Have Your Say, Oakham! Your Right to Scrutinise Your Town Council's Finances

Have Your Say, Oakham! Your Right to Scrutinise Your Town Council's Finances

Oakham residents, this is your crucial opportunity to engage with how your local town council manages its funds. The Oakham Town Council's accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 are now open for public inspection, and we strongly encourage you to exercise your rights.

As a resident of Oakham, you play a vital role in ensuring transparency and accountability in local governance. This isn't just about numbers on a page; it's about understanding how your hard-earned local taxes are being spent to benefit our community.

What Does This Mean for You?

From Tuesday 24 June 2025 to Monday 4 August 2025, you have the legal right to:

Inspect the Accounts: Dive into the detailed financial records of the Oakham Town Council. This includes all accounting records, bills, vouchers, receipts, contracts, and other documents related to the council's spending. This is your chance to see exactly where the money goes.

How to do it: Simply provide reasonable notice to the Deputy Clerk at ROL House, Long Row, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6LN (telephone: 01572 723625, email: enquiries@oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk) to arrange your inspection. You may be charged a small fee for copies.

Question the Auditor: If you are a local government elector (meaning you're registered to vote in local elections), you have the unique opportunity to ask the appointed external auditor, Moore, questions about specific items in the accounting records. While the auditor can answer "what" questions (e.g., "What was this expenditure for?"), they cannot answer "why" questions. It's highly recommended to put your questions in writing to ensure clarity.

Make an Objection: This is a powerful right reserved for local government electors. If, after your review, you genuinely believe an item of account is unlawful or that a matter is of wider public interest, you can formally object. This involves providing written notice to the auditor, outlining the specific item you object to, why you believe it's unlawful, and providing clear evidence to support your claim. A copy of your objection must also be sent to the Oakham Town Council.

Important Note: The "right to object" is for matters of legality or public interest regarding the accounts, not for personal complaints or claims against the council. For such issues, it's best to contact your local Citizens' Advice Bureau, Law Centre, or solicitor.

Why Should You Exercise Your Rights?

Transparency and Accountability: This process is designed to ensure that your local council is spending public funds responsibly and in accordance with the law. By engaging, you contribute directly to this transparency.

Informed Decisions: Understanding the council's finances empowers you to make informed decisions about local issues and to hold your elected representatives accountable.

Community Well-being: When residents actively participate in scrutinising local government, it fosters a stronger, more engaged community and ultimately leads to better outcomes for everyone in Oakham.

Identifying Potential Issues: While we trust our council, external scrutiny can sometimes highlight areas for improvement or even uncover irregularities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

A Word on Costs:

Please be aware that dealing with questions and objections incurs costs, which are ultimately borne by local taxpayers. The auditor will consider these costs when deciding whether to pursue an objection, only continuing if it is genuinely in the public interest.

Don't let this opportunity pass you by! Your engagement is vital for a healthy, accountable local government. Take the time to understand the financial workings of Oakham Town Council and exercise your democratic rights.

The period for inspection and engagement runs from Tuesday 24 June 2025 until Monday 4 August 2025. Mark your calendars and make your voice heard!

Contact Information:

For Account Inspection:

Deputy Clerk, ROL House, Long Row, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6LN

01572 723625

enquiries@oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk

For Auditor Questions/Objections (during the specified period):

Moore (Ref AP/HD)

Rutland House

Minerva Business Park

Lynch Wood

Peterborough

PE2 6PZ