The Rushmoor Borough Council meeting on 26 February 2026 focused heavily on the financial future of the council, with the approval of the General Fund Budget for 2026/27 and the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2026/27 to 2029/30 being a central theme. The council also approved its Council Delivery Plan for 2026-28, the Annual Capital Strategy, and the Annual Treasury Management and Non-Treasury Management Strategy for 2026/27.

Council Delivery Plan 2026-28 Approved

The Council approved the Council Delivery Plan 2026-28¹, which outlines the council's priorities and planned activities over the next two years. Introduced by Cllr Gareth Williams, Leader of the Council, the plan is structured around five key themes: Skills, Economy and Regeneration; Homes for All: Quality Living, Affordable Housing; Community and Wellbeing: Active Lives, Healthier and Stronger Communities; Pride in Place: Clean, Safe and Vibrant Neighbourhoods; and The Future and Financial Sustainability. Cabinet members expressed satisfaction with the plan, noting that financial resilience had been achieved, allowing for the pursuit of these priorities.

Annual Capital Strategy and Treasury Management Strategies Approved

The Council approved the Annual Capital Strategy 2026/27² and the Annual Treasury Management and Non-Treasury Management Strategy 2026/27³. These strategies, recommended by the Audit and Governance Committee and introduced by Cllr Bill O'Donovan, Chair of the committee, set out the council's approach to capital expenditure, financing, and investment for the coming years. The strategies include Prudential Indicators for capital finance and the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement. The borrowing strategy aims to balance low interest costs with cost certainty, with a move towards longer-term borrowing to mitigate interest rate volatility. The investment strategy prioritises security and liquidity over yield, with a focus on minimising risk.

General Fund Budget and Council Tax for 2026/27 Approved

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the General Fund Budget 2026/27 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2026/27 to 2029/30⁴, introduced by Cllr Gaynor Austin, Portfolio Holder for Finance and Resources. The council approved a balanced budget for 2026/27, utilising reserves to address a projected deficit. The MTFS highlights an ongoing deficit beyond the council's remaining operational years before local government reorganisation, with a total projected deficit of £11.94 million over the term to 2029/30, to be mitigated by planned asset disposals and reserve drawdowns. The council also set its Council Tax for 2026/27⁵, with an increase of £7.17 for a Band D property, bringing the total to £246.87. This increase was deemed not excessive and did not trigger a referendum. Several amendments proposed by the Conservative Group, including funding for additional street cleaning, free Sunday parking, environmental improvements, mobile CCTV, a council tax rebate for Band A properties, and a cop shop fit-out, were all defeated.

Notice of Motion on National Year of Reading Carried

A Notice of Motion submitted by Cllr Steve Harden, endorsing the National Year of Reading 2026⁶, was carried. The motion aims to encourage reading for pleasure and learning across all ages, supporting the council's priorities in education, wellbeing, inclusion, and opportunity. The council will formally endorse the initiative, with the Council Leader writing to campaign organisers to confirm support, and council services, libraries, and partner organisations will be encouraged to participate in reading-related activities.

Extension of Term of Office for Designated Independent Person Approved

The Council approved the extension of the term of office for Mr Matt Smith as the Council's Designated Independent Person (DIP)⁷ until the end of April 2028. This role is crucial for maintaining high standards of conduct among elected members. The extension aligns with the current timescale for the formation of a new unitary authority.

Community Engagement Task and Finish Group Work Noted

The report on the work of the cross-party Community Engagement Task and Finish Group⁸ was noted. The group's activities, supported by the Belong Network and the Council's Community & Partnership team, focused on understanding and addressing community concerns following social unrest. Key findings highlighted the impact of wider social issues like economic disparity and misinformation, and the need for clear communications and a plan to promote social cohesion. The report recommended that the group's work be concluded, with cohesion and integration activities now embedded within regular service planning.

Other Business

The Council also confirmed the minutes of previous meetings and received reports from various Cabinet and Committee meetings. Questions from the public were addressed, covering topics such as the potential heritage marking of a UFO sighting location, the purpose of H-Stop HVM barriers in Aldershot, the maintenance of lifts in Aldershot town centre, fly-tipping on the A331, the cost of supporting asylum seekers, and delays in scout hut lease renewals.