Council - Thursday, 16th October, 2025 7.00 pm - Agenda and draft minutes

To confirm the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 10th July 2025 and the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on 25th September 2025 (copies attached).

It was MOVED by Gareth Williams; SECONDED by Cllr Sophie Porter and

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council on 10th July 2025 and the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council on 25th September 2025 (copies having been circulated previously), be taken as read, approved and signed as a correct record

The Mayor’s Award for Service to the Community – Valerie Jenner

The Mayor advised that this was the first award of the newly reintroduced Mayor’s Award for Service to the Community. The aim of the Award was to recognise people who went above and beyond for others and who had made a difference within the Rushmoor community over a period of time. It gave him great pleasure to announce that the recipient of the first Award was Mrs Valerie Jenner. The Mayor welcomed Valerie Jenner to the Council Chamber, along with Roz Chadd, who had submitted the nomination. 

Ms Chadd spoke to applaud Valerie for the significant contribution that she had made to Farnborough Girl Guiding over the past 37 years as a Brown Owl. Valerie had not only attended weekly meetings but had also given her time to help at many other guiding events over the years. Girl guiding cultivated values including friendship, care, kindness and consideration for others, and Valerie had helped to foster these values and empower young girls to challenge themselves. She had touched hundreds of lives over the past 37 years and was a well deserving recipient of the Award.

The Mayor agreed that Valerie had helped many young people to grow in confidence and self-belief, shaping a generation through her years of service to girl guiding.

Valerie responded with words of thanks and reflected on the past 37 years with girl guiding. She spoke of the positive impact it had had, not only for the young people, but also for herself. She was pleased for the opportunities it had opened. She took great pride in caring for the “most precious possessions” of families in the community. 

Following the presentation of the Award, the Mayor congratulated Valerie and thanked her on behalf of the Council for everything she had done, and continued to do, within the community.

Mayor’s Announcements

The Mayor placed on record the Council’s condolences following the announcement, made by Buckingham Palace on 5th September, of the death of Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Kent.

The Mayor advised that Honorary Alderman John Marsh had recently taken ill and was currently recovering in hospital. He was improving slowly, and the Council’s thoughts and best wishes were with John and his family.

The Mayor expressed his sadness that John Kavanagh, one of the Borough’s last D-Day veterans, had passed away earlier in the month. John had joined the Council’s Beacon Lighting events held to mark the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day this year, and the Council’s thoughts were with John’s family at this sad time.

The Mayor reported upcoming dates for the diary, including Remembrance Sunday on 9th November. Should any Members wish to lay a wreath at one of the Remembrance Day events they were asked to contact the Mayor’s Office. A quiz night would be held on 6th February, 2026, to help raise funds to support initiatives for Alderwood School.

(1)      To receive any questions by Members submitted in pursuance of Standing Order 8 (3).

Public Questions

(2)          To answer any questions from the public submitted under Standing Order 9 in accordance with the Procedure Note.

(1)  Standing Order 8 – Questions

The Mayor reported that no urgent questions had been submitted under Standing Order 8 (3).

(2)  Public Questions

Further to the new scheme for public questions at full Council meetings, the questions that had been accepted had been circulated to Members in advance. Each question was received as set out below, and the Mayor invited a response to each in turn:

(1)  W. Doody – Cove and Southwood Ward - Rushmoor Pension Fund ESG Investment - I’ve looked through the Hampshire Pension Fund’s 2023/24 Annual Report and its Responsible Investment policy but can’t find any clear breakdown showing how much of Rushmoor’s pension contributions are invested under ESG or ‘responsible investment’ criteria. Given that ESG investment appetite is possibly now wavering, can you please disclose, for the record, how much of Rushmoor’s share is currently invested in ESG linked companies or funds, which organisations those investments are with, how long those commitments last, and under whose oversight this was approved?

Cllr Gaynor Austin, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources advised that the information was technical by its nature, and the question had been referred to the Hampshire Pensions Fund for consideration. The response would be published as soon as it had been received.

(2)  G. Bailey – Cherrywood Ward – Event Spend - Could the council please advise the public on how much was spent by the council on the following in 2024/25?

1)    The Pride Parade

2)    The Rushmoor Eco Festival

3)    The Rushmoor cultural day

Cllr Sophie Porter, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities and Active Lives, advised that £1,147 had been spent on the Pride Parade, £1,500 on the Rushmoor Eco Festival and £0 on the Rushmoor Cultural Day.

