The Licensing and Corporate Business Committee of Rushmoor Council was scheduled to discuss significant proposals regarding local government reorganisation, including interim warding arrangements for the new North Hampshire Council. The committee was also set to consider arrangements for the permanent appointment of the Head of Paid Service and review proposed updates to the council's constitution. Additionally, appointments to various outside bodies and champion roles were on the agenda.

Local Government Reorganisation Interim Warding Arrangements

The committee was scheduled to consider report MD2602, which outlined proposed interim warding arrangements for the new North Hampshire Council, a result of government-led local government reorganisation. The report detailed options for the distribution of councillors across Basingstoke and Deane, Hart, and Rushmoor, with a focus on achieving electoral equality and reflecting local geography and community identity. Two main proposals were presented: one for an 85-councillor structure and another for an 88-councillor structure, with the latter being the preferred option due to a more even distribution of electors per councillor. The report also presented various sub-options for warding arrangements within Rushmoor, aiming to balance existing boundaries with fair representation. The committee was asked to consider these options and recommend a preferred arrangement to the Extraordinary Council Meeting on 18th June.

Appointment Panel for the Managing Director and Head of Paid Service

Report MD2603 was presented for consideration regarding the arrangements for the permanent appointment of the Council's Head of Paid Service. This followed an extension of Ian Harrison's interim appointment until 31st August 2026. The report proposed the establishment of a cross-party Member Assessment Panel, comprising the Leader of the Council, the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services, and the Leaders of other political groups, to review the current interim arrangement and consider making the position permanent. The report also indicated that the role might be redesignated as Chief Executive.

Constitution Update - Adding Conditions to Temporary Event Notices

The committee was scheduled to consider report OS2613, which proposed an amendment to the Council's Constitution and Scheme of Delegation. The proposed change aimed to allow officers to determine objections to standard Temporary Event Notices (TENs) by adding conditions from an existing premises licence or club premises certificate, where appropriate. This was intended to reduce the burden on officer and member time by avoiding unnecessary hearings before the Licensing Sub-Committee (Alcohol and Entertainments) when conditions could adequately address concerns raised by the police or Environmental Health.

Appointments to Outside Bodies, Licensing Sub-Committees, Constitution Working Group and Champion Roles

A significant portion of the agenda was dedicated to appointments for the 2026/27 municipal year. This included:

• Outside Bodies: Nominations were to be considered for representatives to a range of external organisations, such as the Aldershot and Farnborough Festival of Music and Art, Blackbushe Airport Consultative Committee, Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership, Citizens Advice Rushmoor Trustee Board, and the Hampshire Place Board. The report detailed the purpose of each body, meeting frequency, membership requirements, and proposed nominations for the upcoming year.
• Licensing Sub-Committees: Confirmation was sought for the membership of various sub-committees, including the Licensing Sub-Committee, Licensing Sub-Committee (Alcohol and Entertainments), and Licensing Sub-Committee (Taxis).
• Constitution Working Group: The appointment of a cross-party group to review the council's constitution was scheduled.
• Champion Roles: Nominations and draft terms of reference were to be considered for two Champion roles: Pride in Place and Armed Forces Covenant. The report outlined the proposed responsibilities and priorities for each role, with nominations from Councillor Lisa Greenway for Pride in Place and from Councillor Steve Masterson and Councillor Dhan Sarki for the Armed Forces Covenant. The guidance note for Champions was also provided, clarifying their advocacy and advisory capacity and the appointment process.

Update on Proposals for Honorary Aldermen 2026/27

The committee was to consider an exempt report (DEM2610) providing an update on proposals for the conferment of the title of Honorary Alderman of the Borough. The report was intended to inform a recommendation to an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council.