Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Evans, Mason and Pritchett.

Councillor Sharp was absent from the meeting.

To confirm the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 5 December 2024.

In relation to CO46, Councillor Gordon raised a query regarding how her vote was recorded for a motion to suspend Procedure Rule 13.7 of the Meetings General Procedure Rules, in response Officers committed to ensure that her vote was accurately recorded.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 5 December 2024 were approved as a correct record.

(For 22, Against 0, Abstentions 1)

Members to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting.

An other registerable interest in respect of Councillor J. Orson was noted as being on record for any matters which relate to Leicestershire County Council.

Councillor Carter declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in relation to Minute Number CO59, as he is a tenant of a Council-owned property.

Councillor Gordon declared a disclosable pecuniary interest in relation to Minute Number CO59, as she is a tenant of a Council-owned property.

The Mayor provided Members with an update on events he has attended since the last Council meeting. The full list of events are outlined below.

Councillor Gordon commented that she had a resident comment to her that Officers supporting the Mayor’s Carol Service were helpful and that she had felt welcomed at the event. In response, the Mayor commented that he would meet with the resident in person to convey his thanks.

The Leader provided his announcements under seven themes.

VE Day 80^th Anniversary

The Leader reminded Members about the Council’s VE Day 80th Anniversary small grant fund, which was previously announced by Councillor Pat Cumbers. The scheme will close at 11:59pm on 7 March 2025 and there is funding still available. A funding pot of £7,000 was allocated to support a range of community VE Day celebration projects. Eligible community groups, charities and parish councils organising events and projects can apply for funding between £70 and £700 to assist to make their local celebrations a success. The Leader added that information on grant funding, including eligibility criteria and allocations of payments, could be found on the Melton Borough Council website and that details of all the celebrations will be published on the Discover Melton website as they are confirmed. The Leader added that the Council had also made a grant award, as part of the Community Grants Scheme, to the Melton Mowbray 1940’s weekend, which will have a focus on VE day too. The Leader then urged Members to not forget those who had sacrificed themselves, in particular the Polish and the Commonwealth citizens of all faiths and cultures, many of whom battled on towards VJ on the 14th August 1945.

Children’s Homes

The Leader informed Members of the unresolved problem around proposals to locate more than one children’s home in small village communities, and the constraints, the Council had faced through the planning process alongside the absence of joined up policy at a national level.

The Leader stressed that the Council’s aim had always been to enable and support the provision of children’s homes but to do so in a way that also considered the needs of local communities. The Leader reminded Members that he wrote to Government about the Council’s concerns, and that the Council’s teams were proactive in engaging with departmental colleagues. In the recently updated NPPF, there are changes which reflect the requests made by the Council, particularly on the matter of establishing local need in respect of looked after children in policy making. This would enable the Council to consider if its own local policy can be reviewed and measures to manage the future development and provision of children’s homes. The Leader thanked staff for their efforts with this.

Changing Places

Members were informed that the Mayor and Councillor Glancy visited Birchwood School to be handed a petition. The Cabinet has now formally received the petition regarding toiletry needs and provision of changing places which create places of dignity, adequate space and safety for individuals, carers and families in their everyday lives. The Leader thanked the Mayor, the previous Head Teacher, and everyone at Birchwood School for raising awareness of this issue.  Last spring the Leader was asked for help on this issues and immediately instructed that a changing place facility be included in the LUF development. Later the Leader informed Members that he also considered the possibility of using 5 King Street to serve  ...  view the full minutes text for item CO53

In accordance with the Constitution, Members of the Council may answer questions from the public of which notice has been given.

One question was received at the time of publication. All confirmed questions will be circulated after the deadline.

Deadline for questions – Wednesday 5 February, 12pm

One question had been received from Kelly Davies. The question was read out by the Mayor.

Our after dark economy is one filled with businesses that truly reflect the community feel that Melton Mowbray prides itself on and if utilised correctly could be the difference between someone coming for the day or staying the night. With that in mind, how does the council plan to work with promotional bodies to help push Melton's after-dark economy out to the wider market?