(3)  M. Goodacre – Manor Park Ward - Flags - Flags are now being put up in front of people's houses and windows. Where will it end? Please confirm what steps the Council is taking to limit the number of flags per road.

Cllr Gareth Williams, Leader of the Council, advised that he noted, with concern, reported incidents where residents have been harassed and filmed when asking not to have flags outside their own property, and even council staff placing Remembrance poppies had been questioned. It was clear that, for some, the installation of the flags went beyond simple patriotism and had become an opportunity to intimidate and bully those whose opinions differ from their own, thus removing their voice.

The flags were almost all attached to lamp columns and street furniture owned by Hampshire County Council, and Rushmoor had no power to remove them, even if they have been attached without seeking permission from the owner.

The Council was in discussion with Hampshire to ascertain their position on the matter, but residents could write directly to their County Councillor or contact Hampshire County Council directly, via their website, to request the removal of any objects they believe to be dangerous or threatening. Incidents of threats or  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

To consider the following Notice of Motion, which has been submitted by Cllr Sue Carter pursuant to Standing Order 10 (1):

“This Council recognises the huge challenges facing local businesses, particularly those in our town centres.

This Council also recognises that with alternative shopping options available in other town centres nearby and out of town that parking charges discourage many people from visiting Farnborough and Aldershot.

This Council therefore resolves to:

·         Task a cross-party group to explore the feasibility of free or discounted town centre parking at certain times to report back in time for the Budget.

·         Consult town centre businesses, existing users, other residents and potential town centre investors about their likely response to free parking.”

With the consent of the Council, under Standing Order 14(9), the Council considered an altered Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr Sue Carter on Town Centre Parking, as set out below:

“This Council:

• Recognises the huge challenges facing local businesses, particularly those in our town centres. 
• Acknowledges that with alternative shopping options available in other town centres, as well as the growth of online shopping, parking charges may discourage people from visiting Farnborough and Aldershot. 
• Observes that forthcoming option of setting up town councils could lead to changes which allow for more support to be provided to town centres and local economies, making consideration of the matter timely.
• Believes that any discussions or consultations on this issue need to be informed by detailed evidence. 
• Recognises the heavy workload placed upon Council Officers and the desirability to avoid duplication of effort. 

Therefore, this Council:

• Requests officers, under guidance from PPAB, to develop a suitable method of consulting residents, local businesses and potential investors about the likely impact of free or discounted parking and how it could work best. 
• Requests the Portfolio Holder to present the findings of feasibility investigations to PPAB to allow it to make recommendations to the Cabinet in time for next year's budget.”

In PROPOSING the altered Motion, Cllr Carter highlighted the pressures small businesses were under and the financial struggles residents were facing. By offering free or discounted parking, it was hoped that this would encourage more shoppers to visit and businesses to consider locating in our town centres. Through the Policy and Project Advisory Board, the impacts could be investigated and reported in time for the 2026/27 budget. In SECONDING the altered Motion, Cllr Taylor felt that shoppers needed to be encouraged daily to visit our towns and funding pots, and the UKSPF fund could help with this.

During discussion, it was noted that action was already being taken to encourage shoppers into the town centres through events and activities, and data had shown that these actions had already had a positive impact on footfall. Free parking was also being offered on 7th, 14th and 21st December to encourage shoppers in the run up to Christmas. It was also felt that by offering free or discounted parking, the Council would be sending a strong message of support to local businesses by finding and supporting a practical solution to benefit everyone.

In addition, it was suggested that consideration could be given to the option of 20-30 minutes free parking for those visiting the town centres to make a quick collection or drop off, or set all day parking fees. Also, to consider what support could be given to those that don’t drive and use public transport to visit the town centres, and to blue badge holders. 

However, it was noted that it was important to understand the financial implications and the effect it would have on the budget. The point was raised as whether the funds could be spent elsewhere to support small businesses and attract shoppers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

To consider the recommendation of the Cabinet in relation to the following item:

Variation to the Capital Programme - Aldershot Crematorium Refurbishment

To receive a report from the Cabinet (copy attached – Annex 1) which seeks approval to amend the Capital Programme for 2025/26 to enable the Council to complete the refurbishment of Aldershot Crematorium. Cllr Christine Guinness, Portfolio Holder for Pride in Place and Neighbourhood Services, will introduce this item.

