The Cabinet of Melton Council met on Wednesday 11 March 2026 to discuss a range of important issues, including the council's financial performance, asset disposal, and biodiversity initiatives. Key decisions made included the approval of the Treasury Management Report for Quarter 3, the disposal of 'The Cove' building, and the approval of the Biodiversity Duty Plan.

Corporate Performance, Risk and Feedback Report 2025/26, Quarter 3

The Cabinet received an update on the council's performance, risk management, and feedback for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The report indicated that 65% of targeted performance indicators were on track, with 5% within tolerance and 30% not meeting their targets. A new risk concerning the continuity of waste collection and street cleansing services due to insufficient drainage was added to the risk register. The report also highlighted areas for improvement, including the recycling rate, which has seen a reduction over the past year. Actions to address this include an education and awareness campaign and increased strategic oversight of the waste contract. The council is also preparing for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), which may necessitate reprioritising commitments.

Treasury Management Report 2025/26, Quarter 3

The Cabinet noted the council's treasury activity and prudential indicators for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The report indicated that the council had operated within its approved treasury and prudential indicators. Despite a reduction in interest rates, the council is forecasting a surplus of £209,000 against its budgeted investment income, which will help support other financial pressures. The council's investment in the CCLA property fund continues to show a notional loss, but transitional arrangements will allow the statutory override to continue until April 2029. The report also confirmed that no borrowing was undertaken during the quarter and none is anticipated for the remainder of the financial year.

Biodiversity Action Plan

The Cabinet approved the Biodiversity Duty Plan, which outlines the council's policies, objectives, and actions to conserve and enhance biodiversity, fulfilling its statutory duty under the Environment Act 2021. The plan reflects existing and future work across departments, including Planning, Housing, Environmental Services, and Corporate functions. Key actions include updating internal policies, managing land for biodiversity, raising awareness, and meeting Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements. The council also recommended amending the Terms of Reference of the Member Climate Change Working Group to incorporate the monitoring of biodiversity action.

Asset Disposal

The Cabinet approved the disposal of 'The Cove', a former Sure Start Children's Centre building on Sysonby Street, Melton Mowbray. A feasibility study concluded that converting the building for residential use was not recommended due to significant constraints related to car parking requirements and the high cost of conversion, which did not represent value for money compared to acquiring housing units. While a community use option is being explored concurrently, it must demonstrate deliverability and a financially favourable outcome compared to disposal. If this option is not viable, the site will be prepared for sale via auction. The building has been vacant since 2021 and incurs annual maintenance costs.