Council - Thursday, 10th April, 2025 7.00 pm - Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 27th February, 2025 (copy attached).

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

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting on 27th February, 2025, (copies having been circulated previously), be taken as read, approved and signed as a correct record.

(1)          The Deputy Mayor reported on the passing of former Leader and Mayor of Rushmoor, Peter Moyle. Peter had been a prominent Member of the Council for 27 years serving the residents of St John’s ward. Most notably he had undertook the roles of Mayor of Rushmoor in 1998-99, and Leader of the Council from 2005 until 2016. The following year, he retired to spend time with his family in Devon.

Peter’s funeral took place in Devon yesterday, and the Council had been represented by Cllr Jacqui Vosper and Honorary Aldermen John Marsh and Diane Bedford. The service was live streamed, and the recording would be available for a further seven days. Donations could still be made to Parkinsons UK or Dementia UK in his name.

Cllrs Keith Dibble, Jacqui Vosper and A.H. Crawford also paid tribute to Peter.

Peter had been much respected during his time on the Council, and the Council’s thoughts were with his family at this sad time.

(2)          The Deputy Mayor reported that it gave him great pleasure to mark the long-service of Cllr A.H. Crawford. Cllr Crawford had achieved over 20 years’ service, since he was first elected to Farnborough Central, latterly Mayfield, ward in 1976 until 1985. After a break, he was re-elected to the Council and represented Heronwood ward between 2009 and 2012, and Wellington ward between 2012 to 2021. After another short break, Cllr Crawford returned to the Council in 2024 as councillor for Wellington ward.

Cllr Crawford has sat on numerous committees and served as Deputy Mayor in 2010 to 2011 and as Mayor of Rushmoor in 2011 to 2012. He has most recently taken on the role of Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources. 

(3)          The Deputy Mayor reported on events the Mayor had attended since the last meeting. It had been a busy few weeks for her and here are some of the highlights:

·         On 7th March, the Mayor hosted her fundraising Gala event at the Village Hotel. The evening was a great success, with entertainment from Cove Brass, Diane Highet playing saxophone, the CMF Youth Team dancers and the Winners Place Aldershot Choir. The event raised £2,450 on the night for her chosen charities. Thank you to all who attended.

·         On 26th March, the Mayor attended the Aviation launch event in the wind tunnels;  the “Veterans Can” event at Princes Gardens on 27th March; and the Rushmoor Heritage celebrations on 27th March.

·         The Mayor also joined the Rushmoor Binfluencers during the Great British Spring Clean in St Marks and Knellwood wards, which had culminated with a “thank you” event, for all the volunteers, at North Camp Methodists Church on 6th April.

(4)          Finally, it was reported that the Mayor would be hosting a Charity walk and afternoon tea at the Rowhill Nature Reserve on 26th April, commencing at 2pm to raise funds for her charities.

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

The Deputy 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 Jules Crossley pursuant to Standing Order 9 (1):

“This Council:

Recognises the significant concerns felt by many Rushmoor residents who may be affected by the proposed changes in the Government’s Pathways to Work Green Paper and the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, and acknowledges the issues raised in the Impact Statement.

Recognises that nationally 3 million people are out of work for health reasons and 1 in 8 young people are not in work, education or training - an economic and human tragedy requiring national and local action.

Notes the Government’s commitment to spend £1 billion a year by 2029/30 to help disabled people, those with long-term health and mental health conditions into employment.

Welcomes the establishment of a Working Group to:

-          assess the potential impact of the Green Paper on residents through consultation, information gathering and input from local voluntary, statutory and advice services,

-          prepare a response to the Government on behalf of the Council by the Portfolio Holder under the scheme of delegation following input by PPAB before submission.

Resolves to publicise how local voluntary, statutory and advice services can support and advise residents with concerns about the potential changes.

Resolves to encourage residents to respond to the Government’s consultation on the Green Paper.”

The Council were asked to consider a Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr Jules Crossley under Standing Order 9 (1) on Pathways to Work, as set out below:

“This Council:

Recognises the significant concerns felt by many Rushmoor residents who may be affected by the proposed changes in the Government’s Pathways to Work Green Paper and the Chancellor’s Spring Statement, and acknowledges the issues raised in the Impact Statement.

Recognises that nationally 3 million people are out of work for health reasons and 1 in 8 young people are not in work, education or training - an economic and human tragedy requiring national and local action.

Notes the Government’s commitment to spend £1 billion a year by 2029/30 to help disabled people, those with long-term health and mental health conditions into employment.

Welcomes the establishment of a Working Group to:

·         assess the potential impact of the Green Paper on residents through consultation, information gathering and input from local voluntary, statutory and advice services,

·         prepare a response to the Government on behalf of the Council by the Portfolio Holder under the scheme of delegation following input by PPAB before submission.

Resolves to publicise how local voluntary, statutory and advice services can support and advise residents with concerns about the potential changes.

Resolves to encourage residents to respond to the Government’s consultation on the Green Paper.”

In PROPOSING the Motion, Cllr Crossley advised that the changes proposed in the Governments Pathways to Work green paper would result in a significant period of change. A Member led cross party working group would be established to assess the potential impacts and prepare a response to the Government of behalf of the Council following input from the Policy and Project Advisory Board. In SECONDING the Motion, Cllr A.H. Crawford highlighted the need for additional training for Job Centre staff as a result of the changes and the importance of joint working with the voluntary sector to support those affected.

During discussions, it was noted that the number of “suitable” available jobs in Rushmoor needed to be considered as part of the remit of the working group. It was also important to understand the facts and support required for those residents affected and acknowledge the value of what already existed to provide support.

