Autumn/Winter 2019 - Transforming Breckland Magazine

Transforming

Autumn/Winter 2019

Breckland

A Breckland Council publication for all residents

The Elves are back!

Inside this issue: Online help is at hand – p3 A breath of fresh air – p4 WIN! Our Christmas Elf trail – p7 Breckland gets its game on – p9 WWII grants available – p11 From Broadway to Breckland – p15

www.breckland.gov.uk

First Words

Welcome to the AutumnWinter 2019 edition of Transforming Breckland to the latest edition of Transforming Breckland. As we W elcome approach the end of the year, it is a perfect time to reflect on some of our recent achievements, as well as taking a look ahead at our plans for the festive period and into 2020.

Breckland Council continues to work hard to ensure the district remains a place where people and businesses can thrive, including planning new homes for local families (page 13), encouraging greener and cleaner travel (page 4), and holding a programme of arts events to bring together communities and reduce the risk of people feeling isolated (page 15).

Supporting employment and helping local businesses to flourish remains a key priority for the council, which is why we recently released grants to help fledgling businesses go from strength to strength (page 12). We’re also trialling a new approach to town centre car parking, with early results showing an improved footfall on the high street and a boost for local retailers (page 9).

Breckland is a truly beautiful district and, like the vast majority of our residents, we want to keep our wonderful countryside and market towns litter free. That’s why we’ve launched a network of community litter picking kit across Breckland (page 4) and have been raising the profile of our Enforcement team as we tackle fly tipping within our communities (page 5).

Further ahead, in 2020 we’ll be marking the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE Day) by making significant grants available to help local groups hold remembrance events (page 11).

Finally, I’m delighted to announce that the elves are back in Breckland this Christmas (page 7). Like last year, finding the hidden elves in Breckland’s towns will be great fun for people of all ages – plus there are prizes up for grabs!

There are lots of exciting initiatives to read about in this edition. If you’d like to share any feedback, please email contactus@breckland.gov.uk.

Kind regards,

Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen Breckland Council Leader

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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.

Link-Up: Blind or partially sighted, or know someone who is? Transforming Breckland can be sent on a memory stick with the independently produced Link-Up, a free, fortnightly audio newsletter.

To subscribe, email: contact@linkup breckland.org.uk or call 01842 755131.

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. www.breckland.gov.uk

Digital

Support at your fingertips part of our ongoing A sdrive to ‘go digital’, we’ve upgraded our headquarters’ reception so we can now offer a range of electronic, self-serve technology, making it quicker and easier for you to send us information, submit applications, and make payments.

When you next visit Elizabeth House, on Walpole Loke in Dereham, our new scan stations will enable you to make digital copies of documents which can be sent electronically to council teams in support of an application or request. It is quick and easy and means you don’t need to wait for a receptionist to become free.

Need help to

Get Online?

A helping hand in a digital world launched a new Get Online service to help improve W e’ve people’s digital skills and build confidence in an increasingly digital world.

A interactive electronic booking in system will be installed soon, so you can arrange an appointment with a member of staff or let them know when you’ve arrived. A new chip and pin payment kiosk means you can pay a bill or subscription quickly and easily. As well as our new reception area, our website has gone through a number of upgrades to ensure you can access the latest news, services and events. Visit www.breckland. gov.uk to try it for yourself.

Our staff are regularly visiting local libraries and community venues to help local people learn how to submit online applications, report issues, and make payments. They can also give you a helping hand to learn to shop online, use digital banking, and stay connected with friends and family.

If this could help you, find out more at www.breckland.gov.uk/helpto-get-online. Alternatively, if you are already digitally savvy and would like to share your skills with others, please get in touch to discuss how you might be able to help.

We’re also looking to come along to speak to local community groups about the support on offer. If you are a member of a local group and think this might benefit your members, let us know by emailing contactus@ breckland.gov.uk.

What’s on in Breckland? you are looking to attend an event W hether locally or maybe you would like to promote a

1/3 of visitors come to scan documents

community event you are organising, visit www.breckland.gov.uk/whatson to see the latest events or submit your event’s details.

