Council - Thursday, 26th February, 2026 7.00 pm - Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 4th December, 2025 and the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on 29th January, 2026 (copy attached).

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

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council on 4th December 2025 and the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council on 29th January, 2026 (copies having been circulated previously), be taken as read, approved and signed as a correct record.

The Mayor reported that he had attended the Holocaust Memorial Day Service on 25th January and the 54th Service of Commemoration of the Aldershot Officer’s Mess Bombing on 22nd February. He also extended his thanks to all those who had supported his Charity Quiz Night on 6th February at which over £1,000 had been raised.

(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)  Peter Crerar – Manor Park Ward – Alfred Burtoo – “In 1983, Alfred Burtoo was fishing on the Basingstoke Canal and claimed that a UFO landed nearby, and he was examined by two aliens.

I am sceptical about this story for many reasons… particularly that aliens travelled light years across the universe to then visit North Town… why not Manor Park? 

Many, however, treat Alfred Burtoo’s story seriously including Reform UK PCC for Leicestershire.

Given that Alfred Burtoo has created an urban myth for Aldershot like the Loch Ness Monster, is it not time that we have the location of this legend on the Basingstoke Canal marked out for heritage?”

Cllr Keith Dibble, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning, advised that Alf Burtoo was a man who deserved respect. Alf lived with his wife and son in Pegasus Avenue, Aldershot. He was a friend of Cllr Dibble and had played a very important role when the then Mr Dibble had first won Belle Vue ward, (now North Town), in 1984.

Alf had been convinced it had happened and never doubted it. However, his family and friends were of the opinion that he fell asleep while fishing and had a very deep dream. He believed until his dying day, and he was never mocked by friends and family. The answer was given that a special memorial to Alf Burtoo was not necessary, because every day the diverse and lively North Town community reflected the heritage of Alf and everyone past and present from North Town.

(2)  A resident of North Town – H-Stop HVM - “Why are there H-Stop HVM installed at the top of Union St in Aldershot. These things are designed to be rapidly deployed to prevent vehicular attack. Has the Council received such a threat and what is that threat if so, if not, then who has funded these barriers and why?”

Cllr Julie Hall, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Skills and Growth advised that the Council had not received any threat. The bollards controlling access to Union Street and Wellington Street, Aldershot had not been working and during this time the area had been accessed by vehicles which were driven without due care and attention.

The Council had assessed that the risk to pedestrians was significant and the barriers were hired to ensure that, whilst the bollards were out of action, the area could still be quickly secured from uncontrolled vehicles.

The Council would consider whether the barriers had been effective and whether to retain them in the event of future issues with the bollards.   

(3)  Caroline Emberson – Aldershot  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

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 Council Delivery Plan 2026-28 for approval. Cllr Gareth Williams, Leader of the Council will introduce this item.

Cllr Gareth Williams introduced the Report of the Cabinet meeting held on 10th February 2026, which set out the Council Delivery Plan 2026-28. The Plan highlighted the priorities, key projects and activities the Council would take over the next two years that would contribute towards the delivery of strategic priorities.

During debate, Cabinet Members summarised activities achieved and stated their commitment to the priorities planned for their areas of responsibility for residents. It was noted that financial resilience was a primary factor to allow for an achievable plan. In opposition, Members expressed a lack of confidence in the Plan.

It was MOVED by Cllr Gareth Williams; SECONDED by Cllr Sophie Porter – That approval be given to the Council Delivery Plan 2026-28.

There voted FOR: 17; AGAINST: 0; ABSTAINED: 15; and the Recommendations were DECLARED CARRIED.

To receive a report from the Audit and Governance Committee, (copy attached – Annex 2) which recommends the approval of the Council’s Annual Capital Strategy for 2026/27 and Prudential Indicators for 2026/27. Cllr Bill O’Donovan, Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee, will introduce this item.

Cllr Bill O’Donovan introduced the Report of the Audit and Governance Committee meeting held on 28th January, 2026, which recommended the approval of the Capital Strategy 2026/27 to 2028/29, including the Prudential Indicators for capital finance for 2026/27.  

It was MOVED by Cllr Bill O’Donovan; SECONDED by Cllr S. J. Masterson – That approval be given to the Capital Strategy 2026/27 to 2028/29 and Prudential Indicators for 2026/27.

