borough, aiming to stimulate job creation and economic growth. The committee would have had the opportunity to understand the council's approach to securing new investment and its potential impact.

This week in Melton:

Greener Future or Costly Burden? Council Approves EV Charging Hub

The Planning Committee met on Thursday, 12 March 2026, to consider two planning applications. The most notable decision was the approval of an application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for an electric vehicle charging hub and solar canopy at a car park off Chapel Street, Melton Mowbray. This move signals a commitment to greener transport, but the long-term costs and benefits for residents will be closely watched.

The proposed solar canopy, standing at nearly 4 metres high, will be installed within an existing car park. This development falls under permitted development rights, meaning it doesn't require a full planning application. The council's decision to approve this confirms that the infrastructure for electric vehicles can be implemented without extensive planning hurdles. This is a positive step towards encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles, which can lead to reduced air pollution and a quieter environment for our communities. However, the initial investment and ongoing maintenance costs of such hubs will ultimately be borne by the council, and therefore, by us, the taxpayers.

The application was approved unanimously, reflecting a broad consensus on the need to support sustainable transport options.

View the Planning Committee meeting details here.

New Garage Approved in Stathern: Balancing Development and Rural Character

The Planning Committee also approved an application for a three-bay detached garage with a store at Tofts Hill, Stathern. This development is intended to be ancillary to a previously approved dwelling.

While the application was recommended for approval, concerns were raised by Stathern Parish Council and local residents. These concerns centred on the potential for incremental development, the visual impact of the structure, and the possibility of future expansion. The report acknowledged these concerns but concluded that the proposed outbuilding was of a modest size and appropriate for its intended residential use. Crucially, it was noted that the new structure would replace existing agricultural buildings, potentially improving the setting of the Stathern Conservation Area and nearby historical earthworks.

The decision to approve was made with 10 votes in favour, 1 against, and 0 abstentions. This outcome highlights the delicate balance the council must strike between allowing necessary development and preserving the unique character of our rural villages. The requirement for a legal agreement to ensure the building remains ancillary to the dwelling is a key safeguard to prevent unauthorised use.

View the Planning Committee meeting details here.

Cabinet Approves Asset Disposal and Biodiversity Plan

The Cabinet met on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, to discuss several important council matters. Key decisions included the approval of the disposal of 'The Cove', a former Sure Start Children's Centre building on Sysonby Street, Melton Mowbray, and the adoption of a statutory Biodiversity Duty Plan.

'The Cove' Set for Sale Amidst Viability Concerns

The Cabinet approved the preparation of 'The Cove' for sale by auction. A feasibility study concluded that converting the building into residential flats was not financially viable due to parking constraints and high conversion costs. The building has been vacant since 2021 and incurs ongoing maintenance expenses. While the site is being prepared for sale, a final opportunity to explore a community use option is being considered. This option must demonstrate both its feasibility and a financially favourable outcome compared to outright disposal. Authority has been delegated to the Director for Place and Prosperity to finalise this community use consideration. This decision impacts the future of a community building and raises questions about how such assets are best utilised for public benefit.

Biodiversity Duty Plan: A Commitment to Nature's Future

The Cabinet approved the Biodiversity Duty Plan, a legal requirement under the Environment Act 2021. This plan outlines the council's policies, objectives, and actions to conserve and enhance biodiversity across the borough. It reflects ongoing and future work across various departments, aiming 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 annual monitoring of biodiversity actions. This is a crucial step in ensuring that environmental considerations are integrated into the council's decision-making processes, benefiting both the natural environment and the well-being of residents.

Performance and Risk Management Framework Refreshed

The Cabinet also noted 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. Alongside this, the Cabinet approved a refreshed 'Performance and Risk Management Framework', which guides how the council manages its operations and mitigates risks to achieve its strategic priorities. While many indicators are on track, the report highlighted areas for improvement, such as the recycling rate, and noted strategic risks including the implementation of food waste collections and uncertainties surrounding future leisure provision.

View the Cabinet meeting details here.

Other Matters

Treasury Management and Corporate Performance Updates

The Cabinet also received updates on the council's treasury management activities for the third quarter of 2025/26, noting positive investment returns due to higher interest rates. They also reviewed corporate performance, with 65% of key performance indicators on track.

View the Cabinet meeting details here.