The Scrutiny Committee of Melton Borough Council met on Thursday 16 July 2026 to discuss the development of a Social Value Framework and review the council's forward plan. The committee also reviewed minutes from a previous meeting and the scrutiny work programme.

Social Value Framework

The committee discussed a draft Social Value Framework, which aims to ensure that council contracts deliver wider economic, social, and environmental benefits to the community. Michelle Rodgers, Director for Housing and Communities, explained that while social value is already being achieved through existing contracts, a formal framework is needed to coordinate, track, and report on these outcomes effectively. Ryan Ebdale, Strategic Lead – Empowering Communities, presented examples of how social value has been utilised, such as through community grants and contractor support for local projects.

Members raised several points regarding the framework's implementation and effectiveness. Councillor Thwaites questioned how social value commitments would be enforced, particularly when they are part of tender bids. Michelle Rodgers explained that these commitments would be managed through contract meetings, with escalation routes in place for non-delivery. Councillor Orson highlighted the importance of clarity on which decisions would be made by the council versus the cabinet, especially in light of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Councillor Cox raised concerns about how different community groups would be prioritised for social value initiatives and suggested incorporating planning contributions. Councillor David Chubb noted that many larger companies already have Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies, and clear communication of the council's expectations would be beneficial.

The committee also discussed the measurement and evidence of social value, with Councillor David Chubb requesting more transparency on how social value is calculated and an example of its application. Ryan Ebdale assured members that efforts would be made to clarify these aspects, potentially using the leisure contract as an example. Concerns were also raised about the long-term impact of LGR on the framework and whether other councils had similar policies. Michelle Rodgers confirmed that social value extraction from contracts is business as usual and not dependent on LGR outcomes, and that efforts are being made to harmonise approaches with other councils. Councillor Siggy Atherton highlighted the importance of the Armed Forces Covenant and encouraged its inclusion within the framework, noting that contractors may be willing to sign up to it.

The committee discussed concerns about the absence of LGR-related impacts in the current forward plan, the effective use of carry-over funds, and the potential for significant modifications to the forward plan due to LGR. Feedback on these points was to be provided to the Cabinet.

Review of the Forward Plan

Councillor Sarah Cox raised concerns about significant carry-overs of nearly £900,000 and the potential for work to be ceased due to LGR taking priority. She questioned how this would fit into the forward plan, particularly regarding items like IT system upgrades. Councillor Simon Orson echoed these concerns, suggesting a need for a matrix to clarify which decisions would be made by the council and which by the cabinet. Michelle Rodgers explained that the committee's work programme already includes scrutiny of the revised corporate strategy, which will consider the implications of LGR and resourcing priorities. Adam Green from Democratic Services clarified that the Town Council would be a council decision and therefore not feature on the forward plan, which lists key executive decisions. Councillor Margaret Glancy suggested that the Corporate Plan refresh, which is part of the scrutiny work programme, would cover these areas.

The committee discussed concerns about the forward plan, including the absence of LGR impacts, the use of carry-overs for their intended purpose, and the potential for significant modifications due to LGR. Feedback on these points was to be provided to the Cabinet.

Review of the Scrutiny Work Programme

Councillor Thwaites inquired about the timeline for the Older Person's Housing Review and other items on the work programme. He also raised the possibility of scheduling a workshop on the HRA business plan for August or September. The committee indicated a preference to look at August for the workshop.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the meeting held on 16 July 2026 were confirmed, with several amendments proposed by Councillor Marilyn Gordon regarding declarations of interest and the wording around HMO licensing. Councillor Simon Orson also requested clarification on his point regarding the compatibility of HMO licensing with a Cabinet portfolio holder's responsibilities.

Declarations of Interest

Several councillors declared interests, including Councillor Marilyn Gordon (member of Waterfield Leisure Centre, council flat tenant, and sister owning a rental property), Councillor Thwaites (trustee of charities), Councillor Arthurton (trustee of Melton Education Award), Councillor David Chubb (trustee of Mad Mac and employed by Melton Learning Hub), Councillor Sarah Cox (employed by Melton Learning Hub), and Councillor Elaine Holmes (trustee at Melton Museum). The Chair noted the number of declarations and relied on members' judgment regarding potential conflicts.

Urgent Business

No urgent business was raised.