Our Council

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Environment

h t a o e f r b A A

fresh air

ir quality in Swaffham has recently improved and Breckland Council, alongside Swaffham Town Council and Norfolk County Council, is taking steps to see it improve even further.

A small area within the town centre was declared an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) in 2017 as it did not meet national air quality targets. One of the ways we’ve tried to tackle this is to work with Daniel Reynolds from Pure Clean Earth, who created

Shedding a light on litter innovative project has A nbeen launched by Breckland Council, in partnership with local town councils and organisations, to help tackle litter in our district.

The Breckland Community Shed Network provides local residents, schools and voluntary groups with litter picking equipment and basic gardening tools, which can be used free of charge to help clean up local areas.

We secured the money from Central Government’s High Street Clean Up Fund, with Community Sheds managed by Swaffham’s Iceni Partnership, Connaught Hall in Attleborough, the town councils in Watton and Thetford, and in Dereham by Breckland Council.

Contact your local group if you’d like to use the kit in an upcoming community litterpick.

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engaging short films focussed on air quality issues, encouraging people to walk and cycle to school, and avoid idling their car engines. The leading Breckland environmental campaigner also visited a local Breckland school as part of Clean Air Day 2019 to discuss green ideas with children and teachers.

You can watch our Clean Air Day film at www.youtube.com/BrecklandView

New shared waste contract Council, North Norfolk District B reckland Council and King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council have agreed to work together to appoint a shared provider to collect waste and recycling across all three council areas.

The innovative approach means we can all get the best deal, by offering one big contract instead of three smaller ones and is just one way your local council is trying to save you money.

The new provider, who will be announced shortly, will also deliver grounds maintenance in Breckland and North Norfolk and see a new fleet of bin collection trucks in place.

The new service will start in 2020 in the north of the county and 2021 in Breckland and the west.

£300

FINE

Fighting back against flytipping is a beautiful district and B reckland like you - we want to keep it that way.

That’s why we’re taking a zero tolerance approach towards flytipping, with a number of our recent investigations leading to significant fines.

Flytipping is a serious environmental crime which harms the countryside, costs taxpayers money to clear up and ruins our otherwise fine district.

WIN! you love your garden in D osummer, but sigh at the

sight of autumn leaves across your garden? Once you have completed a busy day in the garden, do you hate the time it takes and the inconvenience of having to load up your car to take the garden waste to the local recycling centre?

Well, we have the answer; sign up today for our Garden Waste Collection Service and we’ll collect it for you every fortnight. No more hassle, just pop it in the brown bin! If you sign up before 30th December, you might even win a year’s FREE subscription! Signing up online using a debit or credit card for your brown bin is the quickest and easiest way to take out (or

We will continue to tackle this modern scourge and can issue Fixed Penalty Notices of £300, with fines rising to £50,000 if the case goes to court.

Don’t forget if you are hiring somebody to take waste away for you, please make sure they are legitimate and have a waste carrier’s license. If you employ somebody who flytips your rubbish, you’ll be liable too.

Seen a fly tip? Report it at www.breckland.gov.uk/flytip

1 of 5 Garden Waste Collection Subscriptions

renew) a subscription. It costs £46 a year and you can do this on a tablet, phone or computer via www. breckland.gov.uk/gardenwaste We’ll deliver a garden waste bin (standard 240 litre size) for you, ideal for your hedge clippings, grass cuttings, leaves, cut flowers, shrub prunings and dreaded weeds.

We are giving away FIVE FREE Garden Waste Collection Service subscriptions. To enter all you have to do is email competitions@ breckland.gov.uk with “Garden Waste Competition” in your subject line email or write, quoting Garden Waste Competition, to: Communications Team, Elizabeth House, Walpole Loke, Dereham, NR19 1EE.

Don’t forget to provide your name, age and address. To be eligible to enter, you must be aged 18 years or over, live within Breckland and have an active garden subscription on January 1st 2020.

Terms and conditions apply at www.breckland.gov.uk/ CompTerms

Worth

£46 Your Place

5

Over

£40,000 raised for local good causes

Could

YOUext

be our n £25,000 winner?

