Agenda item

To receive a report from the Cabinet (copy attached – Annex 1) which recommends approval of the proposal ‘Close Enough to be Local, Big Enough to Stay Strong’ for submission to government and confirming the Council’s preferred option. Cllr Gareth Williams, Leader of the Council, will introduce this item.

Cllr Gareth Williams introduced the Report of the Cabinet meeting held on 16th September, 2025, which recommended the approval of the proposal ‘Close Enough to be Local, Big Enough to Stay Strong’ for submission to government, and confirmation of the Council’s preferred option.

It was MOVED by Cllr Gareth Williams; SECONDED by Cllr Gaynor Austin – That approval be given to the proposal ‘Close Enough to be Local, Big Enough to Stay Strong’ for submission to government by the 26th September 2025 deadline as detailed below:

(1)  a five-unitary Council structure, with four new mainland unitary councils plus the Isle of Wight would best meet the Government’s criteria and provide the most effective solution for local government reorganisation in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight;

(2)  a unitary council based on the areas of Rushmoor, Hart and Basingstoke & Deane is the recommended option for Rushmoor as, in line with the assessment criteria, it represents the best balance of a council large enough to deliver high quality services and value for money, but small enough to be connected the place and the needs of the people the council serves; and

(3)  the Council’s preferred option in the proposal that brings together entire existing Council areas is Option 1. The Council would though request the Secretary of State to make a modification to that option involving a range of boundary changes as shown in Option 1A in the proposal, using the modification powers under the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, as this represents a stronger case for change.

In PROPOSING the recommendations, Cllr Williams spoke to the opportunity Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) would give to Rushmoor through having local representatives with a strong voice to get matters resolved in the local area. It was noted that a one tier authority allowing residents to have one point of contact for all matters and services could be shaped to address the needs of residents. Cllr Lyon stressed the importance of understanding the financial implications and what this would mean for residents. He also addressed the importance of engagement with the community and that if the process was slowed down it would give residents more opportunity to have their say. It was advised that further opportunity for engagement would be available as the process progressed. It was also felt that the principles behind the decision to go ahead with LGR were correct, but the way things had been delivered to date and the uncertainties around efficiencies were in question. In SECONDING the proposals, Cllr Austin advised that nothing was yet set in stone and the recommendation supported a clear and compelling vision for Rushmoor, Hart and Basingstoke residents.

Following debate, the Motion was put to the meeting. In a recorded vote, there voted FOR: Cllrs Gaynor Austin, C.W. Card, Leola Card, Jules Crossley, Thomas Day, K. Dibble, C.P. Grattan, Lisa Greenway, Christine Guinness, Julie Hall, Rhian Jones, Halleh Koohestani, Nadia Martin, Bill O’Donovan, Sophie Porter, M.J. Roberts, Dhan Sarki, Sarah Spall, Ivan Whitmee and Gareth Williams (20); AGAINST: Cllrs A. Adeola, Sue Carter, A. Gani, Steve Harden, Peace Essien Igodifo, G.B. Lyon, Mara Makunura, S.J. Masterson, M.D. Smith, M.J. Tennant, S. Trussler and Jacqui Vosper (12); and ABSTAINED: Cllrs A.H. Crawford, Becky Williams, the Deputy Mayor (Cllr P.J. Cullum) and the Mayor (Cllr  Calum Stewart) (4); and the Recommendations were DECLARED CARRIED.