This week in Melton:

Council Grapples with Financial Outturn and Debt Write-Offs

The Melton Council Cabinet met on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, to review the provisional financial positions for the 2025/26 financial year. While the General Fund shows a modest surplus, the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) faces an overspend, highlighting ongoing pressures within the social housing sector. The Cabinet also approved the write-off of over £117,000 in irrecoverable debts, a move aimed at optimising officer time for more successful debt recovery.

General Fund: A Small Surplus and Significant Capital Underspend

The provisional outturn for the General Fund Revenue and Capital Budget for 2025/26 indicates a net surplus of £97,000 for General Expenses. However, a substantial underspend of £13.8 million on the General Fund capital programme was noted, largely attributed to the ongoing Stockyard project. This significant underspend means that planned capital investments may be delayed, impacting the delivery of infrastructure and community projects. Authority was delegated to the Director for Corporate Services to finalise any necessary amendments to these carry-forwards.

Housing Revenue Account: Pressures Lead to Overspend

The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) presents a more challenging picture, with a provisional revenue outturn showing an overspend of £678,000 against the approved budget. This overspend is attributed to increased cost pressures, including higher premiums for fire insurance and greater-than-budgeted void repairs. The HRA capital programme also saw an underspend of £3,799,000. These figures underscore the financial strain on social housing providers, with implications for the maintenance and improvement of council homes, which directly affects the living conditions of tenants, particularly those on lower incomes or with specific housing needs.

Treasury Management and Debt Write-Offs

The Cabinet recommended the approval of the Treasury Management Annual Report for 2025/26. The report indicates that no new borrowing was undertaken, and the Council's gross borrowing remained within its authorised limit. Investment income exceeded the budget by £426,000. In a separate decision, the Cabinet authorised the Chief Finance Officer to write off debts totalling £117,127.78 across various categories, including Council Tax, Business Rates, Rents, and Sundry Debts. These debts were deemed irrecoverable after all reasonable recovery methods had been exhausted. While these write-offs are a standard part of council finance, they represent a loss of income that could otherwise fund public services.

View the Cabinet meeting details here.

Scrutiny Committee Reviews Forward Plan and Social Value Framework

The Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 16 July 2026, to review the council's Forward Plan and Scrutiny Work Programme for the upcoming year. A key focus was the consideration of a new Social Value Framework, designed to ensure that council contracts deliver tangible economic, social, and environmental benefits for the local community. The committee also reviewed the council's Forward Plan, which outlines key decisions to be made by the Cabinet, and the proposed Scrutiny Work Programme for 2026/27.

Social Value Framework: Embedding Community Benefits in Contracts

The draft Social Value Framework aims to formalise how Melton Borough Council embeds social value into its procurement processes. Social value is defined as the wider financial and non-financial impact on the wellbeing of individuals, communities, and the environment, beyond the core delivery of services. The framework seeks to ensure that council contracts not only achieve their primary objectives but also contribute positively to local employment, skills development, inclusive communities, health and wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and ethical supply chains. This approach is particularly important for ensuring that public spending benefits vulnerable groups and supports local economic resilience. The framework will apply to new procurements and contract variations, with a proportionate approach based on contract value.

Forward Plan and Work Programme: Scrutiny's Role in Shaping Council Business

The committee's review of the Forward Plan and Scrutiny Work Programme is a crucial part of the council's accountability mechanisms. By scrutinising upcoming decisions, the committee can identify areas for deeper investigation, request further information, and ensure that the council's priorities align with residents' needs. The inclusion of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) as a consideration within the work programme highlights the council's efforts to prepare for significant structural changes that will impact local services.

View the Scrutiny Committee meeting details here.

This week in Melton:

Housing Conversion Approved Amidst Resident Concerns Over Parking and Amenity

The Melton Council's Planning Committee met on Thursday, 9 July 2026, to consider a significant planning application for the conversion of a property at 34 Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray into a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) with ten bedrooms. Despite objections from local residents and the ward member, Councillor Pip Allnatt, the committee ultimately approved the application, subject to several conditions.

