The Council of Melton Council met on Thursday, 26 February 2026, to discuss and approve the Council Tax setting for 2026/27, alongside the General Fund Revenue Budget and the Housing Revenue Account budget. Key decisions included setting the Council Tax at an average increase of 2.99% for Band D properties and approving the revenue budgets for the upcoming financial year.

Council Tax Setting 2026/27

The Council formally set the Council Tax for the 2026/27 financial year. This decision was made in accordance with the Local Government Finance Act 1992. The report detailed the precept levels from Leicestershire County Council, the Police & Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire, and the Leicestershire Combined Fire Authority, alongside the Council Tax base for the entire borough and individual parishes.

The average Band D Council Tax for Parish Councils was set at £87.93, representing a 3.87% increase. Leicestershire County Council's precept resulted in a Band D Council Tax of £1,731.79, the Police & Crime Commissioner's precept £315.23, and the Leicestershire Combined Fire Authority's precept £91.65.

The Council's own Council Tax requirement for 2026/27, excluding parish precepts, was calculated at £244.88. The overall average Band D Council Tax for the whole area, including all precepts, was set at £2,429.67, a 3.36% increase from the previous year.

During the debate, Councillor Thwaites raised concerns about potential errors in figures related to service charges for meals at Gretton Court, stating he would abstain from voting. The Council's S151 officer clarified that any such figures would relate to the Housing Revenue Account, which is separate from the council tax setting. Ultimately, the resolution to set the Council Tax for 2026/27 was passed with 13 votes in favour, 0 against, and 11 abstentions.

General Fund Revenue Budget 2026/27 and Medium Term Financial Strategy

The Council approved the revenue budget for 2026/27 and the Medium Term Financial Strategy. This included proposed high-priority growth items. A significant point of discussion was the implementation of food waste collections. The Council noted the adverse impacts of the finance settlement, including a shortfall in funding for the new weekly food waste service, which was contrary to the new burdens doctrine. The Council expressed dissatisfaction with the funding shortfall and sought permission to delay the implementation of food waste collections until after the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) to maximise economies of scale. It was decided that food waste collections would be implemented from April 2028 to mitigate short-term funding risks and protect existing services. The Council also endorsed notifying DEFRA of this revised timeline.

The Council also noted the imperative to invest in and fund LGR transition, delegating authority to the Cabinet to access the Corporate Priorities Reserve for up to £250,000 for initial transition costs. The budget included an overall Band D council tax increase of 2.99%.

The resolution was passed with 16 votes in favour and 9 against.

Housing Revenue Account Budget 2026/27

The Council approved the revenue budget proposals for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2026/27. This included approving the budget estimates for the year and a rent increase set at the maximum permitted level under the 2026 Rent Standard, effective from 1 April 2026. The capital programme for the HRA was also approved, with delegated authority given to the Director for Housing and Communities to approve virements within the HRA capital programme during the year. This decision was unanimous.

Treasury Management Strategy 2026/27

The Council approved the Treasury Management Strategy for 2026/27, including the prudential indicators and limits. The Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement, outlining the Council's policy on MRP, was also approved. This resolution passed with 25 votes in favour, 0 against, and 1 abstention.

Motions on Notice

A motion regarding the Melton Borough Hospitality and Business Sector was debated and amended. The amended motion called on the Council to write to the Government requesting a more comprehensive package of reforms to sustain small businesses. The motion was passed unanimously. A second motion, Strengthening Transparency and Accountability within the Leader and Cabinet Model, was withdrawn by the proposer.

Public Question Time

Ms Kelly Davies submitted a question regarding the Council's collaboration with local universities to support Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Councillor Sharon Butcher, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Town Centre and Leisure, responded, detailing collaborations with the University of Leicester for a 'Greener Futures' event and De Montfort University for a 'Creative Growth Programme' workshop.

Questions from Members

Councillor Higgins submitted a question to the Leader of the Council, Councillor Pip Allnatt, concerning the support for residents affected by severe flooding. Councillor Allnatt acknowledged the complexity of flooding issues and the limited powers of the Council, but agreed to provide a substantial written response and meet with Councillor Higgins to discuss the matter further.

Mayor's Announcements and Leader's Announcements

The Mayor provided an update on events she had attended, and the Leader, Councillor Allnatt, gave announcements regarding the Rural Area Liaison Forum, information leaflets to be sent with Council Tax demands, and the ongoing transition to a new Unitary Council. He also highlighted concerns about the potential acquisition of the Melton College campus and theatre, and the ongoing challenges with SEND services.