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, 10th February 2026
6:30 PM
Tuesday, 10th February 2026
6:30 PM
End:
Tuesday, 10th February 2026
9:30 PM
Tuesday, 10th February 2026
9:30 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
10 Feb 2026
10 Feb 2026
Location:
Committee Rooms 1 & 2 - Deanes
Committee Rooms 1 & 2 - Deanes
Webcast:
Available
Available
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Major Projects and Business Engagement
Committee Member
Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure and Culture
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency
Chair
Leader
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure
Agenda
1
Apologies for absence
Minutes
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Cubitt and 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 6 January 2026
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 06012026 1830 Cabinet 30 Jan 2026
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 6 January 2026 were confirmed as an accurate record and signed by the Chair.
5
Leader and Portfolio Holder Announcements
Minutes
The Leader of the Council referred to proposed CIL funding within the budget proposals for the expansion of Chineham Medical Practice as requested by the Integrated Care Board (ICB). He reported ongoing engagement with the developer and local community regarding a proposed surgery for Whitchurch and with Vivid regarding a new surgery in Winklebury. Disappointment was expressed that the ICB had rejected the proposed town centre health hub. He referred to the importance of the CIL protocol and that work continued with the ICB to ensure that planned strategic developments receive appropriate health infrastructure.
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure outlined the background to the CIL protocol, explaining that it had been implemented once a sufficient level of CIL contributions had been received to fund improvement projects. He emphasised that CIL funding could not resolve all infrastructure needs, noting that the current Infrastructure Delivery Plan identified a funding requirement of £67 million. He highlighted that scheme viability had to be considered when requesting CIL contributions from developers. He concluded by stating that to enable infrastructure to grow alongside the borough’s population, Government prioritisation of infrastructure funding as part of planning reforms was essential.
The Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Infrastructure outlined the background to the CIL protocol, explaining that it had been implemented once a sufficient level of CIL contributions had been received to fund improvement projects. He emphasised that CIL funding could not resolve all infrastructure needs, noting that the current Infrastructure Delivery Plan identified a funding requirement of £67 million. He highlighted that scheme viability had to be considered when requesting CIL contributions from developers. He concluded by stating that to enable infrastructure to grow alongside the borough’s population, Government prioritisation of infrastructure funding as part of planning reforms was essential.
6
Council Plan Progress Update
This report sets out progress on the Council Plan 2023 to 2027 and highlights what has been achieved so far. The existing Council Plan priorities are still relevant to guide the work of the council and the Council Plan will continue to provide an overarching policy framework for the council to the point a new unitary authority is in place from 1 April 2028.
Recommendation from the Leader of the Council and Co-Leader
Recommendation from the Leader of the Council and Co-Leader
Attachments:
- Document Report 30 Jan 2026
- Document Appendix 1 30 Jan 2026
Minutes
Cabinet received an update report which provided an overview of progress towards achieving the Council Plan priorities and the next actions to build on the achievements to date.
Each Cabinet Member provided an overview of the key achievements and ongoing activities within their respective portfolios.
Cabinet expressed its appreciation to officers, volunteers, organisations and partners who had contributed towards the achievements made.
Resolved: That Cabinet approve for publication, the progress report on the Council Plan 2023 to 2027, highlighting what has been achieved against the priorities so far.
Each Cabinet Member provided an overview of the key achievements and ongoing activities within their respective portfolios.
Cabinet expressed its appreciation to officers, volunteers, organisations and partners who had contributed towards the achievements made.
Resolved: That Cabinet approve for publication, the progress report on the Council Plan 2023 to 2027, highlighting what has been achieved against the priorities so far.
7
Medium Term Financial Strategy and Budget Update Report 2026/27 to 2029/30
This report presents an updated Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for the period 2026/27 to 2029/30 as part of the annual reporting on the Policy and Budget Framework required under the Local Government Act 2000 and provides detail to inform Council in setting Council Tax for 2026/27.
