Members of Rushmoor Borough Council’s Cabinet have reaffirmed their commitment to building strong, resilient communities between now and when Rushmoor’s services transfer to a new unitary authority in 2028.
The council’s ambitious two-year delivery plan sets out its priorities alongside the key projects and activities that are designed to create a lasting legacy for residents. Cabinet members also agreed recommendations for the 2026 budget, enabling the council to support its plans through the careful use of reserves and a modest increase in council tax.
Other decisions included selecting the leisure centre operator that will run both the existing Aldershot Pools and Lido and the new Farnborough Leisure Centre when built and investing £200,000 per year on playground refurbishment. In response to resident feedback, councillors agreed to allocate funding for regeneration projects and street art to strengthen pride in local neighbourhoods.
Councillor Gareth Williams, Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council said: “I'm delighted to recommend the updated delivery plan and budget to Full Council. Not only does our strategy protect services for residents, but it also creates capacity for delivering Farnborough's Leisure Centre and allows us to invest in our playgrounds, town centres and neighbourhoods.
"Two years ago, the council faced a financial crisis with uncontrolled debt and interest costs spiralling. Since then, we have reduced the debt, fixed interest rates and brought the budget deficit down.
"We are pleased that the government has listened to councils across the country and provided much-needed funding for key services. Together, with careful control of council finances, this has helped us to keep the increase in Rushmoor's share of council tax to under 3%, or just over £7 for the average Band D taxpayer, without any reduction in service delivery for residents.
"Our delivery plan is ambitious, continuing our focus on the things that matter to local people - well-paid jobs, decent homes, healthy and fulfilling lives and pride in our neighbourhoods and towns.”
The 2026 budget, revised delivery plan and medium-term financial strategy focus on investing in local services and supporting sustainable growth, ensuring the borough is well prepared for the transition to a new unitary authority. Full Council will consider the reports on Thursday 26 February.
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