This week in Rushmoor:

Council Navigates Local Government Reorganisation and Planning Decisions

Rushmoor Council has been actively engaged in significant discussions this week, particularly concerning the upcoming Local Government Reorganisation in North Hampshire and crucial planning decisions that will shape the borough's future.

Shaping the New North Hampshire Council: Ward Arrangements and Joint Committee Appointments

An extraordinary meeting of the Council was held on Thursday, 18 June 2026, to address the critical interim warding arrangements for the proposed new North Hampshire Unitary Council. The discussions focused on how the new authority's electoral map will be drawn, with proposals for either 85 or 88 councillors. The council indicated a preference for an 88-councillor arrangement, aiming for a more balanced representation across the North Hampshire area. This decision is vital for ensuring that residents' voices are heard effectively in the new governance structure.

The meeting also saw appointments to the North Hampshire Joint Committee. This committee will play a key role in preparing for the new unitary council before shadow authority elections. By appointing representatives, Rushmoor Council aims to have a direct influence on the future governance and electoral arrangements of North Hampshire, aligning with its commitment in the Council Delivery Plan to achieve the best possible outcome from this reorganisation for its residents and businesses.

For more details, see the Council meeting.

Major Redevelopment at Cody Technology Park Moves Forward

The Development Management Committee met on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, to consider a significant outline planning application for the redevelopment of Cody Technology Park and Ball Hill in Farnborough. The proposal includes the demolition of existing buildings to make way for new employment spaces, including data centres.

The application was recommended for approval, subject to a Section 106 agreement¹. This development has the potential to bring new economic opportunities to the area, but it also comes with the need for careful consideration of its environmental impact, as detailed in an extensive Environmental Statement. The committee also reviewed performance reports for the Development Management Section, noting that performance targets for application determinations were largely met.

For more details, see the Development Management Committee meeting.

Licensing and Corporate Business: Streamlining Processes and Making Appointments

The Licensing and Corporate Business Committee met on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, to discuss several important administrative and procedural matters. A key item was the proposed update to the council's constitution regarding Temporary Event Notices (TENs). The suggested change aims to allow officers to add conditions to TENs when objections are raised by the police or Environmental Health, provided these conditions are already part of the premises' licence. This aims to streamline the process and reduce the burden on member time for certain objections, while still ensuring that significant concerns are addressed through hearings if necessary.

The committee also considered arrangements for the permanent appointment of the Head of Paid Service and made appointments to various outside bodies, sub-committees, and champion roles. These appointments are crucial for the effective functioning of the council and its engagement with external organisations and community initiatives.

For more details, see the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee meeting.

Other Matters

The Licensing Sub-Committee (Alcohol and Entertainments) was scheduled to meet on Monday, 15 June 2026, to consider a premises licence application for Armed Forces Day in Aldershot. However, this meeting was cancelled.

This week in Rushmoor:

Council Grapples with Audit Findings: From Financial Risks to Agency Staffing Gaps

The Audit and Governance Committee met on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, to review critical reports from the council's external and internal auditors. The discussions highlighted significant areas of concern, particularly regarding financial sustainability and the oversight of agency staff, which could have real-world impacts on council services and resident trust.

External Audit Flags Financial Sustainability Risks

Ernst & Young (EY), the council's external auditors, presented their proposed audit plan for the 2025/26 financial year. While outlining their approach, EY identified several key risks. A major concern is the council's long-term financial sustainability, directly linked to current debt levels, borrowing costs, and the reliance on reserves to balance the budget. This could mean difficult choices ahead regarding service provision and investment.

EY also flagged risks related to the valuation of land and buildings, noting that in previous years, they were unable to fully substantiate the assumptions used. This raises questions about the accuracy of the council's asset valuations. The audit plan also addresses the broader impact of government proposals for a sustainable local audit system, a complex area that affects how public money is scrutinised.

Materiality for the audit was set at £1.65 million, representing 2% of the forecast gross expenditure. This figure helps auditors focus on the most significant financial matters.