Report of the Chief Finance Officer (S151 Officer)
Report of the Chief Finance Officer (S151 Officer)
Attachments:
- Document Report 30 Jan 2026
- Document Appendix 1 30 Jan 2026
- Document Appendix 4 30 Jan 2026
- Document Appendix 5 30 Jan 2026
- Document Appendix 6 30 Jan 2026
- Document Appendix 7 30 Jan 2026
Minutes
The Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property presented a report which provided a summary of Cabinet’s revenue proposals for 2026/27 and a forward financial forecast for 2027/28 with indicative forecasts for 2028/29 and 2029/30 due to the expected local government reorganisation.
It was explained that the recently announced government funding would have only a minimal impact on the proposals. The Budget Proposals were described as positive, building on progress made in previous years. It was noted that the proposals delivered a balanced budget for the next three years.
Resolved: That Cabinet note:
1) The revised Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026/27 to 2029/30 as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report.
2) The aims and objectives of the Medium Term Financial Strategy which will be presented to Council for approval on 26 February 2026.
3) The formal budget public consultation began on 12 November 2025 and ended on 4 January 2026. Following the consultation, there are no changes to the budget proposals and the outcome of the consultation is summarised in section 19 and Appendix 6 of the report.
4) The budget proposals are based on the assumptions detailed within the Medium Term Financial Strategy.
5) That the proposals provide for a balanced budget in 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29, and further proposals will need to be considered to address the future year budget gap in 2029/30.
6) That the Financial Policies have been reviewed and are detailed in Appendix 4 of the report.
Cabinet Recommend Council:
To note:
7) The S151 Officer’s (Chief Finance Officer) statutory report regarding the robustness of the estimates and adequacy of reserves detailed in section 11 of the report.
8) That the Chief Finance Officer (S151 Officer) on the 5 January 2026 calculated the Council Tax base for the whole Council area at 70,432.5 Band D equivalents and for dwellings in those parts of its area to which a parish precept relates as per Appendix 2 of the report.
9) The county, police and fire authority precepts detailed in Appendix 3 of the report.
10) That as the billing authority, the Council has not been notified by any major precepting authority that its relevant basic amount of Council Tax for 2026/27 is excessive and the billing authority is therefore not required to hold a referendum, in accordance with section 52ZK of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.
11) The risks and sensitivities within the financial forecasts highlighted in section 9 and in Appendix 5 of the report.
To determine:
12) That for the purposes of section 35 (2) (d) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, any expenses incurred by the Borough Council in the financial year 2026/27 in performing functions in a part of the district which elsewhere in the district are performed by a Parish Council, shall not be special expenses of the Borough Council.
13) That its relevant basic amount of Council Tax for 2026/27 (£151.42 at Band D) reflects a £5.00 (3.41%) increase which is not excessive in accordance with principles approved under Section 52ZB of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.
To approve:
14) The net Council Tax requirement of £10.66M for 2026/27, the revenue estimates including the budget proposals and contributions to and from reserves summarised in sections 6 and 7 of the report.
15) The Medium Term Financial Strategy, as shown in Appendix 1 of the report.
16) The financial policies set out in Appendix 4 of the report.
17) The updated Financial Regulations as detailed in Appendix 7 of the report for inclusion in the council’s constitution.
18) That the requirement for Council Tax for Borough purposes for 2026/07 be £151.42 (at Band D) as set out in Appendix 3 of the report.
19) The Council Tax Resolution as set out in Appendix 3 of the report, which brings together the Borough’s Council Tax Requirement and that of the other major preceptors (Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Fire and Rescue and The Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire) and sets the Council Tax charges for 2026/27.
20) That the S151 Officer (Chief Finance Officer) be given delegated authority to implement any variation necessary to the overall level of 2026/27 Council Taxes in the event that any of the precepting authorities change their precept calculation from that expected and reported at the Council meeting.
It was explained that the recently announced government funding would have only a minimal impact on the proposals. The Budget Proposals were described as positive, building on progress made in previous years. It was noted that the proposals delivered a balanced budget for the next three years.
Resolved: That Cabinet note:
1) The revised Medium Term Financial Strategy 2026/27 to 2029/30 as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report.
2) The aims and objectives of the Medium Term Financial Strategy which will be presented to Council for approval on 26 February 2026.
