This week in Melton:

Council Tax Set: Residents Face Increased Bills Amidst Budgetary Pressures

The Melton Council met on Thursday, 26 February 2026, to make the crucial decision on setting the Council Tax for the 2026/27 financial year. This decision directly impacts the household budgets of every resident and determines the funding available for vital local services.

Councillor Sarah Cox, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources, presented the report outlining the proposed Council Tax levels. The report detailed the precepts from various authorities, including Parish Councils, Leicestershire County Council, the Police & Crime Commissioner, and the Leicestershire Combined Fire Authority.

The average Band D Council Tax for Parish Councils is projected to increase by 3.87% to £87.93. Melton Borough Council's own requirement for 2026/27 is calculated at £244.88. The overall impact for residents is an average Band D Council Tax increase of 3.36%, bringing the total to £2,429.67.

This increase, while necessary to balance the budget, will place an additional financial strain on households, particularly those already struggling with the rising cost of living. The council is legally required to set a lawful and balanced budget by the statutory deadline, and the Localism Act 2011 imposes referendum principles on Council Tax increases.

The meeting also included time for public and member questions. Ms Kelly Davies asked about the council's collaboration with local universities to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Councillor Higgins raised a question concerning the Planning service, while Councillor Butcher inquired about how the council's housing policies assist individuals experiencing domestic violence and about improvements to the council's finances and assets. Councillor R. Browne questioned the non-collection of Section 106 monies from a development, and Councillor Child asked about mental health services and support for Parish Councils during Local Government Reorganisation. Councillor J. Orson also raised a question about the council's interaction with Parish Councils.

View the Council meeting details here.

Other Matters

Public and Member Questions Highlight Key Local Issues

During the Council meeting on Thursday, 26 February 2026, a range of questions from the public and councillors brought important local issues to the forefront. Ms Kelly Davies sought clarification on the council's partnerships with universities to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), highlighting the importance of local economic development.

Questions from councillors touched upon critical areas such as the effectiveness of housing policies for victims of domestic violence, the performance of the Planning service, and the management of Section 106 monies from development projects. Concerns were also raised regarding the provision of mental health services within the Borough and the support available to Parish Councils navigating Local Government Reorganisation. These questions demonstrate how councillors act as a vital link between residents and the council, ensuring that local concerns are addressed and that council services are responsive to community needs.

View the Council meeting details here.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Cabinet: Wednesday 11 March 2026. This meeting will cover a range of council business. View meeting details.
• Planning Committee: Thursday 12 March 2026. This committee will consider planning applications for the borough. View meeting details.

This week in Melton:

New Homes and Holiday Lodges: Council Weighs Development Impact

The Planning Committee met on Thursday, 19 February 2026, to consider two significant planning applications that will shape our local landscape and community. These decisions have real-world implications, impacting everything from the character of our villages to the availability of specialist care for vulnerable children.

Holiday Homes Near Harston: Balancing Tourism and Rural Charm

The committee reviewed a proposal for a new holiday lodge and static caravan site near Harston. This development, if approved, would introduce 15 units of holiday accommodation, complete with parking and a play area, and a new access road. The application was recommended for approval, with the report highlighting its alignment with Policy EC8 of the Local Plan, which supports sustainable tourism.

The site's proximity to attractions like Belvoir Castle and the Viking Way long-distance footpath makes it a potentially attractive location for visitors. However, concerns were raised by objectors regarding the scale of the development, its impact on the rural character of the area, highway safety, and utility provision. The report detailed proposed ecological enhancements and Biodiversity Net Gain measures, aiming to mitigate environmental impacts.

The decision on this application will influence how our rural areas are developed for tourism, balancing economic benefits with the preservation of our countryside.

Children's Home in Thorpe Arnold: Addressing a Critical Need

Another key decision involved an application for the change of use of a property in Thorpe Arnold to a children's home, along with the construction of a self-contained annexe. This proposal aims to increase the capacity for specialist care for vulnerable children, a service that is in high demand. The application was also recommended for approval.

This development directly addresses a critical need for safe and supportive environments for children who require specialist care. While the report noted that a previous Certificate of Lawfulness confirmed the existing dwelling could operate for up to six residents with care, the proposed annexe would accommodate four children and two staff members. Concerns raised by objectors and the Parish Council included highway safety, parking, the site's location outside the settlement boundary, and its impact on the area of separation.

The approval of such facilities is vital for ensuring that vulnerable young people in our community receive the care and support they deserve.

Streamlining Planning: An Update on the Planning Productivity Plan

The committee also received an update on the council's Planning Productivity Plan (PPP). Launched in November 2024, the PPP aims to modernise the Planning Service, improve efficiency, and enhance workflow. The update highlighted the introduction of Short Interval Management (SIM) and the analytical tool Workview, which are designed to improve workload visibility and productivity. These efforts are crucial for ensuring that planning applications, which affect our communities and local businesses, are processed efficiently and effectively.

View the Planning Committee meeting details here.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Council: Thursday 26 February 2026. This meeting will cover a broad range of council business. View meeting details.

This week in Melton:

Council Grapples with Budget: Tough Decisions Ahead for Local Services

Melton Council's full Council meeting on Thursday, 12 February 2026, was set to tackle the borough's financial future, with critical decisions on the General Fund Revenue Budget for 2026/27 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy for the following three years. These are not abstract financial documents; they are the blueprints that determine the level and quality of services residents receive, from bin collections to support for the most vulnerable.

The proposed budget includes an overall increase in council tax of 2.99%, the maximum allowed by the government. This means households will face higher bills, a decision that will undoubtedly be felt keenly by many families already struggling with the cost of living.

