Cabinet - Tuesday, 16th March, 2021 7.00 pm - Agenda and minutes

To confirm the Minutes of the meetings held on 16th and 23rd February, 2021 (copies attached).

The Minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 16th March and 23rd March, 2021 were confirmed.

To consider Report No. DCS2102 (copy attached), which sets out a proposal to establish a Rushmoor Food Hub.

The Cabinet considered Report No. DCS2102, which set out a proposal to establish a Rushmoor Food Hub.

Members were informed that, over the previous year, the Council had been working with a range of partners and local volunteers to develop a new, sustainable and collaborative approach to food provision. This would be achieved through the development of a local food partnership, the provision of a community store at the Council-owned former St John Ambulance Hall, Windsor Way, Aldershot and the provision of community larders and fridges in locations in Aldershot. The Report set out the details of the scheme. In response to a question, it was confirmed that it was intended to develop the partnership in the North Camp and Farnborough areas using seed funding that was available from existing dedicated grants for food provision under Covid-19, as with the Food Hub.

The Cabinet RESOLVED that

(i)           the establishment of a Rushmoor Food Hub, as set out in Report No. DCS2102, be approved; and

(ii)          the provision of 90% rent relief, until 31st March, 2023, in relation to the lease from the Council, as set out in the Report, be approved.

To consider Report No. CEX2101 (copy attached), which sets out a five-year business plan for the Council’s local housing company, Rushmoor Homes Limited, for approval.

The Cabinet considered Report No. CEX2101, which set out the second business plan for Rushmoor Homes Limited (RHLtd), covering the period 2021–2026. It also included the first Shareholder Report, covering the first six months of RHLtd’s operation. The Report was presented on behalf of the Council’s Chief Executive, in his capacity as the Council’s shareholder representative.

Members were reminded that RHLtd had been incorporated on 22nd April, 2020 and that the company was wholly owned by the Council. It was reported that significant progress had been made during the first year of operation, despite challenges including the impact of Covid-19, site issues, the provision of resources to support the company and the need to consider any potential impact from changes to the Public Works Loan Board’s lending terms. The attached business plan summarised the outcomes of the first year of trading and set out objectives for the following five years. The business plan set out a list of sites and indicative delivery programme. Members were advised that some planning applications would be submitted imminently, subject to approval.

The Cabinet expressed strong support for the company’s business plan and felt that this approach would deliver excellent results for the Council and for Rushmoor residents.

The Cabinet

(i)           RECOMMENDED TO THE COUNCIL that

(a)          Rushmoor Housing Limited’s Business Plan 2021-2026, as set out in Appendix 2 of Report No. CEX2101, be approved;

(b)          the Council’s Chief Executive be authorised to approve any variations in the delivery methods used to achieve the outcomes of the business plan, provided that this was within the approved budget;

(c)          the funding required to finance the company’s operations and acquisition and development programme be noted; and

(ii)       RESOLVED that the Shareholder Report, as set out in Appendix 1 of Report No, CEX2101, be noted.

NOTE:  The Deputy Leader of the Council (Cllr K.H. Muschamp) declared a personal but non prejudicial interest in this item in respect of his involvement as Chairman of the Board of Rushmoor Housing Limited and, in accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct, remained in the meeting during the discussion and voting thereon.