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Cabinet - Tuesday, 8 September 2026 - 5.30 pm
September 8, 2026 at 5:30 pm Cabinet View on council website Watch video of meetingSummary
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The Cabinet of Melton Council met on Tuesday 8 September 2026 to discuss a range of financial monitoring reports, policy updates, and strategic programmes. Key decisions included the approval of a Social Value Framework, a refreshed Customer Feedback and Complaints Policy, and significant investment in the Planning Service Improvement Programme. The Cabinet also approved regulations for Thorpe Road Cemetery and a revised delivery option for the Parkside asset development.
Financial Monitoring and Budget Reports
The Cabinet received and noted the Quarter 1 monitoring reports for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and the General Fund and Special Expenses. For the HRA, the projected year-end forecast indicated a potential revenue overspend of £31,000, with the capital programme remaining on track. The General Fund services were forecasting a net underspend of £155,000, while Special Expenses were in line with budget. The Treasury Management Report for Quarter 1 2026/27 was also noted, confirming that the Council operated within its approved treasury management strategy and prudential indicators, with a projected surplus of £100,000 against the budgeted investment income.
Annual Complaints Report and Policy Refresh
The Cabinet approved the Council's refreshed Customer Feedback and Complaints Policy, which has been updated to reflect feedback from the Housing Ombudsman and changes to internal processes. They also approved the Council's annual submission to the Housing Ombudsman, which includes a self-assessment demonstrating compliance with the Complaints Handling Code. The report highlighted an increase in formal complaints received in 2025/26 compared to the previous year, with the Housing and Communities directorate receiving the majority. While the overall upheld rate decreased, the Housing (Landlord Services) complaints upheld rate remained at 69%. Actions are planned to improve communication, staff training, and complaint recording systems.
Social Value Framework Approved
A Social Value Framework was approved by the Cabinet. This framework aims to formalise and coordinate the wider economic, social, and environmental benefits secured through Council contracts. It will apply to new procurements, contract extensions, and variations, with a proportionate approach based on contract value and opportunity. Priority outcomes include local employment and skills, inclusive communities, health and wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and ethical supply chains. A Social Value Delivery Group will be established to oversee its implementation and reporting.
Planning Service Improvement Programme Investment
The Cabinet approved a draw down of up to £200,000 from the Corporate Priorities Reserve to fund the next phase of the Planning Service Improvement Programme. This investment will focus on appointing a Planning Improvement Lead and supporting the Planning Enforcement function, including strengthening leadership and managing its transition. The Cabinet also noted the progress made through the Planning Productivity Plan, including improvements in application processing, performance monitoring, and stakeholder engagement. Additionally, up to £60,000 was approved from the Local Plans Reserve to support the Planning Policy team amidst staffing challenges.
Thorpe Road Cemetery Policy and Capacity Increase
The Cabinet approved the Thorpe Road Cemetery Regulations and Policy, which provides a framework for the management of cemetery operations, memorials, and access. Furthermore, £30,000 from a paused cemetery feasibility study budget was reallocated to supplement an existing £20,000 for footpath removal works within Thorpe Road Cemetery. This will increase operational capacity for burials by an estimated six years and for cremations by twenty-two years.
Parkside Redevelopment Revised Option
A revised delivery option for the Parkside asset development was approved. This revised scheme focuses on creating a Community Hub at Parkside and reconfiguring accommodation for more efficient utilisation, while removing the previously approved commercial office accommodation element to ensure financial viability within the existing budget. This decision aims to improve service integration and provide flexible working environments.
Place Development: Cultural Framework and Conservation Area Appraisal
The 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 development. The Cabinet recommended these documents to the Council for adoption and endorsed the principle of progressing them as a coordinated Culture, Heritage and Place Development Programme.
Lease Extension for Northern Livestock Market
The Cabinet approved the principle of a 20-year lease extension for the Northern Livestock Market, from 2037 to 2057, subject to the completion of a Deed of Variation and finalisation of detailed lease terms. This decision aims to provide long-term certainty for the operator, protect the Council's regeneration objectives for the wider Stockyard estate, and support continued economic activity.
Local Government Reorganisation Update
The Cabinet noted the current position regarding local government reorganisation in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland, following the Government's decision to proceed with a two-unitary council model. They approved the establishment of a voluntary joint committee, in accordance with Section 101(5) of the Local Government Act 1972, 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 agree minor amendments to the draft Terms of Reference.
