Oakham Town Council UK Town of Culture Committee descended upon the Market Place. Please Complete The Survey

​Oakham Sets Its Sights on UK Town of Culture 2028 Title

The historic market town of Oakham officially began its charm offensive this weekend as the Oakham Town Council UK Town of Culture Committee descended upon the Market Place. Their mission: to engage residents in an ambitious bid to be named the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028.

Throughout the morning, councillors spoke with locals to gauge support and gather vital feedback through community surveys. The bid is part of a new nationwide competition launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to celebrate the unique identity of British towns and drive local investment.

The competition is a brand-new initiative designed to mirror the success of the "City of Culture" awards. It offers a massive opportunity for the winning town, including.

A £3 million grand prize to fund a six-month cultural programme in 2028.

Two finalist prizes of £250,000 for runners-up to deliver key parts of their proposals.

A £60,000 development grant for all shortlisted towns to help finalise their full applications.

The bid is judged on three core pillars: "Your Story" (Oakham’s unique heritage), "Culture for Everyone" (ensuring accessibility and inclusivity), and "Making it Happen" (demonstrating the town's ability to deliver).

"This is a chance to put Oakham on the national map, celebrating everything from our historic castle and the Rutland Morris to our vibrant modern community," noted one local representative.

The Town Council is emphasising that this is a community-led bid. If you weren't able to make it to the Market Place today, there are several more chances to share your thoughts and complete the survey.

Saturday, 14 March Market Place Weekly Saturday Market

Saturday, 21 March Gaol Street Oakham Farmers' Market

The committee is looking for diverse ideas on how culture ranging from food and festivals to art and architecture can be used to bring the community together and boost the local economy.

With its population under 20,000, Oakham would likely compete in the "Small Town" category. Proponents of the bid point to the town's rich tapestry of independent businesses, the iconic Butter Cross, and a calendar already filled with popular events like Oakham Pride and various food festivals as proof that the town is ready for the national spotlight.

The deadline for the initial Expression of Interest (EOI) is 31 March 2026. Residents are encouraged to participate in the surveys to ensure the final proposal truly reflects the heart of the town.

Click Here to complete the survey

Cllr Prof Jonathan Nicholls

Oakham Town Council

Committee Chairman

Cllr John Harris

Oakham Town Council

Committee Member

Cllr Christopher Clark

Oakham Town Council

Committee Member

Cllr Paul Ainsley

Oakham Town Council

Committee Member

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Oakham Town Council UK Town of Culture Committee descended upon the Market Place.

​Oakham Sets Its Sights on UK Town of Culture 2028 Title

PLEASE COMPLETE SURVEY

Oakham Councillor Praises "Breath of Fresh Air" Staff Member Ahead of Pay Vote

Oakham Councillor Praises "Breath of Fresh Air" Staff Member Ahead of Pay Vote

By Rutland Democracy Reporter

As Oakham Town Council prepares to vote on temporary staffing adjustments this Wednesday, Cllr Martin Brookes has issued a strong statement of support for Administrative Assistant Melanie Palmer, describing her impact as "dragging the council into the 21st century."

The council is set to deliberate on a proposal to provide a new employment contract and to increase Ms. Palmer’s hours to 37 per week and raise her hourly rate in recognition of the increased responsibilities she has undertaken during the Deputy Clerk’s absence.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Cllr Brookes highlighted the shift in culture and efficiency since Ms. Palmer joined the authority.

"Since Melanie has joined Oakham Town Council, she has worked extremely hard and is very astute and productive," Cllr Brookes said. "She brings a breath of fresh air to the council. The best thing about her is she is not rude; if you ask for information relating to your work, she provides it in a way we have not seen at Oakham Town Council for such a long time."

Cllr Brookes noted that the improvements aren't just interpersonal, but structural. He pointed to the introduction of digital tools and communication protocols such as the enhanced use of Microsoft Teams and a calendar, which he suggested were long overdue.

"Melanie has introduced things to assist the council with its work, dragging it into the 21st century," he noted. "Many of the things she has implemented are things you would expect the council to have already had in place. We also now regularly receive communications and information addressed to Councillors not previously seen by all councillors."

Melanie's current contract is set to expire on March 31st, 2026, pending a new contract. For Cllr Brookes, the decision to approve the extra expenditure is a straightforward one.

"I will have no problem in approving the contract or a small pay increase," he concluded. "Melanie deserves every penny."

The council will officially consider the staffing report, alongside the proposal to add Ms. Palmer as a bank signatory to help manage the council’s finances following a recent security incident, at 6:30 p.m. this Wednesday.

