The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Rushmoor Borough Council met on Monday 21 September 2026. The meeting was scheduled to include a discussion on the proposed extension of the contract with SERCO.

SERCO Contract Extension

The committee was scheduled to undertake pre-decision scrutiny of a draft report concerning a proposed extension to the contract with SERCO. This report, designated OS2623, outlines a recommendation to the Cabinet and the full Council regarding the contract. A presentation on the matter was planned from Ruth Whaymand, Service Manager for Environmental Contracts, and James Duggin, Chief Operating Officer.

The SERCO Contract Working Group, appointed by the Cabinet, had met on 16 September 2026 to review the extension proposals. The Cabinet was scheduled to consider the Working Group's recommendations, along with any further comments from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, on 1 October 2026, prior to a full Council meeting later that same day. The committee was asked to review the draft report and provide comments or recommendations that would be taken into account by the Cabinet. Councillor Christine Guinness, the Cabinet Member for Pride in Place and Neighbourhood Services, was expected to attend to address questions from committee members.

The agenda also indicated that the committee would consider a resolution to exclude the public from discussions relating to exempt information, specifically concerning the financial or business affairs of SERCO, as per paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.