Have Your Say, Rutland Residents Invited to Shape the Future of Local Wellbeing

By Local Democracy & Public Affairs Reporter  not affiliated to the BBC LDRS

Rutland residents are being encouraged to play a key role in the future of local health as the Active Together partnership launches its 2026 Physical Activity & Wellbeing Residents’ Survey.

The initiative, supported by Rutland County Council’s "Living Well Active" team, aims to gather a comprehensive picture of how local people view and engage with exercise. Whether you are a regular gym-goer, enjoy occasional walks, or currently do not take part in any regular physical activity, your voice is essential.

Active Together is the designated Active Partnership for Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland. Their mission is to make movement and sport more accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or current fitness level. By participating in this survey, you are helping to:

Understand the specific challenges that stop people from being active.

Learn what encourages people to move more.

Ensure that future physical activity opportunities are accessible to all, including those from diverse ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ communities, and people with disabilities.

"Being physically active can have a positive impact on both our physical and mental wellbeing, but we know that everyone's experiences and circumstances are different. This survey is an opportunity for residents to tell us what helps them to be active, what barriers they face and what opportunities they would like to see in the future." Cllr Tim Smith, Rutland County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Families

The survey is open to all residents aged 18 and over. It takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and is completely confidential.

Take the Survey: Visit www.active-together.org/pasurvey

All responses must be submitted by midnight on Friday, 10 July 2026.

Win a Prize for Your Input

As a thank you for sharing your time and experiences, anyone who opts in at the end of the survey will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win one of 25 Everywish Gift Cards, each worth £20.

By sharing your views, you aren't just answering a survey you’re helping to create a healthier, more active future for the whole of Rutland.

Have Your Say, Oakham! Your Right to Scrutinise Your Town Council's Finances

Have Your Say, Oakham! Your Right to Scrutinise Your Town Council's Finances

Oakham residents, this is your crucial opportunity to engage with how your local town council manages its funds. The Oakham Town Council's accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 are now open for public inspection, and we strongly encourage you to exercise your rights.

As a resident of Oakham, you play a vital role in ensuring transparency and accountability in local governance. This isn't just about numbers on a page; it's about understanding how your hard-earned local taxes are being spent to benefit our community.

What Does This Mean for You?

From Tuesday 24 June 2025 to Monday 4 August 2025, you have the legal right to:

Inspect the Accounts: Dive into the detailed financial records of the Oakham Town Council. This includes all accounting records, bills, vouchers, receipts, contracts, and other documents related to the council's spending. This is your chance to see exactly where the money goes.

How to do it: Simply provide reasonable notice to the Deputy Clerk at ROL House, Long Row, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6LN (telephone: 01572 723625, email: enquiries@oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk) to arrange your inspection. You may be charged a small fee for copies.

Question the Auditor: If you are a local government elector (meaning you're registered to vote in local elections), you have the unique opportunity to ask the appointed external auditor, Moore, questions about specific items in the accounting records. While the auditor can answer "what" questions (e.g., "What was this expenditure for?"), they cannot answer "why" questions. It's highly recommended to put your questions in writing to ensure clarity.

Make an Objection: This is a powerful right reserved for local government electors. If, after your review, you genuinely believe an item of account is unlawful or that a matter is of wider public interest, you can formally object. This involves providing written notice to the auditor, outlining the specific item you object to, why you believe it's unlawful, and providing clear evidence to support your claim. A copy of your objection must also be sent to the Oakham Town Council.

Important Note: The "right to object" is for matters of legality or public interest regarding the accounts, not for personal complaints or claims against the council. For such issues, it's best to contact your local Citizens' Advice Bureau, Law Centre, or solicitor.

Why Should You Exercise Your Rights?

Transparency and Accountability: This process is designed to ensure that your local council is spending public funds responsibly and in accordance with the law. By engaging, you contribute directly to this transparency.

Informed Decisions: Understanding the council's finances empowers you to make informed decisions about local issues and to hold your elected representatives accountable.

Community Well-being: When residents actively participate in scrutinising local government, it fosters a stronger, more engaged community and ultimately leads to better outcomes for everyone in Oakham.

Identifying Potential Issues: While we trust our council, external scrutiny can sometimes highlight areas for improvement or even uncover irregularities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

A Word on Costs:

Please be aware that dealing with questions and objections incurs costs, which are ultimately borne by local taxpayers. The auditor will consider these costs when deciding whether to pursue an objection, only continuing if it is genuinely in the public interest.

Don't let this opportunity pass you by! Your engagement is vital for a healthy, accountable local government. Take the time to understand the financial workings of Oakham Town Council and exercise your democratic rights.

The period for inspection and engagement runs from Tuesday 24 June 2025 until Monday 4 August 2025. Mark your calendars and make your voice heard!

Contact Information:

For Account Inspection:

Deputy Clerk, ROL House, Long Row, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6LN

01572 723625

enquiries@oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk

For Auditor Questions/Objections (during the specified period):

Moore (Ref AP/HD)

Rutland House

Minerva Business Park

Lynch Wood

Peterborough

PE2 6PZ