3) The formal budget public consultation began on 12 November 2025 and ended on 4 January 2026. Following the consultation, there are no changes to the budget proposals and the outcome of the consultation is summarised in section 19 and Appendix 6 of the report.
4) The budget proposals are based on the assumptions detailed within the Medium Term Financial Strategy.
5) That the proposals provide for a balanced budget in 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29, and further proposals will need to be considered to address the future year budget gap in 2029/30.
6) That the Financial Policies have been reviewed and are detailed in Appendix 4 of the report.
Cabinet Recommend Council:
To note:
7) The S151 Officer’s (Chief Finance Officer) statutory report regarding the robustness of the estimates and adequacy of reserves detailed in section 11 of the report.
8) That the Chief Finance Officer (S151 Officer) on the 5 January 2026 calculated the Council Tax base for the whole Council area at 70,432.5 Band D equivalents and for dwellings in those parts of its area to which a parish precept relates as per Appendix 2 of the report.
9) The county, police and fire authority precepts detailed in Appendix 3 of the report.
10) That as the billing authority, the Council has not been notified by any major precepting authority that its relevant basic amount of Council Tax for 2026/27 is excessive and the billing authority is therefore not required to hold a referendum, in accordance with section 52ZK of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.
11) The risks and sensitivities within the financial forecasts highlighted in section 9 and in Appendix 5 of the report.
To determine:
12) That for the purposes of section 35 (2) (d) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, any expenses incurred by the Borough Council in the financial year 2026/27 in performing functions in a part of the district which elsewhere in the district are performed by a Parish Council, shall not be special expenses of the Borough Council.
13) That its relevant basic amount of Council Tax for 2026/27 (£151.42 at Band D) reflects a £5.00 (3.41%) increase which is not excessive in accordance with principles approved under Section 52ZB of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.
To approve:
14) The net Council Tax requirement of £10.66M for 2026/27, the revenue estimates including the budget proposals and contributions to and from reserves summarised in sections 6 and 7 of the report.
15) The Medium Term Financial Strategy, as shown in Appendix 1 of the report.
16) The financial policies set out in Appendix 4 of the report.
17) The updated Financial Regulations as detailed in Appendix 7 of the report for inclusion in the council’s constitution.
18) That the requirement for Council Tax for Borough purposes for 2026/07 be £151.42 (at Band D) as set out in Appendix 3 of the report.
19) The Council Tax Resolution as set out in Appendix 3 of the report, which brings together the Borough’s Council Tax Requirement and that of the other major preceptors (Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Fire and Rescue and The Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire) and sets the Council Tax charges for 2026/27.
20) That the S151 Officer (Chief Finance Officer) be given delegated authority to implement any variation necessary to the overall level of 2026/27 Council Taxes in the event that any of the precepting authorities change their precept calculation from that expected and reported at the Council meeting.
8
Capital Programme Update and Strategy Report 2025/26 to 2029/30
This report provides an update on the capital programme and Capital Programme Strategy for 2026/27 to 2029/30 for council approval.
Report of the Chief Finance Officer (S151 Officer)
Report of the Chief Finance Officer (S151 Officer)
Attachments:
- Document Report 30 Jan 2026
Minutes
Cabinet received a report which provided an update on the capital programme and Capital Programme Strategy for 2026/27 to 2029/30.
The Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property presented the report and highlighted:
Significant funding had been earmarked for the replacement of the Aquadrome. Additions to the capital programme totalling £31 million. The reprovision of Westside Community Centre had not been included in this year’s capital programme. It was explained that the community centre remained a council priority and the scheme would be incorporated into a future years capital programme once the masterplan and planning process had been completed.
Resolved: That Cabinet:
1) Note the addition of £31.140M to the capital programme requiring approval to spend and the removal of capital scheme savings of £3.025M which gives rise to a net increase of £28.115M to the overall capital programme as detailed in sections 4 to 6 and Appendix 2 of the report.
2) Note the revised capital programme which totals £129.276M as detailed in sections 2 to 9 and Appendix 1 of the report and the associated use of resources.
