The Scrutiny Committee of Melton Borough Council met on Thursday 25 June 2026 to review the council's forward plan, work programme, and the Leader's annual presentation. Key discussions included the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), the Stockyard project, and improvements to the planning service.

Review of the Forward Plan

Councillor Simon Orson raised several points regarding the Forward Plan. He expressed reservations about the council ceasing the clearing of debris screens, particularly in areas like Freebie Avenue, due to potential ongoing problems. He also highlighted the need for the committee to scrutinise the handling of revenue and capital carry-forwards, suggesting a call in of this decision once the cabinet makes it. Councillor Orson also noted significant omissions from the Forward Plan, including details on Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), allotments, and car parking machines, as well as the budget allocation for potential work on the railway embankment. He also pointed out the absence of the upcoming bid vote and the council's voting strategy on it. Councillor Orson urged the committee to report these reservations to the cabinet and to ensure these areas are adequately addressed in the council's work programme.

Review of the Scrutiny Work Programme 2026/27

The committee discussed the proposed Scrutiny Work Programme for 2026/27. Councillor Orson reiterated his concerns about omissions from the Forward Plan, specifically mentioning the lack of detail on HMOs, allotments, car parking machines, and the railway embankment budget. He also highlighted the absence of the bid vote and the council's strategy for it. Councillor Cox raised concerns about staffing levels and the potential impact of agency staff costs on the budget, particularly in light of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Councillor Holmes and Councillor Cox also expressed a desire to ensure that existing services are not compromised while focusing on LGR. Councillor Cox specifically requested that the older person's housing review, the asset development and disposal process, and healthcare provision in the town be included in the work programme. The Chair acknowledged these points, emphasizing that the work programme is a framework and can be adapted throughout the year.

The Leader's Annual Presentation

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Mike Brown, presented the administration's priorities and plans. He outlined a focus on managing finances, supporting the most vulnerable, ensuring the council is well-positioned for LGR, and concentrating on key priorities while considering stopping other activities. Key areas of focus included managing the transition to LGR, increasing interaction with parish councils, refreshing the Melton town centre, delivering the Stockyard project, improving the planning service, reviewing assets, and driving economic growth and inward investment.

Councillor Brown detailed the council's approach to LGR, including preparing for different scenarios, establishing a cross-party group, and holding workshops to consider the corporate strategy. He acknowledged the need for additional financial resources and staff capacity to manage LGR.

Regarding the town centre refresh, £20,000 has been allocated to improve aesthetics such as benches and furniture, with potential further improvements to bridges and street furniture in collaboration with Leicestershire County Council. The Stockyard project is proceeding as planned, with a cross-party, politically balanced board established.

The planning service is a significant area of focus, with plans to increase resources, expertise, and improve efficiency. This includes investing in a new IT system and an inquiry service for councillors, the public, and applicants.

The council is continuing with previously approved asset disposal decisions, including the commercial disposal of the Cove Community Centre. Changes are being made to the Parkside development due to affordability issues, but the council aims to still deliver an improved facility. The council is also reviewing options for the bottles for car park and working with the Melton Town Football Club and the Rugby Club to support their longer-term needs.

Economic growth and inward investment are new priorities, with a focus on strengthening the economic growth strategy and linking it to the local plan. The council is engaging with businesses to encourage investment and maximize Melton's assets for the new unitary council. Strategic partnerships are being strengthened, with recent meetings held with key bodies, including Leicestershire County Council and the Integrated Care Board.

Progress is being maintained on key projects, including replacing car park machines with multiple payment options, installing the Country Park Bridge, and mobilizing the planning preventative maintenance program. However, significant financial pressures on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) were highlighted, with an overspend of approximately £1.2 million over the last two years. A review is underway to identify areas where spending can be reduced without impacting tenant repairs.

Recent announcements included potential for a satellite GP surgery in the southern part of the town, joint work with Leicestershire County Council and Severn Trent on flooding issues, and ongoing discussions to save the Melton Theatre, potentially through commercial involvement.

