The Licensing and Corporate Business Committee of Rushmoor Council was scheduled to consider a range of important policy and procedural matters. Key discussions were expected to include the council's Pay Policy Statement, the selection of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the upcoming municipal year, and updates to the council's constitution regarding Member Champions.

Pay Policy Statement, Gender Pay Gap, and Ethnicity Pay Gap Report

The committee was scheduled to consider the Executive Director's Report No. PEO2602, which sought approval for the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27 for recommendation to the full council. This statement, required under the Localism Act 2011, outlines the council's policies on workforce pay, particularly concerning Chief Officers and the lowest-paid employees, and the relationship between their remuneration. The report also included the Gender Pay Gap and Ethnicity Pay Gap Report for noting. The Gender Pay Gap Report, based on data as of 31 March 2025, indicated a mean gap of 16.04% and a median gap of 13.17%, with female average salaries being lower than male average salaries. The Ethnicity Pay Gap Report, a voluntary publication, showed a mean gap of 9.5% and a median gap of 0.2% as of 31 March 2025, with non-white average salaries being lower than white average salaries. Both reports noted initiatives to address these gaps, including those within the new People Plan for 2026-2028.

Selection of Mayor and Deputy Mayor 2026/27

The committee was set to consider Report No. DEM2602 from the Corporate Manager – Democracy, detailing the outcome of the selection process for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the 2026/27 Municipal Year. The report indicated that Councillor Peter Cullum, the current Deputy Mayor, was expected to progress to the position of Mayor. For the role of Deputy Mayor, Councillor Akmal Gani was identified as the candidate who best met the established criteria, based on seniority and eligibility. The report noted that Councillor Gani's selection would be contingent on his re-election in May 2026, as he would have served four years by that time. The criteria for selection, outlined in Appendix 1 of the report, consider factors such as length of local government service, votes received in elections, and previous mayoral experience.

Updates to the Constitution - Member Champions

The committee was scheduled to review proposed updates to the council's Constitution concerning Member Champions, as detailed in Report No. DEM2603 from the Corporate Manager – Democracy. Member Champions are councillors who champion specific policy areas or groups within the community. The report was expected to outline the proposed changes to their roles and responsibilities within the council's governing documents.

Update on Polling Place - North Town NB

Report No. DEM2604 from the Corporate Manager – Democracy was to be considered, addressing the polling place for the North Town NB polling district. The report recommended the reinstatement of the North Town Community Centre on North Lane, Aldershot, as the permanent polling place. This change was anticipated in the most recent Polling District and Polling Place Review and follows the redevelopment and reopening of the community centre, which is described as a modern, accessible venue with parking. The previous temporary polling place had been the 1st Aldershot Scout Hut on Eastern Road.

Appointment of Honorary Aldermen

The committee was also scheduled to consider an exempt report (DEM2605) from the Corporate Manager – Democracy regarding nominations for the conferment of the title of Honorary Alderman of the Borough. This item was to be discussed with the public excluded, as it involved information relating to individuals. The report was intended to submit a recommendation to an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council.