Oakham Town Council to Address Security Breach, Staffing, and Major Town Contracts

Oakham Town Council to Address Security Breach, Staffing, and Major Town Contracts

By Rutland Democracy Reporter

Oakham Town Council will meet this Wednesday, 11th March 2026, to navigate a packed agenda that includes a formal update on a recent security breach, a significant overhaul of town maintenance, and a push for a more "vibrant" festive display in the town centre.

The meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the council’s Rol House offices, comes at a time of administrative transition and heightened operational scrutiny.

Councillors are expected to receive a formal update regarding an "unauthorised access incident" that occurred on 19th January 2026. A former Town Councillor was reported to Leicestershire Police for burglary, The update to members will be given in exempt session where the public and press are excluded. The former councillor has denied any wrong doing. It is alleged the former councillor turned of a internal CCTV camera and this was not the first incident of unauthorised access another incident happened in late January when a member of staff was on the premises, the latest incident has prompted immediate changes to the council's internal controls.

The council is set to approve Administrative Assistant Melanie Palmer as an authorised bank signatory. This role is specifically limited to the initiation of payments to ensure greater oversight and prevent the concentration of financial power, particularly during the ongoing absence of the Deputy Clerk.

The Council is also proposing temporary adjustments to its staffing structure to maintain "operational continuity." This includes increasing the Administrative Assistant’s hours to 37 per week and raising their hourly to reflect the higher level of responsibility they have assumed. 

Further operational changes include a proposed feasibility study into leasing a dedicated maintenance vehicle. Currently, the council’s handyman uses a personal vehicle to transport heavy tools and bulky materials an arrangement the council describes as an "unfair financial burden" and a potential health and safety risk.

Two major community-facing projects are also up for debate, 

Flower Contract 2026-27, The council must choose between two competing bids for the town’s floral displays against a £17,500 budget. The incumbent provider, Windowflowers Ltd, has submitted a quote of £17,864 (which includes maintenance of Oakham in Bloom planters), while Plantscape Ltd has offered a lower bid of £15,198, though this excludes the additional planters. The council is required to consider at least three quotes. The two quotes they have to consider are not like for like.

Following a financial review of the Christmas lighting contract, a cumulative underspend of over £9,000 has been identified. The Christmas and Events Working Group is requesting the release of £6,094 from reserves to fund "considerable improvements," including new lighting for Mill Street and the provision of a real Christmas tree to serve as the "aesthetic heart of the town."

In addition to infrastructure, the council will consider a request for financial support from Citizens Advice Rutland, which is facing increased demand due to cost-of-living pressures. 

The council will also move to co-opt a new member, with at least one candidate a former social club chairman with experience managing 1,500 members stepping forward to fill a vacancy. 

The meeting is open to the public, and residents will have the opportunity to address the council during the public session.

Uppingham Town Council Prepares for March Meeting with Grants and Local Projects on the Agenda.

Uppingham Town Council Prepares for March Meeting with Grants and Local Projects on the Agenda.

By Rutland Democracy Reporter

Uppingham Town Council is set to convene for its next Full Council meeting on Wednesday, 11th March 2026, at 7 pm in the Uppingham Town Hall. The meeting, summoned by Town Clerk Adam Lowe, will address a range of local issues, including significant grant requests and infrastructure updates.

The upcoming session features several notable proposals for council approval, grant allocations, the council currently has a remaining grant budget of £4,400. Several organizations have submitted requests for funding, this includes the Uppingham Hopper Bus a request for £1,000 to fund MIDAS (Minibus Drivers Awareness Scheme) training for its 15 volunteer drivers. The training is essential for maintaining safety standards for the free service, which facilitates approximately 60 to 110 passenger journeys per week.

Curtain Upp are Seeking £850 for a scheduled event. The Amenities committee has recommended that the Council approve funding for new Town Signs for the "Uppingham in Bloom" initiative. Additionally, the council will consider the formation of an allotment working group and nominate council members to lead it.

UK Town of Culture 2028 Councillors will decide whether to submit an expression of interest for Uppingham to enter the UK Town of Culture 2028 competition.

The meeting will also touch upon ongoing planning matters, including a proposal for the demolition of a stable building to erect a self-build dwelling at Woodlands Animal Rescue and a change of use application for a flat on North Street East.

This meeting follows the February session where the council discussed the Aris Close consultation, noting that survey results regarding the land to the south of Aris Close are expected to be available by the June meeting. 

The council also previously resolved to request a comprehensive review of pedestrian crossings from Rutland County Council (RCC), specifically regarding High Street West and North Street East.

Members of the public are invited to attend and will have an opportunity to speak during the designated public session.