Council - Thursday, 27th February, 2025 7.00 pm - Agenda and draft minutes

To confirm the minutes of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on 5th December, 2024, the Ordinary Meeting of the Council on 5th December and the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on 5th February, 2025 (copies attached).

It was MOVED by Cllr Gareth Williams; SECONDED by Cllr Sarah Spall and

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Extraordinary Meeting on 5th December, 2024, the Ordinary Meeting on 5th December, 2024, and the Extraordinary Meeting on 5th February, 2025, (copies having been circulated previously),  be taken as read, approved and signed as a correct record.

(1)      The Mayor reported that she had attended many events and services during the Christmas period on behalf of the Council. Other events that had been a highlight for the Mayor were:

·            the FAST Volunteers Thank You Event on 17th December,

·            a fundraising dinner to raise vital funds for Cataract surgeries in Nepal on 17th January,

·            the Holocaust Memorial Day Church Service on 26th January,

·            Farnborough Jets Business Network Event on 13th February, and

·            the Parent Action Group Family Festival on 17th February.

(2)      The Mayor extended her thanks to past Mayor Cllr Clive Grattan who had attended the 53rd Anniversary of the bombing at the Headquarters of the 16th Parachute Brigade Officers Mess on 22nd February, and the 43rd anniversary of Magar Diwas Celebrations on 22nd February, on her behalf.

(3)      And finally, the Mayor reported that the annual Mayoral Charity Gala was being held on Friday 7th March commencing at 6.45pm with a Drinks Reception at the Village Hotel. She thanked all who had purchased tickets However, it was advised that it was now too late to buy a ticket, but if Members would like to make a donation to her charities or contribute with a donation to the raffle or auction prizes, they should contact the Mayor’s Office before Thursday 6th March.

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

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

To consider the following Notice of Motion, which has been submitted by Cllr G.B. Lyon pursuant to Standing Order 9 (1):

“As a result of the UK Government Budget, Employer National Insurance contributions from April will increase from 13.8% to 15% - a tax increase for employers of almost 9%.

The threshold will also reduce from £9,100 to £5,000.

The OBR notes that ‘firms will pass on 60% of the higher costs to workers and consumers, via lower wages and higher prices’.

That many local services, including nurseries, hospices, care homes and charities will be hit by these huge tax increases in addition to many businesses of all sizes in Rushmoor.

This Council also notes the dire impact on Rushmoor's own finances which will come at the cost of local services and will lead to higher costs when dealing with contractors.

This Council resolves to:

Request Cabinet to establish a working group to work with local businesses to produce plans to support the local economy to combat the impact of these tax increases to report back to Council within 6 months.

To record our disappointment regarding the National Insurance increases and their damaging impact on all who live and work in Rushmoor.

To request the Leader to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ask her to reconsider the changes.”

The Council were asked to consider a Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr G.B. Lyon under Standing Order 9 (1) on Employer National Insurance Contributions and the Local Economy, as set out below:

“As a result of the UK Government Budget, Employer National Insurance contributions from April will increase from 13.8% to 15% - a tax increase for employers of almost 9%.

The threshold will also reduce from £9,100 to £5,000.

The OBR notes that ‘firms will pass on 60% of the higher costs to workers and consumers, via lower wages and higher prices’.

That many local services, including nurseries, hospices, care homes and charities will be hit by these huge tax increases in addition to many businesses of all sizes in Rushmoor.

This Council also notes the dire impact on Rushmoor's own finances which will come at the cost of local services and will lead to higher costs when dealing with contractors.

This Council resolves to:

Request Cabinet to establish a working group to work with local businesses to produce plans to support the local economy to combat the impact of these tax increases to report back to Council within 6 months.

To record our disappointment regarding the National Insurance increases and their damaging impact on all who live and work in Rushmoor.

To request the Leader to write to the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ask her to reconsider the changes.”

In PROPOSING the Motion, Cllr Lyon referred to the changes as a tax on working people as increased employer costs would be passed on to employees, and described the financial impacts which would affect local businesses and retail, including small businesses which would be pulled into the tax threshold, nurseries, hospitals and the Council itself. He stressed the importance of engaging with, and supporting, struggling local businesses, and requested a letter to the Government highlighting the risks and impacts for the local economy and requesting the tax increases be reconsidered. In SECONDING the Motion, Cllr P.G. Taylor highlighted the impacts for businesses, young people, casual workers and the self-employed.

