Oakham Town Council Hit by Fresh Wave of Direct Debit Fraud
Oakham Town Council has once again fallen victim to banking fraud, with unauthorised direct debits surfacing on its accounts.
According to upcoming finance committee papers, suspicious direct debit transactions have been identified on the council's current account. The fraudulent activity has been ongoing since May of this year, prompting urgent reviews and administrative action from council.
At present, the exact total of the funds stolen remains unclear as investigations continue.
However, local officials noted that much like previous historical incidents of fraud affecting the authority the council expects to recover the lost funds in full through its bank.
The issue is set to be formally addressed by members of the Oakham Town Council Finance Committee during their ordinary meeting scheduled for Wednesday, 28th October 2026, where they will review the full scope of the breach and the remedial steps taken by management.
Agenda
Oakham Town Council
Rol House, Long Row, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6LN
01572 723627
enquiries@oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
www.oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk
21st October 2026
TO: All Members of Oakham Town Council Finance Committee
- Cllr Brookes, Cllr Callaghan, Cllr Romney, Cllr Perry, Cllr Padmore, Cllr Harris
In accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1972, you are hereby
summoned to attend an Ordinary meeting of Oakham Town Council Finance Committee on
Wednesday 28th October 2026 at 6.30pm at the Town Council Offices, Council Chamber,
Rol House, Long Row, Oakham LE15 6LN.
S Haywood
Locum Clerk/RFO
NOTICE OF MEETING
Public Notice of the meeting has been given in accordance with schedule 12, Para 10(2) of
the Local Government Act 1972. The Meeting is open to the press and public. Persons
attending this meeting are advised that it may be filmed and recorded.
AGENDA
1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
MOTION: Committee to receive apologies and consider approval of reasons for absence.
2. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS AND DISPENSATIONS
Members to disclose any pecuniary or other Interest in any item on the agenda. Members
are personally responsible for declaring an interest and are respectfully advised to refer to
the Code of Conduct for more information. Councillors are also responsible for ensuring
that their Registers of Interests are up to date (within 28 days of any changes).
3. DEPUTATIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC – OPEN MEETING
Members of the public will be invited to speak on items relating to this agenda or raise
issues for future consideration. The period of time designated for public participation at a
meeting in accordance with the Council’s Standing Orders shall not exceed 15 minutes,
maximum 3 minutes per person, and will be under the direction of the Chair of the
meeting. This is the only agenda item where members of the public can speak during the
meeting, unless invited by the Chairman.
4. FINANCIALS
MOTION: That Committee note the financials to date, including the balance sheet,
trial balance, income & expenditure, EMRs and bank balances. (SH)
5. INVOICES FOR APPROVAL
MOTION: That Committee consider and decide upon approval of invoices for
payment. (SH)
MOTION: That Committee note the payments made outside of meeting. (SH)
6. BANK RECONCILIATIONS
MOTION: That Committee note and sign the August and September 2026 bank
reconciliations and bank statements. (SH)
7. ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE
MOTION: That Committee note that the sales and purchase ledgers have now been
installed on the Council accounting software, all nominal codes and cost centres
have been revamped to mirror the approved reviewed budget, and accounting
entries populated accordingly. (SH)
8. AUDIT UPDATE
MOTION: That Committee note the update report on the work carried out on the
internal and external audit recommendations. (SH)
9. BANK ACCOUNT FRAUD
MOTION: That Committee note that direct debits have appeared on the Lloyds
current account bank statements which appear to be fraudulent, and to note the
action taken. (SH)
10. BUDGET 2027/28
MOTION: That Committee consider and decide upon the proposed draft 2027/28
budget and precept demand, and make a recommendation to Full Council. (SH)
11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
MOTION: That Committee note the date of the next meeting to be held on 25.11.26.
(SH)
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