The Cabinet of Rushmoor Council met on Tuesday 15 September 2026, approving the disposal of a property in Aldershot and endorsing a new Young People's Plan for 2026-2028. The council also noted changes to national welfare provision through the new Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Crisis and Resilience Fund

The Cabinet was informed about the national shift from the Household Support Fund (HSF) to the new Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF), which began in April 2026. This three-year programme aims to assist individuals on low incomes facing financial difficulties or unexpected shocks, allowing for more long-term planning compared to the previous annual HSF. The CRF funding is managed by county councils, with specific details still being developed at local levels. The Cabinet expressed support for the CRF as a crucial component of the broader support available to residents experiencing cost of living pressures. The council resolved to note the information presented in Report No. ED2615, including ongoing efforts to enhance residents' financial resilience.

Young People's Plan

The Cabinet considered the development of the Rushmoor Young People's Plan (YPP) for 2026-2028, which outlines the council's strategy to improve opportunities for children and young people in Rushmoor, fostering happy, healthy, and rewarding lives. The plan is structured around four key priorities: safety, trusted spaces and support; health, resilience and active lives; aspirations, skills and employment; and belonging and community connection. This new plan builds upon the council's first YPP from 2025/26, incorporating internal work while enhancing engagement with external partners, informed by feedback from partner organisations, councillors, and young people themselves.

During the meeting, it was noted that further feedback had been received since the report's publication, leading to a proposal to update the plan before its final release. Consequently, the Executive Director, in consultation with the Healthy Communities & Active Lives Portfolio Holder, was authorised to finalise and publish the YPP. The Cabinet strongly supported the inclusive approach taken in developing the plan, which actively involved young people at all stages, and requested that a young person friendly version be produced. The council endorsed the approach to the plan's production, emphasising support and engagement for all young people, with a particular focus on those experiencing disadvantage. Furthermore, the long-term strategy to develop future iterations of the plan, aiming to increase young people's influence on the council's work, was also endorsed.

Disposal of 1 Wyndham Street, Aldershot

The Cabinet discussed the proposed disposal of the freehold interest in 1 Wyndham Street, Aldershot. This property is the sole site owned by the council within a development of light industrial units. The current leaseholder, who has occupied the site for many years, had previously declined a long leasehold extension but expressed interest in purchasing the freehold. Negotiations with the council's agent, LSH Investment Management, had resulted in a price considered to offer good value and a beneficial boost to the council's cash reserves. The Cabinet supported this approach, believing it represented the best value for the council concerning this particular site.

The Cabinet resolved to approve the disposal of the freehold interest in 1 Wyndham Street, Aldershot, subject to final legal due diligence, for the consideration outlined in the exempt report. Additionally, the Executive Head of Property and Growth, in consultation with the Executive Head of Governance and Law, was authorised to confirm the final terms of the disposal.