The Rushmoor Council Cabinet met on Tuesday 4 August 2026, approving a new policy for mobile CCTV use and a Civil Penalties Policy for housing enforcement, alongside a £150,000 contribution towards a new 3G pitch at Wavell School. The Cabinet also approved the establishment of a Young Adult Employment Hub, funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, and reviewed the Council's financial outturn for the previous year and its medium-term financial strategy.

Budget Outturn 2025/26, 2026/27 Quarter One Forecast and MTFS Update 2026/27

Councillor Gaynor Austin, Finance & Resources Portfolio Holder, presented the Council's financial outturn for the 2025/26 financial year, the first quarter forecast for 2026/27, and an update to the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). The Cabinet was informed that the provisional outturn for 2025/26 showed a deficit of £2.362 million, which was £2.118 million lower than budgeted, and that usable reserves were estimated at £6.9 million. Despite this improved position, significant financial challenges remain over the MTFS period. The Cabinet noted the revenue outturn, approved a revenue budget carry forward of £64,795 and capital reprofiling of £2.834 million to 2026/27, noted the Quarter 1 forecast for 2026/27, and noted the MTFS update for 2026/27 to 2029/30. The Cabinet also approved the write-offs as set out in the report.

Council Delivery Plan and Risk Register Quarter One Update and Performance Management Framework

Councillor Gareth Williams, Leader of the Council, presented the performance monitoring information for the Council Delivery Plan for the first quarter of 2026/27. The report detailed progress on key projects and activities, alongside a range of indicators used to monitor council services and borough performance. The Corporate Risk Register was also updated, highlighting factors that could impact the delivery of the Council's priorities. The Cabinet noted the progress made towards delivering the Council Delivery Plan and the latest performance information. They also approved changes to the Corporate Risk Register and the refreshed Performance Management Framework and Data Quality Policy. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director, in consultation with the Leader, to make minor amendments to reflect organisational structure changes.

New Employee Probation Policy

Councillor Gaynor Austin, Finance & Resources Portfolio Holder, presented a new Probation Policy for adoption. The policy aims to provide clear expectations, roles, responsibilities, and guidelines for new employees and line managers during the six-month probation period. It had been discussed with managers and UNISON. The Cabinet approved the proposed new Probation Policy.

Updated Civil Penalties Policy for Housing Enforcement

Councillor Keith Dibble, Housing, Planning & Property Portfolio Holder, presented an updated Civil Penalties Policy for housing enforcement. This policy provides the framework for issuing civil penalties for housing-related offences under various Acts, including the new Renters' Rights Act 2025. The updated policy ensures compliance with new statutory duties and allows the Council to lawfully exercise its expanded enforcement powers. The Cabinet expressed support for the policy, believing it would strengthen the Council's ability to assist local residents. They approved the Civil Penalties Policy, delegated authority to the Executive Head of Operations to make minor amendments for future legislative changes, approved its publication and implementation with immediate effect, and agreed that the new and existing policies would run in parallel for a transitional period.

Establishment of a New Young Adult Employment Hub in Rushmoor

Councillor Julie Hall, Economy, Skills & Regeneration Portfolio Holder, presented a proposal to establish a 'Youth Hub' in the Borough. The Council had successfully secured funding from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for this initiative, which aims to support young people aged 16 to 24 in accessing employment, education, and training. The Hub will provide a single location for young people to engage with Jobcentre Plus Work Coaches and access various support services. The Cabinet approved the acceptance of the DWP grant funding, endorsed the delivery of the Hub from the Council Offices in Farnborough, and supported the recruitment of two fixed-term Employment Advisors funded through the grant.

Mobile CCTV Policy

Councillor Christine Guinness, Pride in Place / Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder, presented a new Mobile CCTV Policy for the borough. The policy aims to enable the use of mobile CCTV cameras to detect and deter anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping in areas not covered by existing CCTV. The Council had successfully applied for grant funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for this project. The Cabinet expressed strong support for the introduction of mobile CCTV, viewing it as a significant tool for addressing anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping. They approved the Mobile CCTV Policy.

Wavell 3G Pitch - Football Foundation Application

Councillor Sophie Porter, Healthy Communities & Active Lives Portfolio Holder, presented a proposal for the Council to provide partnership funding towards a third-generation (3G) artificial grass pitch at Wavell School. This contribution is intended to support the school's application to the Football Foundation for a main grant. The Rushmoor Playing Pitch Strategy and Local Football Facilities Plan had identified a significant demand for 3G pitches in the borough. The Cabinet welcomed the proposal, recognising its potential to deliver a valuable community sports facility and support the Council's health and wellbeing ambitions. They approved a Council contribution of £150,000, subject to the project securing Football Foundation funding and confirmation of a minimum of £100,000 in partnership funding from Wavell School. They also approved the use of £85,000 from the Council's Community Recovery Fund and £65,000 from the Council's Capital Receipts.