In responding the Leader stated that the Council is focused on boosting Melton Mowbray’s town centre, including its night-time economy, by working with local and regional partners like Melton BID, the Town Estate and Leicestershire’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership. Through campaigns and promotions, the Council aims to attract more visitors, supporting events, entertainment, hospitality and retail. The Discover Melton brand and website have been successful raising awareness and increasing visitors by over 40% through digital campaigns and partnerships with local businesses to help promote Melton’s offer, including events, dining and accommodation. The Council is committed to supporting investment into the town to develop the Stockyard and town centre improvements, as well as attracting investment and funding to support businesses and promote Melton Mowbray, combining to make the town an appealing destination.

In accordance with the Constitution, a Member may ask the Leader, the Chair of the Council or a Committee Chair, a question on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties or which affects the Borough.

Two questions were received at the time of publication. All confirmed questions will be circulated after the deadline.

Deadline for questions – Wednesday 5 February

Three questions from Members had been received and they were taken in the order that they were received.

Question 1

Councillor Thwaites asked the Leader the following question.

The extra care facility Gretton Court used to be a jewel in the crown of services that MBC jointly delivered to our Borough elderly. Can the Leader please explain the planned increases to charges at Gretton Court and whether we will carry out a full and robust review of the services, costs and charges at Gretton Court before any increases are applied so that this Council can ensure it is providing the quality and value of service that we would wish to deliver at the correct price.

In response, the Leader stated that Councillor Thwaites made a good point about the cost impact on our older residents to deliver an extra care service. There are legitimate costs for Gretton Court as a housing service and for the care residents receive.

Charges are reflective of actual costs to deliver services to Gretton Court. Influencing factors on charges to deliver these services include utility costs, cost of food and inflation. Following changes to the service offer commissioned by Leicestershire County Council, a review of support was undertaken, and a new wellbeing service was implemented last year. The Council’s teams worked with partner agencies to design the wellbeing support offer and also sought the advice of an external specialist to ensure clarity and accuracy on the service elements that can be met by housing benefit for eligible residents. Feedback on the support provided by the staff is positive.

Separate to the budget papers, a review of charges and service provision of meals at Gretton court is ongoing. As this review has not yet concluded and will now form part of a wider review of options for older person housing in the borough, the Leader could confirm that he was considering two options on meal charges for 2025/26: either to cap the increase at 10% or to freeze it at 2024/25 levels. Both will have a financial impact on the HRA and would effectively mean that the HRA (and therefore tenants) would be subsidising these cost pressures. To cap the increase at 10% would cost just under £6,000 and to freeze it entirely would cost £23,000 in lost income. The Leader added that he would come to a conclusion on the best approach over the next few days and it will be dealt with by way of delegated decision as previously agreed.

The Council can continue to be proud of Gretton Court, but consideration must be given to a strategic approach to determine the most appropriate future arrangements to meet the needs of the Borough’s ageing population.

The reality is that the Council cannot achieve the same economies of scale as much larger registered provider counterparts who deliver extra care housing at scale, and as such, a full review is necessary. Rather than looking at each aspect of the service in isolation, the Cabinet wish to  ...  view the full minutes text for item CO55

In accordance with the Constitution, motions on notice must be signed by at least two Members and be about matters for which the Council has a responsibility or which affect the Melton Borough.

One motion was received by the deadline.

Appreciation for Melton Borough Council colleagues

The following motion was received from Councillor Cox (Seconded by Councillor I. Atherton)

Elected members wish to extend our thanks to colleagues employed at Melton Borough Council in the Housing, Legal and Safer Communities teams, as well as to our critical partners in the police for their efforts in achieving the recent closure orders in Melton. Their diligence and dedication to joint working has sent a clear message to those criminals who think they can come into our community and deal drugs unnoticed and without consequence.

Elected members also note the bravery of residents who came forward to provide information and thank them for the vital role they have played in helping to keep our community safe.

The Council acknowledges that it is only through working collaboratively, with all stakeholders in our borough, that will lead to the results we need, and we reiterate our commitment to this approach moving forwards.

The Mayor confirmed that there was one motion on notice received for the meeting.

The motion was in relation to appreciation for Melton Borough Council colleagues, as outlined below and was received from Councillor Cox (Seconded by Councillor I. Atherton).

