Oakham Town Council to Address Security Breach, Staffing, and Major Town Contracts

Oakham Town Council to Address Security Breach, Staffing, and Major Town Contracts

By Rutland Democracy Reporter

Oakham Town Council will meet this Wednesday, 11th March 2026, to navigate a packed agenda that includes a formal update on a recent security breach, a significant overhaul of town maintenance, and a push for a more "vibrant" festive display in the town centre.

The meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the council’s Rol House offices, comes at a time of administrative transition and heightened operational scrutiny.

Councillors are expected to receive a formal update regarding an "unauthorised access incident" that occurred on 19th January 2026. A former Town Councillor was reported to Leicestershire Police for burglary, The update to members will be given in exempt session where the public and press are excluded. The former councillor has denied any wrong doing. It is alleged the former councillor turned of a internal CCTV camera and this was not the first incident of unauthorised access another incident happened in late January when a member of staff was on the premises, the latest incident has prompted immediate changes to the council's internal controls.

The council is set to approve Administrative Assistant Melanie Palmer as an authorised bank signatory. This role is specifically limited to the initiation of payments to ensure greater oversight and prevent the concentration of financial power, particularly during the ongoing absence of the Deputy Clerk.

The Council is also proposing temporary adjustments to its staffing structure to maintain "operational continuity." This includes increasing the Administrative Assistant’s hours to 37 per week and raising their hourly to reflect the higher level of responsibility they have assumed. 

Further operational changes include a proposed feasibility study into leasing a dedicated maintenance vehicle. Currently, the council’s handyman uses a personal vehicle to transport heavy tools and bulky materials an arrangement the council describes as an "unfair financial burden" and a potential health and safety risk.

Two major community-facing projects are also up for debate, 

Flower Contract 2026-27, The council must choose between two competing bids for the town’s floral displays against a £17,500 budget. The incumbent provider, Windowflowers Ltd, has submitted a quote of £17,864 (which includes maintenance of Oakham in Bloom planters), while Plantscape Ltd has offered a lower bid of £15,198, though this excludes the additional planters. The council is required to consider at least three quotes. The two quotes they have to consider are not like for like.

Following a financial review of the Christmas lighting contract, a cumulative underspend of over £9,000 has been identified. The Christmas and Events Working Group is requesting the release of £6,094 from reserves to fund "considerable improvements," including new lighting for Mill Street and the provision of a real Christmas tree to serve as the "aesthetic heart of the town."

In addition to infrastructure, the council will consider a request for financial support from Citizens Advice Rutland, which is facing increased demand due to cost-of-living pressures. 

The council will also move to co-opt a new member, with at least one candidate a former social club chairman with experience managing 1,500 members stepping forward to fill a vacancy. 

The meeting is open to the public, and residents will have the opportunity to address the council during the public session.