During discussion, the point was made that funding was needed to support front line public services such as the National Health Service and reduced waiting lists, and that the Council was unable to control the setting of National Insurance Contributions. The Council held well-established connections with the local business community through multiple forums, regular business engagement events and portfolio holder and leader relationships and therefore a further working group would not be necessary to achieve a business support connection. 

The Motion was put to the meeting. In a recorded vote there voted FOR: Cllrs A. Adeola, C.W. Card, Leola Card, Sue Carter, P.J. Cullum, A. Gani, Peace Essien-Igodifo, G.B. Lyon, T.W. Mitchell, P.G. Taylor and Jacqui Vosper (11)  AGAINST: Cllrs Abe Allen, A.H. Crawford, Jules Crossley, Thomas Day, Keith Dibble, C.P. Grattan, Lisa Greenway, Christine Guinness, Rhian Jones, Halleh Koohestani, Bill O’Donovan, Sophie Porter, M.J Roberts, Dhan Sarki, Sarah Spall, Ivan Whitmee, Becky Williams and Gareth Williams (18)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

In accordance with arrangements to secure political balance, the Council to confirm an appointment to the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee in place of Cllr A.H. Crawford, for the remainder of the 2024/25 Municipal Year.

It was MOVED by Cllr Gareth Williams; SECONDED by Cllr Thomas Day - That Cllr Abe Allen be appointed to the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee for the remainder of the 2024/25 Municipal Year.  

There voted FOR: 23; AGAINST: 0; ABSTAINED: 9 and the Motion was DECLARED CARRIED.

To consider the recommendations of the Cabinet and Committee in relation to the following items:

To receive a report from the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee (copy attached – Annex 1) which recommends the approval of the Council’s Annual Capital Strategy for 2025/26 to 2027/28 and Prudential Indicators for 2025/26. The Chairman of the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee will introduce this item.

Cllr Bill O’Donovan introduced the Report of the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee meeting held on 29th January, 2025, which recommended the approval of the Capital Strategy 2025/26 to 2027/28, including the Prudential Indicators for capital finance for 2025/26.  

It was MOVED by Cllr Bill O’Donovan; SECONDED by Cllr A.H. Crawford – That approval be given to the Capital Strategy 2025/26 to 2027/28 and Prudential Indicators for 2025/26.

There voted FOR: 21; AGAINST: 0; ABSTAINED:11 and the Recommendations were DECLARED CARRIED.

To receive a report from the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee (copy attached – Annex 2) which recommends the approval of the Treasury Management Strategy 2025/26, Annual Borrowing Strategy 2025/26, and Annual Non-Treasury Management Investment Strategy 2025/26. The Chairman of the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee will introduce this item.

Cllr Bill O’Donovan introduced the Report of the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee meeting held on 29th January, 2025, which recommended the approval of the Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Borrowing Strategy 2025/26, the Annual Non-Treasury Investment Strategy 2025/26 and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement.

It was MOVED by Cllr Bill O’Donovan; SECONDED by Cllr A.H. Crawford – That approval be given to the Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Borrowing Strategy 2025/26, the Annual Non-Treasury Investment Strategy 2025/26 and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement.

There voted FOR: 21; AGAINST: 0; ABSTAINED: 11 and the Recommendations were DECLARED CARRIED.

To receive a report from the Cabinet (copy attached – Annex 3) which recommends the continuation of the Council Tax Support Scheme for 2025/26 for approval. The Portfolio Holder for Finance & Resources will introduce this item.

Cllr A.H. Crawford introduced the Report of the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee meeting held on 29th January, 2025, which recommended the approval of the Council Tax Support Scheme, the budget for the Exceptional Hardship relief and minor changes to be made in accordance with annual uprating amounts applied by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

It was MOVED by Cllr A.H. Crawford; SECONDED by Cllr Bill O’Donovan – That approval be given to the Council Tax Support Scheme, the budget for the Exceptional Hardship relief and minor changes to be made in accordance with annual uprating amounts applied by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

There voted FOR: 31; AGAINST: 0; ABSTAINED: 1 and the Recommendations were DECLARED CARRIED.

To receive a report from the Cabinet (copy attached – Annex 4) which recommends the approval of the General Fund Budget for 2025/26 and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2025/26 to 2028/29. Cllr Gareth Williams, Leader of the Council, will introduce this item.

Cllr Gareth Williams introduced the Report of the Cabinet meeting held on 11th February, 2025, which recommended the approval of the General Fund Budget 2025/26 and Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) up to 2028/29. The Report was seconded by Cllr A.H. Crawford.