The Motion was put to the meeting. There voted FOR: 33 AGAINST: 0 ABSTAIN: 0 and the Motion was DECLARED CARRIED unanimously.

At its meeting on 2nd April 2025, the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee considered and recommended that Cllr Calum Stewart be nominated for the position of Mayor-Elect for 2025/26. It was also noted that steps were being taken to secure a candidate for the role of Deputy Mayor for 2025/26 in time for the Annual Council Meeting.

The Council is RECOMMENDED to approve that Cllr Calum Stewart be selected as Mayor-Elect for the Municipal Year 2025/26.

The Chairman of the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee (Cllr Bill O’Donovan) reported that the Committee had considered the nomination for the Mayor-Elect for 2025/26 at its meeting on 2nd April, 2025. The Committee had agreed to recommend that:

(i)            Cllr Calum Stewart be selected as Mayor-Elect for the Municipal Year 2025/26; and

(ii)          it be noted that the process for seeking a nomination for Deputy Mayor 2025/26 was underway with a view to securing a nomination before the Annual Council Meeting.

It was MOVED by Cllr Bill O’Donovan; SECONDED by Rhian Jones – That the Recommendations of the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee be approved in respect of the Mayor-Elect and the process to secure a candidate for the Deputy Mayor-Elect for 2025/26 be noted.

There voted FOR: 32 AGAINST: 0; ABSTAINED: 1 and the Recommendations were DECLARED CARRIED.

APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM MANAGING DIRECTOR AND HEAD OF PAID SERVICE -

To receive a report from the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee (copy attached – Annex 1) which recommends an appointment to the position of Interim Managing Director and Head of Paid Service, and arrangements for the designation of the Monitoring Officer role. The Chairman of the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee will introduce this item.

Appointment of an Interim Managing Director and Head of Paid Service

Cllr Bill O’Donovan, Chairman of the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee introduced the Report of the Committee on 2nd April, 2025, which set out the recommendation to appoint to the position of Interim Managing Director and Head of Paid Service, and arrangements for the designation of the Monitoring Officer role.

It was MOVED by Cllr Bill O’Donovan, and SECONDED by Cllr Rhian Jones that

(i)            Ian Harrison be appointed as the Council’s Interim Managing Director and Head of Paid Service with effect from 11th April 2025 for an initial period of six months. The role to include the statutory responsibility of Electoral Registration Returning Officer and Returning Officer, and

(ii)          the post of Corporate Manager – Legal Services be designated as the Council’s Monitoring Officer from 11th April 2025 for an initial period of six months.

There voted FOR: 33 ABSTAINED: 0 AGAINST: 0 and the Recommendations were DECLARED CARRIED unanimously.

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

(1)   Cllr Rhian Jones had submitted a question for response by the Policy, Performance and Sustainability Portfolio Holder (Cllr Jules Crossley) about the funding secured from the environment Agency for Cove Brook.

In response, Cllr Crossley advised that a statutory inspection, of the site at Cove Brook, had identified a need for structural works to ensure safe and continued operation. The Cove Reservoir, was an impounding reservoir and was only full during times of flooding. It was noted that 300 properties were at risk of flooding in the area and the works would reduce this risk. It was advised that the Environment Agency would be working with the Council to improve the natural habitats following the works and that the closed paths were a temporary measure and accessibility to the area would be improved as a result.

(2)   Cllr Lisa Greenway had submitted a question for response from the Leader of the Council (Cllr Gareth Williams) regarding the recent success of Aldershot Town Football Club and any planned celebrations for their FA Trophy visit to Wembley.

In response, Cllr Williams advised that the town would be decked out in red and blue in honour of the Football Club and Officers had already started to engage with the Club and shop owners.

(3)   Cllr Abe Allen had submitted a question for response from the Pride in Place and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder on how the Council had supported the Great British Spring Clean.

In response, Cllr Guinness advised that since November 2024, 578 bags of litter had been removed from the Borough. Cllr Greenway and the Binfluencers had organised fourteen events during the Great British Spring Clean, attended by local schools and community organisations. They had removed 248 bags of litter, which had been collected and disposed of by SERCO. The Mayor had supported the event attending litter picks and the “thank you” event held at North Camp Methodist Church. Cllr Guinness thanked all those who had got involved, on behalf of Cllr Greenway, and emphasised how the campaign had shown the power of the community to transform public spaces.

(4)   Cllr Nadia Martin had submitted a question for response from the Housing and Planning Portfolio Holder on the status of the review into the provision of temporary housing.

In response, Cllr Dibble advised that the report would be considered by the Cabinet at its meeting on 22nd April, 2025.

(5)   Cllr G.B. Lyon had submitted a question for response from the Finance and Resources Portfolio Holder on any assessment made of the increase in Employer National Insurance contributions on the likely costs of the new environmental contract.

In response, Cllr Crawford advised that he had been made aware that there would likely be an additional cost of £80,000 per year for National Insurance, this equated to 1.5% of the value of the contract.

(6)   Cllr P.J. Cullum had submitted a question for response from the Housing and Planning Portfolio Holder on whether the Cabinet were content that all residents were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

To receive and ask questions on the Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (copy attached - Annex 2) for the 2024/25 Municipal Year. A procedure note for asking questions has been circulated to Members.

The 2024/25 Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Cllr Halleh Koohestani, presented the Annual Report of the Committee 2024/25.

RESOLVED: That the Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be noted.

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 Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 4th March, be noted.