The Cabinet of Melton Council met on Wednesday, 12 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the annual update on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the Levelling Up Fund update for the Stockyard planning application, and the approval of the Homeless Strategy for 2024-2029. Decisions were made on the submission of the Stockyard planning application and the adoption of the Homeless Strategy.

UK Shared Prosperity Fund - Annual Update 2023/24

The Leader of the Council provided an update on the outcomes and achievements of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) programme within Melton up to the end of the financial year 2023/24. The Director for Corporate Services noted that there would be no further audit review this year, although an audit could be added to next year’s internal audit plan if requested. The Cabinet noted the outputs and achievements of the UKSPF programme for the financial year 2023/24. This ensures that the Cabinet maintains effective oversight of delivery and progress against the aspirations set out in the Investment Plan approved by the government in 2022.

Levelling Up Fund Update - Stockyard Planning Application

The Leader of the Council introduced the report on the progress of the design and development work associated with the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) Stockyard proposition at the Cattle Market and sought Cabinet approval for submitting the planning application. The Director for Growth and Regeneration mentioned that a public consultation would take place in early summer 2024, with large-scale plans and interaction boards available on-site and in Parkside reception for information. The Cabinet approved the submission of the planning application and delegated authority to the Director for Growth and Regeneration, in consultation with the Leader, to finalise and submit the application. Additionally, authority was delegated to appoint commercial agents to support the council in promoting the site, securing tenants, and negotiating lease conditions until June 2027.

Homeless Strategy 2024/2029

The Portfolio Holder for Housing, Leisure and Landlord Services introduced the report outlining the Council’s approach and priorities to prevent and relieve homelessness. The Cabinet approved the Melton Borough Council Homelessness Strategy and associated action plan for the period 2024-2029. Authority was delegated to the Director for Housing and Communities (Deputy Chief Executive), in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Leisure and Landlord Services, to make any subsequent changes arising from legislative or operational changes. This strategy is a statutory requirement and supports the Council in effectively discharging its duties related to homelessness, responding to local feedback regarding homelessness within Melton Borough.

Matters Referred from Scrutiny Committee

Councillor Mike Brown, Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, introduced the Annual Submission on Complaints, which included feedback from a Scrutiny workshop held on 21 March 2024. The Cabinet agreed to consider the Scrutiny Committee’s feedback on the complaints update.

The meeting closed at 5.05 pm.