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Weekly updates
Melton Council: Budget, Audit & Financial Plans Reviewed
This week in Melton:
Council's Financial Health Under the Microscope: Budget and Capital Plans Reviewed
Melton Council's Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday 22 January 2026 to delve into the council's financial future, examining key documents that will shape services and investments for years to come. The committee reviewed the proposed Capital Programme for 2026-2030 and the Capital Strategy for 2026/27, which outline the council's planned investments in infrastructure and assets. This is crucial for understanding where taxpayer money is being spent on everything from roads to public buildings.
The committee also scrutinised the General Fund Revenue Budget for 2026/27 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2027/28 to 2029/30. These documents are the bedrock of council services, detailing how money is allocated to essential areas like social care, waste collection, and parks. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Budget Proposals for 2026/27 were also on the agenda, impacting the council's housing stock and the services provided to tenants.
These financial plans are vital for ensuring the council can continue to deliver essential services, especially to vulnerable groups who rely heavily on council support. The committee's review will feed into decisions made by the Cabinet and the full Council in February, meaning the scrutiny undertaken now has a direct impact on the services residents will receive.
View the Scrutiny Committee meeting details here.
Ensuring Financial Integrity: Audit and Standards Committee Tackles Key Reports
On Tuesday 20 January 2026, the Audit and Standards Committee convened to review critical financial and governance reports. A significant item was the external audit findings for the 2024-25 financial year, presented by Grant Thornton. This report, known as ISA 2601, provides an independent assessment of the council's financial management.
The committee also examined the Statement of Accounts for 2024-25 and the Annual Governance Statement for the same period. These documents are fundamental to demonstrating the council's accountability and the effectiveness of its governance arrangements, ensuring that public funds are managed responsibly and ethically. The implications of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 20232 were also discussed, alongside an update on counter-fraud measures and a review of the Whistleblowing policy. These measures are essential for protecting the council from financial crime and ensuring that staff and residents have safe channels to report concerns.
The committee also received an update on the progress of the 2025/26 Internal Audit Plan, which helps to identify and mitigate risks across council operations. These reports are crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that the council operates with the highest standards of integrity.
View the Audit and Standards Committee meeting details here.
Upcoming Meetings:
- Cabinet: Wednesday 04 February 2026. View meeting details.
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ISA 260 refers to International Standard on Auditing 260, which deals with the auditor's communication with those charged with governance in relation to an audit of financial statements. ↩
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The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 is a piece of legislation aimed at strengthening the UK's defences against economic crime, including fraud and money laundering, and improving corporate transparency. ↩
Melton Council: Youth, Air Quality & Noise Policies
This week in Melton:
Youth Strategy Gets a Boost: Investing in Our Young People's Future
Melton Council's Cabinet has given its backing to a new Youth Strategy, a move that promises to shape the lives of young people across the borough. This strategy aims to tackle crucial issues like transport, mental health, education, and social inclusion for those aged 10 to 18. The decision comes as the council reaffirms its commitment to supporting its younger residents, aligning with national youth initiatives and its own corporate goals. The focus on rural areas is particularly important, ensuring that young people outside of Melton Mowbray town centre also benefit from these initiatives.
The work of the Youth Strategy Task and Finish Group has been endorsed, with the group set to continue its efforts to create a comprehensive plan. This strategy is vital for ensuring that all young people have the opportunities and support they need to thrive, regardless of where they live.
Learn more about the Youth Strategy endorsement here.
Cleaner Air and Safer Land: Council Approves Key Environmental Strategies
Melton Council is taking proactive steps to improve air quality and manage contaminated land across the borough. The Cabinet has approved updated strategies for both, setting clear frameworks for action.
The Air Quality Strategy acknowledges the challenges posed by traffic in Melton Mowbray town centre, domestic heating, and agricultural practices. It outlines the council's commitment to working with stakeholders to reduce pollution, improve public health, and encourage the adoption of low-emission technologies. This is crucial for the health and well-being of all residents, particularly those with respiratory conditions.
Similarly, the revised Contaminated Land Strategy ensures the council is equipped to identify, assess, and remediate land that may pose a risk to human health and the environment. This is vital for promoting safe redevelopment of brownfield sites and protecting our natural resources.
Find out more about the environmental strategies here.