3) Note the rephasing and scheme virements as set out in sections 7 and 8 and as detailed in Appendix 3 of the report.
4) Note the capital programme remains fully funded from the council’s own resources up to 2029/30 based on the latest forecast of available resources.
5) Note the CIL Spending Report as attached as Appendix 4 of the report.
6) Note that a review of the Capital Programme Strategy has been undertaken as detailed in section 11 and the updated Capital Programme Strategy is attached as Appendix 5 of the report.
Cabinet recommend Council: To
7) Agree the addition of £31.140M to the capital programme and the removal of scheme underspends of £3.025M, which gives rise to a net increase of £28.115M to the overall capital programme as detailed in sections 4 to 6 and Appendix 2 of the report.
8) Approve the revised capital programme, which totals £129.276M (as detailed in sections 2 to 9 and Appendix 1 of the report) and the associated use of resources.
9) Approve expenditure being incurred on capital schemes in accordance with the revised capital programme and the Financial Regulations.
10) Approve the rephasing and scheme virements as set out in sections 7 and 8 and as detailed in Appendix 3 of the report.
11) Note that the capital programme remains fully funded from the council’s own resources up to 2029/30 based on the latest forecast of available resources.
12) Note the CIL Spending Report attached as Appendix 4 of the report.
13) Approve the Capital Programme Strategy shown as Appendix 5 of the report, which includes the council’s Infrastructure List shown as Annex 2.
The Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property presented the report and highlighted:
Significant funding had been earmarked for the replacement of the Aquadrome. Additions to the capital programme totalling £31 million. The reprovision of Westside Community Centre had not been included in this year’s capital programme. It was explained that the community centre remained a council priority and the scheme would be incorporated into a future years capital programme once the masterplan and planning process had been completed.
Resolved: That Cabinet:
1) Note the addition of £31.140M to the capital programme requiring approval to spend and the removal of capital scheme savings of £3.025M which gives rise to a net increase of £28.115M to the overall capital programme as detailed in sections 4 to 6 and Appendix 2 of the report.
2) Note the revised capital programme which totals £129.276M as detailed in sections 2 to 9 and Appendix 1 of the report and the associated use of resources.
3) Note the rephasing and scheme virements as set out in sections 7 and 8 and as detailed in Appendix 3 of the report.
4) Note the capital programme remains fully funded from the council’s own resources up to 2029/30 based on the latest forecast of available resources.
5) Note the CIL Spending Report as attached as Appendix 4 of the report.
6) Note that a review of the Capital Programme Strategy has been undertaken as detailed in section 11 and the updated Capital Programme Strategy is attached as Appendix 5 of the report.
Cabinet recommend Council: To
7) Agree the addition of £31.140M to the capital programme and the removal of scheme underspends of £3.025M, which gives rise to a net increase of £28.115M to the overall capital programme as detailed in sections 4 to 6 and Appendix 2 of the report.
8) Approve the revised capital programme, which totals £129.276M (as detailed in sections 2 to 9 and Appendix 1 of the report) and the associated use of resources.
9) Approve expenditure being incurred on capital schemes in accordance with the revised capital programme and the Financial Regulations.
10) Approve the rephasing and scheme virements as set out in sections 7 and 8 and as detailed in Appendix 3 of the report.
11) Note that the capital programme remains fully funded from the council’s own resources up to 2029/30 based on the latest forecast of available resources.
12) Note the CIL Spending Report attached as Appendix 4 of the report.
13) Approve the Capital Programme Strategy shown as Appendix 5 of the report, which includes the council’s Infrastructure List shown as Annex 2.
9
Declaration of Little Pen Wood as a Local Nature Reserve
The purpose of this report is to seek agreement to declare Little Pen Wood as a Local Nature Reserve arising from the action within Decision Notice 62/2015. This sought to create a priority list for the declaration of LNRs. Little Pen Wood was identified as the next highest priority site to be declared as an LNR following assessment against criteria as laid out in Decision Notice 37/2015.
