By Local Democracy & Public Affairs Reporter for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, not affiliated to the BBC LDRS
Oakham Town Council Meeting Forensic Audit Ordered, Staffing Restructure Approved, and Strategic Plan Ahead.
Oakham Town Council tackled a packed agenda during its meeting last night, addressing key operational changes, community events, and a decision to initiate a forensic audit following allegations made by a former councillor and former staff member.
The meeting, chaired by Cllr Martin Brookes, lasted a full two and a half hours including a 30-minute extension before running out of time, prompting the scheduling of an extraordinary meeting for next Wednesday at 6:30 pm to handle remaining business.
Meeting Highlights & Key Decisions
1. Policing Update
Rutland's local police inspector addressed the council with a community safety update, highlighting two primary matters:
An ongoing investigation into criminal damage involving a local business owner's car.
An unusual incident in Cutts Close, where an intoxicated individual on a mobility scooter attempted to scatter his late wife's ashes in the park.
2. Staffing & Administration Overhaul
Handled extensively during an exempt session, the council made major decisions regarding its workforce and operations:
Approved a proposed Staffing Review and Restructure alongside a new employment contract for all staff members.
Agreed to extend the contract of the Locum Clerk for another four months.
Decided not to renew the HR services contract held with LGRC.
Authorised the clerk to gather three quotes for new office laptops.
Office Security & Relocation: Approved immediate measures to improve current office security and safety. Additionally, a Task & Finish working group (comprising Cllrs Romney and Callaghan) was established to explore options for the council office, which could result in a move away from its current location in Long Row.
3. Financial Allocations & UKSPF Funding
UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF): The remaining £5,486 will be allocated to cover first-aid cover for summer events in Cutts Close, an additional band for the Family Fun Day on August 30th, and urgent electrical work in the park.
Bin Replacements: Cllr Harris, working alongside the Locum Clerk, will spearhead a litter bin replacement project incorporating recycling options, with a fully costed report to follow.
4. Governance, Training, and Co-option
The council welcomed its newest member, Mr. Justin Perry.
Council Approved a £1,700 expenditure (drawn from council reserves) to fund comprehensive training. This includes £50 per person for general councillor training, Code of Conduct training, leadership training for the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, and Committee Chairs, and Basics Planning courses for all members of the newly formed Planning Committee.
5. Forensic Audit Ordered
Following allegations of payroll and invoice fraud made by a former councillor and a former member of staff, the council agreed to appoint an independent auditor to conduct a forensic audit covering the council's accounts over the last three years.
6. Looking Forward: Strategic Plan & Public Consultation
The council agreed to formulate a comprehensive 3-year strategic plan. To ensure it reflects local needs, members will launch a public consultation program to discover what matters most to Oakham residents.
Unusual Interruptions & Meeting Extension
The evening featured a few unexpected moments:
Solar Eclipse, proceedings were briefly disrupted some members paused their considerations to view an eclipse from the chamber window, with one member stepping outside for a short period to observe it.
Cllr Chris Clark declared an interest in an exempt staffing matter, choosing to leave the meeting permanently for the remainder of the session.
Deferred Business, Extraordinary Meeting Called
Because the meeting reached its hard time limit of two and a half hours, several important items could not be discussed. Chairman Cllr Martin Brookes has called an extraordinary meeting for next Wednesday at 6.30 pm to address the deferred items, which include:
Consideration of a grant application from Oakham Baptist Church.
Establishment of a Floral Display Working Group / Tender for next year's town displays.
Professional review and drafting of council governance documentation.
Formulation of a council response to the Local Plan Consultation.
Consideration of mandatory DBS checks for all members and officers.
Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk,
John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.
https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/highstreetoakham