The elves are back!

BONUS PRIZE!

of mischievous elves are lost on D ozens Breckland’s high streets, just like last

year. Without them, Santa Claus might be forced to cancel Christmas so he’s sent an urgent message direct from his North Pole headquarters asking for your help. Can you help Saint Nick to find his missing elves? He’s promised some special prizes if you can find 12 of his little helpers!

How to take part in the 12 Elves Trail Download an entry form from www.breckland. gov.uk/elves or collect one from participating shops. When visiting Attleborough, Dereham, Swaffham, Thetford or Watton, look out for the ‘Find Your Next Elf Here’ posters, which will be on display in shop windows, libraries and leisure centres.

Each missing Elf will be wearing their special name badge, so simply match 12 or more elf names with their hiding places before handing your entry form into your local Breckland library. Alternatively, email a scan or clear photo of your form to elves@breckland.gov.uk. 11 lucky winners will win one of our fantastic prizes, to say thank you for reuniting Santa with his elves!

To be in the running to win a bonus prize, simply download the fre e BreckWorld app onto your IPhone or An droid device, pay a virtual visit to your loc al Breckland market town using the app, an d look out for the special ‘Golden’ elf. Ad d their name to your entry form, along with the 12 elves you’ve found in local sh ops, before sending it back to Brec kland Council (details below left).

What is the Breckworld App

?

Breckworld, av ailable for FR EE from your app store , helps residen ts and tourists disco ver a perfect day out in Breckland. Virt ually explore our towns and attractions in our immersi ve 360 degree video s, some narrat ed by Stephen Fry. Plus, play an augmented reality treasure hunt, with ove r 100 stars to collect, for fun and to un lo ck offers and discounts at participatin g local attractions. A s a special trea t, the star trail will tu rn into a mag ical trail packed w ith elves this Christmas on November 23 rd.

www.breckland.gov.uk/elves The 12 Elves of Christmas Competition – Terms and Conditions

• Competition open for entries from 23rd November-31st December 2019 • Only completed entries containing a minimum of 12 correct elf names, with their corresponding location, will be entered into the prize draw • Only entries with 12 correct high street elf names and their location, plus a golden elf, will be entered into the bonus prize draw • Only 1 entry per person will be submitted into the prize draw(s) • Full list of prizes at www.breckland.gov.uk/elves • Breckland Council is the organiser of this competition and reserves the right to amend details, if it deems necessary, without notice.

WIN!

e up for Great prizes ar g £100 grabs, includin hers for 1st shopping vouc 0 shopping place, 10 x £1 nner ups and voucher for ru ckWorld £50 for the Bre tition!

Bonus Compe

Your Place

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Community

Explosion of colour marks the end of Thetford Mela T

he Thetford Mela, supported by Breckland Council’s Market Town Initiative, came to a close in the summer with a dramatic ‘fusion of culture’.

The event was part of the Norfolk and Punjab Festival, a county-wide celebration of Maharaja Sir Duleep Singh’s family. The popular event brought together the best of Norfolk and India, including Morris dancing, Bhangra dancers and special performances from Circus Raj from Rajasthan in India!

To see latest events being held in Breckland over the coming months, including community activities and Christmas Light switch-on events, visit www.breckland.gov.uk/ whats-on or follow us on Facebook (@BreckCouncil)

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Parking trial aims to put town in top gear approach to car parking in Swaffham is already making a A new difference, according to a number of local businesses. At the request of Swaffham Town Council, we have introduced two hour parking limit on three town centre car parks as part of a six month trial which is currently in full swing.

The move is to enable lots of shoppers to come to the town for a couple of hours, boosting local businesses.

Long stay parking is still available in the town’s other car parks and parking remains free in all other Breckland owned car parks. Early reports suggest it is working well, with 1,300 car parking vouchers issued by the newly installed ticket machines in a single day, demonstrating a need for short stay timed parking within the town centre.

We will continue to monitor feedback from drivers and businesses and assess the impact of the trial in early 2020.

Attleborough Town Council has also requested a similar trial for the town’s Queens Square Car Park, which is expected to start in the near future.

