The Licensing and Corporate Business Committee of Rushmoor Council was scheduled to discuss the delegation of powers for the North Hampshire Joint Committee, which is preparing for the formation of a new unitary council. The committee was also set to note an appointment to Rushmoor Homes Limited.

North Hampshire Joint Committee - Delegations

A significant item on the agenda was the Chief Executive's Report No. 2026/CEX/01, concerning the delegation of powers and duties to the North Hampshire Joint Committee. This committee is tasked with supporting the preparations for the new North Hampshire Unitary Council, which is set to replace several existing local authorities, including Basingstoke & Deane, Hart, and Rushmoor Borough Council, as well as Hampshire County Council. The report sought approval to delegate the necessary powers to enable the Joint Committee to fulfil its role in overseeing the transition. This includes developing an implementation plan, establishing a shared implementation team, and preparing proposals for the future authority's constitution, code of conduct, members' allowances scheme, and meeting calendar. The report noted that the Joint Committee cannot make decisions on behalf of the future unitary council or pre-empt decisions that will fall to the Shadow Authority. The proposed delegations are being made under sections 101 and 102 of the Local Government Act 1972¹, section 9EB of the Local Government Act 2000², and Part IV of the Local Authorities (Arrangements for the Discharge of Functions) (England) Regulations 2000 and 2012³. The report recommended that the Council delegate these duties and powers to the Joint Committee and also delegate authority to the Monitoring Officer to agree amendments to the Joint Committee's Terms of Reference in response to legislative changes.

Appointment to Outside Bodies

The committee was scheduled to note the appointment of Councillor Calum Stewart as a Director of Rushmoor Homes Limited (RHL) for the remainder of the 2026/27 Municipal Year. Rushmoor Homes Limited is the council's housing development company.