Basingstoke & Dean Borough Council
Councillors:
54
Wards:
18
Committees:
23
Meetings (2026):
68
Meetings (2025):
75
Meeting
Cabinet - Basingstoke & Dean
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Tuesday, 9th December 2025
6:30 PM
Tuesday, 9th December 2025
6:30 PM
End:
Tuesday, 9th December 2025
9:30 PM
Tuesday, 9th December 2025
9:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
09 Dec 2025
09 Dec 2025
Location:
Committee Rooms 1 & 2 - Deanes
Committee Rooms 1 & 2 - Deanes
Webcast:
Available
Available
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency
Committee Member
Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Business Engagement
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
Minutes
Apologies were received from Councillor McKay.
2
Declarations of interest
Minutes
There were no declarations of interest.
3
Urgent matters
To consider any items of business, other than those shown on this agenda and which, by reason of special circumstances to be stated at the meeting, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.
Minutes
There were no urgent matters.
4
Minutes of the meeting held on 11 November 2025
The Chair will move that the minutes of the meeting be signed as a correct record. The only part of the minutes that can be discussed is their accuracy.
Attachments:
- Document Printed minutes 11112025 1830 Cabinet 01 Dec 2025
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 11 November 2025 were confirmed as an accurate record and signed by the Chair.
5
Leader and Portfolio Holder Announcements
Minutes
There were no announcements
6
Quarter 2 Capital Monitoring Report as at 30 September 2025
The purpose of this report is to inform Cabinet of any major changes in the capital programme for the period 2025/26 to 2028/29, highlighting changes in the programme since the last reported outturn position to Council in October 2025. The report also presents the forecast capital outturn position for 2025/26 and compares it with the latest agreed budget providing explanations for the significant variances.
Recommendation from the Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Recommendation from the Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Attachments:
- Document Q2 Capital Monitoring Report 2025-26 - Cabinet 01 Dec 2025
Minutes
Cabinet noted a report which presented the financial position of the council’s capital programme for the second quarter of 2025/26. A variance of £3,397 million below the latest approved programme for the year was reported.
Resolved: Cabinet note:
1) The forecast capital expenditure for 2025/26 of £19.131M which is £3.387M lower that the latest agreed capital programme budget of £22.518M;
2) The approved increases to the 2025/26 capital budget from S106 contributions, capital grants and scheme rephasing under the Chief Finance Officer’s delegated powers as shown in section 2 of the report;
3) The 2025/26 significant forecast variations and explanations for them as shown in section 3 of the report;
4) The latest forecast of capital receipts, grants and contributions for 2025/26 in section 4 of the report;
5) The risks associated with the capital forecasts are as detailed in section 8 of the report;
6) The latest approved capital programme for 2025/26 to 2028/29 and the financing as shown in section 5 and detailed in Appendix 1 of the report; and
7) The capital programme remains fully funded from the council’s own resources up to 2028/29, based on the latest forecast of available resources.
Resolved: Cabinet note:
1) The forecast capital expenditure for 2025/26 of £19.131M which is £3.387M lower that the latest agreed capital programme budget of £22.518M;
2) The approved increases to the 2025/26 capital budget from S106 contributions, capital grants and scheme rephasing under the Chief Finance Officer’s delegated powers as shown in section 2 of the report;
3) The 2025/26 significant forecast variations and explanations for them as shown in section 3 of the report;
4) The latest forecast of capital receipts, grants and contributions for 2025/26 in section 4 of the report;
5) The risks associated with the capital forecasts are as detailed in section 8 of the report;
6) The latest approved capital programme for 2025/26 to 2028/29 and the financing as shown in section 5 and detailed in Appendix 1 of the report; and
7) The capital programme remains fully funded from the council’s own resources up to 2028/29, based on the latest forecast of available resources.
7
Quarter 2 Revenue Monitoring as at 30 September 2025
This report sets out the high level financial position for the second quarter of the financial year 2025/26 as of 30 September 2025. The report is set out to provide the financial position and variances from budget in line with the council’s organisational structure, reflecting how the budget is delegated. It highlights key items that have been identified in the initial months of the financial year.
Recommendation from the Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Recommendation from the Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Attachments:
- Document Q2 Revenue Monitoring Report 2025-26 Cabinet 01 Dec 2025
Minutes
Cabinet noted a report which presented the financial forecast as at quarter two as £0.03 million lower than the latest approved budget position for 2025/26.
Resolved: Cabinet note
1) The financial position for quarter 2 of 2025/26 and the forecast underspend of £0.03M for the financial year as set out in section 2of the report;
2) The budget transfers amounting to £0.46M were processed during quarter 2, as summarised in section 4 of the report;
3) The 2025/26 savings and investment in services position detailed in section 6 of the report; and
4) The risks associated with the revenue forecasts as detailed in section 9 of the report.