There voted FOR: 17; AGAINST: 0; ABSTAINED: 15; and the Recommendations were DECLARED CARRIED.

To receive a report from the Audit and Governance Committee (copy attached – Annex 3) which recommends the approval of the Treasury Management Strategy 2026/27, Annual Borrowing Strategy 2026/27, Annual Non-Treasury Management Investment Strategy 2026/27 and the Minimum Revenue Provision Statement. Cllr Bill O’Donovan, Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee, will introduce this item.

Cllr Bill O’Donovan introduced the Report of the Audit and Governance Committee meeting held on 28th January, 2026, which recommended the approval of the Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Borrowing Strategy 2026/27, the Annual Non-Treasury Investment Strategy 2026/27 and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement.

It was MOVED by Cllr Bill O’Donovan; SECONDED by Cllr S.J. Masterson – That approval be given to the Treasury Management Strategy and Annual Borrowing Strategy 2026/27, the Annual Non-Treasury Investment Strategy 2026/27 and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement.

There voted FOR: 17; AGAINST: 0; ABSTAINED: 15; 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 2026/27 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy 2026/27 to 2029/30. Cllr Gaynor Austin, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources, will introduce this item.

Cllr Gaynor Austin introduced the Report of the Cabinet meeting held on 10th February, 2026, which recommended the approval of the General Fund Budget 2026/27 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) up to 2029/30, with the addition of a new recommendation, as set out below:

“7. To adopt the Council Tax Support Scheme as per paragraph 3.18”.

The Report was seconded by Cllr Gareth Williams.

The Council were advised that the Conservative Group wished to propose eight amendments, which would be considered individually. Each amendment would be proposed, seconded, debated and put to a recorded vote.

Amendment 1 –

It was MOVED by Cllr G.B. Lyon and SECONDED by Cllr Steve Harden that an amendment be made, as set out below:

          “To amend the corporate delivery plan, as set out in Appendix 1. to: 

• add £50,000 for additional street and park cleaning.”

During debate, some of those opposing expressed concern about the lack of prior discussion on the proposed amendment, the absence of details about what the additional funding would fund, whether full costings had been carried out, and how the additional funding could be saved elsewhere in the Budget.  In support, it was noted that the cleanliness of streets and parks affected how people saw the Borough and it was important to ensure that the overall appearance of streets and parks was positive.

In a recorded vote, there voted FOR: Cllrs Ade Adeola, A. Gani, Steve Harden, G.B. Lyon, Mara Makunura, S.J. Masterson, P.G. Taylor, M.J. Tennant, S. Trussler and Jacqui Vosper (10); AGAINST: Cllrs Gaynor Austin, C.W. Card, Leola Card, A.H. Crawford, Jules Crossley, Thomas Day, Keith Dibble, C.P. Grattan, Lisa Greenway, Christine Guinness, Julie Hall, Rhian Jones, Bill O’Donovan, Sophie Porter, M.J. Roberts, Dhan Sarki, Sarah Spall, Becky Williams and Gareth Williams (19); ABSTAIN: the Deputy Mayor (Cllr P.J. Cullum) and the Mayor (Cllr Calum Stewart) (2) and the Amendment was DECLARED LOST.

Amendment 2 -

It was MOVED by Cllr G.B. Lyon and SECONDED by Cllr Steve Harden that an amendment be made, as set out below:

“To amend the corporate delivery plan, as set out in Appendix 1, to:

• add £105,000 to fund free parking in our town centres and Camp Road Car Park on Sundays.”

During debate, some of those opposing expressed concern about the absence of detail to inform a decision on the financial/economic return on the investment to offer free parking on Sundays across the Borough. In support, it was proposed that by offering free parking on Sundays it would encourage more shoppers into the town centres, support traders and residents with the cost-of-living crisis.

In a recorded vote, there voted FOR: Cllrs Ade Adeola, A. Gani, Steve Harden, G.B. Lyon, Mara Makunura, S.J. Masterson, P.G. Taylor, M.J. Tennant, S. Trussler and Jacqui Vosper (10); AGAINST: Cllrs Gaynor Austin, C.W. Card, Leola Card, A.H. Crawford, Jules Crossley, Thomas Day, Keith Dibble, C.P. Grattan, Lisa Greenway, Christine Guinness, Julie Hall, Rhian Jones, Bill O’Donovan, Sophie Porter, M.J. Roberts, Dhan Sarki, Sarah Spall, Becky  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40d

To fix the level of Council Tax for the financial year 2026/27 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 5).