Questions and Discussions

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to questions from committee members to the Leader and officers, covering a wide range of topics:

• Construction Costs and Contingencies: Concerns were raised about increased costs in the construction sector. Officers confirmed that elements of the program have been secured through fixed-price arrangements where possible, and a £500,000 contingency sum is in place. However, they acknowledged the risk of cost increases due to market volatility.
• Finances and Reserves: Councillor Sarah Cox questioned the funding for new commitments, including the cabinet increase, town centre improvements, and the potential establishment of a town council, suggesting these were dipping into reserves which have been highlighted as a risk. Councillor Brown explained that town council establishment would be a decision for full council and that town centre improvements were a political decision to enhance the town's appeal.
• Inward Investment: Councillor Cox sought clarification on additional commitments to inward investment, asking if more consultants or finance were being brought in. Officers confirmed a realignment of staffing resources and collaboration with Leicestershire County Council's planning and economic team.
• Economic Growth Strategy: Councillor Siggy Atherton asked for an explanation of the rationale behind linking the economic growth strategy with the local plan. Councillor Brown explained it was to ensure commercial activity kept pace with housing development and to attract businesses.
• Local Government Reorganisation (LGR): Councillor Atherton inquired about the practical implementation of cross-party working on LGR. Councillor Brown outlined plans for a politically balanced terms of reference group and regular updates to all councillors.
• Country Park Bridge: Councillor Margaret Glancy questioned the Leader's statement that previous administrations sat on the bridge project for 12 months. Councillor Brown clarified that the order for construction had not been placed, which was the point he was making.
• Melton Theatre: Councillor Marilyn Gordon asked about the college's determination to sell the theatre site at a commercial rate. Councillor Brown stated that the college was exploring options, including commercial ones, but that saving the theatre was still a possibility.
• Town Council: Councillor Allen Thwaites asked if the Leader would promote the idea of a town council to full council. Councillor Brown confirmed he would, with a deadline of October for a proposal.
• Car Parking Methodology: Councillor Thwaites requested the publication of survey results regarding car parking payment preferences. This was agreed.
• Planning Department Investment: Councillor Simon Orson welcomed investment in the planning department and asked if enforcement would also receive investment. Officers confirmed that enforcement is under-resourced and a proposal for the whole planning service, including enforcement, would be presented to cabinet.
• Staffing and Resources: Concerns were raised about where additional resources for planning would come from, with discussions around vacating roles in other departments, such as finance, to fund planning. Officers stated they were looking at existing resources and would be transparent if further investment was needed.
• Planning Improvements: Councillor Thwaites asked what would be different in the approach to improving the planning service. Officers highlighted a focus on enforcement, bringing in expertise for report writing, and more robust relationships with parish councils.
• Assets and Garages: Councillor Thwaites raised the issue of disposing of council assets, including garages, which are costing money. Officers confirmed a full review of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programme was underway, including the potential disposal or redevelopment of garage sites.
• Parish Council Support: Councillor Mike Brown asked for clarification on what more support to parish councils entailed. Officers explained this would include a planning offer, team calls for specific issues, and potentially physical office support post-LGR.
• LGR Timetable: Councillor Brown expressed concern about the timeline for LGR discussions, suggesting it was consuming most of the municipal year. He proposed reviewing and potentially concertinaing the timetable.
• Parkside Development: Councillor Cox raised concerns about the Parkside development, particularly regarding potential compromises to design due to financial pressures and the impact on staff consultation. Officers assured the committee that regulatory requirements and staff consultation were being maintained.
• GP Services and Flooding: Updates were provided on the potential for a satellite GP surgery and joint work on flooding issues with Leicestershire County Council and Severn Trent.
• Melton Theatre: Discussions continued regarding the theatre, with an emphasis on the need to save it and the ongoing commercial discussions.
• Health Care Provision: A significant discussion took place regarding the need for a second GP surgery in Melton. While acknowledging the Integrated Care Board's (ICB) previous stance, officers indicated that conversations had moved on, with a focus on developer-led building and potential satellite surgeries. Concerns were raised about the ICB's historical lack of delivery and the impact on local health services. The issue of local maternity provision was also raised.
• Planning Enforcement: Councillor Orson specifically asked about investment in planning enforcement, and officers confirmed it was under-resourced and a proposal would be presented to cabinet.

Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26

The committee reviewed and approved the Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26, which detailed the work undertaken by the committee during the municipal year.

Urgent Business

The Director for Housing and Communities informed the committee of the Secretary of State's decision on LGR and a forthcoming member briefing. Concerns were raised about the delay in public discussion of the LGR decision and the need to convene a meeting with parish councils.

The meeting concluded with the announcement that Melton Borough Council had won the Regional RTPI Award for Planning Excellence for the Melton Mowbray Town Centre Design Guidance Supplementary Planning Document.