During debate, it was MOVED by Cllr G.B. Lyon and SECONDED by Cllr P.J. Cullum that Recommendation 1 be amended to insert the following words (text in bold):

1. The Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and the strategy set out in the report to resolve the MTFS deficit “subject to the savings identified in para 2.15 (£179k) be used to cancel the parking charge increases noted at paragraph 3.7 (c£120k) with the balance of £59k allocated to enhance street cleaning.”

In a recorded vote, there voted FOR: Cllrs Ade Adeola, Sue Carter, P.J. Cullum, A. Gani, Peace Essien Igodifo, G.B. Lyon, M.D. Smith, P.G. Taylor and Jacqui Vosper (9); AGAINST: Cllrs Abe Allen, A.H. Crawford, Jules Crossley, Thomas Day, Keith Dibble, C.P. Grattan, Lisa Greenway, Christine Guinness, Rhian Jones, Halleh Koohestani, Bill O’Donovan, Sophie Porter, M.J. Roberts, Dhan Sarki, Sarah Spall, Ivan Whitmee, Becky Williams and Gareth Williams (18); ABSTAIN: Cllrs C.W. Card, Leola Card, T.W. Mitchell, the Deputy Mayor (Cllr Calum Stewart) and the Mayor (Cllr Mara Makunura) (5) and the Amendment was DECLARED LOST.

It was MOVED by Cllr Gareth Williams; SECONDED by Cllr A.H. Crawford – That

(i)            approval be given to the following recommendations as detailed in Annex 4

(a)  the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and the strategy set out in the report to resolve the MTFS deficit,

(b)  the General Fund Budget Estimates Summary 2025/26 as set out in Appendix 1 of the Council Report,

(c)  the Council Tax requirement of £8,008,514 for this Council,

(d)  the Council Tax Level for Rushmoor Borough Council’s purposes of £239.70 for a Band D property in 2025/26 (an increase of £6.96)

(e)  the Capital Programme as set out in Appendix 6 of the Council Report,

(f)   the Strategy for the flexible use of Capital Receipts as per paragraph 3.29 in Annex 4 of the Council Report, and

(g)  the UKSPF funding allocation as set out at Appendix 7 of the Council Report

Following debate, the Recommendations at (i) (a)-(g) above were put to the meeting. In a recorded vote, there voted FOR: Cllrs Abe Allen, A.H. Crawford, Jules Crossley, Thomas Day, K. Dibble, C.P. Grattan, Lisa Greenway, Christine Guinness, Rhian Jones, Halleh Koohestani, Bill O’Donovan, Sophie Porter, M.J. Roberts, Dhan Sarki, Sarah Spall, Ivan Whitmee, Becky Williams, Gareth Williams (18); AGAINST: (0); and ABSTAINED: Cllrs A. Adeola, C.W. Card, Leola Card, Sue Carter, P.J. Cullum, A. Gani, Peace Essien Igodifo, G.B. Lyon, T.W. Mitchell, M.D. Smith, P.G. Taylor, Jacqui Vosper, the Deputy Mayor (Cllr Calum Stewart) and the Mayor (Cllr  Mara Makunura) (14); and the Recommendations were DECLARED CARRIED.

To receive a report from the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee (copy attached – Annex 5) which recommends the approval of updated Contract Standing Orders for adoption as part of the Council’s Constitution. The Chairman of the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee will introduce this item.

Cllr Bill O’Donovan introduced the Report of the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee meeting held on 29th January, 2025, which recommended the approval of revised Contract Standing Orders for the Council.

It was MOVED by Cllr Bill O’Donovan; SECONDED by Cllr A.H. Crawford – That approval be given to the updated Contract Standing Orders as set out in Annex 5, Appendix 1 of the Council Report.

There voted FOR: 32; AGAINST: 0; ABSTAINED: 0 and the Recommendations were DECLARED CARRIED unanimously.

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To receive a report from the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee (copy attached – Annex 6) which recommends the approval of the Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26. The Chairman of the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee will introduce this item.

Cllr Bill O’Donovan introduced the Report of the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee meeting held on 29th January, 2025, which recommended the approval of the Pay Policy Statement, the Gender Pay Gap and Ethnicity Pay Gap.

It was MOVED by Cllr Bill O’Donovan; SECONDED by Cllr A.H. Crawford – That

(i)    the Pay Policy Statement for 2025/26 as set out in Annex 6 Appendix A of the Council Report be approved; and

(ii)  the Gender Pay Gap and Ethnicity Pay Gap calculations 2024 be noted.

There voted FOR: 32; AGAINST: 0; ABSTAINED: 0 and the Recommendations were DECLARED CARRIED unanimously.

