The Cabinet of Rushmoor Council met on Tuesday 20 October 2026 to discuss budget management, climate change progress, temporary accommodation policy, and the regeneration of Farnborough Civic Quarter. Key decisions included resolving to approve the Temporary Accommodation Placement Policy and resolving to approve key principles to guide the next stages of the Farnborough Civic Quarter regeneration.

Budget Management - Month 4

The Cabinet received an update on the Council's forecasted financial position for 2026/27, as of the end of July 2026. It was reported that the Council was operating within its approved budget, with a projected overall revenue underspend of £1.2 million. Members noted the revenue and capital budget forecasts and resolved to approve the write-off of certain debts. A virement of £80,000 from the IT infrastructure capital budget to update the Integra Financial Management System was also approved. Councillor Gaynor Austin, Finance & Resources Portfolio Holder, presented the report.

Climate Change Annual Report 2025/26

An update on progress towards the Council's Climate Change Action Plan 2025-28 was presented. The report indicated progress across eight of the ten actions within the plan, with two yet to commence. The Cabinet noted the progress made in delivering climate action within Rushmoor and the introduction of Climate Change Impact Assessments for Cabinet decisions from August 2026. Councillor Sophie Porter, Deputy Leader and Healthy Communities & Active Lives Portfolio Holder, highlighted the importance of the Council's and the community's response to climate change.

Temporary Accommodation Placement Policy

The Cabinet considered and resolved to approve the Council's Temporary Accommodation Placement Policy for statutory homeless households. This policy outlines how the Council will secure, allocate, manage, and review temporary accommodation for households owed homelessness duties, ensuring decisions are lawful, fair, and transparent. Councillor Keith Dibble, Housing, Planning & Property Portfolio Holder, stated that the policy would support lawful decision-making, strengthen safeguarding, and improve the management of temporary accommodation. The Cabinet also authorised the Chief Operating Officer, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to make minor operational amendments to the policy and noted the policy's annual review.

Farnborough Civic Quarter Regeneration - Strategic Delivery Review

The Cabinet reviewed the findings of the Strategic Delivery Review for the Farnborough Civic Quarter (FCQ) project. The review concluded that the original outline masterplan was no longer viable due to external factors, including increased construction costs and changes in building safety regulations. New proposals aim to regenerate the area by bringing vacant plots back into use and improving the public realm. The Cabinet noted the outcome of the review and resolved to approve key principles to guide the next stages of regeneration. They also authorised the Executive Head of Property and Growth, Executive Head of Governance and Law, and Executive Head of Finance and Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Housing, Planning & Property Portfolio Holder, to progress the sale of land designated as Plot B for housing and/or other uses, and authorised the Executive Director, Executive Head of Governance & Law, and Executive Head of Finance and S151 Officer, in consultation with the Economy, Skills & Regeneration Portfolio Holder, to agree variations to grant agreements with One Public Estate. Officers were requested to identify funding of £36,159 from the 2026/27 budget for consultancy and works to enable the first stages of proposed projects. Additionally, officers were requested to make contact with Hampshire County Council to explore options for traffic calming and a new crossing on Meudon Avenue. Councillor Julie Hall, Economy, Skills & Regeneration Portfolio Holder, emphasised the importance of bringing key sites back into meaningful use.