It was MOVED by Cllr Gareth Williams; SECONDED by Cllr Gaynor Austin – That:

(i)            it be noted that the overall council tax base be £33,721.50 for the year 2026/27 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 2026/27 be £8,324,826.71

(iii)         it be noted that the following amounts had been calculated by the Council for the year 2026-27, in accordance with Sections 31 and Sections 34 to 36 of the Act:

(a)  £46,531,725.10 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act;

(b)  £38,206,898.39 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A (3) of the Act;

(c)  £8,324,826.71 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)  £246.87 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 2026-27, 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 by 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

Due to the late running of the Council meeting past eleven o’clock, the Mayor called over the outstanding items of business which remained to be transacted to identify the opposed business which remained on the agenda.   

The Mayor PROPOSED; and Cllr Gareth Williams SECONDED that, under Standing Order 16 (1), the sitting would continue to determine the Notice of Motion on the National Year of Reading on the understanding that it would not need a full debate due to cross-council support for the motion.  

The Motion to continue the sitting for this item was put to the meeting. There voted FOR: 29; AGAINST: 0; ABSTAIN: 2; and the Motion was DECLARED CARRIED.

In accordance with Standing Order 16, the following items of opposed business would be adjourned to the next Ordinary meeting of the Council on 19th March: 

• Notice of Motion – Rights of Rivers
• Extension of Term of Office for the Designated Independent Person
• Report on the work of the Community Engagement Task and Finish Group
• Report of the Cabinet Meeting – 15th December 2025 (to enable a question)

Questions for the Cabinet would be dealt with via written responses following the meeting.

(1)          Rights of Rivers

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

“This Council notes that Basingstoke and Deane Council agreed to recognise the rights of the River Loddon, which the Blackwater is a tributary of, in May 2025, and committed to developing a ‘Declaration on the Rights of the River’ by Spring 2026.

The Council recognises that environmental laws and regulations have failed to protect the quality of our rivers and further protections are needed.

This Council will:

1)    Consult with Basingstoke and Deane, Hart Council and other relevant stakeholders with the aim of mutual support in the implementation of the Rights of Rivers.

2)    Write to the Environment Agency to express the Council’s concerns about the poor ecological and chemical health of the Blackwater and Cove Brook, requesting that the EA explain how they have been, and how they plan to further protect and enhance our local rivers.

3)    Ensure that within the scope of existing law and agreed policy, officers and the development control process shall, where they are able, take account of the Rights of Rivers within individual planning decisions, including consideration of the imposition of planning conditions to have no adverse impact on the health, water quality or ecological integrity of the Blackwater River and Cove Brook.”

(2)       National Year of Reading

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

“This Council notes that:

1.    2026 has been designated the National Year of Reading, UK-wide initiative encouraging people of all ages to engage with reading for pleasure and learning.

2.    Reading improves educational attainment, mental wellbeing, social connection and lifelong learning, yet national evidence shows a decline in reading for pleasure, particularly among children and young people.

3.    Local councils have an important role in supporting literacy through libraries, schools, community groups and cultural activities.

This Council believes that:

1.    Promoting reading supports the Council’s wider priorities around education, wellbeing, inclusion and opportunity.

2.    Rushmoor’s libraries, schools, councillors and community organisations are well placed to help residents “go all in” on reading.

This Council resolves to:

1.    Formally endorse the National Year of Reading 2026.

2.        Request that the Council Leader writes to the campaign organisers confirming Rushmoor’s support and interest in promoting reading.

3.    Encourage Council services, libraries and partner organisations to promote and participate in reading-related activities during 2026.

4.         Invite Members, schools, voluntary organisations, and community groups to feedback on sustainable and viable options for implementing community book sheds and informal book sharing initiatives within the Borough to help maximise local participation.”

The Council were asked to consider a Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr Steve Harden under Standing Order 10 (1) on National Year of Reading, as set out below:

“This Council notes that:

1.    2026 has been designated the National Year of Reading, UK-wide initiative encouraging people of all ages to engage with reading for pleasure and learning.

