The council was scheduled to discuss arrangements for the formation of a new North Hampshire Unitary Council and to receive a report on the result of a recent by-election. Changes to committee appointments were also on the agenda.

North Hampshire Future Unitary Joint Committee - Delegations

A key item scheduled for discussion was the delegation of powers and duties to the North Hampshire Future Unitary Joint Committee. This committee is being established to support preparations for the new North Hampshire Unitary Council, which will replace Basingstoke & Deane, Hart, Rushmoor, and Hampshire councils. The report recommended that the council approve the delegation of necessary duties and powers to the Joint Committee, enabling it to carry out its functions as outlined in its Terms of Reference. These functions include overseeing the development of an implementation plan for the new authority, establishing and overseeing a shared Implementation Team, preparing proposals for the future authority's constitution, code of conduct, members' allowances scheme, and calendar of meetings, as well as preparing recommendations for interim statutory officer appointments and supporting the establishment of the future Shadow Authority. The report noted that the Joint Committee cannot make decisions on behalf of the future unitary council or pre-empt decisions that will fall to the Shadow Authority. The council was also recommended to delegate authority to the Monitoring Officer to agree amendments to the Joint Committee's Terms of Reference in response to legislative changes, and to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to agree any other amendments.

The report highlighted that the council's participation in the North Hampshire Future Unitary Joint Committee aligns with its Council Delivery Plan to get the best outcome from devolution and local government reorganisation for Rushmoor residents and businesses. The establishment of these joint committees is a government initiative to ensure new councils can operate effectively from day one. The report also detailed the legal basis for the joint committees, citing sections of the Local Government Act 1972 and the Local Authorities (Arrangements for the Discharge of Functions) (England) Regulations 2000 and 2012.

The report included an Equality Impact Assessment screening tool, which determined that the proposal would have a neutral impact on people with protected characteristics, and a Climate Change Impact Assessment screening tool, which also indicated no significant impact.

Returning Officer's Report – Wellington Ward By-Election

The council was scheduled to receive the Returning Officer's Report on the result of the Wellington Ward By-Election held on 16th July 2026. The report indicated that Fouzia Tanveer Khan was elected as the candidate for Wellington Ward. The total number of electors was 5,296, with 972 ballots completed, representing an 18.4% turnout.

Appointments 2026/27

The meeting agenda included a proposal to approve changes to appointments to various committees for the remainder of the Municipal Year 2026/27, to ensure political balance. These changes included:

• Audit and Governance Committee: Councillor Fouzia Khan was proposed for appointment to fill a Labour Group vacancy.
• Development Management Committee: Councillor Fouzia Khan was proposed for appointment to fill a Labour Group vacancy, replacing Councillor Becky Williams. Councillor Becky Williams was proposed for appointment as a Standing Deputy to fill a Labour Group vacancy.
• Licensing and Corporate Business Committee: Councillor Becky Williams was proposed for appointment to fill a Labour Group vacancy.