Council - Thursday, 2nd July, 2026 7.00 pm - Agenda and draft minutes

To confirm the minutes of the Annual Council Meeting held on 26th May, 2026 and the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council held on 18th June, 2026 (copies attached).

It was MOVED by Cllr Gareth Williams; SECONDED by Cllr Christine Guinness and

RESOLVED: That, subject to the noting of a typographical error on the Annual Council minutes where Cllr Sarah Spall had been listed twice in the membership of the Audit and Governance Committee, the Minutes of the Annual Council Meeting on 26th May 2026 and the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council on 18th June, 2026 (copies having been circulated previously), be taken as read, approved and signed as a correct record.

Last weekend, the Mayor had been very proud to be part of the Council’s fantastic Armed Forces National Event held at Queens Avenue in Aldershot.

The spectacular weekend celebrations brought together the community and the military, for a great occasion to say ‘thank you’ on behalf of the nation, and to celebrate the armed forces. Highlights had included a Tri Service Parade with nearly 1,000 military personnel, RAF fly pasts and three parachute display teams.

Along with the Leader and Healthy Communities and Active Lives Portfolio Holder, the Mayor had also supported several armed forces events in the days leading up to the National Event. He had attended the Armed Forces Day flag-raising on Monday 22nd June in Princes Gardens and had taken part in two events which had been hosted at the FAST museum, including a Reserves Day celebration to pay tribute to Armed Forces Reservists.

The Mayor wished to place on record the Council’s thanks and appreciation to all those staff and Members who had helped to deliver and support what had been an exceptional Armed Forces Day National Event and week of celebrations that all could be very proud of.   

The Mayor had also attended the Rotary Club’s Children’s Fun Day on 10th June, the Farnborough College of Technology Family Fun Day on 20th June and, earlier that day, the official opening of the new North Town Community Centre.

The Mayor reported that with effect from 1st June 2026, Cllr Alex Crawford had resigned as a Member for Wellington Ward due to ill health and that a by-election was to be held in the Ward on Thursday, 16th July.  Cllr Crawford had served the Borough for just over 22 years and the Mayor wished to place on record the Council’s thanks for his service to the Council and to the Borough of Rushmoor.

In conclusion, the Mayor had some long service announcements to report for the formal record.

It gave the Mayor great pleasure to let Members know that Cllr Martin Tennant had reached his 20-year Service milestone in May 2026. Cllr Tennant had met with the Mayor before the elections to receive his official long-service badge.

The Mayor was also very pleased to announce that, in June 2026, Cllr Mike Roberts had reached the very significant long-service milestone of 50 years. Cllr Roberts had been first elected to the Aldershot South Ward in 1976, not long after the beginning of Rushmoor Council. He then served in Heron Wood Ward from 1979 and Aldershot Park Ward from 2012.   

The Mayor had been pleased to attend a small gathering and presentation which had been held last month in Cllr Robert’s honour to recognise this incredible and quite rare, long-service achievement.

(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. Resident of Fernhill Ward - Council Tax Waiver – Unoccupied Homes - “Will the council consider extending the waiver for council tax on an unoccupied house from 2 months to one year, to give owners a reasonable time to sell, considering it is impossible to conclude the sale of a house in only 2 months. The government allows a waiver for up to one year if the property is on the market. Imposing the full council tax is an unreasonable financial burden on the seller.”

Cllr Gaynor Austin, Finance & Resources Portfolio Holder, advised that, historically, properties that were unoccupied and unfurnished were eligible for a 100% Council Tax exemption for up to six months. This exemption was abolished on 31 March 2013, after which local authorities were given discretion to determine whether to apply a discount and, if so, the amount and the duration.

From 1 April 2013, Rushmoor Borough Council introduced a 100% discount for a period of three months. This was subsequently reduced to two months from 1 April 2018.

The primary policy objective was to discourage properties from remaining empty for extended periods. Limiting the discount encouraged owners to re-let, occupy, or sell their properties more quickly, thereby helping to reduce the number of long-term empty homes, which could adversely affect local housing supply.

At the same time, the two-month discount provided a reasonable period for landlords to manage short voids between tenancies without creating a significant financial burden, while still incentivising timely reoccupation.

Council Tax was a vital source of funding for local services. Extending the discount period would reduce income and could necessitate increased charges elsewhere or reductions in service provision.

Whilst it was recognised that property sales could take longer than two months to complete, maintaining a shorter discount period helped to encourage timely progression of sales.