2.    Reading improves educational attainment, mental wellbeing, social connection and lifelong learning, yet national evidence shows a decline in reading for pleasure, particularly among children and young people.

3.    Local councils have an important role in supporting literacy through libraries, schools, community groups and cultural activities.

This Council believes that:

1.    Promoting reading supports the Council’s wider priorities around education, wellbeing, inclusion and opportunity.

2.    Rushmoor’s libraries, schools, councillors and community organisations are well placed to help residents “go all in” on reading.

This Council resolves to:

1.    Formally endorse the National Year of Reading 2026.

2.    Request that the Council Leader writes to the campaign organisers confirming Rushmoor’s support and interest in promoting reading.

3.    Encourage Council services, libraries and partner organisations to promote and participate in reading-related activities during 2026.

4.    Invite Members, schools, voluntary organisations, and community groups to feedback on sustainable and viable options for implementing community book sheds and informal book sharing initiatives within the Borough to help maximise local participation.”

In PROPOSING the Motion, Cllr Harden highlighted the issues some individuals had with basic literacy skills and the opportunities of working with local libraries and organisations to help promote reading in the Borough. In SECONDING the Motion, Cllr S.J. Masterson endorsed the Motion and expressed the importance of being able to read. It was highlighted that reading was a fundamental skill that underpinned education and activities in everyday life. Working with partners would provide an opportunity to engage with individuals through activities such as book exchanges and the establishment of community book sheds.

The Motion was put to the meeting. There voted FOR: 29; AGAINST: 0; ABSTAIN: 2; and the Motion was DECLARED CARRIED.

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

Due to the late running of the meeting, Questions for the Cabinet were all answered in writing by the appropriate Cabinet Member following the meeting.

The responses are recorded in these minutes for reference:

(1)  Cllr Steve Harden had submitted a question for response by the Pride in Place and Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder, (Cllr Christine Guinness), on a request for quarterly reporting detailing letter levels, complaints, response and enforcement action.

Cllr Guinness advised that the Council already published local environmental survey results (NI195) for litter and detritus three times per year, which showed how the Council was performing boroughwide, year on year. Whilst the data could be broken down by ward, only five wards were targeted at each inspection period and therefore, the data would not be comparable by ward as the number of samples per land use type and per ward varied year on year. Regarding enforcement action for littering, as previously advised, the Council focused more enforcement action on higher level environmental crimes and chose to focus on education and behaviour change in the first instance.

(2)  Cllr Leola Card had submitted a question for response by the Economy, Skills and Regeneration Portfolio Holder, (Cllr Julie Hall), on the impacts of increased traffic movements since the exhibition centre opened.

Cllr Hall advised that the Exhibition Centre was a fantastic local asset, and we were lucky to have it in Farnborough. The centre was restricted to 50 days for ticketed events, (apart from the airshow) and it was required to comply with all travel rules and regulations established as part of its planning consent.

The centre brought visitors and businesses into the local economy throughout the year.  In 2024, it attracted more than 300,000 visitors to the area, with the Airshow attracting 100,358 visitors. 

The venue hosted several events that were popular with the local community including Screwfix Live (26,000 visitors) and The British Motor Show (10,000 visitors) as well as a series of defence related events that supported our Armed Forces, including Warfare, JOSCAR Live and Security and Policing. 

The venue contributed to local employment in several ways:

·         Direct Employment - event management, operations, logistics, sales, digital, publishing marketing, hospitality and catering

·         Event‑Related Staffing: temporary and contracted staff in areas such as catering, technical services and visitor support.

·         Indirect Jobs: Supporting the local supply chain, including hotel and accommodation providers, local restaurants and catering suppliers, transport and taxis.

The Centre also gave back to the community through hosting events, making donations and providing free event space, for example:

·         Hosting free of charge networking space industries, e.g. creative catalyst

·         Supporting Farnborough Men’s shed by donating materials

·         Working with local teachers (nearly 40) on pupil careers support and students from Farnborough College of Technology (FCOT) on skills enhancement

·         Hosting women in film events, and skills bootcamps from which some participants had secured employment in the sector

·         Each Christmas, the Centre hosted and funded ‘One Day at Christmas’ - A celebration three course meal, drinks and dance, for 300  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

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):