By Local Democracy & Public Affairs Reporter for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland,
Oakham Town Council Prepares for Crucial Full Council Meeting on 12th August 2026
The Chairman of Oakham Town Council, Cllr Martin Brookes, has officially invited local residents to attend the upcoming Full Council meeting. The session is scheduled for 12th August 2026 at Rol House, Long Row, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6LN.
The meeting promises to be a pivotal moment for the town, addressing significant operational hurdles, financial investigations, and proactive community strategies aimed at moving the council forward.
Date: 12th August 2026
Location: Rol House, Long Row, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6LN
A dedicated 15-minute opportunity is available for residents to speak directly to the council.
A formal Police Report will be delivered by Leicestershire Police, accompanied by a brief window for residents to raise concerns or questions directly with local law enforcement. Or to even compliment them as was the case at last months meeting.
A report from a Rutland County Councillor may also be presented.
In his report, Cllr Brookes will formally acknowledge and pay tribute to two prominent local figures who dedicated their lives to public service:
Jim Harrison, a dedicated town councillor and former Mayor of Oakham in 2007, remembered for his steadfast commitment to the town.
Peter Ind, A distinguished public servant who served as Chairman of Rutland County Council, former Mayor of Uppingham, and Deputy Mayor of Oakham for 2017/2018.
He also mentions upcoming events & engagements.
Merchant Navy Day Ceremony will be Hosted by Rutland County Council on 3rd September at 10:30 AM at Oakham Castle. All members of the public are welcome to attend.
Cllr Brookes attended a VIP preview of the Circus at Gates Garden Centre on 29th July alongside a local resident and expressed gratitude to the Chairman of Leicestershire County Council for granting permission to wear the civic chain across the border.
Locum Clerk/RFO Samantha Haywood has submitted a comprehensive report highlighting both the heavy backlog of historic issues and the rigorous work currently underway, She reports, CIL monies have been reconciled with Rutland County Council (RCC), and revised statements are now live on the website and factored into the budget.
However Cllr Brookes points out, the council has not approved accounts or bank statements since April.
Invoices for payment will be reviewed, alongside noting payments made outside of meetings.
Following investigations into the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), it was discovered that income and expenditure were incorrectly recorded. The council currently has a remaining balance of £5,486, which must be spent before September or returned.
The internal auditor mistakenly believed the council operated on a receipts and payments basis due to missing year-end accruals and prepayments an error already reported to the external auditor. Meanwhile, quotes for a forensic audit are being reviewed due to potential historical fraud over the past three years, including allegations of duplicated staff pay and a £10,000 overpayment to a contractor.
The Locum Clerk expressed sadness over the resignation of the Acting Deputy Clerk. A detailed staffing review has been approved by the Staffing Committee, paving the way to recruit temporary administrative assistants to restore office presence.
Blocked public conveniences at Anglian Water lines have been cleared and deep-cleaned.
A broken swing at Willow Crescent Play Area is being reviewed.
Contractor details older than one year have been scrubbed from the council website.
The council faces a packed agenda requiring critical votes and decisions.
Consideration of extending the Locum Clerk/RFO contract for up to an additional 4 months, with Chairman Brookes praising Sam Haywood's steady hand amid numerous institutional failings.
Deciding on the non-renewal of the HR services contract with LGRC when it expires on 16th October 2026 (due to a second contract being in place)
The council will consider the engagement of a legally qualified specialist to overhaul outdated, conflicting council papers, such as standing orders, and other regulations.
The Council will be addressing town council office security following unauthorised intrusions and thefts.
The council will consider creating a Task & Finish Group to evaluate options for the town council office.
The council will be weighing proposals for litter bin replacements (with Cllr Harris and the Clerk investigating options) The is a desire to see more recycling.
The Council will Note that Rutland County Council confirmed no election was requested to fill the vacancy left by J. Nicholls, allowing the council to proceed with co-opting an applicant.
The council will be considering co-opting Justin Perry to one of the other vacant seats.
The council will vote on whether members should attend professional councillor training courses.
They will consider implementing DBS checks for all members and staff following a formal request from a member.
The council will consider a grant application from Oakham Baptist Church for new youth club equipment.
The council floral displays contract has expired and it will consider establishing a two-member Floral Display Working Group. To work on the tender process.
To pivot away from internal administrative crises and toward community progress, the Locum Clerk has proposed launching an extensive public consultation program throughout September and October 2026 to draft a robust 3-year strategic plan.
Proposed engagement methods include:
In-person resident meetings at council offices.
Pop-up stalls and councillor surgeries in high-footfall areas (town centre, schools, churches).
An online survey backed by QR-code posters around town.
Interactive community feedback tools such as "Ideas Wall" sticky notes, "Pin the Map" activity boards, and priority voting.
The Chairman supports a statement made by the Locum Clerk.
"At present... a significant amount of our time and energy is being consumed by internal matters. We have a choice: we can continue in that way, or we can work together constructively, focus on what really matters, and drive positive change for the people of Oakham." — Samantha Haywood, Locum Clerk/RFO
The council will debate and vote on whether to formally greenlight this public consultation initiative during the meeting.
Residents interested in participating in local governance or addressing the council are encouraged to attend the meeting on 12th August 2026.
Including Market Place, Market Street, Church Street, Crown Walk,
John Street, Melton Road and Deans Street and Gaol Street.
https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/highstreetoakham
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