Oakham Town Council Sets New Course for HR and Summer Events in Extraordinary Meeting
by The Local Democracy Reporter, ldreporter@post.com
Oakham Town Council convened an extraordinary meeting last night to address a series of pressing administrative and financial matters. The session, called by Councillors Sally-Anne Wadsworth and Martin Brookes, saw a quorum of six members gather alongside the Clerk and Acting Deputy Clerk to stabilise the council’s operational framework. While Chairman Chris Nix and Councillor Andrew Padmore were absent, the remaining members moved quickly to modernise the authority’s back-office functions and prepare for the 2026 summer season.
A significant portion of the evening was dedicated to professionalising the council’s internal structures. Following the retirement of the previous provider, members approved the retrospective appointment of a new HR services firm, a move deemed essential given the ongoing staffing challenges currently facing the authority. In a bid to bolster public confidence and ensure financial transparency, the council also voted to outsource its payroll to an external provider. Councillor Martin Brookes praised the decision, noting that the shift to an independent firm would help insulate the council from further allegations regarding financial management.
The council’s approach to public safety and land use showed a mix of progress and caution. While a new Public Spaces Letting Policy and standardised booking forms for parks like Cutts Close were adopted, the final rollout will be sent for review by the council’s insurers. Conversely, a proposed Children’s Safeguarding and Vulnerable Adults’ Policy was set aside after Councillor Paul Ainsley raised concerns regarding the potential costs of implementation. The council ultimately voted to defer the policy until staff can provide a full breakdown of the financial requirements needed to meet its standards.
Financial stewardship remained a focal point as the council authorized over £9,000 in spending for the town’s popular summer bands and associated advertising. The marketing strategy has shifted significantly; while the council will proceed with Rutland and Stamford Sound, it formally cancelled advertising previously booked with the Rutland Times. This cancellation followed revelations that the bookings were made by the Deputy Clerk who is not currently working, when the booking was made council had not given permission. The booking for the advertising and a band was carried out before the 2026-2027 budget had been finalised.
In a separate financial decision, the council scaled back a grant request from All Saints Church for repairs to the church clock. Rather than the £2,000 requested, members agreed to a £500 contribution, which will be released only upon the successful completion of the work.
As the meeting drew to a close, the council looked toward future developments, though much remained behind closed doors.
Members entered an exempt session to deliberate on a "Feasibility & Redevelopment Strategy" for Oakham’s sports facilities, a project spearheaded by Councillor Paul Ainsley. While the public must wait for a forthcoming report on that front, updates regarding the Princess Avenue lease renewal are expected as early as next month.
Finally, to ensure robust internal oversight, the council reinforced its staffing committee by appointing Councillors Martin Brookes and John Harris, with Councillor Johnathon Nichols also expected to join the committee
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