The Policy and Project Advisory Board of Rushmoor Council met on Tuesday 09 June 2026 to discuss a proposed Equalities Policy and Action Plan, and to consider the prioritisation of playground improvements. The Board was also scheduled to review its work plan and discuss appointments to the Elections Group.

Equality Policy and Action Plan

The Board was scheduled to review a proposed draft Equalities Policy and Action Plan. This policy aims to embed diversity and inclusion at the heart of Rushmoor Borough Council's operations. It outlines goals to ensure compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty, foster an inclusive workforce, deliver accessible services, and create a welcoming community where all residents feel heard. The policy is supported by an Equality Action Plan, which details specific measures and responsibilities for delivery, with a phased approach to implementation aligning with the transition to new unitary councils following Local Government Reorganisation.

The policy's key objectives include:

• Understanding Inequality and Community Experience: Strengthening the understanding of residents' experiences through improved data gathering, including survey findings, engagement feedback, and local data, to identify inequalities.
• Accessible, Inclusive and Fair Services: Designing and delivering services that are inclusive and accessible, with a focus on clear, flexible, and appropriate routes for support, including accessible digital services and culturally appropriate communications.
• Inclusive Communities and Community Cohesion: Working with partners and residents to support inclusive communities, strengthening relationships between diverse groups, and supporting initiatives like refugee resettlement and integration programmes.
• Inclusive Workforce and Organisational Culture: Developing a workplace culture where staff feel supported and respected, with a focus on equality awareness, staff wellbeing, and ensuring staff have the skills to work effectively with diverse communities.
• Leadership, Governance and Accountability: Improving clarity of roles and responsibilities for equality, ensuring accountability is embedded in decision-making, and strengthening oversight and monitoring arrangements.

The associated Action Plan details specific actions, such as conducting resident surveys, improving website accessibility, managing partnerships like the Rushmoor Together partnership, and delivering programmes for refugee resettlement and integration. It also outlines plans for promoting health inequalities and wellbeing, youth engagement, and supporting staff through organisational change.

Playground Improvements Project

The Board was scheduled to consider and make recommendations regarding the proposed prioritisation of refurbishment and renewal for Council-owned playgrounds. An investment of £400,000 is allocated over the next two years for this project. Andy Ford, Parks, Play & Open Spaces Manager and Transformation, and Ruth Whaymand, Service Manager Environmental Contract, were expected to be in attendance to guide the discussion.

Appointments to Elections Group 2026/27

The Board was due to appoint the membership of the Elections Group for the 2026/27 municipal year. The appointments are intended to ensure the group is politically balanced, comprising seven cross-party Members. This includes the Cabinet Member with responsibility for electoral issues, the Chair or Vice-Chair of the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee, the Chair or Vice-Chair of the Policy and Project Advisory Board, and four representatives from other political groups.

Work Plan

The Board was scheduled to discuss its Work Plan for the upcoming period. This includes items such as the Equality Policy, the Playground Improvements Project, and ongoing considerations regarding free parking for shoppers and the maintenance of unattached land. The Work Plan also outlines potential future items for the committee in 2027/28, including topics related to Local Government Reorganisation, the Civil Society Covenant, and various licensing policies.

The report pack also included minutes from a previous meeting held on 24 March 2026. During that meeting, discussions had taken place regarding free parking for shoppers in Aldershot and Farnborough, with options presented for free or discounted parking after 3 pm, or free parking on Sundays. The potential financial implications of these options were outlined, with predicted income losses ranging from £26,682 to £100,330 per year. The Board had also considered the maintenance of unattached land, discussing various methods for the Council to potentially take ownership of such land, including negotiated purchase, the Bona Vacantia process, and adverse possession. A trial process was recommended to gather more information on this matter.