The Cabinet of Melton Council met on Wednesday 14 October 2026 to discuss several key housing and legal matters. Decisions were made regarding the Homelessness Strategy and Action Plan, a new policy on the suitability of temporary accommodation, and joining legal proceedings challenging the government's local government reorganisation plans for Leicestershire.

Housing Regulation Update

The Cabinet noted the upgraded consumer standards regulatory judgement from C2 to C1 from the Regulator of Social Housing. This upgrade reflects the council's improved performance in delivering outcomes related to consumer standards, following a period of engagement and improvement since a previous inspection.

Houses in Multiple Occupation Update

The Cabinet received an update on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). It was noted that officers are undertaking work to assess the evidence base on the number, location, and impacts of HMOs and shared housing across the borough. Authority was delegated to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to determine whether the evidence justifies an Article 4 Direction or other proportionate controls, including the appropriate geographic area, resource implications, and consultation requirements.

Homelessness Strategy Update and Action Plan

The Cabinet approved amendments to the Melton Borough Council Homelessness Strategy 2024-2029 and its associated action plan. These amendments align the strategy with the Government's National Plan to End Homelessness and updated statutory guidance. Authority was delegated to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Landlord Services, Social and Private Sector Housing, to make any subsequent changes arising from legislative or operational changes. The strategy aims to prevent homelessness and reduce rough sleeping through five key priorities: reducing demand for emergency support, increasing positive outcomes for homeless households, reducing the need for expensive emergency accommodation, better meeting the needs of those with complex needs, and ending rough sleeping.

Suitability of Temporary Accommodation Policy

The Cabinet approved the Melton Borough Council Suitability of Temporary Accommodation Policy. This policy sets out how the council will assess, procure, and allocate temporary accommodation in a fair, consistent, and legally compliant manner. It aims to support statutory homelessness duties, strengthen safeguards for vulnerable households, and manage increasing demand and cost pressures. Authority was delegated to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Landlord Services, Social and Private Sector Housing, to make any subsequent changes arising from legislative or operational changes. The policy aims to ensure that temporary accommodation is suitable for the needs of each household, considering factors such as medical needs, accessibility, proximity to education and employment, and safeguarding considerations.

Legal Challenge - Local Government Reorganisation

The Cabinet noted an update on legal action being contemplated by other Leicestershire authorities regarding the government's decision on local government reorganisation. The Cabinet delegated authority to the Monitoring Officer to commence and join Judicial Review proceedings to challenge the Secretary of State's decision of 16 July 2026. The Monitoring Officer is also authorised to take any consequent actions in relation to the claim in light of the government's current pause in the implementation programme. The Cabinet also noted that while initial resource requirements will be modest and shared, the maximum potential financial exposure could be significant, and requested to be kept updated as matters progress. This delegation was made to protect the council's legal position within strict time limits, as the government's decision of 16 July 2026 still stands unless withdrawn or superseded.