High street gets AN EXTRA LIFE! video gaming café has opened in A new Dereham as a result of a Breckland Council initiative which aims to help reboot the high street.

We’ve been working with the team behind Level Up, at 31 High Street, to support the new independent business to establish itself while simultaneously creating a new community hub in the town.

The council owns the property and we’ve taken the opportunity to trial a new approach as part of our Market Towns Initiative, a programme which funds schemes to support the district’s towns to thrive.

The deal means the owners of Level Up will receive a grant to help the fledgling company become firmly established on the high street. This will help the cafe during the first few months of operation, which are often the most challenging for a new business.

As part of the deal, the building will also become a community hub by hosting a range of different workshops aimed at supporting local residents.

Visit the café, which is the former home of the Dereham Times, for more information about upcoming workshops, or search ‘Level Up Dereham’ on social media.

Your Place

9

Community

Don’t get taken for a ride a great night out booking a taxi is a great way to get home quickly and safely.

A fter However, Breckland Council’s Licensing Team are advising people who use taxis and private hire vehicles to check they are correctly licensed.

Using vehicles and drivers that are licensed by Breckland Council ensures that the necessary checks have been made to ensure they are safe and suitable. Here is what to look out for: • The vehicle has Breckland branded licence plates fitted.

These are white for hackney carriage and yellow for private hire.

There will be one plate on the back of the car and one on the front windscreen that looks like a tax disc.

• Hackney Carriages must have a meter installed to calculate the fare, a top light fitted on the roof and rear door stickers should be displayed at all times.

• Drivers must have their Breckland driver badge on display at all times. This has the drivers name, photo and expiry date of their licence.

Across the country individuals have been advertising on social media and elsewhere offering a taxi service, however they may not be licensed which means the driver and vehicle have not been checked to ensure they are safe and suitable. Always ask if they have a licence issued by the local authority when you book.

If you think there may be an unlicensed vehicle or driver in your area, let the council know by emailing details to licensingteam@breckland.gov.uk

ehcUK offers a range of high quality training and consultancy services and is owned and operated by Breckland and South Holland Councils, across the Eastern region.

“The right advice and training when you need it” 0800 689 3512 A5 Breckland Transformation Mag Sep 2019.indd 1

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www.ehcuk.co.uk

Your health and wellbeing

Training is provided by experienced health professionals, with ‘hands on knowledge’. Courses can be delivered at one of the training centres, on-site at your premises or you can learn in your own time, online.

Training and consultancy includes: • • • • • •

Food Safety and Allergens • Manual Handling Fire Safety Health and Safety • New Business Advice Noise Monitoring •

Licensing, (including pre-application, personal, licensing and animal welfare)

Contaminated Land & Water Sampling Inspections and Audits

ehc@breckland-sholland.gov.uk 02/09/2019 11:11:50

BRECKLAND SET TO REMEMBER THE END OF WWII we approach the 75th Anniversary of A sVictory in Europe (VE) Day on 8 May 2020 and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on 14 August, Breckland Council is making a significant funding pot available to help pay for community events, workshops or remembrance projects.

VE 75, which will be a UK national Bank Holiday, will celebrate and commemorate 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

We’re offering local groups grants of up to £500 to support a community event. To find out more and download the application form visit www.breckland.gov.uk/community-funding

Our/Breckland’s Armed Forces Community Council is proud of its commitment to service personnel, veterans and B reckland their families, and recently launched a new online support portal.

Offering access to information from leading voluntary organisations including Veterans’ Gateway, the Royal British Legion, SSAFA and Stoll, the portal also includes essential information for those who need help accessing suitable housing within Breckland.

As part of our long-term commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant we are Silver Award holders of the ‘Defence Employer Recognition Scheme’, helping bridge the link between the Armed Forces Community and local government as an employer of choice. For more information visit www.breckland.gov.uk/armed-forces-community

Tackling homelessness in our community have put together a W eRough Sleeper team to offer help and support to some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

The team will be working with people who are homeless, exploring ways of resolving their housing

issues and helping them find employment. One of the core aims will be to identify anyone who has gone through the justice system or has served in the military and signpost them

towards organisations who offer additional support, housing and advice in improving their chances of reintegration into normal life.

