OAKHAM TOWN COUNCIL IN CRISIS, Chairmanship Challenge and Financial Questions Loom Over Victoria Hall. Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14th 2026

By Local Democracy Reporter

Oakham Town Council is bracing for one of its most contentious sessions in recent history. When councillors gather at Rol House on Wednesday, January 14th, they will not only be setting the taxpayer-funded budget for the coming year but will also face a dramatic vote to oust the current Chairman.

The meeting follows a turbulent session on December 10th, the fallout of which has left the council divided over chairmanship, unauthorised spending, and the future of local traditions.

The headline of the evening is a formal Motion of No Confidence in the Chairman, Councillor Chris Nix. The motion, proposed by Cllr Martin Brookes and supported by Cllr Sally-Anne Wadsworth, levels serious allegations of procedural failure.

The proposers claim that during the December meeting, Cllr Nix failed to uphold "Standing Orders" the council’s own rulebook by allowing a resident to air personal grievances and launch a verbal attack against a member during a public session. Because the meetings are live-streamed, Cllrs Brookes and Wadsworth argue the failure to intervene has brought the council into disrepute and allowed the public gallery to be used for "targeted bullying and harassment."

The Chairmanship vacuum is further complicated by the need to elect a new Deputy Chairperson following the recent resignation of Cllr Douthwaite.

Financial transparency has also come under fire. Recent records reveal payments totaling over £2,600 to contractor Anthony Adcock for electrical work in the Market Place and Gaol Street. However, reports suggest that this expenditure and the work itself was never formally approved by the full council.

Further questions surround payments to Rutland County Council for CCTV maintenance and street lighting electricity. It has emerged that no formal service agreements currently exist for these payments, though the Clerk has expressed hope that contracts will finally be signed this year.

In a rare move toward community involvement, a local resident has been co-opted onto a new working group to oversee the Christmas lights and Christmas tree projects, a significant undertaking for the town.

Confusion continues to swirl around the Victoria Hall Project. While the council recently committed £7,000 in Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds for "specialist advice," the project's ultimate goal remains "very unclear." With tenants currently moving out of the building, residents are left wondering what the council’s long-term vision or lack thereof truly is.

Social issues are also proving a flashpoint. A proposal to fly the inclusive Progress Pride Flag for the duration of LGBT History Month in February has hit a procedural wall.

Cllrs Brookes and Wadsworth are seeking to formalise the tradition, following a new policy that requires all flags (such as the recently approved County Flag for Rutland Day) to receive formal council consent.

However, Cllr Paul Ainsley has tabled an amendment that would drastically reduce the display. His proposal suggests flying a standard 6-stripe flag rather than the Progress version, and limiting it to just two days the 1st and 28th of February between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.

This "six-hour window" has been criticised as a logistical sabotage; since the council’s flag-raising staff member is part-time, the flag would only be visible during a fraction of the month. Cllrs Brookes and Wadsworth have hinted they may withdraw the motion entirely if the amendment passes, claiming it "detracts from the purpose" of the event.

The debate has been further fueled by a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. While the council office previously claimed "offensive" complaints prevented them from sharing public feedback with members, the FOI revealed that only one non-offensive complaint had actually been received.

Beyond the political fireworks, the council must also approve tenders for church wall repairs, tree works, and playground maintenance.

Also on the agenda is the Church Street Toilet Sign. This went missing during renovations last year.

The public is invited to witness the proceedings at Rol House, Long Row, at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14th. With the 2025/26 budget and the Chairman’s future on the line. 

OAKHAM TOWN COUNCIL TAX BILLS TO RISE Is Your Money Being Spent on Progress or Paperwork?

OAKHAM TOWN COUNCIL TAX BILLS TO RISE Is Your Money Being Spent on Progress or Paperwork?

By Local Democracy Reporter

Residents of Oakham are facing another increase in their council tax as Oakham Town Council prepares to sign off on its 2026/27 budget. While the council highlights its commitment to community services, a closer look at the balance sheets reveals a growing trend of high staffing costs and an administrative bill that eats up nearly half of the total budget.

The Council has proposed a total precept demand of £306,777 for the upcoming financial year. This represents a 4.6% increase over the previous year's figure of £293,294. Despite the Finance Committee describing this as "prudent fiscal management" in the face of inflation, the rising cost of local governance is likely to draw scrutiny from households feeling the pinch.

The most striking figures in the new budget relate to the cost of the council's own bureaucracy. The total "General Administration" bill has reached a staggering £162,900.

Salaries, pensions, and payroll management are budgeted at £105,600 representing the single largest expense for the council.

Rent and business rates (NNDR) for the council offices total £17,850.

Professional Fees: A significant £8,000 has been set aside for legal expenses, with another £3,000 for accountancy and audit fees.

The budget includes £2,000 for Chairmans' Allowances.

When calculated against the total expenditure of £373,050, approximately 43.7% of all council spending is swallowed by general administration.

What Do Residents Get in Return?

While administrative costs soar, the council allocates 56.3% (£210,150) of its budget to direct community benefits. While this is the majority of the spend, critics may argue that for every pound paid by the taxpayer, nearly 44p is spent just on the cost of "running the council" before a single flower is planted or a street light is turned on.

Direct community "benefit" costs for 2026/27 include The Oakham Hopper a £29,000 contribution to keep the free bus service running.

