Special Meeting, Licensing and Corporate Business Committee - Thursday, 3rd September, 2026 7.00 pm - Agenda and draft minutes

To confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 16th June, 2026 and the Special Meeting of the Committee on 1st July, 2026 (copies attached).

The minutes of the meeting held on 16th June, 2026 and the Special Meeting of the Committee held on 1st July, 2026 were agreed and signed as a correct record of the proceedings.

To note the Appointment of Cllr Calum Stewart as a Director of Rushmoor Homes Limited (RHL) for the remainder of the 2026/27 Municipal Year.

The Committee considered the appointment of Councillor Calum Stewart as a Director of Rushmoor Homes Limited for the remainder of the 2026/27 Municipal Year.

During discussion, Members sought clarification on the current activities of Rushmoor Homes Limited and were advised that the company currently managed a portfolio of ten properties, and noted that further growth activity had been paused. The Committee noted that the company continued to manage the existing properties and protect the interests of tenants. Members expressed their support for Councillor Stewart's appointment.

RESOLVED: That the appointment of Councillor Calum Stewart as a Director of Rushmoor Homes Limited for the remainder of the 2026/27 Municipal Year, be noted.

To receive the Chief Executive’s Report No. 2026/CEX/01 (copy attached), which seeks approval to delegate the powers and duties needed for the North Hampshire Joint Committee to support preparations for the new North Hampshire Unitary Council, in advance of a recommendation to an Extraordinary Council Meeting on 10th September.

The Committee considered the Chief Executive's Report No. 2026/CEX/01, which sought approval to delegate the powers and duties required for the North Hampshire Future Unitary Joint Committee to support preparations for the new North Hampshire Unitary Council. The report explained that the proposed delegations would enable the Joint Committee to undertake its functions in accordance with its Terms of Reference and support transition arrangements associated with local government reorganisation.

During discussion, Members raised a query regarding the Equality Impact Assessment and noted that voluntary and community organisations were likely to be involved in the reorganisation process. Officers acknowledged the point and agreed that the assessment should be amended accordingly. Members also requested confirmation of the membership arrangements for the Joint Committee. In response it was advised that Cllrs Gareth Williams and Calum Stewart had been appointments at the Council meeting held on 18th June, 2026 with Cllr Keith Dibble as Standing Deputy or another Member, appointed by the Leader of the Council, to act as Standing Deputy, if Cllr Dibble was unable to attend. Clarification was sought regarding the powers set out in paragraph 5.7 of the Terms of Reference, and officers confirmed that the provision was expected to be included within the Structural Changes Order (SCO) and would therefore form part of the future governance arrangements.

ACTIONS:

RECOMMENDED TO THE COUNCIL that it:

(i)    agrees to delegate to the Joint Committee such duties and powers required to carry out its functions, scope, and role as set out in Annex 1;

(ii)  delegates authority to the Monitoring Officer to agree amendments to the Joint Committee Terms of Reference in response to legislative changes; and

(iii)  delegates authority to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to agree any other amendments to the Terms of Reference.

      This matter is currently paused, and the Extraordinary Meeting arranged to   consider this item on 10th September 2026 was cancelled.