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.