£35,000 for Christmas decorations and £17,500 for floral displays.

£25,000 for community street lighting and £5,800 for community CCTV.

£34,000 for grounds maintenance and £10,500 for planned maintenance of play equipment.

The Victoria Hall Factor

The budget also hints at future spending, with £12,000 placed into an "Ear Marked Reserve" for a potential move to Victoria Hall. The council describes this as "futureproofing" and a way to secure a "valuable community asset," though it remains to be seen if moving the administrative hub will offer better value for money for the residents of Oakham.

The full budget and precept demand will be presented for approval at the Full Council meeting on Wednesday, 14th January 2026.

Budget Breakdown at a Glance:

Total Expenditure: £373,050 

Precept Demand: £306,777 (Up 4.6%) 

Staffing Bill: £105,600 

Admin vs. Action: 43.7% Administration / 56.3% Community Services. 

Based on the budget documents for the 2026/27 financial year, Oakham Town Council has a total of £129,298 in reserves.

These funds are divided into two main categories:

1. General Reserves (£99,178)

These are unallocated funds held to ensure the council remains financially stable and can cover unforeseen costs.

2. Earmarked Reserves (£32,000)

These funds are set aside for specific future projects or potential liabilities:

OTC Buildings Maintenance (£15,000): Specifically reserved for the upkeep of council-owned property.

Move to Victoria Hall (£12,000): Allocated to support "futureproofing" and the potential relocation of the council offices to the Victoria Hall building.

Capital Expenditure for Christmas Lights (£35,000): Designated for the purchase or significant upgrade of the town's festive lighting.

Editor’s Comment: The 44p Machinery

When we look into the staggering administration costs at Oakham Town Council, the figures are difficult to reconcile with standard practice. Guidance for the non-profit and grant-making sector from the UK Government often suggests that administration costs should ideally not exceed 10% to 15% of an overall budget.

While it is true that larger unitary or county councils typically boast lower administrative percentages simply because they benefit from "economies of scale" that a small town cannot match there is a point where the "engine room" begins to overshadow the journey.

The 43.7% Reality: At Oakham, we have reached a point where for every £1.00 collected via your precept, nearly 44p is spent on the "machinery" of the council. This covers the salaries, office rent, legal fees, and audits required just to keep the doors open.

Only after that 44p is lopped off the top does the remaining change reach the streets in the form of the things you actually see: bins, floral displays, Christmas lights, and street lighting. It is the remainder that pays for the CCTV that keeps us safe, the litter picking and grass cutting across our three parks, the summer band concerts, and the Oakham Hopper Bus.

As the council moves to increase the precept by another 4.6%, residents must ask themselves: are we paying for a community that thrives, or are we simply paying to maintain the machine that manages it? 

Alicia Kearns Rutland and Stamford MP to Host Major Careers Fair January 2026 Stamford Arts Centre.

Alicia Kearns Rutland and Stamford MP to Host Major Careers Fair January 2026 Stamford Arts Centre.

Local residents seeking fresh professional horizons are being urged to head to the Stamford Arts Centre later this month for a major Job and Careers Fair hosted by Alicia Kearns MP.

The event, scheduled for Friday, 23rd January, aims to connect job hunters, school leavers, and those considering a career change with dozens of the region’s leading employers and training providers.

Running from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the fair will transform the Arts Centre into a networking hub. More than 30 employers have already confirmed their attendance, spanning a diverse range of sectors. Attendees can expect to meet representatives from, Lincolnshire Police and educational institutions. Major players in Engineering, Manufacturing, and Haulage and Specialists in Social Care and Events Management.

Speaking ahead of the event, Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Stamford, emphasised the hidden potential within the local economy.

"Very few people realise just what varied and exciting job opportunities are on our doorsteps," Alicia said. "Whether you are taking your first step on the career ladder or looking for a new direction, this is a chance to showcase the very diverse and wonderful job and apprenticeship opportunities on offer in our local economy."

The fair is being supported by prominent local organisations including Zeeco, Ellis Cook, and Stamford College, highlighting a community-wide effort to boost local employment.

While the exhibition hall is nearly at capacity, the MP’s office has confirmed that there is space for one more business to join the event. Stalls are provided free of charge, offering a unique platform for local firms to recruit talent directly. Interested businesses are encouraged to book via the MP's official website immediately.

The Job and Careers Fair is completely free to attend, and no prior registration is required for visitors.

When: Friday, 23rd January | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Where: Stamford Arts Centre, 27 St Mary’s Street, Stamford, PE9 2DL

More Info: Residents can find further details or sign up for updates at aliciakearns.com.  

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service High-Level Rescue Engineer Stranded in Oakham

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service High-Level Rescue Engineer Stranded in Oakham

An afternoon of routine maintenance turned into a dramatic  rescue today in Oakham. A contractor working for Openreach was left stranded high in the air after his equipment suffered a mechanical failure on Willow Crescent.

The engineer was reportedly working from a "cherry picker" aerial platform when the machinery attached to his van malfunctioned, leaving him unable to return to the ground.

The incident occurred on what has been one of the colder days of the week. The engineer was stuck in the air for nearly two hours.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service arrived on the scene to assist. To reach the stranded worker, crews deployed one of their large hydraulic aerial ladder platform. Willow Crescent was closed to all through traffic to allow the heavy fire apparatus space.