The Rushmoor Borough Council Cabinet met on Tuesday, 17th March 2026, to discuss the Council's financial position, business rates relief, community grant schemes, licensing policy, and asset management. Key decisions included the approval of new business rates relief policies for small businesses and pubs, the noting of the community impact of grant schemes, and the recommendation to adopt an updated licensing policy with a cumulative impact assessment for Aldershot town centre.

Budget Management - Month 10

Councillor Gaynor Austin, Finance & Resources Portfolio Holder, presented Report No. FIN2611, which provided an update on the Council's forecasted financial position for the 2025/26 financial year as at the end of January 2026. Members were reminded of the Council's statutory obligation to maintain a balanced budget and that a significant challenge to future financial sustainability had been identified in February 2025. The report indicated that the forecast outturn for 2025/26 was on track, with the full £1.8 million savings requirement achieved. The report detailed several key service variations, primarily where service budgets had been underspent, contributing to an overall underspend. While acknowledging that the financial position over the Medium Term Financial Strategy period remained challenging, the report highlighted that progress was being made. Officers would continue to monitor the situation closely and provide regular updates. The Cabinet expressed satisfaction with the progress made in addressing the Council's financial challenges.

The Cabinet RESOLVED to:

• Note the revenue budget forecast as set out in Section 3 of Report No. FIN2611.
• Approve the write-offs as set out in Section 4 of the Report.
• Note the capital budget forecast as set out in Section 5 of the Report.

Business Rates - Supporting Small Business Rates Relief 2026 and Pubs and Live Music Venue Relief 2026/27

Councillor Gaynor Austin also presented Report No. FIN2612, outlining two new government-announced schemes for business rates relief. The Supporting Small Business Rates Relief Scheme aims to assist businesses facing significant increases in their business rates due to the 2026 Non-Domestic Rating Revaluation. The Pubs and Live Music Venues Relief Scheme will offer eligible premises a 15% relief on their 2026-27 liabilities. Both reliefs will be administered under the Council's Discretionary Relief Powers, with the Council being reimbursed for all awarded relief.

The Cabinet RESOLVED to:

• Approve the adoption of the local Supporting Small Business Rates Relief Policy for reducing business rates liability, as detailed in Report No. FIN2612.
• Approve the adoption of the local Pubs and Live Music Venues Relief 2026/27 Policy, as detailed in the Report.
• Authorise the Finance & Resources Portfolio Holder, in consultation with the Revenue Manager (Council Tax and Business Rates), to determine awards of relief and resolve any disputes regarding eligibility for both the Supporting Small Business Rates Relief and Pubs and Live Music Venues Relief.

Community Impact Report - Grant Schemes

Councillor Sophie Porter, Healthy Communities & Active Lives Portfolio Holder, presented Report No. ED2602, which provided an overview of the Pride in Place and Supporting Communities grants awarded during the 2024/25 financial year. The report aimed to demonstrate the impact of these funded projects and how they contributed to the Council's priorities. Members were informed that the grants had had a demonstrable positive effect within the local community, and the Cabinet expressed thanks to the Community Team for their administration of these schemes.

The Cabinet NOTED the findings of Report No. ED2602, along with the published annual reports, which showcased the grant recipients, the outcomes achieved, and the impact on the local community.

Review of the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy in Respect of the Licensing Act 2003

Councillor Christine Guinness, Pride in Place / Neighbourhood Services Portfolio Holder, presented Report No. OS2607, detailing proposed changes to the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003. Members were informed that the review of the policy was overdue and had been conducted in light of legislative and guidance changes. A public consultation had been carried out, and amendments had been made to the proposed policy based on the feedback received. Notably, the consultation included a proposal for a cumulative impact policy for Aldershot town centre, which had garnered support. Members felt the proposed changes would effectively uphold the Licensing Objectives.

The Cabinet RECOMMENDED TO THE COUNCIL that the proposed policy and cumulative impact assessment, as set out in Report No. OS2607, be approved with immediate effect.

