Cllr Adam Lowe Resigns as Mayor and Chairman of Oakham Town Council

Cllr Adam Lowe Resigns as Mayor and Chairman of Oakham Town Council

Oakham Town Council will be holding a special meeting on Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024, at 5:45 PM to appoint a new Chairman and Mayor following the resignation of Cllr Adam Lowe. The meeting will take place in the Council Chamber in Low Row, Oakham, and is open to the public.

A copy of Cllr Lowe's resignation letter was received by Oakham and Rutland News earlier today.

The appointment of a new Mayor and Chairman is a crucial step for Oakham Town Council. The Mayor serves as the ceremonial head of the town, while the Chairman presides over council meetings and is responsible for ensuring that the council's business is conducted efficiently and effectively. They have no greater powers than any other member of the council.

The special meeting on October 23rd will be an opportunity for the public to witness the process of selecting Oakham's new leadership

Cutts Close, Playpark Oakham, Rutland, Upgrade Costs Soared Due to Councillors Oversight

Cutts Close, Playpark Oakham, Rutland, Upgrade Costs Soared Due to Councillors Oversight.

The recent refurbishment of the play area in Cutts Close, Oakham, has turned into a costly affair for Oakham town council, with the final bill exceeding initial estimates by several thousand pounds. This latest incident highlights a recurring pattern of financial mismanagement by the local authority, raising concerns about their stewardship of taxpayer funds.

The play area, which had been the subject of complaints from families regarding the deteriorating flooring, underwent a much-needed resurfacing last month. However, a revelation at the Oakham Town Council meeting on Wednesday, October 9, revealed that the project had cost significantly more than anticipated.

Instead of the £21,000 budgeted for the work, the final bill from contractor Playscape Playgrounds came in at £32,000. The discrepancy arose due to a simple oversight: the council had failed to notice that the "rainbow green" colour they had chosen for the new flooring was more expensive than the standard black option.

This error, while seemingly minor, has resulted in a substantial increase in costs for the project. The council has now approved the additional expenditure, despite the financial implications.

This incident is not an isolated case. In the past, Oakham Town Council has been criticised for its lack of attention to detail and its disregard for taxpayer money. 

One very recent example, the recent application for a grant by Victoria Hall was only partially successful due to the halls failure to provide the necessary documents and accounts.

A Oakham Town Councillor, said "we were stuck between a rock and stone, if we awarded the full grant requested we would have been criticised. If we had refuse the grant and the hall closed the residents would have seen us as the bad guys" 

Editors Comment:

The town council's repeated mistakes have raised serious concerns about its competence and ability to manage public funds responsibly. It's essential that the council takes immediate steps to improve its financial oversight and ensure that taxpayer money is used efficiently and effectively.

It's become increasingly evident that some council members are failing to read and understand the meeting documents they are provided. This negligence has led to numerous instances where contracts have been approved without proper review.

Such carelessness is a serious breach of trust and undermines the council's ability to make informed decisions. It's imperative that all council members take their responsibilities seriously and ensure that they are fully informed before casting their votes. 

One council member's justification for approving part of the Victoria Hall grant, despite the missing documentation, is deeply troubling. While it's understandable to want to avoid negative publicity, compromising financial integrity for the sake of public perception is a dangerous precedent.

The council must prioritise transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of public funds. It's time for a thorough review of financial procedures and a commitment to preventing similar mistakes in the future.

The days of Oakham town council approving contracts without proper review are thankfully behind us, hopefully. However, the excuse that council members are volunteers and don't have time is unacceptable.

While volunteering is commendable, it's crucial that those who take on these roles are committed to fulfilling their responsibilities diligently. If the demands of the position are too much, it's perhaps time to reconsider one's involvement.

The stewardship of public funds is a serious matter that requires careful attention. Council members must prioritise their public duties and ensure that they have the time and resources necessary to make informed decisions.