For residents living in council homes, the proposed rent increase for Council dwellings is set at 4.80%. While this is intended to fund vital improvements to the housing stock, including meeting the Decent Homes Standard and potentially building new homes, it represents a direct increase in outgoings for tenants. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget proposals for 2026/27 were also on the agenda, impacting the council's housing stock and the services provided to tenants.

A significant concern highlighted in the pre-meeting documents was the funding for mandatory food waste collections. The council was considering a request to delay implementation until after Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). While the council argues this is to explore potential cost savings through economies of scale, it means a longer wait for a service many residents expect, and which could have environmental benefits.

The council was also set to review the Capital Programme for 2025-2030 and the Capital Strategy for 2026/27. These plans outline the council's planned investments in infrastructure and assets, such as roads and public buildings. While these are crucial for the borough's long-term development, they represent significant spending commitments.

The Treasury Management Strategy and Prudential Indicators were also on the agenda, detailing how the council will manage its borrowing and investments. This is a complex area, but it underpins the council's ability to fund its activities and manage financial risks, with implications for the overall financial health of the council.

View the Council meeting details here.

Supporting Local Businesses: A Call for Government Action

A motion put forward by Councillor Browne highlighted the critical state of pubs, cafés, restaurants, bars, and small independent businesses in Melton Borough. These businesses are not just economic engines; they are the heart of our communities. The motion pointed to severe financial pressures from rising energy costs, staffing, National Insurance contributions, and business rates. The potential loss of these businesses could lead to job losses and a significant decline in the vibrancy of Melton Mowbray Town Centre and surrounding villages.

The proposed resolution called for the Council to formally write to the Government requesting:

• A temporary reduction in VAT for the hospitality and small business sector.
• A reversal of the recent increase in Employer National Insurance contributions for hospitality businesses.
• The introduction of a fully funded Retail, Hospitality and Leisure business rate relief scheme.

Council officers were also tasked with engaging with hospitality businesses to ensure they are aware of available support. This highlights how local government can advocate for its residents and businesses at a national level, even when direct solutions lie with central government.

View the Council meeting details here.

Enhancing Transparency: Strengthening the Leader and Cabinet Model

Another motion, also from Councillor Browne, aimed to improve transparency and accountability within the council's Leader and Cabinet governance model. While acknowledging the Leader's commitment to these principles, the motion noted that there is limited visibility of individual Cabinet Members' work and insufficient opportunity for Full Council to understand their priorities and activities.

The proposed resolution sought to establish a regular process where each Cabinet Member presents a brief Position Statement to Full Council annually, outlining their responsibilities, priorities, and future plans. This would be followed by a question-and-answer session, allowing councillors to gain a better understanding of Cabinet activity and strengthen scrutiny. This initiative aims to make local government more open and accessible to all elected representatives, ultimately benefiting residents through more informed decision-making.

View the Council meeting details here.

Other Matters

Planning Committee Reviews Key Applications

The Planning Committee met on Thursday, 19 February 2026, to consider several important planning applications. These included a proposal for holiday accommodation in Harston, which would involve the siting of lodges and static caravans. The committee also reviewed an application for a children's home in Thorpe Arnold, aimed at providing specialist care for vulnerable young people. Such decisions directly impact the landscape of our communities and the provision of essential services. The committee also received an update on the council's Planning Productivity Plan, which aims to improve the efficiency of the planning service.

View the Planning Committee meeting details here.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Council: Thursday 26 February 2026. This meeting will cover a broad range of council business. View meeting details.

This week in Melton:

Council Faces Tough Choices: Budget Decisions Could Impact Services

Melton Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, to grapple with significant financial decisions that will shape the borough's services for the coming years. The proposed revenue budgets for the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), alongside the Medium Term Financial Strategy, were central to the discussions. These documents are the backbone of council operations, dictating how funds are allocated to everything from essential social care to waste collection.

A major concern highlighted was the significant adverse impact of the provisional finance settlement on the council's finances, leading to a projected deficit that will need to be covered by reserves. This means the council is facing a shortfall, and decisions made now could directly affect the level and availability of services residents rely on.

One key point of contention was the funding for mandatory food waste collections. The council is requesting a delay in implementation until after Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) to explore potential cost savings through economies of scale. This delay could mean a longer wait for a service that many residents expect, but the council argues it's to secure better value for money in the long run.

The proposed budget includes an overall increase in council tax of 2.99%, which is the maximum allowed by the Government's referendum limit. While this is a common measure to balance budgets, it places an additional financial burden on households.

For those living in council homes, the proposed rent increase for Council dwellings is set at 4.80%. This increase is intended to help fund investments in council homes, including meeting the Decent Homes Standard and providing new homes. However, for tenants, this means higher monthly outgoings. The report also detailed planned investments in the HRA Capital Programme, aiming to improve the housing stock.

The Cabinet also reviewed the Capital Programme and Capital Strategy, outlining planned expenditure on infrastructure and assets. Projects like the Asset Development Programme, the Stockyard development, and the Melton Mowbray Distributor Road (MMDR) were discussed. These investments are crucial for the borough's development and long-term infrastructure needs.

The Treasury Management Strategy and Prudential Indicators were also presented, detailing how the council will manage its borrowing and investments. This is a complex area, but it underpins the council's ability to fund its activities and manage financial risks.

In a separate but significant financial matter, the Cabinet was asked to authorise the write-off of debts totalling £162,896.83. These debts, across Council Tax, rents, and Business Rates, were deemed irrecoverable after extensive recovery actions. While this is a necessary administrative process, it represents a loss of income for the council.

View the Cabinet meeting details here.

Upcoming Meetings:

• Council: Thursday 12 February 2026. This meeting will cover a broad range of council business. View meeting details.
• Planning Committee: Thursday 19 February 2026. This committee will consider planning applications for the borough. View meeting details.