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency
Recommendation from the Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency
Attachments:
- Document LittlePenWoodCabinetFinal130126 30 Jan 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report seeking approval to declare Little Penwood as a Local Nature Reserve. The Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency introduced the report and explained that Little Pen Wood was a semi natural ancient woodland incorporating areas of wet woodland. The site was designated as a Site for Nature Conservation (SINC) and supported a range of important habitats and species.
Resolved: That Cabinet agree to declare the Little Pen Wood site as a Local Nature Reserve to be managed in accordance with the Green Space Management Plan for the site.
Resolved: That Cabinet agree to declare the Little Pen Wood site as a Local Nature Reserve to be managed in accordance with the Green Space Management Plan for the site.
10
Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) 2026/27 - 2028/29
The purpose of this report is to give an overview of the council’s property assets and update on progress since the Property Investment Strategy (as part of the Council’s Capital Investment Strategy) since it was last approved. The period of the current Portfolio Investment Strategy concludes in March 2026. The Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) aims to set out a forward vision for the council’s property portfolio including its investment portfolio, regeneration projects and operational property for 2026/27 to 2028/29.
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 SAMP 2026-2029 Report 30 Jan 2026
- Document Appendix 1 Property Investment Strategy 30 Jan 2026
- Document Appendix 2 Operational Property Strategy 30 Jan 2026
- Document Appendix 3 Annual Property Plan 2026-27 30 Jan 2026
- Document EXEMPT - APPENDIX 4 Disposals and Lease Regears Target List 2026-27 30 Jan 2026
Minutes
Cabinet considered a report which provided an overview of the council’s property assets and progress made since the Property Investment Strategy was last approved. The report also introduced the Strategic Asset Management Plan which set out the forward vision for the council’s property portfolio including its investment portfolio, regeneration projects and operational property for the period 2026/27 to 2028/29.
The Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property introduced the report and highlighted the following key points:
Significant improvements had been made to the council’s operational properties supporting progress towards net zero carbon objectives. Enhancement to the working environment for staff through changes to building management. Sustainability improvements for community centres. A significant amount of work had been undertaken as part of the Property Investment Strategy, which sits within the SAMP, to ensure that council owned properties continued to deliver best value, supporting the local economy and contributing to the delivery of services.
Resolved: Cabinet:
1) Note the contents of the Strategic Asset Management Plan 2026/27;
2) Approve the Annual Property Plan 2026/27.
Cabinet recommend Council to:
3) Approve the Strategic Asset Management Plan 2026/27 to 2028/29 which incorporates the Property Investment Strategy;
4) Approve the delegation to the Director of Regeneration, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer) and the relevant portfolio holder for Property and Finance, to be able to make investment decisions within the approved Property Investment Strategy parameters and in accordance with the approved Annual Property Plan;
5) Retain the delegation levels from the previous approval at a limit of 5% of the overall property portfolio valuation;
6) Approve the process set out for the disposal of any surplus Operational assets and delegate disposal and lease and investment decisions to the Director of Regeneration.
The Co-Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Property introduced the report and highlighted the following key points:
Significant improvements had been made to the council’s operational properties supporting progress towards net zero carbon objectives. Enhancement to the working environment for staff through changes to building management. Sustainability improvements for community centres. A significant amount of work had been undertaken as part of the Property Investment Strategy, which sits within the SAMP, to ensure that council owned properties continued to deliver best value, supporting the local economy and contributing to the delivery of services.
Resolved: Cabinet:
1) Note the contents of the Strategic Asset Management Plan 2026/27;
2) Approve the Annual Property Plan 2026/27.
Cabinet recommend Council to:
3) Approve the Strategic Asset Management Plan 2026/27 to 2028/29 which incorporates the Property Investment Strategy;
4) Approve the delegation to the Director of Regeneration, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer) and the relevant portfolio holder for Property and Finance, to be able to make investment decisions within the approved Property Investment Strategy parameters and in accordance with the approved Annual Property Plan;
5) Retain the delegation levels from the previous approval at a limit of 5% of the overall property portfolio valuation;
6) Approve the process set out for the disposal of any surplus Operational assets and delegate disposal and lease and investment decisions to the Director of Regeneration.
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