The Cabinet of Melton Council met on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, to discuss a range of important issues, approving a new Social Value Framework and a revised delivery option for the Parkside redevelopment. The meeting also saw the approval of a new Memorials and Cemetery Regulation Policy and the reallocation of funds to increase cemetery capacity, alongside significant investment in the Planning Service Improvement Programme.

Matters Referred from Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet agreed to have regard for the Scrutiny Committee's feedback on both the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan and Asset Management Plan, and the Social Value Framework.

Housing Revenue Account Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report 2026/27, Quarter 1

Cabinet noted the financial position of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) as of 30 June 2026, including the year-end forecast for both revenue and capital. The report indicated a projected revenue overspend of £31,000, which would result in a reduced contribution to the Regeneration & Development Reserve. The capital programme for 2026/27 remained unchanged at £6.027 million.

General Fund and Special Expenses - Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2026

Cabinet noted the financial position for the General Fund and Special Expenses at 30 June 2026. The report indicated a projected net underspend of £155,000 for General Fund services, with Special Expenses running in line with the budget. Expenditure against the capital programme was also reported to be in line with budget.

Treasury Management Report Quarter 1 2026/27

Cabinet noted the Quarter 1 position on treasury activity and Prudential Indicators for 2026/27. The report highlighted that the Council had operated within its approved Treasury Management Strategy Statement and prudential indicators. Despite a volatile economic environment, the Council's weighted average rate of return on investments was 4.17%, above the benchmark average. Officers were forecasting a surplus of around £100,000 against the budgeted investment income.

Annual Complaints Report 2025/26

Cabinet approved the Council's refreshed Customer Feedback and Complaints Policy and provided comment on the Council's annual submission to the Housing Ombudsman. The report detailed a significant increase in formal complaints received in 2025/26 compared to the previous year, with the majority relating to the Housing and Communities directorate. Of the 293 formal complaints, 46.42% were upheld or partially upheld. The refreshed policy incorporates changes recommended by the Housing Ombudsman, including clearer definitions and processes.

Corporate Performance, Risk and Feedback Report 2026/27, Quarter 1

Cabinet noted the contents of the report, which provided an update on progress against the Council's Corporate Strategy and Delivery Plan. The report indicated that 63.64% of targeted performance indicators were on track, with 6.82% within tolerance and 29.55% not hitting target. Areas for improvement included the recycling rate, which had fallen below the national target, and the average re-let time for council housing, which had increased. Strategic risks were also highlighted across the Council's priorities.

Social Value Framework

Cabinet approved the Social Value Framework, which aims to ensure that council contracts deliver measurable economic, social, and environmental benefits for Melton's communities. The framework sets out priority outcomes such as local employment and skills, inclusive communities, health and wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and ethical supply chains. This approach moves social value from a bid-stage commitment to a managed and evidenced part of contract delivery.

Memorials and Cemetery Regulation Policy and Thorpe Road Cemetery Capacity

Cabinet approved the Thorpe Road Cemetery Regulations and Policy, which provides a framework for the management of cemetery operations, memorials, and maintenance. Additionally, £30,000 of funding previously allocated for a cemetery feasibility study was reallocated to supplement the existing £20,000 for footpath removal works within Thorpe Road Cemetery. These works are expected to increase operational cemetery capacity by fifteen years for burials and twenty-five years for cremations.

Planning Service Improvement Programme

Cabinet approved a draw down of up to £200,000 from the Corporate Priorities Reserve to invest in the next phase of the Planning Service Improvement Programme. This funding will focus on appointing a Planning Improvement Lead and supporting the Planning Enforcement function. Cabinet also approved a draw down of up to £60,000 from the Local Plans Reserve to fund an experienced Local Plans Manager for the financial year 2026/27. The report noted significant progress made through the Planning Productivity Plan, including improvements in application processing, performance monitoring, and stakeholder engagement. A review and transition of the Planning Enforcement function was also noted, aiming to strengthen leadership, stabilise workloads, and improve case management.

Asset Development Programme Update - Parkside and Phoenix House

Cabinet approved a revised delivery option for the Parkside redevelopment, which will create a Community Hub and reconfigure accommodation for more efficient utilisation. This revised scheme excludes the previously approved commercial office accommodation element to ensure financial viability within the approved budget. Authority was delegated to the Director for Place and Prosperity to finalise project details, including design, procurement, and contract award. The revised scheme aims to provide flexible accommodation, improve service integration, and make better use of the Council's assets.

Place Development: Cultural Framework and Conservation Area Appraisal

Cabinet considered the draft Cultural Audit and Framework, proposing its adoption as the Council's strategic framework for culture-led place development. They also noted the Conservation Area Appraisal as supporting evidence for heritage-led regeneration. Cabinet recommended to Council the adoption of the Cultural Framework and delegated authority to the Director for Place and Prosperity to make final amendments. The principle of progressing these activities as a coordinated Culture, Heritage and Place Development Programme was also endorsed.

Lease Extension

Cabinet approved the proposed 20-year extension of the Northern Livestock Market lease from 2037 to 2057, subject to the completion of a Deed of Variation and finalisation of detailed lease terms. This decision provides long-term certainty for the operator, protects the Council's regeneration objectives for the wider Stockyard estate, and supports continued economic activity. Authority was delegated to the Director for Place and Prosperity to finalise the necessary documentation.

Local Government Reorganisation Update

Cabinet noted the current position regarding local government reorganisation in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, and the Government's decision to proceed with a two-unitary council model. They approved the establishment of a voluntary joint committee for Leicestershire and Rutland to oversee the development of the Implementation Plan. Councillor Ronan Browne was confirmed as the nominated representative for the Joint Committee, with Councillor Ian Atherton as substitute. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to amend Cabinet member nominations and agree minor amendments to the draft Terms of Reference for the Joint Committee.