Councillors forgo allowance increase to fund local community causes

Councillors agreed to reject a suggested increase to their members allowances, using the savings to support local causes across the borough. 

The newly established Members Allowance Fund has channelled the £18,000 savings into a range of local community projects, supporting investment to worthwhile causes and activities in both rural communities and areas across Melton town.   

Members’ allowances are designed to help cover the basic costs local councillors incur while serving their communities. Following the Council meeting on 21 May 2025, councillors agreed to forgo a suggested uplift in these payments, opting to use the savings to make a positive impact through direct investment into the local community. 

Successful projects have now been agreed and will see improvements being made to public parks and open spaces as well as essential resources and equipment being funded for local clubs and groups. The funding has been distributed across rural and Melton town areas benefitting the whole borough.  

Successful projects include: 

• Oasis Preschool & Retreat purchasing resources and toys to encourage children’s engagement, communications and overall well-being 
• Improvement to the Friends of Melton Country Park’s bird hide and installation of additional shrubbery in Melton Country Park. 
• Additional cleaning of key areas in Melton Mowbray Town Centre  
• Holwell Football Club purchasing a new lawn mower  
• The Friends of the Tenth have made improvements to the Memorial Pathway to ensure the names of the people from the Tenth Battalion who passed away during Arnam are featured. 
• Repairing and maintaining the Defibrillator on Burton Street in Melton Mowbray 
• Funding towards Waltham primary school’s ambition to improve the flooring of the preschool room.  
• Funding towards Mowbray Rangers Football Club’s goal to improve their social room and bar 
• Funding towards Bottesford Football Club’s aspiration to install a 3G pitch. 

Leader of the Council, Pip Allnatt, stated “I am delighted that councillors voted to utilise the funds to assist such worthwhile projects. It was important to us that the money would be distributed across rural wards and Melton town wards to support a range of communities across the borough and all councillors were invited to submit proposals for their wards. 

“The financial assistance provided by this programme will allow numerous local organisations, clubs and groups to realise their ambitions, enhancing local services and activities on offer to our local residents.” 

Cllr Margaret Glancy, Deputy Leader, also welcomed the decision to direct these funds to local organisations and projects of local importance and added: 

“I’m glad we have been able to come together and facilitate this grant funding. Through redirecting these finances, we can support meaningful projects which will enhance the lives of communities across our borough. Whether it’s improving local facilities, upgrading leisure provision, or enhancing community spaces, these grants will help improve our borough and they reflect the commitment we all have to put our communities first.”   

~ends~  

For more information please contact: 

Communications@melton.gov.uk