COLUMN - Political View with Leicestershire county councillor Andrew Innes (Reform UK)
As your Reform county councillor for Melton East, I have been listening in the town centre.
Many residents and shopkeepers are upset by anti-social behaviour - youths climbing on roofs, upsetting planters and being a nuisance to people and cars passing by.
It is intimidating and bad for business.
I thank our local Melton police team for taking this seriously.
At a recent briefing they said they would increase town centre patrols and take action against persistent offenders.
As county councillor for most of the town centre they have my full support. We seem to be in an age where respect is lacking.
On respect, it will be a privilege to join the town again this November to remember those who sacrificed for our country at the Remembrance parade. We will never forget their service.
I am proud that Reform-led Leicestershire County Council has initiated legal action against Labour's plan for Local Government Reorganisation.
The disgraceful city land grab must be fought, and whilst government reviews the decision, we are making clear we won't let this happen without a fight.
The pause means there will be Melton borough elections next year.
Next May is your chance to bring change to Melton borough.
Reform is gearing up to stand a candidate in every ward with policies of lower tax, less waste, safer streets and Melton people first.
That same common-sense approach is why Reform at County Hall is delivering.
A year ago they said we couldn't run a county council.
We inherited a £23 million budget gap this year - £106 million over four years - after years of maxed-out Council Tax and a poor Ofsted on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
We got on with the job.
We set a below-inflation 2.99 per cent Council Tax rise for 2026/27, which was the lowest in over a decade and for the first time in 10 years not at the maximum.
Our Efficiency Review found £27 million of savings, potentially £60 million, on top of £44 million already budgeted for.
**Councillor Andrew Innes (Reform UK) represents the Melton East division on Leicestershire County Council.