If you are at risk of becoming homeless or know somebody who is, visit www.breckland. gov.uk/homelessness

Your place

11

Have a

Business

GREEN Dragons’ help tmas is hr C businesses to fly this year! funding and business advice provided by Breckland G rant Council has helped local fledgling businesses go from

strength to strength.

Earlier this year, the council launched a Dragons’ Den-style scheme which saw 10 Breckland businesses, from a wide range of backgrounds, pitch for a slice of a £100,000 grants pot to help them grow and thrive.

Among them was The Wood Life Project, which was successful in bidding for £4,000. The family-run business has since used the money to develop prototypes of their innovative and eco-friendly wooden plates, which are an alternative to plastic products.

The company has showcased their British-made products at the Norfolk Show, other major retail buyer trade shows, and even featured in the famous Vanity Fair Christmas Gift Guide.

A company spokesperson said: “The ‘Dragons’ Den’ funding has enabled us to develop further prototype children’s wooden plates, explore new environmentally friendly manufacturers, opened doors with major retailers across the UK, and allowed us to develop an online presence.”

The Beeston Ploughshare pub has reopened its doors after being shut for three years thanks in part to funding from the council’s project. Beeston Community Enterprises have worked tirelessly to refurbish the building and achieved their goal after being awarded £20,000 from the Dragons’ Den scheme.

“This has enabled us to re-establish the beating heart of the village.”

“The grant enabled us to complete the refurbishment of the bar, the restaurant, the café and the shop, which are all now open to the public,” said a representative from the pub.

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Your opportunity

three million N early tonnes of waste is thrown away in the UK each Christmas, but much of this could easily be reduced, reused or recycled. We may not have a white Christmas this year, but Breckland Council can help you make it a green one with some top festive tips!

Christmas may traditionally be a time for feasting, but don’t dump those food leftovers. Visit www. lovefoodhatewaste.com for recipes which turn your leftovers into delicious snacks and meals.

Buy loose fruit and vegetables with no plastic packaging, preferably in season, and only buy what you need. Use the nutritious vegetable peelings in your home composter to help bring your garden back to life.

Cut paper consumption by sending some e-cards, which are green and much cheaper. If you do send and receive paper cards, you can recycle them by turning them into tags for next year. You can also cut wrapping paper use by choosing gifts which don’t have excess packaging, such as experience days.

Lots of wrapping paper can be recycled, but not all of it. If you’re not sure, give it the scrunch test.

Scrunch up the paper and if it stays in a ball you can recycle it.

If you’re having a clear out, don’t forget local charity shops can help find a new home for good quality toys, games or clothes. For more information on recycling visit www.norfolkrecycles.com

Housing

Building new homes for local families

Bridge B reckland is set to deliver more new homes in the district, helping to meet the local demand for housing.

They will be delivered by the pioneering partnership between Breckland Council and expert private sector developers, The Land Group. The partnership has already built houses in Mileham and was behind the ÂŁ8m Thetford Riverside leisure complex.

Over the summer, approval was granted for 21 houses to be built in Colkirk, near Fakenham. This includes five which will be classed as affordable, to help people get on the housing ladder. The partnership will also build 16 new homes in Litcham.

Work to build a further ten homes is also getting underway on land next to the former Chapel Road Primary School, in Attleborough, after the school relocated to Old Buckenham. The partnership has also applied for outline planning permission for 36 new houses across a 1.4 hectare site in Shipdham, which would also see adjacent roads improved.

In the heart of the community...

Council’s Chairman is responsible for representing the council at official events B reckland and supporting local charitable activities, fundraisers and official openings.

Not only do these events raise the profile for the host organisation, but it provides the ideal opportunity for a local group to showcase their work and ambitions directly to senior Council representatives.

It is a non-political role and the chairman changes each year. In 2019/20, our Chairman is Cllr Lynda Turner, with Cllr Roy Brame in the role of Deputy Chairman. They have both recently been very active in our local community as the photos show. If you would like an official to attend your next group event, let us know via: www.breckland.gov.uk/chairman-invitation

Your place

13

Environment

Help us keep Breckland

warm this winter I

n the depths of winter, there’s nothing nicer than stepping out of the bitter, cold weather into a warm home.