I find myself commending the chairman of Oakham Town Council for his decision to overturn the request for this matter to be an exempt item. His commitment to transparency is a positive step forward at long last.

It's concerning that there was even a suggestion to treat this issue as an exempt item. Such attempts to conceal information from the public are unacceptable and erode trust in the council.

I hope that this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of open and accountable governance. By keeping the public informed, the council can foster greater trust and confidence in its decision-making processes.

Cllr James Hall Resigns from Oakham Town Council

 Cllr James Hall Resigns from Oakham Town Council

Cllr James Hall, a member of Oakham Town Council, for Oakham South, has announced his resignation from the council. Hall, who was responsible for overseeing invoices and payments, cited a lack of time to effectively serve the local community as the reason for his decision.

Hall was  a valued member of the council. His contributions to the town's financial management were particularly appreciated.

The town council is now seeking to fill the vacant position through the election process. 

The town council is also inviting applications from interested individuals who meet the necessary criteria, to fill other vacant seat through co-option.

If you are interested please contact Oakham Town Council

01572 723627

enquiries@oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk

The town council wishes to express its gratitude to Cllr Hall for his service to Oakham and hopes that he will continue to be involved in the community in other ways.  

Oakham Town Council Grants Victoria Hall £2800 to Avoid Closure

Oakham Town Council Grants Victoria Hall £2800 to Avoid Closure

    CC Bank of England

In a move designed to prevent the closure of a local landmark, Oakham Town Council has granted Victoria Hall £2800 to cover its immediate bills. The decision made at an extra meeting this Monday evening came after a grant application for £11,000 was submitted with insufficient accounting and inaccurate documentation.

While the full amount requested was not granted, the £2800 will provide a lifeline for Victoria Hall, a community hub that has faced financial difficulties in recent months. The council has instructed Victoria Hall to return next month with updated accounts and an explanation for how it has spent over £30,000 over the last financial year.

The decision to grant the partial funding has sparked debate within the community and among council members.  Councillor Paul Ainsley, speaking to Oakham and Rutland News, explained the delicate situation faced by the council: "We were in a difficult position. If Victoria Hall were to close, we would be seen as a heartless council. On the other hand, granting the full amount without proper scrutiny would be irresponsible."

The councillor's comments highlighted the tension between the council's desire to support local institutions and its obligation to ensure public funds are used appropriately.

A suggestion from a resident that Oakham Town Council become the main controlling trustee and move its offices back into Victoria Hall has garnered support among some councillors. This proposal could provide a more direct oversight of the hall's finances and operations, potentially alleviating concerns about accountability. This could also see the venue become more affordable for local charitable or community groups.

As Victoria Hall continues to navigate financial challenges, the decision by Oakham Town Council to provide partial funding offers a temporary solution. However, the future of this community hub will depend on the hall's ability to address its underlying financial issues and secure long-term sustainability.

Editor's Opinion: A New Beginning for Victoria Hall?

The recent decision by Oakham Town Council to grant Victoria Hall partial funding to avoid closure is a welcome step. However, the hall's long-term sustainability remains uncertain. A potential solution could be for the council to take a more active role in its management.

For too long, Victoria Hall has been underutilised, particularly during off-peak times. By assuming control, the council could transform the hall into a vibrant community venue. This would not only benefit local residents but also justify the public funds that have been invested in the building over the years.

One example of the hall's potential is the recently installed kitchen, (National Lottery funded) which is currently unused. By organising community events such as weekday coffee mornings and lunches, the council could put this asset to good use. Volunteers from a newly formed "Friends of Victoria Hall" group could play a crucial role in managing these activities, fostering a sense of ownership and community involvement.

Taking control of Victoria Hall would allow the council to implement a more strategic vision for the building. This could include partnering with local businesses, organisations, and individuals to offer a diverse range of activities and events. By doing so, the council could ensure that Victoria Hall remains a valuable asset to the community for generations to come.