Elected members wish to extend our thanks to colleagues employed at Melton Borough Council in the Housing, Legal and Safer Communities teams, as well as to our critical partners in the police for their efforts in achieving the recent closure orders in Melton. Their diligence and dedication to joint working has sent a clear message to those criminals who think they can come into our community and deal drugs unnoticed and without consequence.

Elected members also note the bravery of residents who came forward to provide information and thank them for the vital role they have played in helping to keep our community safe.

The Council acknowledges that it is only through working collaboratively, with all stakeholders in our borough, that will lead to the results we need, and we reiterate our commitment to this approach moving forwards.

During the debate, the following points were raised:

·       Councillor Cox, Councillor Butcher and officers were thanked for their efforts.

·       It was recognised that Housing Associations also need to do their bit to tackle the issue of anti-social behaviour in their housing stock.

·       A Member commented they were with the Police effort and thanks were given to the Police and the Safer Community Team.

·       Members were reminded that despite this Melton remains a safe place to live.

RESOLVED

That Council

(1)  Extends its thanks to colleagues employed at Melton Borough Council in the Housing, Legal and Safer Communities teams, as well as to the Council’s critical partners in the police for their efforts in achieving the recent closure orders in Melton. Their diligence and dedication to joint working has sent a clear message to those criminals who think they can come into our community and deal drugs unnoticed and without consequence.

(2)  Notes the bravery of residents who came forward to provide information and thank them for the vital role they have played in helping to keep our community safe.

(3)  Acknowledges that it is only through working collaboratively, with all stakeholders in the Borough, that will lead to the results needed, and Council reiterates its commitment to this approach moving forwards.

(Unanimous)

To receive a report from the Cabinet on recommendations referred to Council in relation to the General Fund Revenue Budget 2025/26 and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026/27 to 2028/29.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources, Councillor Cox, introduced the report and moved the recommendations. The Leader, Councillor Allnatt, seconded the motion.

During the debate the following points were raised:

·       The Conservative Group confirmed that they could not support the budget because:

-        It is being propped up by the corporate priority reserve.

-        There is no allowance for the implementation of food waste collection.

·       The Conservative Group also stated that the budget could be short by £1m due to a shortfall of business rates and the budget will be short £73k on national insurance contributions.

·       The Conservative Group suggested that the Council should live according to its means, recognise that it is an at-risk authority due to use of reserves and cut the use of consultants.

·       It was recognised that the homelessness budget is a risk for the overall stability of the whole of the budget. This is because policies at a national level are causing homelessness to increase.

·       A Member commented that the cost of the lack of planning compliance is an unseen cost, which risks destabilising the budget.

·       A concern was raised that the current government want to fast track Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation and would starve District and Borough Councils of adequate funding and that the Council should probably focus on funding only the statutory services.

·       The comment was made that the budget was a depressing budget and it demonstrates the financial challenges the Council are facing.

·       The Deputy Leader commented that last year the opposition wanted to spend £150k more and that the administration didn’t adopt the idea therefore meaning that the budget is better position this year.

·       The Leader added that he had attending the Scrutiny Committee when the budget was discussed and that no alternatives were raised. He added that using reserves to support the budget are a legitimate use of funds. It was noted that the last administration also dipped into the reserves.

·       There was a fear that via Local Government Reorganisation, budgets for District and Borough responsibilities (leisure, etc) would be absorbed by the adult social care, education and highways budgets.

·       The Section 151 Officer was thanked for advising to put the income from the business pool into reserves.

·       It was noted that the asset management group aims to identify ways to maximise assets for the Council.

RESOLVED

Council

(1)  Approved the revenue budget for 2025/26 for General and Special Expenses, including proposed growth, as set out in Appendix A, B, C and D and summarised in Appendix 1 section 4.4;

(2)  Approved an overall Band D council tax increase of 2.99%, with the individual Band D council tax levels across each fund set out in Appendix 1 at paragraph 4.4.5;

(3)  Delegated authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Director for Corporate Services to access the Corporate Priorities Reserve to fund any of the approved growth items where UKSPF cannot be used due to not meeting the funding criteria;

(4)  Delegated authority to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item CO57

To receive a report from the Cabinet on recommendations referred to Council in relation to the Capital Programme 2024-2029 and Capital Strategy 2025/26.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources, Councillor Cox, introduced the report and moved the recommendations. The Leader, Councillor Allnatt, seconded the motion.

