Oakham Town Council Meeting Recap: Administration and Financial Concerns Dominate Discussion
Oakham Town Council met on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, to discuss a range of issues, from administrative challenges to financial management and community projects. The meeting, which was not attended by any members of the public, highlighted several ongoing concerns, particularly regarding the council's adherence to proper procedures and financial oversight.
Administrative and Financial Shortcomings
The meeting minutes from the previous session were accepted after an amendment was made to include a significant resolution that had been missing: the council's decision to cut the power supply to the Christmas light sockets in the market place. This action was taken for safety reasons and to prevent the ongoing theft of electricity. One month on this work has not been completed.
However, the minutes for the annual meeting were rejected for the third consecutive month. This repeated rejection points to significant issues within the council's administrative processes.
Financial matters also raised concerns. While the council considered and approved bank statements for July 2025, several councillors expressed dissatisfaction with the presentation of the accounts. Councillor Brookes noted that a previously agreed-upon procedure—the appointment of two non-signatory members to verify payments and invoices before meetings—had not been followed. He also pointed out the continued failure to provide clear descriptions for payments.
Internal Audit Review Reveals Deeper Issues
A midpoint internal audit review brought to light more serious financial concerns. While Councillor Anna Douthwaite described the audit report as "good," Councillor Brookes challenged this characterisation, noting that the report actually stated there was room for "improvement." He also suggested that the auditor may have found more issues if they had been given a broader scope.
The audit report explicitly stated that the council has not been following financial regulations since 2021. Councillor Douthwaite dismissed this, suggesting past audits and years were irrelevant. The council ultimately agreed to have the internal auditor revisit once the cost was determined and agreed by full council. This would be a return to pre-2021 practices, when the internal auditor typically visited more than once a year.
Community and Projects Update
Picnic Benches: The request for picnic benches in Centenary Field was deferred again. The council wants to be presented with accurate costings before making a decision.
Victoria Hall: The council remains committed to its desire to move back to Victoria Hall, despite concerns raised at a previous meeting.
Discover Oakham Website: The council was updated on the www.discoveroakham.co.uk website. Contrary to a letter from the website builder, the site is not yet finished.
BT Phone hub locations were discussed.
Christmas Tree and Lights: A proposal to rent a new, upgraded Christmas tree for an estimated £10,000 was rejected. A working group has been established to explore ways to improve the Christmas lights in general.
Pod Point: A proposal to replace the electric charging point on Church Street with a faster unit was refused due to the high cost of over £5,000 plus additional works. The current charging point was recently replaced, and it was noted that for many years, Oakham taxpayers were incorrectly footing the electricity bill for the old one due to an administrative error.
Private Matters and Security
A private session was held to discuss the annual review of bank signatories. This was heard in private due to past security concerns and attempts to steal public money. A concern was raised that the council still holds the majority of its funds in a single account that requires only one signature to authourise a payment. It was agreed this will be sorted. The council has agreed for many years that it needs to open more accounts to better protect public money. Slow progress has been made by opening one new account that requires a payment to be actioned by one person and authorised by three councillors.
The next meeting is scheduled for September 10, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.
.JPG)