Council - Thursday, 10th July, 2025 7.00 pm - Agenda

To confirm the Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Council held on 20th May, 2025 (copy herewith).

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

(1)          Democratic Representation

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

“This council notes the growing concerns amongst residents at the democratic deficit being created by the Government's rushed and ill-thought-out local government reorganisation which could see all decisions about local services being made in Basingstoke by councillors with no links to our area.

This council further notes that local residents rightly take pride in the strong and historic identities of Farnborough, Aldershot and North Camp and the importance of securing a voice for these communities. 

This council will therefore:

·         Propose to residents the creation of local Town Councils for Farnborough and Aldershot and a separate parish council for North Camp as an option, if a first round of consultation shows that residents would support this tier of governance.

·      Undertake preparatory work to enable the transfer of community assets, green spaces and facilities to these councils to safeguard their futures.

·      Subject to residents’ response to Community Governance Review consultation and January Council agreeing the order, proceed at pace with planning for elections for any new town and/or parish councils to take place at the earliest possible opportunity.”

(2)          Debate not Hate

To consider the following Notice of Motion, which has been submitted by Cllr Bill O’Donovan, pursuant to Standing Order 9 (1):   

“This Council:

·         Affirms its commitment to free speech and robust debate, and its rejection of abuse and intimidation as part of legitimate political discourse

·         Notes, with concern, increasing levels of toxicity in public discourse, affecting politicians of all parties

·         Recognises the impact that this has upon council officers and election staff

·         Believes that respect is a two-way street and that all councillors have a role in treating members of the public with civility and respect.

·         Commits to upholding the highest standards in public and political debate

Consequently, this Council resolves to:

·         Sign up to the LGA’s Debate Not Hate Campaign

·         Regularly review the support available to councillors and officers in relation to abuse and intimidation

·         Write to the Government to ask them to work with the LGA to develop and implement a plan to address abuse and intimidation of politicians, and to extend to election staff and council officers the same legal protection from harassment afforded to campaigners, elected representatives and candidates under s30 of the Elections Act (2022)

·      Ensure the Council has a clear reporting mechanism which councillors and officers can use for incidents of abuse and intimidation.”

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

To receive a report from the Cabinet (copy attached – Annex 1) which recommends the approval of the Council Delivery Plan 2025/26. Cllr Gareth Williams, Leader of the Council, will introduce this item.

To receive a report from the Cabinet (copy attached – Annex 2) which sets out a proposed Gambling Licensing Statement of Principles for approval. Cllr Christine Guinness, the Portfolio Holder for Pride in Place/Neighbourhood Services will introduce this item.

To receive a report from the Cabinet (copy attached – Annex 3) which sets out an update on Local Government Reorganisation and proposals for the preferred option for Rushmoor. Cllr Gareth Williams, Leader of the Council, will introduce this item.

To receive a report from the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee (copy attached – Annex 4) which sets out proposals to start a Community Governance Review and a proposed Terms of Reference for the Review. Cllr Bill O’Donovan, Chair of the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee will introduce this item.

To receive a report from the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee (copy to follow as Annex 5) which sets out proposed updates to the Council’s Constitution, including updates to the Committee structure arising from the Committee Review, and a summary of amendments since the last major review. Cllr Bill O’Donovan, Chair of the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee will introduce this item.

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

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

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