The Cabinet of Rushmoor Council met on Tuesday, 21st April, 2026, to discuss several key issues, approving funding for the Armed Forces Day National Event 2026 and a strategic review of the Farnborough Civic Quarter, and endorsing proposed changes to the council's strategic management arrangements. A decision made under urgency provisions regarding the Council Tax Second Home Premium was also noted.

Armed Forces Day National Event 2026 - Update

The Cabinet received an update on the planning for the Armed Forces Day National Event 2026, which Rushmoor Borough Council is hosting in partnership with the Ministry of Defence. Members were informed that while significant commercial sponsorship and in-kind support have been secured, there remains a funding gap between the projected income and expenditure. The Cabinet resolved to underwrite the current budget gap of £243,250, to be funded from existing reserves, and approved proposals for seeking additional commercial income to cover the remaining costs. They also agreed to be kept informed of the projected net cost as the project progresses, with any requests for additional funding to be presented to the Cabinet before expenditure is committed. Councillor Sophie Porter, Deputy Leader and Healthy Communities & Active Lives Portfolio Holder, highlighted the event's potential to bring significant economic, social, and community benefits to the borough.

Farnborough Civic Quarter - Strategic Review

A decision was made to approve a budget of £98,000 to carry out a Strategic Delivery Review of the Farnborough Civic Quarter (FCQ) project. Councillor Julie Hall, Economy, Skills & Regeneration Portfolio Holder, explained that the review is necessary because underlying parameters have shifted since outline planning permission was granted in February 2023, negatively impacting the scheme's viability in the current economic climate. The review, which will be funded from the Stability and Resilience Reserve, aims to inform regeneration activity on the FCQ, manage risks associated with the site, and increase the likelihood of successful delivery within available resources. This aligns with the Council's Delivery Plan 2026-28, which requires a review of the FCQ masterplan and work with partners on its phasing, funding, and implementation.

Strategic Management Arrangements

The Cabinet endorsed proposed changes to the Council's strategic management arrangements, designed to ensure the maintenance of services, delivery of the Council Delivery Plan 2026-28, and support for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Councillor Gareth Williams, Leader of the Council, presented the report, which outlines a revised structure aimed at strengthening capacity and supporting the Head of Paid Service and the LGR process. Key proposals include the establishment of a new director-level role of Chief Operating Officer, to be recruited internally, and the continuation of the Interim Managing Director's role as Head of Paid Service. The Cabinet noted that these arrangements will be reported to the full Council on 2nd July 2026 and that an appointment panel has been established to oversee the recruitment of the Chief Operating Officer. The Licensing and Corporate Business Committee will also be asked to establish an assessment panel for the permanent appointment of the Council's Head of Paid Service.

Decision Made Under Urgency Provisions - Council Tax Second Home Premium

The Cabinet noted a Record of Executive Decision made on 20th March 2026 by the Executive Director to set aside the implementation of the Council's Council Tax Second Home Premium. This decision was taken under urgency provisions due to process errors made by officers in setting the premium and a failure to follow statutory guidance correctly. As Council Tax bills had already been issued, it was necessary to urgently notify affected residents that Rushmoor Borough Council would not be collecting the premium for the 2026/2027 financial year. Councillor Gaynor Austin, Finance & Resources Portfolio Holder, was noted as the relevant portfolio holder for this item.