For more details, see the Audit and Governance Committee meeting.

Internal Audit Reveals Gaps in Agency Staffing and Grant Management

Southern Internal Audit Partnership (SIAP), the council's internal auditors, provided their annual conclusion for 2025/26. While deeming the council's overall framework of governance, risk management, and control as Reasonable, SIAP's report highlighted several areas where assurance was limited or absent.

A particularly concerning finding was the No Assurance rating for Agency Staff. SIAP found a lack of formal policies and procedures for engaging agency staff, with evidence suggesting that the Council's Procurement Strategy and Contract Standing Orders were not consistently followed. Issues were also identified with mandatory training, IR35 status checks, and corporate oversight of spend and performance. This could lead to inconsistent practices, potential financial mismanagement, and a lack of accountability in how temporary staff are employed.

Disabled Facility Grants (DFGs) also received Limited Assurance. While the processes were generally sound, concerns were raised about procurement practices for contractors and surveyors, with contract standing orders not being followed. The absence of a contractor framework, formalised annual checks, and a proper onboarding process for new contractors, along with issues in DBS checks and document retention, could impact the efficiency and fairness of these grants, which are vital for supporting vulnerable residents to live independently in their homes.

Other areas receiving Limited Assurance included:

• Pay360: Issues with password expiry deviating from best practices and a single administrator account creating a key person dependency.
• Union Yard: Insufficient information for decision-making on project appraisal and land acquisition, and inadequately detailed risk registers.
• Effectiveness of Financial Rules: Lack of clear documentation for financial controls, unapproved virements, and inconsistent enforcement of signatory requirements for payments.

These findings underscore the need for robust internal controls to ensure public funds are managed effectively and services are delivered fairly.

For more details, see the Audit and Governance Committee meeting.

Playground Improvements and Equality Policy on the Horizon

The Policy and Project Advisory Board met on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, to discuss key initiatives that will shape the council's approach to community well-being and inclusivity.

£400,000 Investment in Playground Refurbishments

A significant investment of £400,000 over the next two years is earmarked for the refurbishment and renewal of council-owned playgrounds. This initiative, discussed by the Board, aims to provide safer and more engaging play spaces for children across the borough. The Board was expected to make recommendations on which playgrounds will benefit from this crucial funding, directly impacting families and young residents.

New Equalities Policy to Drive Inclusivity

The Board was also scheduled to review a proposed draft Equalities Policy and Action Plan. This policy is designed to ensure that the council actively considers the needs of all residents and promotes equality across all its services. This is a vital step towards creating a more inclusive Rushmoor, ensuring that no one is left behind.

For more details, see the Policy and Project Advisory Board meeting.

Housing and Rough Sleeping Updates for Overview and Scrutiny

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Thursday, 11 June 2026, to review progress on the council's housing priorities and to receive an update on the critical issue of rough sleeping.

Homes for All Priority: Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Figures Rise

The committee received an update on the council's Homes for All priority, as outlined in the Council Delivery Plan 2026-28. The data for Quarter 4 of 2025/26 revealed a significant increase in homelessness enquiries, with 307 cases reported. This rise is partly attributed to the incoming Renters' Rights Act.

Worryingly, the number of reported rough sleepers also increased to 17 during the quarter, up from 13 in the previous quarter. This trend highlights the ongoing challenges in supporting the most vulnerable members of our community and the need for continued focus and resources on tackling homelessness.

For more details, see the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.

This week in Rushmoor:

Licensing Decision for The Snow Goose Postponed as Meeting Cancelled

A planned discussion on temporary event notices for The Snow Goose pub in Farnborough was cancelled this week. The Licensing Sub-Committee (Alcohol and Entertainments) was due to meet on Thursday, 4 June 2026, to consider three temporary event notices (TENs) for the pub, which had attracted an objection from Environmental Health.

