Meeting

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.

1) In accordance with the ‘Method of Choosing a Mayor and Associated Matters’ protocol Members are advised that Councillor Jacky Tustain is invited to stand for election as Mayor at the next Annual Meeting of Council for the next Municipal year. This is in order that the Mayor-elect may have notice of her election. Members are asked to show their support.

2) The person next in seniority is elected Deputy Mayor at the Annual Meeting and Members are asked to note that Councillor Sajish Tom is the next senior Member who has indicated his willingness to take up the role.

To receive and answer any questions from the public.

(Questions must be received in writing by Democratic Services no later than noon on Tuesday 16 December 2025)

To receive petitions.

(Notice of petitions must be received in writing by Democratic Services, no later than noon on Tuesday 16 December 2025)

a) to receive resignations from Committees and to make any necessary re-appointments

b) to receive resignations from Outside Bodies and to make any re-appointments and (ii) fill any existing vacancies.

Report of the Chief Finance and S151 Officer

Report of the Head of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer

Report of the Head of Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer

To approve the calendar of meetings for the 2026/27 Municipal year.

Proposer: Councillor Minas-Bound

Seconder: Councillor Izett

Council notes:

1) Basingstoke and Deane sits at the heart of the South East logistics network, strategically located on the M3 corridor with direct links to the A33, A30 and A339, serving major employers and distribution centres.

2) The borough’s success in attracting and retaining major logistics, manufacturing and service businesses has resulted in increasing demand for secure, well-managed overnight and rest facilities for HGV drivers.

3) Currently, the lack of a designated lorry park within the borough means many vehicles park overnight in local lay-bys and industrial estates, creating safety, security and environmental concerns and putting additional strain on local roads and communities.

4) The absence of suitable facilities also presents risks to driver welfare, increases opportunities for crime and antisocial behaviour, and impacts the image of Basingstoke as a well-managed business location.

5) There is growing pressure for a motorway service area and lorry park near Junction 6 of the M3, which could add further congestion to an already critical junction and undermine wider infrastructure priorities.

Council believes:

1) Providing a purpose-built, secure lorry park would improve safety for drivers, reduce crime and antisocial behaviour, and demonstrate Basingstoke’s commitment to being a business-friendly borough.

2) A strategically located lorry park could be developed in partnership with the private sector, creating new business and employment opportunities while alleviating pressure on local roads.

3) Local solutions are preferable to external developments that could intensify congestion at Junction 6 or encroach on valuable greenfield land.

Council therefore resolves to request Cabinet to:

1) Commission a feasibility study to identify potential locations within the borough suitable for a secure, commercially viable lorry park to support logistics, manufacturing, and distribution businesses.

2) Engage with key stakeholders — including Hampshire County Council (as the highways authority), local business groups, the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, and logistics operators — to ensure that the study reflects the real needs of the business community.

3) Report back to the Environment and Infrastructure Overview and Scrutiny Committee within six months with options, including potential delivery models and partnership opportunities, before considering next steps.

4) Work proactively with partners to identify external funding opportunities, including through the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Combined Authority, the Department for Transport, and private investment, to support delivery if feasible.

Proposer: Councillor Minas-Bound

Seconder: Councillor Carr

Council notes:

1) That the Labour Government is expected to announce that the first election for a Hampshire & Isle of Wight Mayor – originally scheduled for May 2026 – will be delayed until May 2028, on the grounds that councils need more time to complete Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

2) That this Mayoral election was due to take place alongside the local elections in May 2026, forming a central democratic component of the proposed Hampshire & Isle of Wight devolution arrangements.

3) That delaying this democratic process by two years will deny residents the opportunity to elect their Mayor at the time originally promised and risks undermining confidence in the devolution programme.

4) That 13 local authorities across Hampshire supported progressing with a four-unitary model, and the proposed delay is inconsistent with the urgency the Government previously placed on progressing LGR.

5) That national and local commentators have already raised concerns that such a delay may be politically motivated rather than based on the interests or wishes of residents across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Council believes:

1) That democratic elections must take place on time and not be postponed for political convenience.

2) That residents deserve a clear, stable and transparent timetable for both devolution and reorganisation.

3) That any changes to the governance of Hampshire & the Isle of Wight should be shaped by local voices, not centrally dictated and then delayed without meaningful explanation.

Council resolves to:

1) Formally oppose the Labour Government’s proposal to delay the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Mayoral election from May 2026 to May 2028.

2) Write to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities expressing this Council’s concern at the proposed delay and calling for the Mayoral election to proceed in May 2026 as originally planned.

3) Request that the Secretary of State provides urgent clarity on the status and timing of the scheduled May 2026 district and county elections, given the uncertainty created by this late proposed change to the Mayoral timetable.

4) Request that the Leader of the Council raises these concerns with neighbouring authorities and with the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Local Government Association to ensure a coordinated response where appropriate.

5) Ask the Chief Executive to update all Members as soon as further detail emerges regarding the timetable for Local Government Reorganisation and any associated electoral implications.

To receive questions from members in relation to the minutes of the meetings detailed below:

Committee

Meeting Date

Human Resources

6 October 2025

Cabinet

7 October 2025

Development Control

8 October 2025

Resident Services O&S

15 October 2025

Council

16 October 2025

Licensing

3 November 2025

Cabinet

11 November 2025

Development Control

12 November 2025

Audit & Accounts

24 November 2025

Resources

25 November 2025

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