2. Zack Culshaw – Resident of Rowhill Ward – Future of Rushmoor - “Why do the local Labour branch & councillors support the destruction of Rushmoor as a seat of local governance and our identity?”

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Gareth Williams, advised that the Council had submitted a proposal to the Government for the reorganisation of Local Government in the wider Hampshire & Solent region, which the Government had accepted. The proposals were a well-argued solution to the current issues that beset local government, of multiple levels of administration, distant decision making on the most important issues that faced residents and duplication of resources that wasted taxpayers’ money.

The arguments were set out in full in the proposal available on the Council's website. The administration did not subscribe to the idea  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

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

“This council recognises the cost-of-living crisis and the severe challenges facing many local businesses.

This council also recognises the particular steps many local businesses and groups make to recognise and honour the service of our Armed Forces and veterans.

In order to help both businesses and our Armed Forces and veterans, this council will invite local businesses to notify us of their discounts and offers for armed forces and will publish a central listing of all local businesses and groups that have notified the Council that they make discounts available to Armed Forces and Veterans.”

The Council were asked to consider a Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr G.B. Lyon under Standing Order 10 (1) on Discounts for Armed Forces and Veterans, as set out below:

“This council recognises the cost-of-living crisis and the severe challenges facing many local businesses.

This council also recognises the particular steps many local businesses and groups make to recognise and honour the service of our Armed Forces and veterans.

In order to help both businesses and our Armed Forces and veterans, this council will invite local businesses to notify us of their discounts and offers for armed forces and will publish a central listing of all local businesses and groups that have notified the Council that they make discounts available to Armed Forces and Veterans.”

In PROPOSING the Motion, Cllr G.B. Lyon stated that the publication of a central listing would help Armed Forces personnel and veterans to access and accept services more efficiently and would build on the momentum of the recent National Armed Forces Day event. In SECONDING the Motion, Cllr Steve Masterson agreed that the listing would be a positive step and should be publicised using all available media, such as Arena, BFBS radio etc.

During debate, the view was expressed that this Motion did not do enough to address the real issues faced by serving personnel and veterans, such as the availability of housing and health services support.

It was MOVED by Cllr Gareth Williams and SECONDED by Cllr Thomas Day, that the Motion be amended to insert the following words (text in bold) and to remove the words struck through:

"This council recognises the cost-of-living crisis and the severe challenges facing many local businesses.

This council also recognises the particular steps many local businesses and groups make to recognise and honour the service of our Armed Forces and veterans, exemplified by many of them generously offering support and discounts during our National Armed Forces Day event 2026.

In order to help both businesses and our Armed Forces and veterans, this council will: invite local businesses to notify us of their discounts and offers for armed forces and will publish a central listing of all local businesses and groups that have notified the Council that they make discounts available to Armed Forces and Veterans

• continue its work with local businesses to publicise discounts that are offered
• promote the information already available on its website, including the 'Forces Connect’ service which provides information on: 

• Defence Discount Service and Privilege card - official MOD service offering discounts with over 14,000 retailers
• Rewards for Forces - Discounts with 1000s of national and local retailers
• Veterans Railcard - offering 1/3 off most rail fares
• Wider support available to our armed forces community 

• encourage local businesses to sign up to the discount service https://www.defencediscountservice.co.uk"

In PROPOSING the amendment, Cllr Gareth Williams stated that the amendment would strengthen the Motion and would prevent the duplication of work that was already ongoing. In SECONDING the amendment, Cllr Day agreed that the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

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 sets out the Statement of Licensing Policy in respect of the Licensing Act 2003 for formal adoption by the Council. Cllr Christine Guinness, Portfolio Holder for Pride in Place and Neighbourhood Services, will introduce this item.

Cllr Christine Guinness introduced the Report of the Cabinet held on 17th March, 2026, which set out the Statement of Licensing Policy in respect of the Licensing Act 2003. The Council was recommended to adopt the proposed Statement of Licensing Policy and to agree the proposed policy and cumulative impact assessment to be implemented with immediate effect.

It was MOVED by Cllr Christine Guinness; SECONDED by Cllr Keith Dibble – That the Council be recommended to

• adopt the Statement of Licensing Policy, as set out in Appendix C; and,
• agree that the policy and the cumulative impact assessment be implemented with immediate effect.

There voted FOR: 29; AGAINST: 0; ABSTAINED: 3; and the Recommendations were DECLARED CARRIED.

To receive a report from the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee (copy attached – Annex 2) which recommends the appointment of Members to Champion Roles and Champion priorities for 2026/27. Cllr Sarah Spall, Chair of the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee, will introduce this item.