Rushmoor Borough Council Asset Management Strategy (Land and Buildings) and Community Rents and Subsidy Policy

Councillor Julie Hall, Economy, Skills & Regeneration Portfolio Holder, presented Report No. PG2604, which proposed an Asset Management Strategy (AMS) for the Council's land and buildings estate. The AMS aims to establish a clear corporate framework for managing the estate, aligning estate decisions with the Council's Delivery Plan, financial sustainability objectives, and risk appetite. It introduces asset categorisation, a governance framework for estate decisions, and a financial and performance monitoring approach. The report also sought approval for a revised Community Asset Rents and Subsidy Policy, designed to address community concerns about rent increases and ensure rents are not set at an uneconomical level.

The Cabinet expressed gratitude for the work undertaken in reviewing this significant aspect of the Council's operations.

The Cabinet RESOLVED to:

• Approve the Asset Management Strategy (AMS), as detailed in Appendix 1 of Report No. PG2604.
• Approve the supporting governance and financial framework, as detailed in Appendices A to C of the AMS.
• Authorise the relevant Executive Head, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder and relevant statutory officer, to make minor amendments to the AMS to reflect legislative, financial, or organisational changes.
• Approve the Community Asset Rent and Subsidy Policy, as detailed in Appendix D of the AMS.

Exclusion of the Public

The Cabinet resolved to exclude the public from the meeting during the discussion of the following items to avoid the disclosure of exempt information: Strategic Management Arrangements (Item 84) and Disposal of No. 101 Hawley Lane, Farnborough (Item 85).

Strategic Management Arrangements (Exempt)

The Cabinet considered Exempt Report No. MD2601, which provided an update on the development of new strategic management arrangements. These arrangements are intended to ensure service maintenance, the delivery of the Council Delivery Plan 2026-28, appropriate oversight of the Council's financial position, and management of the impact of Local Government Reorganisation. The report outlined the work undertaken to date and the next steps for implementing appropriate management structures with minimal disruption. The Cabinet was satisfied that the proposals offered the best approach to address the Council's current significant challenges.

The Cabinet NOTED:

• The work undertaken to date and the next steps for implementing new strategic management arrangements for the Council, as detailed in Exempt Report No. MD2601.
• That the Council's Licensing and Business Committee would be requested to:
  • Approve a further extension to Ian Harrison's appointment as Interim Managing Director and Head of Paid Service until 31st August, 2026.
  • Recommend to the Council that Ian Harrison continue as Head of Paid Service until 31st August, 2026, including statutory responsibilities as Electoral Registration Officer and Returning Officer.
  • Recommend to the Council the appointment of the Executive Head of Governance & Law as the Council's designated Monitoring Officer.

Disposal of No. 101 Hawley Lane, Farnborough (Exempt)

The Cabinet considered Exempt Report No. PG2608, which provided an update on the disposal of the Council's freehold interest in No. 101 Hawley Lane, Farnborough, following revised terms. Members were reminded that this disposal had been approved in September 2025. During the purchaser's due diligence, additional cost items and development risks were identified, leading to a revised, lower offer. The Cabinet supported accepting this revised offer as it was considered the best value for the Council in relation to this site.

The Cabinet RESOLVED to:

• Approve, in principle and subject to final legal due diligence, the disposal of the freehold interest in No. 101 Hawley Lane, Farnborough, as detailed in Exempt Report No. PG2608.
• Approve, in principle and subject to final legal due diligence, the disposal of the St. John's Ambulance freehold linked to the disposal of No. 101 Hawley Lane, Farnborough, as detailed in the Exempt Report.
• Authorise the Executive Head of Property and Growth, in consultation with the Executive Head of Finance, Monitoring Officer, Corporate Manager – Legal Services, and the Economy, Skills & Regeneration Portfolio Holder, to confirm the final terms of the disposal.