Variation to the Capital Programme - Aldershot Crematorium Refurbishment

Cllr Christine Guinness, Portfolio Holder for Pride in Place and Neighbourhood Services introduced the Report, which set out a recommendation to approve an additional capital allocation for the crematorium refurbishment project.

It was MOVED by Cllr Christine Guinness; SECONDED by Cllr Gareth Williams  - that the Council be recommended to approve an additional allocation totalling the sum set out in Exempt Report No. OS2513 for the crematorium refurbishment project, over and above the £5,519,430 already agreed as part of the existing Capital Programme, funded by borrowing to be factored into the 2025/26 estimates, with the 2025/26 Treasury Management and Capital Strategies being adjusted accordingly.

In PROPOSING the recommendation, Cllr Guinness advised that the variation was needed due to an unforeseen technical issue, and all efforts had been taken to reduce cost drivers. All necessary and proportionate action would be taken in the future to ensure continued improvements from lessons learnt during this project. In SECONDING the recommendation, Cllr Williams advised that this would be the final variation requested for the project and a full audit report would be considered by the Audit and Governance Committee in due course. The Cabinet were also monitoring the project closely.

There voted FOR: 32; AGAINST: 0; ABSTAINED 2 and the Recommendation was DECLARED CARRIED.

To receive any questions by Members to Cabinet Members submitted in accordance with the Procedure Note.

(1)  Cllr G.B. Lyon had submitted a question for response by the Pride in Place and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder, (Cllr Christine Guinness) on the number of fines that had been issued for littering and dog fouling in the last twelve months, with a breakdown by ward.

Cllr Guinness advised that no fines had been issued for littering and dog fouling in the past twelve months. It was noted that the focus had been on the four E’s, Engagement, Education, Encouragement and Enforcement. Although enforcement was an option available, priority had been given to engagement and education through “Poo Patrols”, “Scope that Poop” and “Bag it and Bin it” initiatives. It was advised however that, lots of fines had been issued for incidents of fly-tipping.

Cllr Lyon asked a supplementary question regarding the ruling out of external support on enforcement.

Cllr Guinness advised that the initiative previously in place with East Hants District Council around enforcement support would not be reinstated and the four E’s approach would be utilised going forward.

(2)  Cllr Thomas Day had submitted a question for response by the Housing and Planning Portfolio Holder (Cllr Keith Dibble) on the current status with Clayton Court.

Cllr Dibble advised that progress had been made at Clayton Court following a number of concerns raised by residents. It was noted that the Housing Association involvement had ended in the summer, and the Society of St James were now running the facility and working with the Council to make necessary improvements. A programme of refurbishments had been completed, and the site would continue to be maintained. In addition, the Housing Team had made visits to the facility and listened to residents to help support their needs.

(3)  Cllr Lisa Greenway had submitted a question for response by the Housing and Planning Portfolio Holder (Cllr Keith Dibble) on the current occupation status of the 82 affordable homes for key sector workers at Union Yard.

Cllr Dibble advised that it had been a policy decision to allocate the 82 units for key sector workers and the delay in finalising the agreement had caused some frustration. Work was underway to address outstanding matters to ensure completion happened as soon as possible. It was noted that 66 units would be allocated for Integrated Care Workers and the remaining 16 units would be used for key sector workers already identified on the Rushmoor Housing Register.

(4)  Cllr G.B. Lyon had submitted a question for response by the Healthy Communities and Active Lives Portfolio Holder (Cllr Sophie Porter) on progress with the continued engagement with local Christian and Church Leaders.

Cllr Porter advised that she was keen to work with Members on this matter to help engage as many faith leaders as possible. A meeting, which took place in September, had considered street preaching and showcased grants available to support work to address issues/concerns and a further meeting was to be held in November with Cllr Guinness, the Executive Head of Operations, Faith Leaders and the Community  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

To receive and ask questions on the Reports of the following Meetings (copy reports attached):

RESOLVED: that the Reports of the following meetings be received:

To note the Reports of the following meetings (copy reports attached):

RESOLVED: that the Reports of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meetings held on 31st July, 4th September and 18th September 2025, and the Policy and Project Advisory Board meetings held on 22nd July and 17th September, 2025 be noted.