Council - Thursday, 19th March, 2026 7.00 pm - Agenda

To confirm the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on 26th February, 2026 (copy attached).

(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.

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.”

To receive a report from the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee (copy attached – Annex 1) which recommends the approval of an extension to the term of office of Mr Matt Smith as the Council’s Designated Independent Person, for the period from July 2026 to the end of April 2028. Cllr Jacqui Vosper, Chair of the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee, will introduce this item.

To receive a report from the Community Engagement Task and Finish Group (copy attached – Annex 2), which provides details of the activities delivered to understand and address community concerns following a Council motion in 2024, and setting out plans to support cohesion and integration activity. Cllr Sophie Porter, Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities and Active Lives, will introduce this item.

To consider the following Notice of Motion, which has been submitted by Cllr G.B. Lyon pursuant to Standing Order 10 (1):

“This Council notes:

The incredible historical and cultural importance of Farnborough and Aldershot and the pride which local residents take in that history.

The role which public art and community projects can play in expressing, preserving and deepening that pride.

The relative lack of these in our Borough.

The lack of dedicated existing funds for developing more of these.

This Council therefore resolves to:

Request a relevant cross-party group of councillors to consider proposals for establishing, administering and promoting a public fund which residents and businesses could contribute, or subscribe to, dedicated to public art and community projects related to our local heritage and history.”

At its meeting on 5th March 2026, the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee considered the nominations for Mayor-Elect and the Deputy Mayor-Elect for 2026/27. The Council is recommended to approve that:

(i)            Cllr P.J. Cullum be selected as Mayor-Elect for the Municipal Year 2026/27; and

(ii)          Cllr Akmal Gani be selected as Deputy Mayor-Elect for the Municipal Year 2026/27, subject to re-election to the Council in May 2026.

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 3) which seeks approval for the Executive Head of Finance (Section 151 Officer) to be authorised to put in place a Capital Budget up to £27.5 million for the Leisure Centre project as set out in the Report. Cllr Sophie Porter, Healthy Communities and Active Lives Portfolio Holder, will introduce this item.

To receive a Report from the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee (copy attached at Annex 4) which recommends that approval be given to the Pay Policy Statement 2026/27. Cllr Jacqui Vosper, Chair of the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee, will introduce this item.

To receive a report from the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee (copy attached – Annex 5) which recommends updates to the Council’s Constitution for new arrangements for Champion roles. Cllr Jacqui Vosper, Chair of the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee, will introduce this item.

To receive a report from the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee (copy attached – Annex 6) in respect of designations of the Head of Paid Service and Monitoring Officer. Cllr Jacqui Vosper, Chair of the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee, will introduce this item.

To receive a report containing the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel, which recently undertook a review of the Members Allowances Scheme (copy attached - Annex 7)

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

To receive and ask questions on the Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (copy attached – Annex 8) for the 2025/26 Municipal Year. A procedure note for asking questions has been circulated to Members.

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

To note the Report of the following meeting (copy report attached):