The objection centred on concerns that the proposed events, coinciding with World Cup matches, could lead to public nuisance due to noise. Environmental Health requested that conditions already in place for the pub's premises licence, such as restrictions on external music and early closure of outdoor drinking areas, be applied to the TENs. While five of the eight notices were withdrawn by the applicant, Kathryn Hayden, the remaining three were to be discussed. The cancellation means these matters will be revisited at a future date, leaving the status of these events uncertain for now.

For more details, see the Licensing Sub-Committee (Alcohol and Entertainments) meeting.

Council Performance and Local Plan Consultation on the Agenda for Cabinet

The Cabinet met on Tuesday, 2 June 2026, to review the council's performance over the past year and to discuss the next steps for a new Local Plan. The meeting also included an update on the significant Armed Forces Day National Event 2026, which Rushmoor Borough Council is set to host.

Council Performance and Risk Register: A Year in Review

Councillor Gareth Williams, Leader of the Council, presented a report showing that 83% of the council's priorities were on track or completed by the end of the 2025/26 financial year. Key achievements included meeting affordable housing targets and reducing fly-tipping incidents. However, four priorities were flagged as amber, indicating they were at risk. These included improving private rented sector homes, clarifying social housing allocation, regenerating council-owned brownfield land, and ensuring clear accountability for the Delivery Plan. A new risk concerning staff recruitment and retention during the Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) transition was also added to the Corporate Risk Register.

Shaping Our Future: The New Local Plan

A crucial step towards shaping the future development of Rushmoor was discussed, with proposals for a six-week scoping consultation on a new Local Plan. Councillor Keith Dibble, Housing & Planning Portfolio Holder, outlined that this consultation, running from 19 June to 31 July 2026, is a legal requirement and will seek resident and stakeholder views on what the plan should cover. Key areas for discussion include housing, employment, town centres, the environment, and climate change. This process is vital for guiding development and ensuring it meets the needs of the community.

Armed Forces Day 2026: Funding Gap Under Review

The upcoming Armed Forces Day National Event 2026, hosted by Rushmoor, was a significant topic. While substantial sponsorship has been secured, a projected funding gap of approximately £431,736 remains. The Cabinet was asked to consider underwriting this gap, which would be funded from council reserves and underspends. This event is a major undertaking, and securing its financial viability is critical for its success and the positive impact it will have on the borough.

For more details, see the Cabinet meeting.

This week in Rushmoor:

Council Leadership Transitions: Mayor and Deputy Mayor Elected, Leader Appointed

The Council met on Tuesday, 26th May 2026, to formally elect the Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the upcoming municipal year, and to appoint the Leader of the Council. These appointments are fundamental to the functioning of local government, setting the tone and direction for the council's work over the next twelve months.

Councillor Peter James Cullum was elected as the Mayor of the Borough, a role he will hold until the Annual Meeting of the Council in 2027. Councillor Steve Harden proposed this nomination, with Councillor Bill O'Donovan seconding. Upon his election, Mayor Cullum made his Declaration of Acceptance of Office, as required by Section 83 of the Local Government Act, 1972. He then addressed the meeting and signified the appointment of Mrs Ann Cullum as the Mayoress.

A vote of thanks was held to acknowledge the service of Councillor Calum Stewart, who served as Mayor, and Mrs Shani Stewart, as Mayoress, during the Municipal Year 2025/26. They were presented with an illuminated scroll, a Past Mayor's Badge, and a Past Mayoress' Badge.

The election of the Deputy Mayor also took place, though specific details regarding nominations were not provided in the available documents.

Councillor Gareth Williams was appointed as the Leader of the Council, a position he will hold until the Annual Meeting in 2027. He had been nominated for this role by the Labour Group.

The Council also received the Returning Officer's Report, detailing the names of the individuals elected as Borough Councillors following the elections held on 7th May 2026.

For more details, see the Council meeting.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee Convenes

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday, 27th May 2026. While no summary of the discussions is available, this committee plays a vital role in holding the council to account. It scrutinises decisions made by the Cabinet and other committees, reviews council performance, and ensures that services are meeting the needs of residents. Its work is essential for transparency and for driving improvements in how the council operates.

For more details, see the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting.