The next local government elections are due to take place on 4 May 2023. And for the first time, voters across the country will be required to show their ID at the polling stations in order to vote. Make sure you take your ID along with you on the day. Check what types of ID will be acceptable or how to receive a voter ID card, at www.voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/
If you are already registered to vote and your details or address haven’t changed, you don’t need to do anything. But if you need to register to vote for the first time, you have moved since the last election, or your details have changed, you can complete the simple online form in just two minutes. Visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to make sure you have a voice in upcoming elections.
As in many areas, Breckland has previously experienced flooding and due to climate change we expect it will happen again in the future. In some areas, where the risk of flooding is from rivers, the Environment Agency will supply up to date flood warning information.
It is important that owners/occupiers living in areas prone to flooding ensure they are prepared for the possibility of flooding in advance of periods of bad weather. These preparations could include some of the readily available DIY flood protection equipment, sandbags or door kits.
If you or your property are in immediate danger from floodwater call 999. For non-emergency situations call the Norfolk County Council Flooding Hotline on 0344 800 8013 to report flooding anywhere in Norfolk.
Transforming Breckland brings you news and information on the services and support provided by Breckland Council and its partners. Your comments and ideas are very welcome. Email contactus@breckland.gov.uk or call 01362 656870 If you need this magazine in large print, or in an alternative version, please contact Breckland Council on 01362 656870. Delivery issues? If you know someone who has not received their copy of Transforming Breckland please contact us on 01362 656870. Transforming Breckland is printed on chlorine-free paper from managed forests. Information correct at time of going to print.
As part of our Inspiring Communities programme, we are awarding over £120,000 to local community projects making a difference to residents’ lives every day. Match funding grants have been shared with community projects that help with the prevention of vulnerability through tackling isolation, improving wellbeing and encouraging healthy activity. This is our latest allocation of funding to the programme, which makes a total of £300,000, over the last three years.
The Well-come group in Dereham was awarded £5,000 to support residents with health issues, rebuilding their confidence, support with health issues and finding new friendships after lockdown.
£5,000 to help the Community Clothes Shop at the Charles Burrell Centre, which provide pre-loved clothes for sale to men and women.
The Norfolk Deaf Association, lead partner in the Cuppa Care Project, was awarded £5,000. This active mobile service not only helps the deaf community across Breckland, but offers support to all residents needing advice around finances, isolation, employment
provide training and work experience to 15 exoffenders, helping them learn new skills and take the next step into full time employment.
In February 2020, Breckland Council Members approved funding for £1 million for a 3-year Inspiring Communities programme aimed at protecting the most vulnerable in our community. Over 5000 residents have been helped by this programme since its inception.
Three years later we are delighted to announce that this ground breaking project has been funded for a further 2 years after making a significant impact in supporting numerous residents and their families.
Inspiring Communities aims to make a positive improvement to the health and wellbeing of our residents, tackling issues such as domestic abuse, mental health, social isolation and loneliness and general welfare needs. The £1 million scheme has been so successful it has saved an estimated £1.8m in public service intervention support.
We’ve introduced a funding scheme to enable the development of youth provision, led by our communities with the specific aim of providing safe spaces to remove young people from the risk of exploitation. Do you know what County Lines is? Find out more at ww.crimestoppers-uk.org/keeping-safe/ community-family/county-lines
By April 2023 we will have 250 Mental Health champions trained to offer mental health support to residents of Breckland. Our partnership with Norfolk and Waveney Mind has enabled them to create an innovative space at Breckland House, Thetford, where people can get support with not just their mental health but find solutions to Housing, benefits, and employment. Since opening in April, they have had 648 drop-ins and have delivered 480 1-2-1 wellbeing coaching sessions. Mental health support for young people has been delivered by co-funding a wellbeing programme with Breckland YAB. Overall, 180 young people and parents benefitted from this wellbeing project across Breckland.
In 2021/22 we awarded £100,000 match funding to 30 community projects. This funding has helped those groups attract further national funders, who have boosted their projects by a further £250,000.
In partnership with the Norfolk Community Foundation we helped deliver the first social supermarket in the East of England – The Burrell Supermarket, which is now supporting nearly 1700 people. Each week they are saving 40% on their food shopping!
We have also created the first rural mobile food store in the country supporting over 1100 people. In addition to low-cost food, the bus team provide advice and over 150 onward referrals for professional help, resulting in over 70 direct financial awards.
We have built a strong partnership with Daisy Programme, a Breckland based charity supporting male and female survivors of domestic abuse. With funding from Breckland Council, this partnership has supported over 1000 survivors of domestic abuse and their families and helped to train over 50 ambassadors, raising awareness and helping prevent people affected experiencing further harm.
Our investment has also enabled the Daisy Programme to secure additional funding to launch the Rowan Project within Breckland, providing further support for sexual abuse survivors living within our district.
We are commissioned to deliver social prescribing by Mid-Norfolk PCN, serving 7 GP surgeries in the Dereham and surrounding areas. Our staff help residents access support which will boost health and wellbeing without the need for medication medicines. Almost 600 residents have been referred to social prescribing in the last year.
Find out about Social Prescribing by scanning the QR code or visit www.breckland.gov.uk
/Social-Prescribing
Our Silver Social project is now being delivered by Creative Arts East, protecting protecting its legacy, and enabling the development of highquality arts activities in rural communities. At the point of handing over, we had 400 residents signed up to participate, breaking down isolation in the community and making friendships via the arts for life.
We are investing £450,000 to extend our Inspiring Communities programme for a further 2 years, expanding its services to help residents by services by funding debt advisors, based at our offices in Dereham and Thetford, which who work closely with residents who are struggling financially and may have housing concerns.
We also intend to expand our welfare service to residents, including a pilot project in Watton, working with patients of Watton Medical Practice. Our funding will also help drive a new pilot Social Prescribing project with the Norfolk and Norwich University, supporting patients in Breckland and helping to reduce admissions to A&E. For more information about Inspiring Communities visit www.breckland.gov.uk/community
As your district council, we are working hard to support residents by providing early intervention services through our £1m Inspiring Communities programme (see p 4&5), working closely with a range of partners to boost funding and the availability of help (see page 3), and empowering residents by providing the latest advice and information.
For a list of support services visit www.breckland.gov.uk/community/energy-bills-housing
You can apply for a reduction in your Council Tax bill if you're on a low income or claiming benefits. Visit www.angliarevenues.gov.uk/breckland for more information.
If you are struggling with rental costs and need help in arranging a payment plan with your landlord please contact us for advice via www.breckland.gov.uk/housing or call us for further support.
Free, impartial advice on debt, benefits, employment and housing issues. Get in touch directly via freephone 0800 144 8848 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk 3
Credit unions offer an alternative to traditional banks and building societies for saving and borrowing. They can sometimes beat the rates on the high street. Take a look at local options at www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk
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Anglian Water offer tariffs for low-income households which can offer up to 50% discount on water and sewage charges. Just call the Extra Care Team on 0800 232 1963 to discuss switching tariffs.
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Our Breckland Mobile Food Store (or ‘Food Bus’) brings affordable, nutritious food and household essentials, plus an information, advice and guidance service to towns and villages across Breckland. Find out more at www.breckland.gov.uk/BMFS
Pick up free surplus food and prevent food waste by visiting your nearest Breckland Community Fridge: www.breckland.gov.uk/CommunityFridges 7
If you are in receipt of certain benefits, have high fuel costs, or have underlying health issues, you may be able to get help from the Warm Homes Fund: www.breckland.gov.uk/housing-grants
Scan here to find out more
As part of the nation’s celebrations to mark the coronation of King Charles III, we have announced funding which will allow everybody to come together to celebrate this historic event and enable community groups to accessfunding for picnics, events, and lunches across Breckland. Large TV screens will be installed in Breckland’s market towns, showing the coronation live from London, allowing you to enjoy this special occasion alongside friends and neighbours in your communities. We will also be offering grants for local community celebrations, flags and special events. To find out more visit www.breckland.gov.uk/coronation
As part of Breckland Council's Thriving Places programme, aimed at supporting town centres to flourish and prosper, the refurbished Queen Mother’s Garden in Dereham has reopened for residents to enjoy. The community garden, off St Withburga Lane, features the Queen Mother clematis, roses, agapanthus plants, and thousands of new bulbs ready to erupt in spring. Other garden features include new picnic benches made from recycled materials with integrated allweather games boards, wheelchair-friendly paths throughout, sensory planting to stimulate residents with dementia and a community book swap cabinet. The garden refurbishment has been supported by Breckland Council, Dereham Town Council, local business, schools, and community sponsors. This project has received funding as part of our £450,000 Market Town Initiative, which has supported projects across Breckland including the development of the Ellenor Fenn Gardens in Dereham.
Breckland Council is proud of our district and is striving to support people and businesses across our beautiful district. We are working for everyone in our area, especially those who need our help the most.
We are proud of our area, and we want to inspire people to live, work, visit, or do business here: we want our district to be one of choice.
Our current Corporate Plan brings together our strategic priorities for the coming years to ensure it is a place where people and businesses can thrive. This includes a commitment to a greener future, in partnership with others, so that together we can bring sustainable outcomes.
Find out more about our 20212025 Corporate Plan at www.breckland.gov.uk /corporateplan
Through our new Future new projects have been rural communities
We are committed to putting our residents and businesses at the heart of everything we do. We want to ensure the delivery of services, make better use of space and resources, and future-proof the organisation - enabling us to operate as a modern council. Ultimately, this will make the organisation more efficient and effective while continuing to operate within our established budget.
In 2022 we were in the top 10 UK councils, both district and county, for online accessibility. Not resting on that amazing achievement, we are currently reviewing our website to make it even more user friendly.
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) develops, we are embracing new technology and using Amazon’s Alexa to support resident needing quick information updates, which will work alongside our virtual online assistant Bobbie.
Our Commercial Properties investments continue to bring in excellent revenue streams, ensuring our front-line services are protected and our district council tax is one of the lowest in the UK.
So far this project to deliver on announcements currently working businesses keen whilst supporting looking Read
Our Inspiring Communities programme started in 2020 with a £1 million investment over three years to have a positive impact on those affected by Domestic Abuse, County Lines, Mental Health, Social Isolation and Loneliness.
The programme has helped deliver life changing support to thousands of residents, and prevented them requiring crisis support, saving an estimated £1.8m to public services. The programme has seen 250 mental health first aiders trained across Breckland, over £200,000 distributed in community grant funding, funded the Daisy programme to support over 1000 survivors of domestic abuse and helped families with young children needing mental health support.
Future Breckland programme over 50 been identified to help our towns and communities bounce back from the pandemic. project has secured over £250,000 on these projects, with more announcements expected in 2023! We are working with a number of new keen to open up in Breckland, supporting existing businesses looking to grow and thrive. Read more on page 12-13
This innovative programme has now been funded for a further 2 years! Read a full review on page 4-5.
We have created our 'Breckland 2035' Sustainability Strategy to establish the direction of how we play an active role in mitigating the impact of climate change.
In 2022 we have funded the installation on new EV charging points in Watton and Swaffham, whilst helped reduce our carbon footprint by over 500 tonnes. We have also distributed over £100,000 in green grants across our district to help support local green initiatives and leverage national funding to support local projects. Find out more on page 15.
Did you know that we can provide a cost-effective waste collection service for your business? We offer businesses across Breckland a wide range of container sizes, extra waste collections or additional empties for one-off events. Get a quote today from your dedicated account manager and see how much you can save using our flexible service https://waste.breckland.gov.uk/
Our Breckland Lottery is an exciting weekly lottery which could see you win up to £25,000. And with 60p from every £1 ticket sold going to local charities and good causes, it’s a great way to support Breckland community groups, sports clubs and local projects.
Play the lottery for just £1 per week, support your community and be in with a chance to win a big prize! If you are part of a local group, consider signing up to benefit from the lottery proceeds. Over the last three years we have raised over £140,000 for local good causes!
As part of our commitment to support vulnerable residents in need of emergency accommodation we committed £4.6 million in purchasing or building temporary accommodation homes across the district. This significant investment has already seen the purchase and refurbishment of 7 homes, with more coming, which comes after investments of £1.8 million development Elm House and £1.2 in building brand new temporary homes in Thetford. Watch out in our next edition for further housing updated.
Our award-winning dog warden service is here to help reunite lost dogs with owners, collect stray dogs and care for them, whilst tackling issues around dog fouling in public spaces. We are committed to animal welfare, and are the only district council in Norfolk who employs an Animal Welfare Officer and a RSCPA Gold Paws award winning dog warden service.
Want to find out more about the support we offer? Visit www.breckland.gov.uk/environment/dog-warden
We’re in the process of updating our Local Plan, which is used to determine where and how Breckland will grow and develop over the next 25 years and beyond. It will set out spaces for new houses to help meet demand for our growing communities (though housing numbers are decided by a national government formula) and enable people who grew up here to buy a home within the district.
It will also set aside space for employment growth, bringing new and higher-paid jobs to the area, putting more money in local family’s pockets. And there will be space allocated for new and existing community green space, for leisure and people’s wellbeing. We’ve written to the Secretary of State to outline how we intend to update our existing plans. This work is a legal requirement for all Councils, ensuring plans are regularly updated and current.
The overarching Local Plan for the district will consider the plans we’ve drawn up for each of our towns through our Future Breckland work (see page 13). However, we also expect to launch a new public consultation in early 2023 to give you a chance to share your views on major issues surrounding the district and the possible approach that can be taken to address them through our new Local Plan.
We want to hear your views on a wide range of subjects as we take the district forward, including infrastructure and housing types, climate impact and the natural environment, the local economy and more. Watch out in local press, social media and our website for future consultations. You can access the latest information and sign up for alerts at brecklandlocalplan.commonplace.is
At the end of 2022 Breckland Council members approved the adoption of five Town Delivery plans, which set the 10-year vision for the district's towns and rural hinterlands.
The plans were formed as part of our Future Breckland programme and come after a series of public engagement events throughout 2022. Over 20,000 people engaged and responded to this consultation.
The plans have already helped secure significant investment into Breckland for recent schemes, including:
The development of Queen Mother's Garden in Dereham (see page 7)
A new funding agreement for expansion of Attleborough leisure centre
Funding for a programme of new events over the summer which will help celebrate Thetford's cultural strengths.
Installation of high street flagpoles on Watton High Street
• In Swaffham, the High Street Heritage Action Zone has put in place funding to restore four of the Towns historic buildings
Find out more www.breckland.gov.uk/future-breckland
Breckland Council is in line to receive £1m in national funding to help support rural businesses and communities over the next two years. This funding will be vital in helping us provide new infrastructure and support to help grow our important rural economy.
We’ll use it to support a new Country Rangers programme to encourage people to engage with the countryside and developing a number of ways of supporting rural businesses to diversify and grow. Well also work with our partners to create new trails and routes across the district for walking and cycling. We’ll also be investing in improved signage and arts and culture opportunities to attract more visitors to our towns to support them to thrive.
Breckland Council has launched a new high street project which aims to help new local businesses open shops on the district's high streets.
Our new ‘Meanwhile Enterprise Grant Scheme’ offers business set-up support, up to six months’ free rent, and £10,000 to help local businesses take on shops that are currently empty in and around Breckland’s market towns.
The project will help to reduce the number of empty shops in local towns and villages, ensuring Breckland’s high streets continue to thrive and help give a leg-up to businesses looking to establish themselves.
Find out more www.breckland.gov.uk/business-support/meanwhile-grant
£1.6m
Breckland Council has been successful in securing £1.6m which will be used to pay for a range of initiatives which support the district’s communities and businesses.
This money will be spent between 2023 and 2025 and will help boost local skills and training, helping people to access higher-paid jobs. It will also be used to reduce carbon emissions and pay for support to help some of our most vulnerable residents. Here's how the money will be used:
Almost £500,000 in skills and training for local residents. Over £200,000 in new low carbon initiatives to support local businesses.
Almost £300,000 in advice and support for local businesses, including supporting new opportunities and tourism.
Over £300,000 in the expansion of our Inspiring Communities Programme (see page 3), with additional investment being made into supporting vulnerable people in need of help with energy, food and the cost of living (see page 6).
Over £250,000 into new ‘Future Breckland’ programme aspirations (see p13).
Further details of the schemes will be published over the coming months as they are developed with local partners. If your business or community group is interested in learning more about our plans or the support available, contact regeneration@breckland.gov.uk
A £10,000 grant from Breckland Council has helped a Swaffham school replace traditional light fittings with energy efficient LEDs.
Swaffham Church of England Primary Academy used the Green Community grant to undertake an extensive lighting overhaul, including in classrooms, toilets, and kitchen areas.
The funding was part of our Breckland 2035 programme, which has seen around £100,000 in released to local groups, helping them reduce the impact of climate change and cut carbon emissions.
We’re making good progress towards our goal of becoming a net-zero carbon emissions organisation by 2035 and latest figures show we have cut more than 500 tonnes from our carbon footprint.
Having invested £850,000 in replacing old streetlights with LEDs, we’ve not only ensured our district is bright and safe, but we’ve cut 60 tonnes of carbon by adopting more efficient lighting options.
We’ve also improved lighting and other infrastructure within our council buildings, which has helped cut 91 tonnes of carbon, with a further 30 tonnes expected to follow. By changing our working practices, we’ve achieved a further reduction of 370 tonnes of carbon.
We continue to work closely to cut our own carbon footprint and are working with our partners and communities to help everybody make sustainable changes.
To find out more visit www.breckland.gov.uk/environment/climate-change
In 2022 we commissioned an independent survey to ask residents how happy people were with our service delivery, and we are delighted to say 91% were either satisfied or very satisfied (57%) with our services. This is a great percentage result when you compare it to the national average for councils at 64%.
Approximately two thirds of residents were also positive towards Breckland Council acting on resident concerns (66%) and keeping residents informed (67%); both statistics are higher than those observed nationally
You can apply for lots of things at www.breckland.gov.uk/applyforit Below are direct links to some of the most commonly used application forms: Housing and council tax benefits Apply, manage or pay for Breckland Council benefits and services: www.angliarevenues.gov.uk/breckland
Building Control Inspection
Request a site inspection from our Building Control department: www.breckland.gov.uk/buildingcontrol-inspection-booking
Bus Pass - The passes are available to residents who meet the age or disability requirements: www.norfolk.gov.uk/ roads-and-transport/public-transport/ buses/concessionary-travel-pass
Garden Waste Collection Service
Create or renew a subscription to have your garden waste collected every fortnight: www.breckland.gov.uk/ gardenwaste
Library Service - Find your nearest library, search for a good read, and more! www.norfolk.gov.uk/ libraries-local-history-and-archives
Register for E-billing - View your account and receive Council Tax bills online: www.angliarevenues.gov.uk/ breckland
Postal Vote request - If you can’t get to your polling station on election day, you can still vote by post: www.breckland. gov.uk/postalvoterequest
Register to vote - To vote in future elections you must be on the electoral register: www.breckland.gov.uk/ individual-electoral-registration
Come across an issue?
Let us know using our Report It tool: www.breckland.gov.uk/reportit
A number of key issues are listed below for ease of reference, but you can do more on our website.
Abandoned Vehicles
Let us know about a vehicle that has been abandoned on public land without lawful authority: www.breckland.gov.uk/article/3080/ Report-an-abandoned-vehicle
Anti-Social Behaviour - Affected by it? Don’t tolerate it, report it: www.breckland.gov.uk/noise-or-nuisance
Benefit Fraud - Suspect a resident of Benefit or council tax fraud? www.breckland.gov.uk/reportsuspected-fraud
Change of Address - For when you are moving and staying in the district or moving out of Breckland: www. breckland.gov.uk/tell-us-youre-moving Change of Circumstances - Let us know if something changes eg. you get married, have a child, your partner moves in, your pension is different: www.angliarevenues.gov.uk/breckland
Compliments, Complaints, Comments Let us know what’s working well and how we can improve further: www.breckland.gov.uk/article/7806/ Compliments-Complaints
Damaged Wheelie Bin - We’ll repair or replace your wheelie bin ASAP: www.breckland.gov.uk/ damaged-or-replacement
Dog fouling - Let us know of any incidents of dog fouling in public areas: www.breckland.gov.uk/litter-anddog-fouling
Faulty Street Light - Pass on details about street lights which are damaged or not working: www.breckland.gov.uk/ article/3089/report-a-faulty-street-light
Flooding Hotline - Call 0344 800 8013 to report flooding anywhere in Norfolk
Fly Tipping - Let us know if you see fly tipped waste or saw somebody dumping rubbish: www.breckland.gov. uk/flytip
Full Public Litter Bin - Has a litter bin near you been filled but not emptied yet? www.breckland.gov.uk/ full-public-litter-bin
Highway Problem - Report problems with roads, pavements, cycle paths and Public Rights of Way: https://apps. norfolk.gov.uk/highwaysdefect
Litter - Seen piles of dropped litter? Let us know: www.breckland.gov.uk/ litter-and-dog-fouling
Missing Wheelie Bin - Has your wheelie bin been lost or stolen? www.breckland.gov.uk/ damaged-or-replacement
Noise or Nuisance - Report loud music, barking dogs, industrial noise, bad smell, artificial light, smoke or bonfires, and more: www.breckland.gov.uk/ noise-or-nuisance
Street Name Plates - Tell us if you’ve seen a street name sign that is unreadable, missing letters, missing the name plate, or damaged: www.breckland.gov.uk/ street-name-plate-problem
For complaints about missed bins or new bin orders, contact Serco on 0330 109 9220
Visit our website to pay invoices, council tax, business rates or benefits over-payments online. You can also set up a direct debit to pay your Council Tax on a monthly date that suits you.
You’ll be able to pay for more things online soon, reducing the need to call during office hours or visit us in person. www.breckland.gov.uk/payforit
Paying your Council Tax by Direct Debit is safe, hassle free and reliable with the protection of the Direct Debit Guarantee. Sign up for Direct Debit today at www.angliarevenues.gov.uk/breckland
Want to receive the latest information as soon as possible? Receive email alerts about the things that matter, from news and events, to council and committee papers, consultation documents and job vacancies. Subscribe/amend your existing preferences at www.breckland. gov.uk/email-updates
If you need help or advice, email our expert Customer Contact Centre staff at: contactus@breckland.gov.uk
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