Council proposes Council Tax and sets Budget for the coming year 

Melton Borough Council has agreed its budget for 2026/27, which will protect key services for local people despite ongoing national and local financial pressures. 

The budget allows for an average increase in Melton Council Tax of 2.99%, equivalent to £7.12 more per household for the year for a Band D property. Overall Council Tax levels, incorporating proposed changes from all precepting authorities, will be considered at a subsequent council meeting due to take place on 26th February 2026.  

This increase is within the Government’s allowable limit and reflects the need to balance rising service costs and service demand with the council’s commitment to keeping bills as low as possible for residents. 

Melton Borough Council, like many rural authorities, continues to see reductions in Central Government funding. The total funding package provided is 5% less than last year, whilst demands from central government are increasing, such as the need to make funding provision for Local Government Reorganisation. 

Despite this, the new budget will ensure that the council will continue to provide high quality key services to the Melton communities and invest in local priorities, whilst maintaining its financial stability. This includes: 

• Investment in services that support those at risk of homelessness in the community, strengthening resources to improve early prevention action and provide more resilient support.  
  
  
• Provision of the necessary resources to ensure the delivery of the Stockyard redevelopment in Melton Mowbray, which will create a vibrant new food, culture and events destination and bring new jobs, businesses and visitors to the town. 
  
  
• Continuing to invest in planning systems and processes to enhance responsiveness and transparency and create a more reliable planning service. 
  
  
• Continued support for the delivery of farmers health checks at the cattle market, supporting the health and wellbeing of agricultural communities.  
  
  
• Investment in council owned buildings and community spaces to ensure they remain fit for purpose and cost effective for the community.   

Cllr Sarah Cox, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Finance, Property and Resources said:  

“The council continues to manage its finances carefully and responsibly, despite the significant pressures facing local authorities, especially rural authorities, across the country. I am pleased that we have once again developed a balanced budget which protects our essential services and supports the priorities our residents tell us matter most. 

“We recognise that cost of living is still a concern for many households and financial pressures remain, which is why we have kept the Council Tax increase as low as practically possible while still ensuring we can provide services that matter most to our communities, invest in our borough and continue to support residents that need our help the most. 

“Through prudent management and a commitment to delivering value for money, we are making sure Melton remains a place where people can thrive, now and into the future.” 

To maintain a balanced budget, the council will use £44,000 of reserves to fund a net shortfall following decreased funding from central government, ensuring continued investment in a number of high priority areas, as set out above, can continue.

A Council meeting will take place on 26 February to set the Council Tax figures for the year, if approved, the 2.99% increase will come into effect on 1 April 2026.  

It will be available to view via YouTube livestream at 6.30 pm: https://www.youtube.com/live/u_nAwTxwhiE 

~ends~ 

Notes to Editors: 

More information about the Full Council meeting on 26 February 2026, including a link to the YouTube livestream, is available at: https://democracy.melton.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=133&MId=2711 

For more information please contact: communications@melton.gov.uk