Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 13th July, 2026 7.00 pm - Agenda and draft minutes

1)    To note the appointment of Cllr Steve Masterson as a Standing Deputy of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in place of Cllr M.J. Tennant for the remainder of the 2026/27 Municipal Year. The appointment has been made by the Leader of the Conservative Group in accordance with Standing Orders and arrangements to secure political balance.

2)    To note the appointments to the vacancies on the Committee’s Working Groups as set out below:

a)    Council Tax Support Group -  Cllrs P.J. Cullum and Steve Masterson

b)    Housing Oversight Group – Cllrs Steve Harden and Steve Masterson and Nicky Slater.

The Committee NOTED the following appointments:

(1)  Cllr S.J. Masterson as a Standing Deputy of the Committee in place of Cllr M.J. Tennant for the remainder of the 2026/27 Municipal Year,

(2)  Cllrs P.J. Cullum and Steve Masterson as Members of the Council Tax Support Group, and

(3)  Cllrs Steve Harden, Steve Masterson and Nicky Slater as Members of the Housing Oversight Group.

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 11th June 2026 (copy attached).

The Committee were provided with an amended version of the minutes, which included the names of the Officers and Portfolio Holder who were present at the meeting of the Committee on 11th June, 2026.

The amended minutes, as circulated at the meeting, were agreed as a correct record.

To recieve an update, from Emma Lamb, Community and Partnerships Service Manager and Sophie Rogers, Climate Change Officer, on the progress of the Climate Change Action Plan over the last year, focussing on key projects such as community engagement, work with young people and the development of the Climate Change Impact Assessments.

The Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities and Active Lives, Cllr Sophie Porter, will also be in attendance to answer Member questions.

The Committee welcomed Emma Lamb, Community and Partnerships Service Manager, Sophie Rogers, Climate Change Officer and Cllr Sophie Porter, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities and Active Lives who were in attendance to provide an update on the progress of the Climate Change Action Plan.

The Committee received a presentation which covered:

·         Council’s Carbon Footprint – The Committee were informed how the footprint was calculated, through direct emissions (heating and operational fleet), indirect emissions (purchased electricity) and indirect emissions ((supply chain) staff business travel, paper, waste, water and purchased goods).

·         Climate Change Impact Assessments – It was noted that these assessments had been developed to help the Council understand, assess and respond to climate impacts and to ensure that environmental considerations were integrated into decision making. The Assessments would be a mandatory element of Cabinet Reporting from August 2026 and aimed to understand and remove negative impacts, reduce the Carbon Footprint and capture positive outcomes. The Assessments would be carried out in a two-part process, a screening tool and a full assessment if required. A training session would be arranged for Members to ensure greater understanding of the Assessments.

·         Climate Action Scorecards – It was advised that Climate Emergency UK were an organisation that assessed all UK councils on the actions taken towards net zero. Volunteers marked councils against national data sets, freedom on information data and volunteer research. It was advised that the Council’s score had increased by 10% since 2023 and would not be reassessed until after Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

·         Community Engagement – The Committee were apprised of the activities involving the local community. These included:

o   The Rushmoor Climate Community – A forum of residents established to engage with the Council on climate, environment and sustainability issues. The aims of the Group were to engage, consult, network and share, create and raise awareness of issues being faced by the Council and the wider community.

o   Rushmoor Eco Festival – An event which last took place in September 2025 at the West End Centre which aimed to promote sustainable living, raise awareness of environmental issues, promote local green spaces and promote local, sustainable and upcycled products. Eighteen stallholders had been present at the event and a programme of events ran throughout the day.

·         Young People Engagement – It was noted that this Group, of representatives from each of the Borough’s secondary schools and colleges, met monthly, during term times. The aims of the Group were to engage young people in local initiatives, feedback to the Council on climate action, to act as climate ambassadors in their education establishments and develop knowledge and skills. The Group had undertaken a number of activities, including, Climate Myth Busters, Rushmoor COP and a climate debate with students from Wavell School held at the Council Offices.

·         Active Travel – It was noted that the Council had received an Active Travel Grant from Hampshire County Council (HCC) which had enabled balance glide and ride sessions and equipment for Reception and Year 1 students  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To consider the Work Plan for the 2026/27 Municipal Year (copy attached).

The current Work Plan was noted, and it was advised that the proposed items for the September meeting would be the Police and Community Safety annual update.

It was also suggested that SERCO should attend a future meeting to provide an update. This would be investigated by officers and a date scheduled when appropriate, following discussion with the Agenda Preparation Group.