However, not everyone can afford to keep their homes heated, which is why Breckland Council, working in partnership with other Norfolk councils, is offering central heating grants and advice to anyone struggling to heat their home.

This means fuel-poor households without central heating could be eligible for help with bills or the installation of central heating.

The Norfolk Warm Homes Fund isn’t just for homeowners either. Private landlords can get up to 75% off the installation of central heating systems to help tenants reduce their energy bills. Finding out if you qualify is easy, simply visit www.breckland.gov.uk/whf

Central heating system grants or advice for anyone struggling to heat their home.

Call us on 01603 430103 to find out if you qualify or visit norfolkwarmhomes.org.uk for more information

The Warm Homes Fund is provided by the National Grid and administered by Affordable Warmth Solutions across England, Scotland and Wales

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From Broadway to Breckland

Christmas market – with a difference! T Y

our Voice in Breckland (formerly known as Breckland Older People’s Forum), will be hosting a very special Christmas market called ‘Gadget Savvy’ this December.

The event will be packed with stalls and information about useful technology that will help older people remain healthy and independent, while attendees will also be able to enjoy Christmas nibbles and a warm welcome from the Your Voice In Breckland team.

The group is supported by Norfolk County Council and Breckland Council and the event will take place at Breckland Council Offices in Dereham on 13 December, from 1.30 pm.

Your Voice in Breckland holds regular meetings aimed at older people on topics that affects us all as we grow older, to help us continue to live well and independently. Recent events have focused on dementia, safety in the home, loneliness and isolation, and housing. For event information and to book your ticket visit www.breckland.gov.uk/YVIB

he Silver Social project has a packed programme over the coming months, bringing artists fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Off-Broadway to Breckland.

Breckland Council’s ambitious arts programme engages people in new activities while reducing their risk of isolation.

In December, Britain’s Bad Boys of Magic, the twin tricksters Kane and Abel, will perform their show ‘Breaking the Magicians’ Code’ in front of local audiences. People who come along will be able to enjoy a rebellious mash up of comedy, magic and of course rule breaking, which is sure to have you leaving the show with a smile on your face!

Silver Social favourite Kate Dimbleby will also make a welcome return, heading back to Breckland next spring having recently performed in Off-Broadway.

She’ll be bringing two new workshops and her Sing Happy show to Breckland.

It weaves classic songs from the last 60 years together with magical stories which are sure to have you singing and laughing along.

Attendees will love her mesmerising layered vocals, taken from her critically acclaimed album titled Songbirds. Kate’s workshops and shows have been very popular in the past, so make sure you reserve yourself a place!

Workshops are free to attend and performances are just £5, with tea and cake included. If you need assistance to attend an event please contact Silver Social to arrange FREE transport call 01362 656870 or email: community@breckland.gov.uk.

To book your tickets and for more information visit www.thesilversocial.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter (@thesilversocial).

Your health and wellbeing

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Directory of online services Quick Reference Directory You can find out about our services, submit applications, make payments and report problems at: www.breckland.gov.uk

Apply for it!

You can apply for lots of things via our website at www.breckland.gov.uk/applyforit Direct links to some of the most commonly used application forms are below: 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/ building-control-inspectionbooking Bus Pass: The free 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-historyand-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

Report it!

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-anabandoned-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/ report-suspected-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/ compliments-complaintscomments Damaged Wheelie Bin: We’ll repair or replace your wheelie bin ASAP: www.breckland.gov.uk/ damaged-wheeled-bin Dog fouling: Let us know of any

incidents of dog fouling in public areas: www.breckland.gov.uk/ litter-and-dog-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

Pay for it!

Visit our website to pay invoices, council tax, business rates or benefits overpayments 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

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/ missing-wheeled-bin 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

Find out first!

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Sign up to receive email alerts about the things that matter to you: from news and events, to council and committee papers, consultation documents and job vacancies.

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