Oakham Rutland and Rutland News Martin Brookes

Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Sanitary Bin Provision Restored at Oakham's Church Street Public Conveniences

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

The ongoing concerns regarding the absence of sanitary bins at the Church Street public conveniences have been put to rest, as the Town Council confirm that the matter is now fully resolved.

For a period, the lack of disposal units in the facilities had been a point of frustration for site users. Following inquiries into the situation, it was revealed that the oversight was the result of a contractual issue between the council and its service provider. This administrative hurdle had led to a temporary, yet inconvenient, gap in the expected standards of hygiene provision at the location.

Recognising the necessity of these facilities, the council acted quickly to mitigate the impact. Over the recent weekend, temporary bins were installed as an immediate stop-gap measure to ensure that users were not left without appropriate disposal options while the broader issue was handled.

The council has now announced that the contractual issue has been settled, clearing the way for the permanent resolution of the problem. Residents and visitors can expect the council’s primary contractor to visit the site this week to remove the temporary units and install the permanent, professional-grade sanitary bins.

The Official Toilet Opening by Oakham Mayor Jan Fillingham 22nd June 2009

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Transparency in Oakham, Your Right to Inspect Town Council Accounts

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

Oakham Town Council has officially published its unaudited Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for the financial year ending 31 March 2026.

As this document is currently awaiting review by an external auditor, it remains subject to change.

In the interest of transparency and accountability, local residents and stakeholders have important legal rights to inspect these records and engage with the audit process.

How to Exercise Your Rights

Whether you are an interested person, a local government elector, or a representative, you have specific avenues to review and question the council's financial conduct.

Inspecting the Accounts

Any interested person has the right to inspect and make copies of the accounting records, including books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, and receipts.

Inspection Period: You may exercise this right for a 30-working-day period, starting on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, and ending on Monday, 10 August 2026.

How to Apply: You must provide reasonable notice to the Locum Clerk/RFO to arrange your inspection.

Contact: Samantha Haywood, Locum Clerk/RFO

Address: Rol House, Long Row, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6LN

Email: townclerk@oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk

Phone: 01572 723627

Asking Questions

If you are a local government elector, you have the right to ask the appointed external auditor questions about the accounting records.

Process: It is advised that you put your questions in writing.

Scope: Please note that the auditor can only answer "what" questions regarding the records, not "why" questions.

Timing: Questions must be directed to the auditor during the 30-day inspection period mentioned above.

Making Objections

Local government electors may object to an item of account if they believe it is unlawful or warrants a public interest report.

Requirements: You must provide clear, written evidence to support your objection, explaining why you believe the item is unlawful or a matter of public interest.

Notification: Written notice must be sent to the appointed auditor, with a copy simultaneously sent to the Town Council.

Important Note: The right to object is not intended for personal complaints against the authority; such matters should be directed to a solicitor, the Citizens' Advice Bureau, or a local Law Centre.

Contacting the External Auditor

The appointed auditor for the 2025/26 review is Moore East Midlands. They may be contacted regarding questions or formal objections during the designated inspection period at the following address:

Moore East Midlands (Ref AP/HD)

Rutland House

Minerva Business Park

Lynch Wood

Peterborough

PE2 6PZ

Please note: The auditor must consider the cost involved in investigating objections, and will only proceed if it is in the public interest to do so

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area,

visit:

Oakham and Rutland News

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

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https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandLGBTQ

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https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/RutlandTravelUpdates

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Oakham Town Council Publishes 2025/26 Annual Governance Return Amidst Governance Concerns

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

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

For more local news, community updates, and what's on in the area,

visit:

Oakham and Rutland News

Oakham And Rutland What's On Guide

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandWhatsOn

Music Bands Live music 2026 Bandstand Cutts Close Oakham Rutland

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/summer-2026-music-at-cutts-close-park-oakham-bandstand-rutland

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https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/rutland-sports-and-fitness

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https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/ukoakhamtownofculture2028

Stay Connected with LGBTQ+ Gay Oakham Rutland News Events Advice and Support

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/OakhamandRutlandLGBTQ

Road Closures Rutland Highways

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/RutlandTravelUpdates

Discover Oakham

https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/discoveroakham

Discover Opportunities with

Oakham And Rutland News

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https://oakhamandrutlandnews.co.uk/jobs

Rutland Comes Together to Honour Armed Forces in Oakham, Edith Western Academy, Rutland Morris, Alan Jackson & The Rutland Big Band, Photos and Video

Oakham was filled with pride and reflection this weekend as the community gathered to mark the end of Armed Forces Week with a poignant and celebratory event. Following a solemn County Service held at All Saints Church, the focus shifted to Cutts Close, where residents and visitors alike joined in a day of gratitude for the courage and sacrifice of the UK’s service members.

The event, which was meticulously organised by the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr. Sarah Furness, in partnership with Oakham Town Council, acted as a powerful centerpiece for the county’s commemorations. The day served as both a respectful nod to the past and a joyous celebration of the present-day armed forces community, including veterans, reservists, and their families.

As attendees gathered in the park, the air was filled with the swinging, sophisticated sounds of the golden era. Alan Jackson & The Rutland Big Band filled the park with the brassy, high-energy arrangements that once defined a generation. From the soaring melodies of Glenn Miller to the smooth, charismatic swing of Frank Sinatra, the band’s performance provided the perfect backdrop for the afternoon, grounding the celebration in a spirit of timeless musical tradition.

The community involvement went far beyond the bandstand, with local talent taking center stage to show their appreciation. Children from Edith Weston Academy charmed the audience with a heartfelt tribute, reciting a moving poem before performing a selection of three songs. The event’s atmosphere was further enriched by the presence of the Rutland Morris Dancers, whose traditional steps added a distinctively English charm to the afternoon’s festivities.

At 4:00 PM, the conversation in the park quieted, and hundreds of eyes turned toward the sky. The distinct, rhythmic roar of a historic RAF Hurricane signaled the arrival of the afternoon’s most anticipated moment. The iconic aircraft swept overhead in a masterful flypast.

The day in Cutts Close was more than just a gathering; it was a testament to the strong bond between Rutland and the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces. Through the combination of music, reflection, and the awe-inspiring sight of the Hurricane above, the event successfully honoured those who serve while bringing the community together for a day that will be remembered in Oakham for years to come.