The Proposal: Ten Bedrooms in a Residential Area

The application sought to transform the detached, two-storey property into an HMO. The plans included internal alterations to create ten individual bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. The proposal also included four car parking spaces and cycle racks. While the property has a history of varied uses, including offices and a day nursery, it is situated in an area described by officers as largely residential.

Resident and Councillor Objections: Parking, Safety, and Amenity

Neighbours and Councillor Allnatt raised significant concerns about the development. Key issues included:

• Inadequate Parking: Objections centred on the proposed four parking spaces being insufficient for a ten-bedroom HMO, potentially leading to increased on-street parking in an already congested area.
• Highway Safety: Concerns were voiced about the impact on road safety, particularly regarding vehicle manoeuvring and the potential for increased traffic.
• Residential Amenity: Residents feared a negative impact on their quality of life due to potential noise and disturbance from a higher occupancy property.

Councillor Allnatt argued that the need for such a large HMO had not been established and that the application did not sufficiently consider site-specific conditions, particularly regarding parking and the impact on neighbouring residents. He also contested the report's description of the area as largely residential, highlighting the presence of non-residential buildings.

Council's Response: Licensing vs. Planning and Policy Limitations

Council officers explained that while occupation levels are a licensing matter, the committee could impose conditions. It was noted that Melton currently has 17 licensed HMOs. Crucially, the council does not have an Article 4 direction or designated areas that would allow for restrictions on HMOs based on concentration or cumulative impact. This means applications must be determined on their individual planning merits against the council's adopted planning policy framework.

Councillor Ian Atherton, Portfolio Holder, clarified that occupation levels are a licensing function, but the committee could impose a condition limiting the number of residents. He also sought clarification on the number of licensed HMOs, with officers confirming 17 in the Melton area. Councillor James Mason questioned whether the council had its own specific guidance on space standards for HMOs beyond national legislation, with officers confirming it did not.

Environmental Health raised no objections but recommended conditions to control external lighting and plant equipment. The Local Highway Authority also raised no objection, citing the site's sustainable location and existing parking restrictions.

The Decision: Approval with Conditions

Despite the objections, the Planning Committee voted to approve the application. The decision was made subject to conditions including:

• Provision of secure, covered cycle parking for ten bicycles.
• The provision and retention of the four car parking spaces.
• Control of external lighting and plant equipment.
• A note advising the applicant that a licence from Environmental Health would be required prior to occupation.

The committee acknowledged resident concerns but concluded that these related to potential worst-case scenarios and that the HMO would be well-regulated.

View the Planning Committee meeting details here.

Other Matters

Council Finances and Treasury Management Under Review

The Melton Council's Cabinet is set to meet on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, to review the provisional financial outturn for the 2025/26 financial year. The meeting will cover both the General Fund and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), as well as treasury management activities.

• General Fund: A provisional surplus of £97,000 is expected for General Expenses, with a significant underspend of £13.8 million on the capital programme, largely due to delays in projects like the Stockyard.
• Housing Revenue Account (HRA): A provisional overspend of £678,000 is anticipated, attributed to cost pressures, inflation, and increased health and safety work. The HRA capital programme also shows an underspend of £3.799 million.
• Treasury Management: The council is reported to have complied with its requirements, with gross borrowing within limits. Investment income exceeded the budget by £0.426 million due to higher interest rates.
• Irrecoverable Debts: The Cabinet will consider writing off approximately £117,000 in irrecoverable debts across Council Tax, Business Rates, Rents, and Sundry Debts, as all reasonable recovery methods have been exhausted.

View the Cabinet meeting details here.

Scrutiny Committee to Examine Forward Plan and Social Value

The Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday, 16 July 2026. The agenda includes a review of the council's Forward Plan, which outlines key decisions to be made by the Cabinet, and the proposed Scrutiny Work Programme for 2026/27. The committee will also consider a new report on the Social Value Framework, which aims to ensure that public procurement considers broader social and environmental benefits. A response tracker will also be reviewed to monitor outstanding queries.