No comments were raised.

RESOLVED

Council

(1)  Delegated authority to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Director for Corporate Services, to access additional funding from capital receipts to fund the purchase of up to five food waste collection vehicles;

(2)  Approved the General Expenses Capital Programme for 2025/26 and associated funding as set out in Appendix B;

(3)  Approved the indicative five year General Expenses Capital Programme for 2025-29 as set out in Appendix C;

(4)  Delegated authority to the Director for Corporate Services to amend the amount in the capital programme for Disabled Facilities Grants once funding confirmation has been received as referred to in Appendix 1 at paragraph 5.10;

(5)  Approved the Capital Strategy 2025/26 as attached at Appendix D.

The above resolution was considered through a recorded vote as follows:

FOR THE MOTION (15)

Adcock, Allnatt, Brown, Butcher, Carter, Clay, Cliff, Cox, Cumbers, Glancy, Gordon, Hewson, Higgins, Lumley, Thwaites

AGAINST THE MOTION (9)

I Atherton, S Atherton, Browne, Child, Chubb, Freer, J Orson, S Orson, Webster

ABSTAINING FROM THE MOTION (0)

To receive a report from the Cabinet on recommendations referred to Council in relation to Revenue Budget Proposals 2025/26 for the Housing Revenue Account.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources, Councillor Cox, introduced the report and moved the recommendations. The Leader, Councillor Allnatt, seconded the motion.

During the debate the following points were raised:

·       The Portfolio Holder and Officers were thanked for their good work.

·       Officers were congratulated on receiving the energy efficiency funding.

·       Members were reminded that rents in Melton are modest.

RESOLVED

Council

(1)  Approved the budget estimates for 2025/26;

(2)  Approved the average rent increase of 2.70% for all Council dwellings with effect from 1 April 2025;

(3)  Approved the 2025-26 capital programme, and

(4)  Delegated authority to the Director for Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Director for Corporate Services and Portfolio Holder for Council Housing and Landlord Services, to approve virements within the HRA capital programme during the year to provide flexibility to meet emerging needs and maintain decent homes.

(5)  Noted that as part of the continuing focus on resourcing requirements for tenancy, income and engagement functions, a revised staffing structure is being developed and will shortly be considered by the Chief Executive under existing delegated powers and

(5.1)       That in support of the new structure, to delegated authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Director for Corporate Services, authority to access the HRA Regeneration and Development Reserve for up to £200k in 25/26 to cover both the additional one off and recurring costs of the new structure and enable the resourcing plan to be implemented and

(5.2)       Noted that the recurring costs associated with the change of establishment will be built into the base budget from 26/27 providing the financial viability of the HRA is not undermined.

(For 21, Against 0, Abstentions 1)

At 7:56pm, prior to the commencement of this item, Councillors Carter and Gordon left the meeting.

At 8:00pm, upon the conclusion of this item, Councillors Carter and Gordon rejoined the meeting.

At 8:00pm, upon the conclusion of this item, Councillor Higgins left the meeting and did not return.

To receive a report from the Cabinet on recommendations referred to Council in relation to the Treasury Management Strategy and Prudential Indicators 2025/26.

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources, Councillor Cox, introduced the report and moved the recommendations. The Leader, Councillor Allnatt, seconded the motion.

No comments were made.

RESOLVED

Council

(1)  Approved that the prudential indicators and limits are adopted as outlined in Appendix A at Section 2.

(2)  Approved the Treasury Management Strategy as outlined in Appendix A.

(3)  Approved that the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement which sets out the Council’s policy on MRP as outlined in paragraph 5.3 of Appendix 1.

(For 23, Against 0, Abstentions 0)

The Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources is to provide the Pay Policy Statement.

The Chief Executive introduced the report. The Leader, Councillor Allnatt, moved the recommendations and Councillor Glancy seconded the motion.

During the debate the following points were raised:

·       It was noted that there are 182 full time equivalent staff, therefore the workforce is small.

·       Average pay of staff is £30k per annum, therefore staff are not over paid.

RESOLVED

Council approved the attached Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26 at Appendix A.

(For 23, Against 0, Abstentions 0)