Agenda item

To consider the Forward Plan and identify any relevant items for inclusion in the Scrutiny Workplan, or to request further information.

A copy of the latest Forward Plan is attached and it can also be found on the website using the following link:

Forward Plan

The Chair introduced the draft Scrutiny Workplan 2021/22 and the Cabinet Forward Plan and invited Members to comment on either document. It was announced to the Committee that the Scrutiny Workplan would be renamed as the Scrutiny Work Programme.

Members were reminded that the Scrutiny Workshop, which was a session for Members of the Scrutiny Committee to suggest ideas for the Work Programme, took place on 10 June. Once the Chair and Vice-Chair have considered the ideas emanating from the Workshop and have established that Scrutiny can add value in those areas, then the ideas would be added to the Work Programme. It was clarified that, in line with the agreed protocol, the criteria for adding items to the Work Programme would be prioritised according to outcomes and objectives.

Members discussed other topics which they would like considering when formulating the Work Programme including: the accessibility and user friendliness of public conveniences in Melton, car parking charges and the supporting arrangement for the Mayor including the creation of a guide or protocol. The Chair requested members of the committee feed any further thoughts through to her.

The Committee then received a verbal report from the Chair on the allegations made by Leicestershire County Council (LCC) regarding the sale of Melton Borough Council (MBC) land at Lake Terrace, Melton Mowbray. The Chair stated the following:

On 11 February 2021, at   the Scrutiny Committee meeting, Councillor Chris Evans requested that an item be added to Scrutiny’s Workplan – to review serious allegations made recently by Leicestershire County Council who had publicly criticised the conduct and competence of MBC Senior Officers and Members in relation to a housing scheme and land disposal off Lake Terrace, Melton Mowbray.

Although Councillor Evans was correct in bringing these allegations to Committee, he produced no evidence to indicate that the allegations might be true.

I had complete confidence in the integrity and competence of MBC’s Chief Executive, Senior Officers and the Cabinet and did not believe the allegations.

I could not understand why LCC should make such allegations but if they contained any truth, then clearly it could indicate significant problem for MBC. The Committee therefore agreed that an investigation was necessary in order to understand how this housing scheme had been dealt with and whether there was any truth in the LCC allegations.

I decided that, with the assistance of Vice-Chair, Cllr Rob Bindloss, we would review the whole process, gathering information regarding land registry, land searches, planning, land ownership and any other matter related to this windfall site.

Our review began with the outline planning permission in 2018 and our requests for information were dealt with promptly and efficiently by MBC officers who also provided additional material which we might find useful. 

Our detailed investigation confirmed that throughout the process, MBC had acted professionally, in accordance with the law, and with extreme care. It transpired that the allegations reported to Scrutiny Committee on 11 February were completely untrue.

It was very disappointing that some elected members had been so ready to believe the LCC allegations despite the lack of evidence and despite LCC’s track record; something that is all the more apparent after today’s news regarding the Melton Mowbray Distributor Road (MMDR).

During our investigation it became clear that some of the information provided by LCC, to LCC’s Cabinet and the public and considered at their meeting on 5 February 2021 was inaccurate and untrue. Including the following: 

• That the County Council learned through the media the price the Borough Council had agreed for the land. This was not true as no such figure was reported in the media and we know that the County Council was confidentially advised by our officers of both the value and professional methodology the Borough Council had used to establish the valuation agreed.
• That contrary to the ill-informed judgements and inappropriate comments expressed by LCC Cabinet members, Melton Borough Council could clearly demonstrate it had secured best value and based on the comprehensive and independent valuation subsequently obtained, has secured a good financial deal for the Council and one that will unlock substantial affordable housing to support our residents. In addition, LCC will benefit from more than £1,075,000 of S106 funding to help LCC with their financial responsibilities.
• That in a subsequent article in the Melton Times, a County Council ‘spokesperson’ suggested they believed Melton Borough Council was trying to sell LCC land. This always sounded far-fetched, especially as this was not mentioned at the LCC Cabinet meeting on 5 February. The review has found no evidence whatsoever that the Borough Council was trying to do this. Again there was no basis for this allegation.
• I am also concerned that as part of my review I established that the County Council released information provided to them confidentially as part of an FOI. I am continuing to follow up on this and other matters related to their release of information in line with statutory regulations.

Given the lack of any evidence to support the County Council’s allegations, and their desire to publicly criticise the Council before raising any issues informally, it is clear this was a malicious attack on the borough council at a time when negotiations on the MMDR were at a critical stage. Given the news we have received today regarding the housing infrastructure fund, it is no surprise that once again the County Council is trying to pass the blame on to us.

What my review has shown is that our officers have served us professionally, diligently and with the best interests of Melton and our Council at heart. They have my complete confidence and there was no justification for the attack on the decision taken by our Cabinet which has been fully vindicated by this review. 

MBC considers itself a reliable and honest partner to many organisations including LCC. It is extremely disappointing that LCC chose to make public unfounded allegations and we should certainly expect far better from one of our key partners in the future.

LCC should remember that effective partnership working is essential to achieve positive outcomes for our community that we are all here to serve and support.

The Chair confirmed that these remarks would be presented to the Cabinet so they could be formally received for their comments. In addition, the Chair thanked Officers for their assistance with the report.