View the Scrutiny Committee meeting details here.

This week in Melton:

Council Scrutiny Committee Tackles Forward Plan and Leader's Vision Amidst LGR Uncertainty

The Melton Borough Council's Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 25 June 2026, to review the council's forward plans, work programme, and hear from the Leader of the Council. The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) discussions, a process that promises to reshape local services and governance across Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland.

Forward Plan Under Fire: Gaps and Sensitivities Highlighted

Councillor Simon Orson raised significant concerns regarding the council's Forward Plan, pointing out omissions and areas requiring more sensitive handling. He specifically highlighted the relinquishment of responsibility for clearing debris screens, noting a particular issue in the ward represented by Councillors Ian Atherton and Sharon Brown. Councillor Orson stressed that this task requires careful consideration due to its ongoing nature and the fact that the land in question is not council-owned. This highlights how seemingly minor council responsibilities can have complex implications, especially when they involve shared land or cross-boundary issues.

Councillor Orson also pointed to several significant omissions from the Forward Plan, including key areas such as planning, Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), allotments, and car parking machines. He further noted the absence of budget allocation for potential work on a railway embankment in his ward. These omissions are critical for residents, as they represent areas where future council action or investment may be lacking, potentially impacting services and infrastructure they rely on. Councillor Orson urged the committee to report these reservations to the Cabinet and to expand upon these omissions within the council's work programme.

Councillor Sarah Cox echoed concerns about financial commitments, questioning the funding sources for increased Cabinet size, town centre improvements, the establishment of a town council, and allotments. She pointed out the low level of special expenses reserves and the risk associated with dipping into reserves for various projects, a point previously identified by auditors. Her questions underscore the fundamental challenge for local government: balancing ambitious plans with finite resources, a challenge that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations who depend on consistent service delivery.

View the Scrutiny Committee meeting details here.

Leader's Vision: Navigating LGR and Core Priorities

Councillor Mike Brown, Leader of the Council, presented the administration's priorities for the upcoming year, emphasizing four core principles: managing finances effectively, looking after the most vulnerable, ensuring the council is well-positioned for LGR, and focusing on key priorities while considering the cessation of other activities.

Councillor Brown detailed the administration's approach to LGR, including preparations for different scenarios, the establishment of an all-member cross-party group, and workshops for corporate strategy review. He stressed the importance of maintaining existing services, particularly for vulnerable groups, while navigating the transition. The increase in Cabinet size was explained as a measure to bolster resources for LGR preparations.

Key priorities discussed included the town centre refresh, the Stockyard project, and improvements to the planning service. Councillor Brown acknowledged concerns about staffing and resources, stating that additional expertise would be brought into the planning department. He also addressed significant financial pressures on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), with an overspend of approximately £1.2 million over the last two years, and announced a review to identify areas for spending reduction without impacting essential tenant repairs. This focus on the HRA is crucial for council tenants, as it directly affects the quality and availability of repairs and maintenance services.

The Leader also touched upon social value from council contracts, repairs and maintenance contracts, and new arrangements for assets of community value. He highlighted the potential for a satellite GP surgery in the southern part of the town and ongoing discussions regarding flooding issues and the Melton Theatre.

View the Scrutiny Committee meeting details here.

Planning Service Investment and Enforcement Concerns

Councillor Sarah Cox raised concerns about the planning service, welcoming investment but questioning whether enforcement would also receive additional resources. She sought clarity on the source of these resources, specifically whether they would draw from reserves or necessitate reductions elsewhere. This question is vital for residents who have experienced delays or perceived inaction on planning enforcement issues, which can impact neighbourhood amenity and safety.

Councillor Thwaites expressed his support for improving the planning service, asking what would be different from previous efforts. Councillor Brown highlighted a focus on enforcement to clear backlogs and address breaches of planning regulations, as well as bringing in expertise to support officers. He also mentioned strengthening relationships with parish councils.

View the Scrutiny Committee meeting details here.