Cllr Sarah Spall, introduced the Report of the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee held on 16th June 2026, which proposed that:

1)    Cllr Lisa Greenway be appointed as Champion for Pride in Place for the 2026/27 Municipal Year with terms of reference, as set out at Appendix 1; and

2)    Cllr Steve Masterson be appointed as Champion for Armed Forces Covenant for two years from June 2026 with terms of reference for the 2026/27 Municipal Year as set out in Appendix 2.

During debate, the view was expressed that the nominees to each position were well qualified for their respective roles. The Council wished to place on record its thanks to Champions for their work, including Cllr Lisa Greenway in her Pride in Place role over the past two years.

There voted FOR: 30; AGAINST: 0; ABSTAINED: 2; and the Recommendations were DECLARED CARRIED.

Subject to consideration by the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee at its meeting on 1st July, the Council will be asked to consider a report (copy to follow – Annex 3) which recommends the designation of Head of Paid Service. Cllr Sarah Spall, Chair of the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee, will introduce this item.

Cllr Sarah Spall, introduced the Report of the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee held on 1st July, 2026, setting out the outcome of the assessment process for the permanent appointment of the Council’s Head of Paid Service, following a cross-party Member Assessment Panel.

It was MOVED by Cllr Sarah Spall and SECONDED by Cllr Sue Carter that

1)    The post of interim Managing Director be redesignated to Chief Executive;

2)    The statutory designation of Head of Paid Service be redesignated to the post of Chief Executive; and

3)    Mr Ian Harrison be appointed as the Council’s Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service with effect from 3rd July 2026.

During debate, it was clarified that the designated Cabinet portfolio in relation to the assessment panel was the Portfolio Holder for Finance & Resources (which was no longer titled Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services). Strong support was expressed by Members in respect of the appointment of Mr Harrison to this role.

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

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

(1)  Cllr Leola Card had submitted a question for response by the Housing and Planning Portfolio Holder (Cllr Keith Dibble) on the maintenance of unadopted roads.

Cllr Dibble advised that Councillors could view details of which roads within the Borough were adopted, and, consequently, those unadopted, on the Councillor mapping system or at findmystreet.co.uk.

Typically, there was no real ownership of an unadopted road, rather there was a maintenance obligation of living on one, namely residents who owned the houses fronting onto the road. No service was due from any public body and responsibility would rest with the residents of the unadopted roads.

The remit of any working group formed would simply be to persuade the highways authority to adopt the roads, which it was not obligated to do, and would be unlikely to be able to fund.

(2)  Cllr Calum Stewart had submitted a question for response by the Housing and Planning Portfolio Holder (Cllr Keith Dibble) on improving standards in private rented accommodation.

Cllr Dibble advised that improving standards in the private rented sector was a key commitment in the Council's Delivery Plan. The Council was delivering this through a combination of stronger tenant protections, earlier intervention, improved landlord compliance and, where necessary, robust enforcement action.

The introduction of the Renters' Rights Act represented the most significant reform of the private rented sector in a generation. Tenants would benefit from greater security, stronger financial protections and fairer treatment across the sector. This included controls on rent increases, an end to rental bidding, open-ended tenancies and stronger protections from unfair eviction. Together, these changes should give tenants greater confidence to raise concerns with the Council and give greater stability in their homes.

Alongside these national reforms, the Council’s Housing Options and Private Sector Housing teams were working proactively with landlords and tenants to support higher standards across the Borough. This included delivering landlord forums to communicate current and forthcoming legislative changes, providing targeted training on the Renters' Rights Act, damp and mould, and wider regulatory requirements and offering practical guidance to help landlords comply with their responsibilities and address issues before they escalated.

The Council expected tenants to see safer and better-maintained homes, quicker resolution of housing problems when concerns were raised, more consistent standards across the private rented sector and greater confidence to report issues without fear of unfair eviction or harassment. The Council would also expect to see improved housing stability and fewer cases where poor housing conditions contributed to homelessness.

The Council would be looking for a reduction in serious property hazards and poor housing conditions, faster resolution of complaints and enforcement cases, fewer repeat issues involving the same properties or landlords, increased engagement by landlords with training and support opportunities, evidence that tenants were reporting concerns earlier and with greater confidence and reduced homelessness arising from poor housing conditions.

Ultimately, success would be measured against the outcomes set out in the Council's Delivery Plan.

(3)  Cllr G.B. Lyon had submitted a question for response by  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

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 Reports of the Policy and Project Advisory Board meeting held on 24th March and 9th June and the Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 11th June 2026, be noted.