The Melton Council Cabinet met on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, to discuss a range of important issues, including the progress of the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) update, the Corporate Performance, Risk and Feedback Report for Quarter 4 of 2025/26, and an update on Cabinet priorities. Key decisions included the approval of the establishment of a cross-party LGR Members' Reference Group and noting the progress made on various council projects and services.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Update

The Cabinet received an update on the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process for Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR). Chief Executive Edd de Coverly informed the Cabinet that a ministerial minded to decision on the reorganisation was expected in July 2026. The Council had submitted its proposal for three unitary councils in November 2025, and a formal government consultation on the three submitted proposals had received over 6,300 responses. The Cabinet noted the progress made since the proposal submission and acknowledged that following the government's decision, informal joint committees would be requested to oversee the preparatory and transitional processes. Crucially, the Cabinet approved the establishment of a cross-party LGR Members' Reference Group to provide ongoing oversight of the process. This group will meet every two months and include representatives from each political group.

Corporate Performance, Risk and Feedback Report 2025/26, Quarter 4

The Cabinet reviewed the Corporate Performance, Risk and Feedback Report for the fourth quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The report, introduced by Martin Guest, Policy and Communications Manager, and discussed by Councillor Alison Freer, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Governance, Waste and Environmental Services, provided an overview of the Council's performance against its corporate strategy themes.

Key areas of good performance highlighted included:

• Rent arrears: Continuing to reduce, standing at a low of 2.94%.
• Council tax collection efficiency: Remaining strong year on year.
• Food hygiene inspections: 100% of inspections at newly registered food businesses were undertaken within 28 days in Quarter 4.

However, the report also identified areas for improvement:

• Re-let time for council housing: This had increased to 83 days, above the 45-day target, attributed to a higher than average number of voids.
• Planning decisions: Performance for both major and non-major planning decisions had fallen, with 80% of major decisions and 61% of non-major decisions being made within the agreed timetables in Quarter 4.
• Waste and recycling: The recycling rate had fallen below expectations, partly due to contamination in recycled materials. An awareness campaign for tenants and the wider community is planned.

Councillor Robert Child, Deputy Leader, noted that the NNDR (Non-Domestic Rates) collection efficiency and sundry debtors figures were distorted by a large refund and an uncollectible invoice, respectively. Councillor Donald Pritchett raised concerns about the slippage in recycling rates, recalling Melton's strong performance in 2019. He also highlighted the importance of accessibility audits in the town centre, which would be incorporated into the Country Park masterplan. The Cabinet noted the contents of the report and agreed to provide observations and actions to the relevant officers accordingly.

Matters Referred from Scrutiny Committee

The Cabinet received feedback from the Scrutiny Committee on three reports: Housing Regulatory Compliance Annual Update, Landlord Assurance Board Annual Report, and the Stockyard Project Update. Councillor Mike Brown, Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, presented the findings.

• Housing Regulatory Compliance: The Scrutiny Committee raised points regarding the handling of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and tenant satisfaction surveys, suggesting a need to differentiate between those directly affected by ASB and those who are not. They also highlighted concerns about damp and mould in properties, emphasizing the Council's responsibility to take proactive steps.
• Landlord Assurance Board: The Committee noted the positive engagement of tenants with the Board and its crucial role in overseeing regulatory compliance and stability during the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
• Stockyard Project: The Scrutiny Committee received a comprehensive update on the project, noting the development of a risk register identifying over 60 risks and the project's move into the on-site phase. Concerns were raised about potential cost increases due to the economic climate, with assurances that fixed-price arrangements were being used where possible.

In all three cases, the Cabinet agreed to have regard for the Scrutiny Committee's feedback.

Cabinet Priorities, Progress Update

Michelle Rodgers, Director for Housing and Communities (Deputy Chief Executive), presented an update on the Cabinet's priorities following the change in political leadership in April 2026. The key priorities identified include managing the LGR transition effectively, investing in the Melton town centre, delivering the Stockyard Project, improving the planning service, reviewing council assets, focusing on economic growth and inward investment, maintaining progress on key projects, and strengthening strategic partnerships.

• Melton Town Centre: A targeted environmental improvement plan, supported by £20,000 from the Corporate Priorities Reserve, was approved in May 2026. This plan includes additional weed treatment, refurbishment of benches, cleansing and replacement of litter bins, and support for summer planting. The Town Centre Design Guide has been shortlisted for an RTPI award.
• Stockyard Project: Progress continues with the procurement of a construction contract and the development of an operational plan. An all-member briefing is scheduled for June/July 2026.
• Planning Service: An improvement programme is underway, focusing on application processing, staff training, member engagement, technology, and decision-making processes. A resourcing plan will be presented in the summer.
• Asset Review: Commercial disposals are proceeding as planned, and further reports on the future use of Parkside will be presented to Cabinet.
• Economic Growth: The Council's approach to inward investment was presented to Scrutiny, and work is planned to develop a growth strategy that leverages Melton's assets for the new Unitary Council.
• Key Projects: Progress is being made on replacing car parking machines, repairing the country park bridge, and mobilising new contracts for housing repairs and planned maintenance.
• Strategic Partnerships: Discussions are ongoing with various partners, including Melton BID, Loughborough College, and neighbouring councils, in preparation for LGR.

The Cabinet noted the report, acknowledging the progress made on these priorities.