To fix the level of Council Tax for the financial year 2025/26 taking into account precepts of Hampshire County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and Hampshire Fire and Rescue Authority. (A copy of the appropriate draft resolution is attached – Annex 7).

It was MOVED by Cllr Gareth Williams; SECONDED by Cllr A.H. Crawford – That

(i)            it be noted that the overall council tax base be £33,410.57 for the year 2025/26 in accordance with Section 31B(3) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as amended by the Localism Act 2011 (the ‘Act’)

(ii)          the Council Tax requirement for the Council’s own purposes for 2025/26 be £8,008,153.63

(iii)         it be noted that the following amounts had been calculated by the Council for the year 2025-26, in accordance with Sections 31 and Sections 34 to 36 of the Act:

(a)  £44,565,907.00 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act;

(b)  £36,587,393.37 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act;

(c)  £8,008,513.63 being the amount by which the aggregate at (iii)(a) above exceeds the aggregate at (iii)(b) above, calculated by the Council in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act, as its Council Tax requirement for the year;

(d)  £239.70 being the amount at (iii)(c) above, all divided by the amount in (i) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31B(1) of the Act, as the basic amount of Council Tax for the year;

(e)   

being the amounts given by multiplying the amount at (iii)(d) above by the number which, in the proportion set out in Section 5(1) of the Act, is applicable to dwellings listed in a particular valuation band divided by the number which, in that that proportion, is applicable to dwellings listed in valuation band D, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 36(1) of the Act, as the amounts to be taken into account for the year in respect of categories of dwellings listed in different valuation bands.

(iv)         it be noted that, for the year 2025-26, Hampshire County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority have stated the following amounts in precepts issued the Council, in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each of the categories of the dwellings shown below:

(v)          having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at (iii)(e) and (iv) above, the Council, in accordance with Sections 30 and 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

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) about the worsening reputation for crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Aldershot.

In response, Cllr Guinness advised that data from the Hampshire and IOW Constabulary had shown a reduction in crime levels and ASB on the previous year. It was noted that the Community Safety survey was currently underway and comparative data on previous years would be reported on once collated. In addition, it was advised that Place Protection Officers regularly patrolled the town centres and had invested 947hrs in Aldershot town centre since July, 2024. The patrols had engaged with vulnerable individuals through signposting, safeguarding and education and had initiated referrals as necessary.

(2)  Cllr P.J. Cullum had submitted a question for response by the Pride in Place and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder (Cllr Christine Guinness) about the cleanliness of Rushmoor’s streets.

In response, Cllr Guinness advised of the commitment to maintain standards of cleanliness through effective litter management. It was also reported that the ‘binfluence’ volunteers, led by the Pride in Place Champion, Cllr Greenway, had collected 258 bags of rubbish to date and were currently promoting the Big Spring Clean on 22 March.

(3)  Cllr Thomas Day had submitted a question for response by the Healthy Communities and Active Lives Portfolio Holder (Cllr Sophie Porter) about Farnborough Leisure Centre.

In response, Cllr Porter advised that the proposed new plans for the leisure centre were affordable. It was also confirmed that agreement had been received to carry over the levelling up funding for the new affordable plans. Designs would be made available in the summer for consultation.

(4)  Cllr Leola Card had submitted a question for response by the Pride in Place and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder (Cllr Christine Guinness) about domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

In response, Cllr Guinness advised that the Council were part of the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership. The Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership Strategy 2023-2025 had been built around four key priorities (Prevention, Professional Care, Pursuing those causing harm and Partnership) which were designed to contribute to the overall vision of the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership. They have been developed collaboratively through the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership Board and were informed by the National Tackling Domestic Abuse plan, National Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy and National Statement of Expectations for domestic abuse.

Rushmoor was also part of the Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) which brought a broad range of agencies together and consisted of specified and relevant authorities to meet statutory obligations under the Serious Violence Duty of the Police, Crime, Sentencing & Courts Act 2022.    

Rushmoor also attended the Hampshire County Strategy Group for Community Safety meetings, where Domestic Abuse was a standing agenda item. At a more local level Rushmoor:

·         has appointed a Domestic Abuse Support Officer, due in post in mid-March, with a remit to provide crisis intervention, information, advocacy, and proactive support to victims  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

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

RESOLVED: That the Report of the following meeting be received:

To note the Reports of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 28th November, 2024, 12th December, 2024 and 30th January 2025 (copies attached).

RESOLVED: that the Reports of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 28th November, 2024, 12th December, 2024 and 30th January 2025 be noted.