Oakham Town Council Holds Extraordinary Meeting with Key Approvals and Debate
Oakham Town Council convened an Extraordinary Meeting of the Full Council on Wednesday this week, with no members of the public in attendance. The meeting covered a range of administrative and financial matters, including insurance renewal, internal audit arrangements, and local service contracts.
Councillors approved the renewal of the council’s insurance policy with Zurich Insurance at a cost of £6,004.38. However, the decision was not without discussion. Two members raised concerns that only a single quote had been obtained. The Clerk advised that securing additional quotes would be difficult while three claims against the council remain outstanding.
Cllr Harris and Cllr Brookes both challenged this view, noting that the insurer had already factored those claims into its quotation, suggesting that seeking alternative quotes may still have been possible.
The council also approved the appointment of Stuart McDonald as its internal auditor, following a recommendation from the Leicestershire and Rutland Association of Local Councils (LRALC). It was noted that this was not a direct selection by the council itself. Cllr Brookes expressed concerns, referencing the previous year’s audit process, which he described as inadequate. He clarified that his criticism was directed at the process rather than the auditor personally.
During the discussion, Chairman Cllr Nix repeatedly asked whether Cllr Brookes had the auditor signed off the previous audit. Cllr Brookes confirmed that he had, but maintained that the report reflected shortcomings, adding that the auditor had only reviewed documents presented to him. He also noted that the auditor reports key officers, including the Chairman, Clerk, or Chair of Finance, had not been available to address his questions at the time of the audit.
Despite these concerns, councillors approved the Clerk’s recommendation to appoint the auditor, although the Clerk was unable to confirm the audit fee when asked.
The council also approved its asset register, which had been rejected at a previous meeting.
The council agreed to formally write to the leader of Rutland County Council to object to the implementation of increased parking charges.
In addition, members approved a one-year contract for the provision and maintenance of hanging baskets in the town. This contract had previously been declined due to concerns that bids were not directly comparable. Cllr Paul Ainsley thanked the successful contractor for reworking their proposal to meet the council’s budget. It was noted that another contractor who had previously submitted a quote had withdrawn from the process, no reason was given.
At the conclusion of the public session, the council resolved to enter into exempt session to discuss a matter relating to one of its tenants.
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