Council Leader reacts to ICB pause on GP surgery, and vows to fight on for better health care provision
The Leader of Melton Borough Council has expressed his deep disappointment following confirmation from the Integrated Care Board (ICB) that plans to deliver a second GP practice in Melton have been paused.
The Council has long supported efforts to deliver a second GP practice in Melton, including exploring redevelopment options for council buildings Parkside and Phoenix House. However despite considerable efforts, including recent jointly funded feasibility studies, no financially viable option has been established, with construction costs outstripping the potential rental income. With the Council unable to subsidise healthcare provision and the ICB unable to secure additional short-term funding, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Pip Allnatt, wrote to the Secretary of State requesting government support. To date, no additional funding has been provided.
Consequently, given the financial challenge, a shortfall in s106 funding paid from new developments, and a slower than anticipated increase in patient registrations, the ICB have confirmed their decision to pause further progress on the scheme, until there is more certainty on these factors. As a result the Council will now explore alternative uses for Parkside and Phoenix House, in line with the aspirations set out within its Asset Development Programme (ADP). An update on proposals for these buildings is due to be considered by Cabinet on 15th October 2025.
Reacting to the latest position, Leader of the Council, Councillor Pip Allnatt, stated:
“The Council has worked tirelessly to support the ICB deliver the much-needed expansion of GP services in Melton, and I am hugely disappointed that despite our collective best efforts they have decided to pause further progress at this time. I am particularly frustrated that they have cited a shortfall in s106 payments from new developments as one of the reasons. Before I was even elected to Melton Borough Council, arrangements agreed between my predecessors and the County Council meant that there is almost no s106 money for health because nearly all of it goes to the County Council for new roads and schools. Additionally, the ICB should consider whether the drop in expected patient registrations may be due to dissatisfaction with existing local health services more generally, and as we’ve seen recently in relation to the birthing centre.
So whilst I fully recognise the financial challenge we must not give up on securing what our community needs, and if not our buildings, then we must keep working to find another site! The Government’s new 10-year plan for the NHS makes a clear commitment to community health, and we will continue to push the ICB to deliver what is needed for Melton, and we will keep doing all we can to support them."
The Cabinet report due to be considered on 15th October provides an update on the Council's Asset Development Programme and sets out proposals for the redevelopment of the Parkside offices to facilitate the integration of the Community Support hub and release of available space for commercial let. It also paves the way for a subsequent business case for the commercial redevelopment of Phoenix House and the utilisation of space vacated on the upper floor. The investment, using existing budgets allocated to the programme will generate income to support the continued delivery of public services, whilst also creating opportunities for local businesses to expand and grow into high quality office space.
Cllr Allnatt added; "Following the ICB's decision, we must now make progress on our Asset Development Programme and the proposals due to be considered by Cabinet mean we can get on with the job of ensuring we make the best use of our assets, generating a financial return, whilst also creating an opportunity for local businesses.”