The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Rushmoor Council was scheduled to meet on Thursday 17 September 2026 to discuss policing and community safety, and to consider the committee's work plan. The meeting also included noting appointments to the committee and confirming the minutes of the previous meeting.

Policing and Community Safety

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on current issues, positive news, and challenges within the policing and community safety sector across the borough. This update was to be provided by Chief Inspector Alex Reading of Hampshire Police and David Lipscombe, the Community Safety Manager for Rushmoor Borough Council. The Portfolio Holder for Pride in Place and Neighbourhood Services, Councillor Christine Guinness, was invited to attend this part of the meeting.

The report pack provided details on the work of the Community Safety Team and the Place Protection Team. The Community Safety Team's responsibilities include working in partnership to respond to crime, disorder, and anti-social behaviour (ASB) under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998¹. They also handle general enquiries, coordinate cases with partner agencies, and utilise early intervention methods and formal powers for more serious cases. The team also acts as a key partner in multi-agency meetings, contributing intelligence, safeguarding insight, and risk management for vulnerable individuals. Other duties include acting as the safeguarding lead for the council, participating in the Hampshire PREVENT partnership, and coordinating domestic abuse efforts.

The report highlighted facts and figures for 2026 so far, including the number of police 101 reports triaged, direct enquiries received, and cases managed. It also detailed the issuance of Community Protection Warnings/Notices, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, and the consideration of Domestic Abuse Related Death Review applications. Other highlights included the Think Safe project for Year 6 pupils, CCTV upgrades in Aldershot and Farnborough town centres, and a joint partnership cycling and e-scooter awareness campaign. Case studies were presented on a neighbour dispute, fire setting in a wooded area, and young people accessing a railway estate, illustrating the complexities and approaches taken by the team.

Current concerns for the Community Safety Team included a year-on-year increase in workload, capacity and resource issues, and uncertainty surrounding Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)². There was also an increase in referrals for Domestic Abuse Related Death Reviews, and concerns about mental health and social care issues, community cohesion, and youth ASB in Aldershot town centre. Funding for youth outreach sessions was also noted as a concern.

The Community Safety Survey 2026 indicated that respondents felt safer than in previous years, although feelings of safety dropped at night-time. Drug use and drug dealing remained prominent themes in the feedback. The report also outlined the work of the Safer North Hampshire Community Safety Partnership, which includes Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Hart District Council, and Rushmoor Borough Council, and its priorities for 2026/27, which include improving feelings of safety, addressing serious violence, domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour, and town centre engagement.

Work Plan

The committee was scheduled to consider the Work Plan for the 2026/27 Municipal Year. The report pack indicated that the work plan for the September meeting included the Policing and Community Safety update. It was also suggested that SERCO should attend a future meeting to provide an update, which would be investigated by officers. Potential future items for the committee included quarterly performance reports, the Farnborough Exhibition Centre's contribution to the community, and the Asset Disposal Plan.

Appointments

The committee was scheduled to note the appointment of Councillor Becky Williams as a Member of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in place of Councillor Sarah Spall for the remainder of the 2026/27 Municipal Year. Additionally, Councillor Sarah Spall was to be noted as a Standing Deputy of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to fill a Labour Group vacancy. These appointments were made by the Leader of the Council in accordance with Standing Orders and arrangements to secure political balance.

Minutes of the Previous Meeting

The committee was scheduled to confirm the Minutes of the Meeting held on 13th July, 2026. The report pack included details from the previous meeting, which had covered the Climate Change Action Plan. This included updates on the Council's Carbon Footprint, Climate Change Impact Assessments, Climate Action Scorecards, community and young people engagement, and active travel. The committee had recommended that the Cabinet consider options for residents to contribute voluntary funds for local community projects.