The Scrutiny Committee of Melton Council met on Thursday 23 April 2026 to review the council's housing regulatory compliance, receive an update on the Stockyard project, and discuss the Landlord Assurance Board's annual report. Key decisions included noting the progress in housing regulatory compliance, acknowledging the significant advancements in the Stockyard project, and considering the future role of the Landlord Assurance Board in light of Local Government Reorganisation.

Housing Regulatory Compliance Annual Update

The committee received an update on Melton Borough Council's housing regulatory compliance, noting the progress made since the Regulator for Social Housing (RSH) awarded a C2 grading in August 2024. This grading indicated areas of strong performance but highlighted the need for further development in the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard. The council has since implemented an action plan, reporting monthly to the RSH, and has seen positive outcomes for tenants across all consumer standards.

Significant progress has been made in turning up the tenant voice, with tenants now actively scrutinising services and influencing policies. A tenant-led Code of Conduct for contractors and officers has been developed, and the repairs contract procurement was directly influenced by tenant feedback. The council has also improved its collection and use of tenant data, with a full tenant census underway to enhance service tailoring and communication. Transparency has been increased through updated performance reporting on the council's website and in tenant newsletters, with a focus on learning from complaints to drive service improvements. The implementation of a new Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) case management system, ECINs, has improved reporting and collaboration with partners, leading to a notable increase in tenant satisfaction with ASB handling.

The report also detailed ongoing assurance and compliance across the housing service, including strong performance in safety and quality measures such as gas, fire, and electrical safety. The council is actively working to address any areas of non-compliance, such as overdue fire risk assessment actions and electrical safety checks, and is strengthening its damp and mould response processes in line with Awaab's Law. Tenant satisfaction measures for 2025/26 show an increase across all areas, with a significant jump in satisfaction with ASB case handling. An independent review of service charges found the council's approach to be comprehensive and compliant with standards.

Landlord Assurance Board Annual Report

The committee reviewed the second annual report of the Landlord Assurance Board (LAB), which was established in April 2024 as a partnership of officers, councillors, and tenants to provide collective oversight of housing responsibilities. The LAB has met quarterly, focusing on regulatory oversight, performance, complaints, tenant satisfaction, service development, and sector learning.

Key impacts highlighted include the development of a tenant-led Code of Conduct for contractors and officers, and the significant influence tenants had on the specification and evaluation of the new repairs, voids, and planned maintenance contracts. The board has also engaged with learning from the Grenfell Tower tragedy and has a standing agenda item for updates from the 'Your Voice, Your Choice' tenant engagement group. Tenant representation has been instrumental in transforming the board's approach, with tenant board members actively empowered to scrutinise services and provide feedback. The report also noted the importance of preparing the LAB for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), recommending that it maintain oversight of regulatory compliance and service stability during the transition.

Stockyard Project Update, April 2026

An update was provided on the Stockyard project, a significant regeneration initiative funded by the Levelling Up Fund. The project has progressed through RIBA Stage 4 technical design, and Robertsons, a Tier 1 contractor, has been appointed for the main construction contract. The total capital budget for the construction is £13.6 million.

The council will assume full landlord responsibility for the Stockyard site from June 2027, with a focus on developing markets, events, and a comprehensive business and marketing plan. Key workstreams include securing specialist expertise for markets and events, developing the Stockyard's 'offer' and tenant engagement programme, and reinforcing the existing markets and events. A 'Stockyard Producers Pantry' concept is being trialled to support local food producers.

Preparations are underway for the operational phase, including the procurement of specialist providers for markets and events management. The development of a cultural hub within the Banqueting Suite and Exhibition Hall is at the pre-feasibility stage, with preliminary discussions held with Loughborough College. The project has secured registered trade mark protection for the Stockyard brand. The report detailed the project's robust governance framework, with risks actively managed through regular meetings and a comprehensive risk register. Mitigation strategies are in place for planning, lease and legal, financial, and programme delivery risks. The report also highlighted the incorporation of a Changing Places facility and efforts to ensure the new Stockyard website is fully accessible.

Other Business

The committee confirmed that there was no other urgent business. Councillor Mike Brown, Chair of the Scrutiny Committee, concluded the meeting, thanking attendees and looking forward to the next municipal year. He also reflected on the significant progress made in housing services since 2019, when the council referred itself to the Housing Regulator, commending the hard work of officers.