The Council of Rushmoor will consider a range of important matters at its upcoming meeting, including a notice of motion regarding the rights of rivers, plans for a new leisure centre in Farnborough, and the council's budget for the upcoming financial year. The meeting will also address the council's pay policy and efforts to tackle pay gaps, as well as updates to the constitution regarding councillor roles.

Rights of Rivers

A notice of motion submitted by Councillor Jules Crossley calls for the council to recognise the rights of rivers, noting that Basingstoke and Deane Council has already taken steps to acknowledge the rights of the River Loddon. The motion highlights concerns that existing environmental laws have failed to adequately protect river quality and proposes that the council consult with other local authorities and stakeholders to support the implementation of Rights of Rivers. It also suggests writing to the Environment Agency to express concerns about the ecological and chemical health of the Blackwater and Cove Brook, and to request information on the agency's plans for protecting these local waterways. Furthermore, the motion proposes that council officers consider the Rights of Rivers within the planning process, including imposing conditions on developments to ensure no adverse impact on the health of the Blackwater River and Cove Brook.

Farnborough Leisure Centre Funding

The council is set to consider recommendations for the allocation of a capital budget for the new Farnborough Leisure Centre. Cabinet has previously approved a revised approach for the project, which will utilise £18.5 million from the Local Regeneration Fund. The report indicates that the scheme will also require borrowing, with the total projected cost for the leisure centre, playground, and surface car park estimated at £27.5 million. The council is being asked to delegate authority to the Executive Head of Finance to establish this capital budget. The project includes plans for a 25m main pool, a learner pool, a fitness suite, studios, a café, a new surface car park, and a children's play area.

Community Engagement and Cohesion

A report on the work of the cross-party Community Engagement Task and Finish Group will be presented. This group was established following a council motion in 2024 to understand and address community concerns. The report details activities undertaken, including work with the Belong Network, to facilitate dialogue and understand issues such as economic disparity, trust in the council, and misinformation. The report recommends confirming the conclusion of the Task and Finish Group's work, with cohesion and integration activities now embedded within the council's regular operations. Updates on cohesion activity will continue to be provided through member briefings.

Pay Policy Statement and Pay Gaps

The council is recommended to approve its Pay Policy Statement for the financial year 2026/27. This statement outlines the council's policies on workforce pay, particularly concerning Chief Officers and the lowest-paid employees, and their remuneration in relation to each other. The report also includes the council's Gender Pay Gap and Ethnicity Pay Gap calculations for 2025. The Gender Pay Gap shows a mean difference of 16.04% and a median difference of 13.17%, with female average salaries being lower than male average salaries. The Ethnicity Pay Gap shows a mean difference of 9.5% and a median difference of 0.2%, with non-white average salaries being lower than white average salaries. The council states its commitment to addressing these gaps through initiatives in its new People Plan.

Updates to the Constitution and Officer Designations

The meeting will consider proposed updates to the council's Constitution regarding Champion roles. The principle is that these roles should be non-executive and non-political, open to all councillors, with appointments made by the Council or a non-executive committee. The report outlines proposed changes to reflect this, including the Council determining which champion roles exist and their terms of reference, with the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee responsible for considering nominations and recommending appointments. A standing Champion for the Armed Forces Covenant is proposed. Additionally, the council will consider recommendations for the designation of the Head of Paid Service and the Monitoring Officer. Ian Harrison is recommended to continue as Interim Managing Director and Head of Paid Service until August 2026, and the post of Executive Head of Governance & Law is recommended for designation as the Council's Monitoring Officer.

Council Tax and Budget

The council is scheduled to consider the General Fund Budget for 2026/27 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy up to 2029/30. This includes a recommendation to adopt the Council Tax Support Scheme. The report details the council's own Council Tax requirement and the resulting Council Tax Level for a Band D property, which is set to increase. The report also outlines the precepts from Hampshire County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Authority, and the resulting total Council Tax for different valuation bands.

Other Matters

Other items scheduled for discussion include the extension of the term of office for the Designated Independent Person, the Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and the Annual Capital Strategy and Treasury Management Strategy. The council will also consider the Mayor-Elect and Deputy Mayor-Elect for 2026/27, and a notice of motion regarding public art and community projects.