The Council meeting scheduled for 2nd July 2026 was set to address a range of important matters, including the adoption of a new Statement of Licensing Policy, the appointment of Member Champions, and a notice of motion concerning discounts for the Armed Forces and veterans. The meeting's agenda also included the consideration of recommendations from the Cabinet and various committees, as well as reports from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Policy and Project Advisory Board.

Statement of Licensing Policy

A significant item on the agenda was the proposed adoption of the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003. This policy, developed by the Cabinet, outlines the framework for licensing activities within the Borough of Rushmoor. The report indicated that the policy had undergone review and public consultation, with amendments made based on feedback received. A key element of the proposed policy is the introduction of a cumulative impact policy for Aldershot town centre, which aims to address issues related to the concentration of licensed premises selling alcohol for consumption off the premises. The Cabinet's recommendation for the Council to ratify this proposed policy and implement it with immediate effect was to be considered.

Champion Roles

The Licensing and Corporate Business Committee put forward recommendations for the appointment of Members to specific Champion Roles for the 2026/27 municipal year. These roles are designed for elected members to act as advocates and spokespeople for particular themes or topics that support the Council's functions. The committee's recommendation of Councillor Lisa Greenway for the Pride in Place Champion role, with priorities including developing community engagement for cleaner streets and delivering a borough-wide litter picking campaign, was to be considered. Councillor Steve Masterson's recommendation for the Armed Forces Covenant Champion role, with a focus on promoting the objectives of the Armed Forces Covenant and building connections between the military and civilian communities, was also to be considered.

Notice of Motion: Discounts for Armed Forces and Veterans

Councillor Gareth Lyon submitted a notice of motion recognising the cost-of-living crisis and the challenges faced by local businesses and the Armed Forces and veterans community. The motion proposed that the Council invite local businesses to notify them of any discounts and offers they provide for armed forces personnel and veterans, and that the Council would then publish a central listing of these businesses and groups. This proposal was to be considered.

Reports of Cabinet and Committees

The Council was scheduled to receive and ask questions on reports from various meetings of the Cabinet and its committees, including the Cabinet meetings held on 17th March, 21st April, and 2nd June 2026. Reports from several committee meetings were also listed for consideration, including those of the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee, Development Management Committee, Audit and Governance Committee, and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Policy and Project Advisory Board.

Designation of Head of Paid Service

Subject to consideration by the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee at its meeting on 1st July, the Council was to consider a report recommending the designation of the Head of Paid Service. Councillor Sarah Spall, Chair of the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee, was scheduled to introduce this item.