The Council of Rushmoor was scheduled to discuss a range of important matters, including environmental protection, the extension of an independent person's term, community engagement initiatives, and significant financial and policy decisions. Key topics included the potential adoption of a Rights of Rivers motion, the allocation of a substantial capital budget for a new leisure centre, and the approval of the council's budget and council tax for the upcoming year.

Rights of Rivers Motion

A notice of motion was scheduled for consideration regarding the Rights of Rivers. This motion, submitted by Councillor Jules Crossley, highlighted concerns about the ecological and chemical health of local rivers, specifically the Blackwater and Cove Brook. The proposed actions included consulting with neighbouring councils such as Basingstoke and Deane and Hart Council to support the implementation of Rights of Rivers principles. It also proposed writing to the Environment Agency to express concerns and request information on their plans for protecting and enhancing local rivers. Furthermore, the motion aimed to ensure that the council's development control process would consider the Rights of Rivers in individual planning decisions, including imposing conditions to protect the health and water quality of these waterways.

Extension of Term of Office for Designated Independent Person

The meeting was scheduled to receive a report from the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee recommending an extension to the term of office for Mr Matt Smith, the Council's Designated Independent Person. This role is crucial for promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct among elected members. The proposed extension would cover the period from July 2026 to the end of April 2028. Mr Smith was initially appointed in July 2023 for a three-year term. The report noted his experience in investigating issues and his engagement with the council's ethical framework.

Report on the Work of the Community Engagement Task and Finish Group

A report was to be presented detailing the activities of the cross-party Community Engagement Task and Finish Group. This group was established following a council motion in 2024 to understand and address community concerns. The report outlined plans to support cohesion and integration activities within the borough. The group's work involved commissioning the support of the Belong Network, a national organisation specialising in community cohesion, to facilitate engagement with community groups and leaders. The report detailed findings from this engagement, including the impact of wider social issues like economic disparity and misinformation, and proposed future approaches to embedding cohesion and integration into the council's regular operations.

Public Art and Community Projects

A notice of motion concerning public art and community projects was scheduled for consideration, submitted by Councillor G.B. Lyon. The motion acknowledged the historical and cultural importance of Farnborough and Aldershot and the pride residents take in their heritage. It highlighted a perceived lack of public art and community projects in the borough and the absence of dedicated funding for such initiatives. The council was asked to resolve to request a cross-party group of councillors to consider proposals for establishing a public fund, potentially supported by residents and businesses, dedicated to public art and community projects related to local heritage and history.

Mayor Elect and Deputy Mayor Elect 2026/27

The council was recommended to approve the nominations for Mayor-Elect and Deputy Mayor-Elect for the Municipal Year 2026/27. These nominations had been considered by the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee. Councillor P.J. Cullum was recommended for selection as Mayor-Elect, and Councillor Akmal Gani was recommended as Deputy Mayor-Elect, subject to his re-election to the Council in May 2026.

Allocation of Capital Budget for Farnborough Leisure Centre

A significant item on the agenda was the allocation of a capital budget for the Farnborough Leisure Centre project. A report from the Cabinet sought approval for the Executive Head of Finance to establish a capital budget of up to £27.5 million for this project. The project aims to deliver a new leisure centre, playground, and surface car park in Farnborough town centre. The funding for the scheme was proposed to come from the Levelling Up grant (now known as the Local Regeneration Fund), S106 funding, and borrowing. The report detailed the project's background, design updates, costings, and funding approach, including the need for borrowing and its revenue implications.

Pay Policy Statement and Gender Pay Gap and Ethnicity Pay Gap

The meeting was scheduled to receive a report from the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee recommending the approval of the Pay Policy Statement for 2026/27. This statement is a requirement under the Localism Act 2011 and outlines the council's policies on pay, particularly concerning Chief Officers and the lowest-paid employees. Additionally, the report included the council's Gender Pay Gap and Ethnicity Pay Gap calculations for 2025, as required by the Equality Act 2010 and as a voluntary measure, respectively.

Updates to the Constitution - Champion Roles

A report from the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee recommended updates to the Council's Constitution regarding Champion roles. Following a previous council motion, the proposed changes aimed to establish these roles as non-executive and non-political, open to all councillors, with appointments made by the Council or a non-executive committee. The report detailed the proposed principles and procedures for these revised arrangements, including the responsibilities of the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee in considering nominations and recommending terms of reference.

Update on Designations of Head of Paid Service and Monitoring Officer

The meeting was to receive an update on the designations of the Head of Paid Service and Monitoring Officer. A report from the Licensing and Corporate Business Committee recommended the continuation of Ian Harrison's designation as Interim Managing Director and Head of Paid Service until 31st August 2026. It also recommended the designation of the post of Executive Head of Governance & Law as the Council's Monitoring Officer. These roles are statutory positions required under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Review of Members' Allowances Scheme

A report containing the recommendations of the Independent Remuneration Panel, which had reviewed the Members' Allowances Scheme, was scheduled for consideration.

Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Annual Report 2025/26

The Council was to receive and ask questions on the Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the 2025/26 Municipal Year. The report reviewed the committee's work in monitoring council activities, service performance, and providing comments and ideas to shape future policy and services. Key areas of focus included Skills, Economy and Regeneration; Homes for All; Community and Wellbeing; and Pride in Place.

Reports of Cabinet and Committees

The Council was scheduled to receive and ask questions on the reports of recent Cabinet meetings held on 15th December 2025 and 3rd March 2026, as well as reports from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Policy and Project Advisory Board meetings.

Questions for the Cabinet

Members were scheduled to ask questions to Cabinet Members, submitted in accordance with the procedure note.

Conclusion of Business from the Council Meeting Held on 26th February

The agenda included items to conclude business from the previous Council meeting held on 26th February. These included the Notice of Motion on Rights of Rivers, the extension of the term of office for the Designated Independent Person, and a report on the work of the Community Engagement Task and Finish Group.

The meeting also included standard procedural items such as the confirmation of minutes, Mayor's announcements, and the receipt of questions from members and the public.