Oakham Town Council has officially published its Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for the 2025/26 financial year.
While this publication fulfills a standard statutory requirement for transparency, the document, titled "AGAR Section 1 and 2 SIGNED" reveals significant internal challenges that residents should be aware of.
The financial health of the council for the period ending 31 March 2026 shows a total income of £408,105, which is comprised of £293,794 from the precept or rates and levies, plus £114,311 in other receipts. Against this, the council recorded total expenditure of £405,246, consisting of £90,676 in staff costs, no loan interest or capital repayments, and £314,570 in all other payments. Consequently, the council concluded the fiscal year with £458,860 remaining in its accounts as total balances and reserves.
Beyond these figures, the Annual Governance Statement reveals significant governance failures. In the return, the council recorded a "No" response to several key assertions, admitting it failed to maintain an adequate system of internal control to prevent and detect fraud and corruption, and that it did not always ensure it acted within its legal powers. Furthermore, the council conceded that it failed to properly assess and manage financial and other risks, neglected to maintain an effective system of internal audit, and failed to take appropriate action on matters previously raised by internal and external audit reports.
The document was signed by the Chair following the meeting held on 17 June 2026. It is important for residents to note that during these proceedings, Cllr Martin Brookes stated that he did not support the return and was simply signing it on behalf of the council to fulfill the necessary administrative requirement.
The publication of these governance failings comes at a sensitive time for the local authority. The council is currently considering what action it will need to take in respect of two allegations of fraud made by a former member of the council and a current employee against a member of staff. As part of the ongoing accountability process, the council is required to provide explanations to the external auditor for each "No" response recorded in the governance statement, detailing how it intends to address the identified weaknesses. These explanations are a vital part of the transparency process and will be critical for residents monitoring the council's future management of public funds and resources.
Oakham Town Council Internal Audit Report 2025-2026
https://oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Internal-Auditor-report-2025-26-with-Locum-Clerks-RFO-responses.pdf
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