Resolved: Cabinet note
1) The financial position for quarter 2 of 2025/26 and the forecast underspend of £0.03M for the financial year as set out in section 2of the report;
2) The budget transfers amounting to £0.46M were processed during quarter 2, as summarised in section 4 of the report;
3) The 2025/26 savings and investment in services position detailed in section 6 of the report; and
4) The risks associated with the revenue forecasts as detailed in section 9 of the report.
8
Adoption of the Housing Financial Assistance Policy 2025
This report presents the Housing Financial Assistance Policy 2025 for approval and adoption. The policy outlines the Council’s approach to addressing housing quality and standards across Basingstoke and Deane, focusing on improving living conditions, supporting vulnerable residents, and promoting sustainable and energy-efficient homes.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing
Attachments:
- Document Housing Financial Assistance Policy Report 01 Dec 2025
- Document Appendix 1 - Housing Financial Assistance Policy 01 Dec 2025
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report which presented the Housing Financial Assistance Policy 2025 for approval. The policy outlined the Council’s approach to addressing housing quality and standards across the borough, focusing on improving living conditions, supporting vulnerable residents and promoting sustainable and energy efficient homes. The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing highlighted the key provisions of the policy and the proposed inclusion of new initiatives to support the most vulnerable residents. Thanks were expressed to officers and all those who contributed as part of the consultation process. Disappointment was expressed regarding the HCC waiting list for assessments however it was reported that HCC were investing in occupational therapists to reduce the waiting lists.
Visiting speaker, Councillor McCormick welcomed the report and questioned whether there was sufficient budget to make a difference and whether additional funding options could be explored such as CIL or S106 developers contributions.
The Cabinet Member for Residents Services and Housing clarified the process for assessments and confirmed that the budget was sufficient to meet current needs.
Resolved: That Cabinet
1) Approve and adopt the Housing Financial Assistance Policy 2025 for the provision of assistance to the public.
2) Delegate authority to the Head of Environment and Community Services to make minor amendments as required in response to feedback or legislative changes in agreement with the Portfolio Holder for Residents Services and Housing.
Visiting speaker, Councillor McCormick welcomed the report and questioned whether there was sufficient budget to make a difference and whether additional funding options could be explored such as CIL or S106 developers contributions.
The Cabinet Member for Residents Services and Housing clarified the process for assessments and confirmed that the budget was sufficient to meet current needs.
Resolved: That Cabinet
1) Approve and adopt the Housing Financial Assistance Policy 2025 for the provision of assistance to the public.
2) Delegate authority to the Head of Environment and Community Services to make minor amendments as required in response to feedback or legislative changes in agreement with the Portfolio Holder for Residents Services and Housing.
9
Proposed Use of S106 Capital Funding to Support the Provision of Affordable Housing in Rural Areas
This report sets out the rationale to utilise an unallocated S.106 contribution which is specifically designated for affordable housing delivery within rural areas. The recommendation seeks authority to release £0.3m (£301,173.60) of an uncommitted S.106 contribution which, critically, has to be spent or allocated under the terms of the s106 agreement by November 2026.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing
Attachments:
- Document Rural 106 Cabinet Report Dec 25 01 Dec 2025
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report which sought approval to utilise £0.3 million of unspent affordable housing Section 106 contributions, which had to be utilised by November 2026, to support the acquisition of nine socially rented homes in order to ensure the continued use of those properties to meet affordable housing needs in rural areas.
Resolved: Cabinet approve the payment of £301,173.60 of unspent Section 106 capital contribution to VIVID Housing Association by way of grant in order to secure a rural existing property scheme as set out in section 1 of the report.
Resolved: Cabinet approve the payment of £301,173.60 of unspent Section 106 capital contribution to VIVID Housing Association by way of grant in order to secure a rural existing property scheme as set out in section 1 of the report.
