The Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Rushmoor Council is scheduled to consider updates on the local economy, skills, and regeneration portfolio, as well as review the committee's work plan for the upcoming municipal year. The meeting will also address appointments to the committee.

Economy, Skills and Regeneration Portfolio Update

The committee is scheduled to receive an update on the town centres and local business support. This update will be provided by Lee McQuade, the Economy and Growth Service Manager, and Diane Highet, the Town Centres Manager. Councillor Julie Hall, the Portfolio Holder for Economy, Skills and Regeneration, has also been invited to attend and answer questions from committee members.

The report pack includes information on town centre vacancy rates, detailing figures for Aldershot, Farnborough, and North Camp. For Aldershot, it notes 34 empty units out of 291, representing a 12% vacancy rate, with several new openings including Assembly Nightclub and The Little Dessert Shop, alongside closures such as Consol Tanning. Farnborough has 14 empty units out of 145, a 10% vacancy rate, with new businesses like Esquires Farnborough and Fat Fades Barbershop opening, and Dallas Chicken and Pizza reopening as Farnborough Chicken and Pizza. North Camp has 8 empty units out of 104, an 8% vacancy rate, with Arden and Scott opening and Amplifon closing. The report also highlights that Deichmann Shoes is set to open in Princes Mead Shopping Centre, making it fully let, and Lounges is expected to open in The Meads in November 2026.

Work Plan

The committee is scheduled to consider its Work Plan for the 2026/27 Municipal Year. The report pack outlines the planned items for the year, including previous discussions on Housing, Climate Change, and Policing and Community Safety. Future potential items for consideration include Quarterly Performance Reports, a focus on Regeneration within the Economy, Skills and Regeneration portfolio, the Farnborough Exhibition Centre's contribution to the community, and the Asset Disposal Plan. The report also details the criteria for selecting items for the work programme, which include furthering corporate priorities, the importance of the issue to the public, and public interest.

Appointments 2026/27

The committee is scheduled to note changes in its membership for the remainder of the 2026/27 Municipal Year. Councillor Mara Makunura is to be appointed as a Member of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, replacing Councillor Ade Adeola. In turn, Councillor Ade Adeola will be appointed as a Standing Deputy of the committee, replacing Councillor Mara Makunura. These appointments have been made by the Leader of the Conservative Group to ensure political balance, in accordance with Standing Orders.

The minutes of the previous meeting, held on 17th September 2026, are also scheduled for confirmation.