Other Matters

Melton Mowbray Town Centre Design Guidance Wins Regional Award

In a notable achievement, Melton Borough Council won the Regional RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence for the Melton Mowbray Town Centre Design Guidance Supplementary Planning Document. This award recognises the council's efforts in shaping the future development and character of the town centre, an area central to the community's identity and economic vitality.

View the Scrutiny Committee meeting details here.

Correction (23 June 2026): An earlier version of this email stated that the Websters Dairy, Saxelbye and North Lodge, Old Dalby planning applications were deferred. That was incorrect. Both had been deferred at an earlier meeting and were re-presented on 18 June 2026, when the committee approved the Websters Dairy application and refused the North Lodge application. The planning section below has been corrected.

This week in Melton:

Housing Concerns and Planning Decisions Shape Local Landscape

The Melton Council Cabinet met on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, tackling critical issues from housing compliance to the future of local government. A key focus was the Housing Regulatory Compliance Annual Update, where concerns were raised about the methodology of tenant satisfaction surveys, particularly regarding anti-social behaviour (ASB) and damp and mould issues. Councillor Donald Pritchett highlighted the prevalence of damp and mould in council properties, prompting a discussion on the council's proactive measures. This is vital for residents living in council homes, as it directly impacts the safety and habitability of their properties. The Scrutiny Committee had previously flagged these concerns, emphasizing the need for robust tenant feedback mechanisms.

The Cabinet also discussed the Corporate Performance, Risk and Feedback Report, noting areas of strength like rent arrears collection but flagging concerns about the re-letting time for council housing and planning decision times. Councillor Alison Freer, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Governance, Waste and Environmental Services, acknowledged these challenges. The report also detailed a significant increase in formal complaints, primarily related to Housing and Communities. This indicates potential areas where services are not meeting resident expectations, and the council must address these to ensure effective service delivery, especially for vulnerable groups who may have fewer options.

The Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) update also took centre stage. With proposals for LGR in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland submitted, a ministerial decision is expected in July. The council is undertaking preparatory work, including establishing an implementation team and joint committees. Councillor Ronan Browne, Leader of the Council, stressed the importance of collaborative working during this significant transition, which will reshape local governance and services for years to come.

View the Cabinet meeting details here.

Planning Committee Refuses Extension and Determines Two Re-presented Applications

The Planning Committee met on Thursday, 18 June 2026, making decisions that will impact local neighbourhoods. A two-storey rear extension at 25 Norfolk Drive, Melton Mowbray, was refused. The committee cited concerns over its scale, massing, and impact on the character of the area, deeming it contrary to Policy D1 of the Melton Local Plan. Councillor Elaine Holmes voiced concerns about potential over-intensification and overshadowing, while Councillor Leigh Higgins highlighted the unique character of Norfolk Drive. This decision aims to protect the established street scene and prevent developments that could negatively impact neighbouring properties and the overall amenity of the area.

The committee also determined two applications that had been deferred at an earlier meeting and were re-presented. The conversion of redundant dairy buildings at Websters Dairy, Saxelbye, into five dwellings was approved, having earlier been held back for further information on highway safety, including a road safety audit and visibility splays. Councillor Ronan Browne, the ward councillor, had raised concerns about highway safety and parking. The application for the demolition of North Lodge farmhouse and erection of replacement dwellings in Old Dalby was refused; it had earlier been deferred to address questions raised in the Landscape Consultant's report. Councillor Allen Thwaites, the ward councillor, had raised objections concerning scale, privacy, and environmental harm.

View the Planning Committee meeting details here.

Other Matters

Cabinet Priorities and Progress

The Cabinet also received an update on its priorities, including managing the LGR transition, investing in Melton town centre, delivering the Stockyard Project, and improving the planning service. Councillor Robert Child supported the allocation of funds for town centre improvements, such as bench refurbishment and litter bin replacement. Councillor Donald Pritchett highlighted the launch of 'SPARK' to support councillors with planning queries.

View the Cabinet meeting details here.