10
Adoption of the refreshed Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy
This report presents an updated Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy for adoption. It retains key elements from the council’s first Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy (adopted in 2021), such as the council’s approach to lead by example, enable change where it can, and inspire action to support the target. A notable change is that the updated strategy establishes a revised target date of 2045 to achieve a net zero carbon borough.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency
Attachments:
- Document Adopting an updated Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy 01 Dec 2025
- Document Appendix 1 - Draft Strategy Consultation Results 01 Dec 2025
- Document Appendix 2 - Detailed summary of consultation comments 01 Dec 2025
- Document Appendix 3 - Updated Climage Change and Air Quality Strategy 01 Dec 2025
- Document Appendix 4 - Updated Climate Change Action Plan 01 Dec 2025
Minutes
The Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency introduced a report which presented an updated Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy for adoption. The updated strategy was built on progress achieved since the original strategy was adopted in 2021. It was reported that the council were on track to achieve carbon neutrality in its own operational emissions by the end of 2025 and emissions for the borough had reduced by 25%. Furthermore the Council’s work had been recognised by Climate Emergency UK for its collaboration with others on climate action. It was explained that changes to the updated strategy had been shaped following extensive engagement with key partners, councillors and residents. A key change to the strategy was a revised target date of 2045 to achieve a net zero carbon borough, 5 years ahead of the government’s aim and a revised action plan setting out ambitious goals and indicative milestones to monitor progress. The strategy represented a refreshed approach to cutting carbon whilst continuing to enable and inspire others to make changes. Achievements to date were highlighted which included reduced carbon footprint, use of renewable energy, solar panels on buildings, use of biofuel, biodiversity, installation of electric vehicles chargers, electric hackney carriages, incentives to move to electric vehicles for taxi drivers and the work of the Green Team.
Visiting speakers Miranda Chubb and Councillor McCormick were invited to speak.
Miranda Chubb welcomed the commitment to climate adaption and mitigation but expressed disappointment that the target date had been put back to 2045. She added that it was unlikely to achieve a decarbonised borough by 2045 and felt that radical improvements in energy efficiency and 100% generation of electricity from renewable sources were required. She recognised the strategy was bold regarding efficiency but lacked addressing where electricity would come from and suggested the strategy needed to be bolder to meet future electricity needs. It was further suggested that local renewables should be considered and without a bigger grid and renewable regeneration, net zero would not be achieved and the economy would not thrive. She urged revision of the strategy to reflect the full scope of the challenge and to seize the opportunity for the borough to lead and not lag in the transition to a sustainable future.
Councillor McCormick referred to the impacts of climate change such as storms, increased rainfall and flooding, wildfires and heatwaves. He referred to the 2030 target committed to by several other local authorities and suggested the target and acceleration on action be revisited by the new authority following local government reorganisation. He acknowledged it was a stretch target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 but the challenge should be embraced. He suggested a different approach was needed to maximise the percentage completion by 2030 and suggested increased publicising of information regarding available grants, solar panels, electric vehicles and heat pumps available for residents.
The Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency thanked the speakers for their contributions. He acknowledged the challenges regarding energy consumption and was keen to get more renewables in the appropriate places in the borough. He highlighted work undertaken with partners such as SSEN to map out energy needs. He acknowledged the comments regarding the target change to 2045 but felt realistic targets were needed. He further acknowledged the comments regarding publicising information to residents.
Cabinet welcomed the strategy and discussed the target change to 2045, recognition of the need for collective action and collaboration across the borough to achieve the target, the level of carbon produced in relation to the rest of the world, the impact of the governments increased housing number for the borough, consideration of businesses within the borough, the reality that residents don’t want solar farms, wind turbines or nuclear power stations near to them, recognition of the work undertaken by officers and partners to date and the achievement to deliver a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the borough, the impact of the energy crisis and fuel poverty and meaningful targets within the strategy.
Resolved: That Cabinet
1) Acknowledge responses received on the consultation draft of the updated strategy; and
2) Adopt the updated Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy.
Visiting speakers Miranda Chubb and Councillor McCormick were invited to speak.
Miranda Chubb welcomed the commitment to climate adaption and mitigation but expressed disappointment that the target date had been put back to 2045. She added that it was unlikely to achieve a decarbonised borough by 2045 and felt that radical improvements in energy efficiency and 100% generation of electricity from renewable sources were required. She recognised the strategy was bold regarding efficiency but lacked addressing where electricity would come from and suggested the strategy needed to be bolder to meet future electricity needs. It was further suggested that local renewables should be considered and without a bigger grid and renewable regeneration, net zero would not be achieved and the economy would not thrive. She urged revision of the strategy to reflect the full scope of the challenge and to seize the opportunity for the borough to lead and not lag in the transition to a sustainable future.
Councillor McCormick referred to the impacts of climate change such as storms, increased rainfall and flooding, wildfires and heatwaves. He referred to the 2030 target committed to by several other local authorities and suggested the target and acceleration on action be revisited by the new authority following local government reorganisation. He acknowledged it was a stretch target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 but the challenge should be embraced. He suggested a different approach was needed to maximise the percentage completion by 2030 and suggested increased publicising of information regarding available grants, solar panels, electric vehicles and heat pumps available for residents.
The Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency thanked the speakers for their contributions. He acknowledged the challenges regarding energy consumption and was keen to get more renewables in the appropriate places in the borough. He highlighted work undertaken with partners such as SSEN to map out energy needs. He acknowledged the comments regarding the target change to 2045 but felt realistic targets were needed. He further acknowledged the comments regarding publicising information to residents.
Cabinet welcomed the strategy and discussed the target change to 2045, recognition of the need for collective action and collaboration across the borough to achieve the target, the level of carbon produced in relation to the rest of the world, the impact of the governments increased housing number for the borough, consideration of businesses within the borough, the reality that residents don’t want solar farms, wind turbines or nuclear power stations near to them, recognition of the work undertaken by officers and partners to date and the achievement to deliver a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in the borough, the impact of the energy crisis and fuel poverty and meaningful targets within the strategy.
Resolved: That Cabinet
1) Acknowledge responses received on the consultation draft of the updated strategy; and
2) Adopt the updated Climate Change and Air Quality Strategy.
11
Town Centre and Basing View Delivery Strategy
This report provides an overview of the delivery options considered and outlines why an Investment Partnership (IP) is recommended as the most suitable approach to attract new investment and accelerate delivery to create new homes, leisure, culture and Grade A office uses alongside targeting key sectors and a higher education offer to bring greater vibrancy, prosperity, an increase in the skilled workforce and improved infrastructure to the town centre.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Regeneration
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Regeneration
Attachments:
- Document TC and BV Delivery Strategy - Cabinet FIN 01 Dec 2025
- Document Appendix 1 EXEMPT List of parties 01 Dec 2025
- Document Appendix 2 Options Analysis 01 Dec 2025
- Document Appendix 3 Freeths Note - Investment Partnerships - Key Points 01 Dec 2025
- Document Appendix 4 Key comparasions 01 Dec 2025
Minutes
The Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Regeneration introduced a report which set out how the Council could move forward in partnership to translate key council priorities and the longer-term ambitions of the Town Centre Masterplan from vision into delivery and create the conditions for a thriving, modern town centre that supports sustainable growth and wellbeing. She provided a summary of work undertaken by officers to generate market interest to partner, deliver and enhance the masterplan and the range of delivery models evaluated culminating in the recommended Investment Partnership (IP) model. Approval was sought to advance with the IP model and launch a transparent selection process for a partner subject to further legal and procurement advice. She added that if approved, a proposal pack would be prepared with an indicative timeline of targeting partnership commencement by September 2026.
Visiting speaker, Councillor McCormick questioned whether the strategy would include the land between the town centre and Basing View as the pedestrian connectivity between them could be improved.
Cabinet welcomed the report and discussed the benefits of partnership working to deliver regeneration and meet council priorities. It was acknowledged that increasing connectivity from Basing View to the town centre and the Station and Malls links were critical particularly considering the changing environment. The importance of partnership working and the support of the business community was recognised.
Resolved: Cabinet:
1) Note the progress to date and positive market interest from potential partners following the scoping exercise to identify an appropriate delivery strategy to drive regeneration across the Town Centre and Basing View.
2) Agree to proceed with the recommended Investment Partnership model and commence a selection process for an Investment Partner subject to further legal and procurement advice.
3) Note the next steps required to inform a proposal pack, selection process and indicative timelines.
Visiting speaker, Councillor McCormick questioned whether the strategy would include the land between the town centre and Basing View as the pedestrian connectivity between them could be improved.
Cabinet welcomed the report and discussed the benefits of partnership working to deliver regeneration and meet council priorities. It was acknowledged that increasing connectivity from Basing View to the town centre and the Station and Malls links were critical particularly considering the changing environment. The importance of partnership working and the support of the business community was recognised.
Resolved: Cabinet:
1) Note the progress to date and positive market interest from potential partners following the scoping exercise to identify an appropriate delivery strategy to drive regeneration across the Town Centre and Basing View.
2) Agree to proceed with the recommended Investment Partnership model and commence a selection process for an Investment Partner subject to further legal and procurement advice.
3) Note the next steps required to inform a proposal pack, selection process and indicative timelines.
12
Exclusion of press and public
To consider whether, in view of the nature of the remaining items on the agenda, any of them are likely to involve the disclosure of exempt or confidential information within the terms of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972
13
Confidential/ exempt items for information
It is considered that information contained within the agenda item listed contain exempt information under the meaning of paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended, and therefore cannot be made public.
Agenda Item 11 - Town Centre and Basing View Delivery Strategy Appendix 1
Agenda Item 11 - Town Centre and Basing View Delivery Strategy Appendix 1
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