Tackling Noise Nuisance: New Policy to Protect Residents
A new Noise Control Policy has been approved by the Cabinet, providing a clear framework for managing and reducing noise across Melton. This policy sets standards for noise levels from various sources, including construction, commercial activities, and DIY projects. Its aim is to safeguard residents' health and well-being by ensuring a peaceful living environment. The policy will guide how the council handles noise complaints and promotes sustainable development.
Details on the Noise Control Policy can be found here.
Other Matters
- Corporate Health and Safety: The council has allocated up to £25,000 to implement measures related to Martyn's Law (Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025). This legislation aims to enhance security at public venues and events, and the council is ensuring it is prepared to meet its obligations.
- Disposal of Surplus Land: The Cabinet has agreed in principle to sell off surplus garage sites and land. This move is intended to reduce maintenance costs and generate funds that can be reinvested in improving existing council homes and acquiring new ones.
Read the full Cabinet meeting summary here.
Upcoming Meetings:
- Audit and Standards Committee: Tuesday 20 January 2026. View meeting details.
- Scrutiny Committee: Thursday 22 January 2026. View meeting details.
Melton Council Approves Scrutiny Annual Report 2023/24
This week, the Melton Council held a Scrutiny Committee meeting on Thursday, 27 June 2024. The key topics discussed included the Scrutiny Annual Report 2023/24, the Committee's work programme, and the Council's Forward Plan. Below is a summary of the meeting and the decisions made.
Scrutiny Annual Report 2023/24
The Scrutiny Committee reviewed the Scrutiny Annual Report for the 2023/24 Municipal Year. This report provides a comprehensive summary of the Committee's activities and achievements over the past year.
The report provides a summary of the Scrutiny Committee's work during the 2023/24 Municipal Year.- Extract from Covering report for the Scrutiny Annual Report 2023/24
The Committee voted to approve the report, marking it as a significant document that outlines the Committee's efforts in holding the Council to account and ensuring transparency.
Forward Plan
The Committee also discussed the Forward Plan June 2024 - September 2024. The Forward Plan is a crucial document that outlines the key decisions the Council expects to make over the next four months. It must be published at least 28 days before the start of each Forward Plan period.
The Forward Plan is a rolling plan that must be published at least 28 days before the start of each Forward Plan period, and sets out the decisions that the Council expects to take over the next four months.- Extract from Forward Plan June 2024 - September 2024
Scrutiny Work Programme
Finally, the Committee reviewed the Scrutiny Work Programme June 2024. This programme serves as a framework for the Committee to focus on its key priorities and ensure that its work is aligned with the Council's objectives.
The purpose of the Scrutiny Work Programme is to provide a clear and transparent framework for the Committee to deliver on its key priorities.- Extract from Scrutiny Work Programme June 2024
The approval of these documents is essential for the Committee to continue its role in scrutinising the Council's decisions and actions effectively.
For those interested in the detailed discussions and decisions made during the meeting, you can view the full transcript and supporting documents through the provided links.
Budget, Scrutiny Committee - Thursday, 22nd January, 2026 6.30 pm
The Scrutiny Committee was scheduled to consider the council's financial plans for the coming years, including the Capital Programme and the General Fund Revenue Budget. The committee was also set to review the Scrutiny Work Programme and the Forward Plan.
Audit and Standards Committee - Tuesday, 20th January, 2026 6.30 pm
The Audit and Standards Committee of Melton Council was scheduled to consider a range of financial and governance reports. Key items on the agenda included the external audit findings for the 2024-25 financial year, an update on internal audit progress, and a review of counter-fraud arrangements and the whistleblowing policy. The committee was also set to examine the Statement of Accounts for 2024-25 and the Annual Governance Statement for the same period.
Planning Committee - Thursday, 15th January, 2026 6.00 pm
This meeting has been cancelled.
Cabinet - Wednesday, 14th January, 2026 4.30 pm
The Cabinet of Melton Council met on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, approving updated policies on noise control, air quality, and contaminated land, alongside a strategy for managing health and safety. Key decisions also included the endorsement of a plan for the disposal of surplus garage sites and land to generate capital receipts and improve existing council housing stock.
Planning Committee - Thursday, 18th December, 2025 6.00 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Special, Cabinet - Wednesday, 17th December, 2025 4.30 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Council - Thursday, 11th December, 2025 6.30 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Cabinet - Wednesday, 10th December, 2025 4.30 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 8th December, 2025 6.00 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.
Audit and Standards Committee - Tuesday, 25th November, 2025 6.30 pm
The notes from this meeting have not yet been summarised.