Treasury Management and Budget Monitoring
The Cabinet noted the Treasury Management Report for Quarter 1 2026/27, confirming operation within approved limits and a projected surplus against budgeted investment income. They also noted the Quarter 1 budget monitoring reports for the Housing Revenue Account and the General Fund and Special Expenses, which indicated a projected HRA overspend of £31,000 and a General Fund underspend of £155,000 respectively.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Matters referred from Scrutiny Committee in accordance with Scrutiny Procedure Rules
Recommendations ApprovedMelton Council's Cabinet agreed to have regard for the Scrutiny Committee's feedback on the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan and Asset Management Plan on 08 September 2026. The Cabinet also agreed to have regard for the Scrutiny Committee's feedback on the Social Value Framework on 08 September 2026.
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Social Value Framework
Recommendations ApprovedMelton Borough Council's Cabinet approved the Social Value Framework on 08 September 2026. The framework sets out how the council will use its contracts to deliver measurable economic, social, and environmental benefits for its communities. It proposes a proportionate approach based on contract value, identifying priority outcomes and establishing clearer governance, measurement, and reporting arrangements.
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Corporate Performance, Risk and Feedback report 2026/27, Quarter 1
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to note the Corporate Performance, Risk and Feedback report for 2026/27 Quarter 1 on 08 September 2026. The Cabinet noted the contents of the report and provided observations or actions to the relevant officers.
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Memorials and Cemetery Regulation Policy and Thorpe Road Cemetery Capacity
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the Thorpe Road Cemetery Regulations and Policy and reallocate £30,000 from a feasibility study to footpath removal works. This decision was made on 08/09/2026. The reallocation will supplement existing funds to increase operational capacity for burials and cremations.
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General Fund and Special Expenses - Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring 1 April 2026 to 30 June 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Melton Council noted the year-end forecast and financial position for the General Fund and Special Expenses at 30 June 2026. The Cabinet approved recommendations regarding the revenue and capital budget monitoring.
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Housing Revenue Account Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring Report 2026/27, Quarter 1
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Melton Council decided to note the financial position on the Housing Revenue Account at 30 June 2026 and the year-end forecast for both revenue and capital on 08 September 2026. The report indicated a projected revenue overspend of £31,000 and the capital programme forecast remained unchanged.
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Local Government Reorganisation Update
Recommendations ApprovedThe Melton Cabinet decided on 08/09/2026 to approve the establishment of a voluntary joint committee for local government reorganisation. The Cabinet noted the current position regarding reorganisation and approved draft Terms of Reference for the committee. The Leader of the Council will be the nominated representative, with Cllr Ian Atherton as substitute. Authority was delegated to the Chief Executive to amend nominations and negotiate minor amendments to the Terms of Reference.
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Annual Complaints Report 2025/26
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Melton Council approved the Council's refreshed Customer Feedback and Complaints Policy and the Council's annual submission to the Housing Ombudsman. This submission includes a self-assessment and an annual performance and service improvement report, which will be submitted by 30 September 2026. The decision was made on 08 September 2026.
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Planning Service Improvement Programme
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet approved a draw down of £200,000 from the Corporate Priorities Reserve and £60,000 from the Local Plans Reserve on 08/09/2026. This funding is to support the next phase of the Planning Service Improvement Programme, including appointing a Planning Improvement Lead and strengthening the Planning Enforcement function, and to secure interim Local Plans capacity. The decision maker delegated authority to the Director for Housing and Communities and Director for Place and Prosperity to determine the scope and implementation of expenditure within the approved £200k.
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Treasury Management Report Quarter 1 2026/27
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet of Melton Council decided to note the Quarter 1 position on treasury activity and Prudential Indicators for 2026/27 on 08 September 2026. The council noted that treasury management operations have been conducted in full compliance with the Council's Treasury Management Practices.
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Lease Extension
Recommendations ApprovedMelton Council's Cabinet decided on 08 September 2026 to approve a 20-year lease extension for the Northern Livestock Market. Authority was delegated to the Director for Place and Prosperity, in consultation with other officers and the Leader, to finalise lease documentation. The decision noted the strategic, operational, and economic benefits of providing long-term security of tenure.
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Place Development : Cultural Framework and Conservation Area Appraisal
Recommendations ApprovedThe Cabinet decided to approve the recommendations for the Place Development Programme: Cultural Framework and Conservation Area Appraisal on 08/09/2026. Authority was delegated to the Director for Place and Prosperity, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to make final amendments to the Cultural Framework and Conservation Area Appraisal. The decision also endorsed progressing these activities as a single coordinated Culture, Heritage and Place Development Programme.
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Asset Development Programme Update - Parkside and Phoenix House
Recommendations ApprovedThe Melton Cabinet approved a revised Parkside delivery option on 08 September 2026. The decision included approving the creation of a Community Hub at Parkside, reconfiguring accommodation, and approving the procurement approach and delivery strategy. The Cabinet also approved the appointment of Focus Consultants and delegated authority to the Director for Place and Prosperity for project delivery.
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