The Rushmoor Borough Council Cabinet met on Tuesday, 2nd June 2026, to discuss the Council's performance, the upcoming Local Plan consultation, and the significant financial implications of hosting the Armed Forces Day National Event in 2026. Key decisions included approving the commencement of a scoping consultation for the new Local Plan, underwriting a substantial budget gap for the Armed Forces Day event, and appointing members to various Cabinet Working Groups.

Council Plan and Risk Register Quarterly Update and Year End 2025/26

Councillor Gareth Williams, Leader of the Council, presented the quarterly update on the Council Delivery Plan and the Corporate Risk Register for the fourth quarter and end of year 2025/26. The Cabinet noted the progress made towards delivering the Council Delivery Plan, with 83% of priorities completed or on track. They also approved changes to the Corporate Risk Register, acknowledging that it accurately reflected the most significant risks facing the Council. The report highlighted achievements across various themes, including economy and regeneration, housing, community wellbeing, and environmental services. Several priorities were noted as amber, indicating a risk of non-delivery or partial delivery, often due to workload pressures, delays in procurement, or the impact of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). The Corporate Risk Register was updated, with a new risk identified concerning staff recruitment and retention during the LGR transition.

Aldershot and Farnborough (Rushmoor Borough) Local Plan Scoping Consultation

Councillor Keith Dibble, Housing, Planning & Property Portfolio Holder, presented a proposal to undertake a six-week scoping consultation for the new Local Plan for Rushmoor, running from 19th June to 31st July 2026. This consultation is a mandatory step in the plan-making process, as required by the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026. The consultation will seek views on what the new Local Plan should include and how future engagement should be conducted, utilising a mix of online and in-person methods. The Cabinet approved the undertaking of this consultation and delegated authority to the Executive Head of Property and Growth to finalise associated documents, including the Sustainability Appraisal/Strategic Environmental Assessment Scoping and Habitats Regulations Assessment Pre-Screening, and the Consultation and Engagement Strategy. The Cabinet also requested to be informed if consultation responses were low in any particular area or demographic, with confirmation that a review would take place halfway through the exercise.

Armed Forces Day National Event 2026 - Update

Councillor Sophie Porter, Healthy Communities & Active Lives Portfolio Holder, provided an update on the planning for the Armed Forces Day National Event 2026. The event, which Rushmoor Borough Council is hosting in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and local stakeholders, is expected to bring significant benefits to the borough. However, due to a more thorough understanding of the safety, security, and specialist infrastructure requirements for an event of this national significance, the projected budget has increased. The current funding gap between income and expenditure is approximately £431,736. The Cabinet expressed strong support for the event, despite the escalating costs, and resolved to underwrite the budget gap, to be funded from various reserves and underspends. They also approved the addition of a 10% contingency to the forecast event budget and noted proposals for seeking additional income. Officers were requested to identify options for achieving the required savings following the budget outturn and Medium Term Financial Strategy review.

Appointments to Cabinet Working Groups 2026/27

The Cabinet considered proposed appointments to various Cabinet Working Groups for the 2026/27 Municipal Year. The following groups were appointed with their respective memberships:

• Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Working Group: Leader of the Council (Cllr Gareth Williams), Deputy Leader of the Council (Cllr Sophie Porter), one Labour Member (Cllr Tom Day), two Conservative Members, one 'Others' Group Member, and one Reform Member (vacancy).
• Strategic Housing and Local Plan Working Group: Cabinet Member for the Local Plan (Cllr Keith Dibble), Chairman of Development Management Committee (Cllr Calum Stewart), Economy, Skills & Regeneration Portfolio Holder (Cllr Julie Hall), Chairman or Vice-Chairman of Policy and Project Advisory Board (Cllr Tom Day), one 'Others' Group Member, two Conservative Members, and one Reform Member (vacancy).
• Member Development Group: Portfolio Holder for Member Development (Cllr Sophie Porter), two Labour Members (Cllrs Bill O'Donovan and Rhian Jones), one Conservative Member, one 'Others' Group Member, and one Reform Member (vacancy).
• SERCO Waste Contract Extension Group: Pride in Place / Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder (Cllr Christine Guinness), Cabinet Champion for Pride in Place (Cllr Lisa Greenway), one Labour Member (Cllr Tom Day), two Conservative Members, one 'Others' Group Member, and one Reform Member (vacancy).
• National Armed Forces Day Working Group: Healthy Communities & Active Lives Portfolio Holder (Cllr Sophie Porter), two Labour Members (Cllrs Lisa Greenway and Dhan Sarki), two Conservative Members, one 'Others' Group Member, and one Reform Member (vacancy).

The Corporate Manager – Democracy, in consultation with Group Leaders, was authorised to finalise the named appointments to these groups.

Proposed Surrender of Lease - Bridge House, Eelmoor Road, Farnborough

In a session excluding the public due to the disclosure of exempt information relating to financial and business affairs, the Cabinet considered a report on the proposed surrender of the lease for Bridge House, Eelmoor Road, Farnborough. The Council had purchased Bridge House in 2019 as an investment property. The current tenant wished to exit the lease early, presenting an opportunity to address dilapidations and review the asset's future within a wider portfolio review. The Cabinet approved in principle the early surrender of the lease, subject to legal documentation, based on a negotiated lump sum settlement. Authority was delegated to the Executive Head of Property and Growth, in consultation with relevant officers, to confirm the final terms. Officers were also authorised to attempt to relet the property while simultaneously exploring its sale, with a further detailed options appraisal to be presented to Cabinet once feasible options were secured.