Extraordinary Council Meeting, Council - Wednesday, 5th February, 2025 7.00 pm - Agenda

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

“The Government is proposing the most extensive change to local government structures for over 50 years.

This is being done with minimal public engagement, debate or opportunity for local residents to have their say and on a rushed timescale.

The abolition of Borough Councils like Rushmoor will significantly impact how public services are delivered across Aldershot and Farnborough and how they are democratically held to account by residents and elected members.

We believe that the people must be consulted on such changes and call on the Council to:

·         Publicly set out its current position on the proposals in the English Devolution White Paper including its understanding of the likely impact on residents.

·         Detail any past or planned discussions with neighbouring Districts and Hampshire County Council on future governance arrangements.

·         Facilitate community engagement to inform residents about the proposals and hear their views.

·         Write to the Government calling for an extension to allow for more democratic engagement including a local referendum on the proposals.”

In accordance with arrangements to secure political balance, the Council is asked to confirm:

(i)        an appointment to a vacancy on the Development Management Committee, in place of Cllr Julie Hall, for the remainder of the 2024/25 Municipal Year.

(ii)       an appointment to a vacancy as Standing Deputy for the Labour Group on the Corporate Governance, Audit and Standards Committee for the remainder of the 2024/25 Municipal Year.

To consider resolving:

That, subject to the public interest test, the public be excluded from this meeting during the discussion of the undermentioned item to avoid the disclosure of exempt information within the paragraph of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act, 1972 indicated against such item:

Item                Schedule      Category

No.                  12A Para.

                        No.

4                      1                      Information relating to an individual

To consider the Leader of the Council’s Exempt Report (copy circulated under separate cover – Annex 1), which sets out proposals for the future direction of the Council to secure financial sustainability.