Breckland Chairman raises more than £1000 for EACH
Breckland’s Chairman for 2024/25, Councillor Keith Gilbert, has taken a courageous leap from the skies to raise money for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH). As Chairman, Cllr Gilbert presided over Council meetings and represented Breckland at countless events, but he was determined to end his term with a memorable gesture that made a big difference to local families.
Keith tackled his skydiving challenge with confidence, humour and enthusiasm, picking up lots of support along the way. You may have seen his popular social media video, which racked up over 1,000 likes and helped Keith to raise more than £1000 (and counting!) for an important charity.
Keith selected EACH as one of his chosen charities for his tenure as Chairman, reflecting his commitment to serve the local community and vulnerable residents. EACH cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions and complex medical needs, offering specialist support and ensuring they have the best possible quality of life.
EACH also supports their families every step of the way – but they couldn’t do it without our help.
Breckland tackles vehicle misuse
Breckland Council has put in place a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which covers the whole district, in a bid to deter car drivers from behaving in ways that could disturb local residents and impact their quality of life.
It comes after we held a consultation last year to find out what residents think about vehicle nuisance in the district. Your feedback has helped us shape the new PSPO, which will be in place for three years before being reviewed.
The PSPO restricts drivers from:
• Unnecessarily sounding their horns • Playing excessively loud music
• Unnecessarily revving their vehicles • Racing vehicles
• Performing stunts
• Engaging, encouraging, or assisting in any vehicle related ASB that is covered under the PSPO. A full list and more information can be found at breckland.gov.uk/pspo
People who don’t comply with the new PSPO may be issued a fixed penalty notice or a court summons. This will be enforced by Police and Breckland Council officers to ensure Breckland is a safe and pleasant environment for residents and visitors.
Breckland marks VE Day anniversary
Preparations for VJ Day underway
Communities across Breckland have come together to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, with even more events set to be held in August for Victory in Japan (VJ) Day.
The celebratory events and activities were supported by Breckland Council grants of £250, which were given to 48 local community groups, totalling £12,000.
VE Day, in May, celebrates the end of almost six years of fighting in Europe during the Second World War. Residents across Breckland gathered to commemorate the momentous anniversary in a number of different ways, from tea parties to singing popular wartime songs.
These activities were educational as well as enjoyable, with many children and young people getting involved and jumping at the opportunity to learn more about these historic events. Together, communities remembered the sacrifices made during the war and the peace that was made possible by the bravery of allied forces.
VJ Day observes the formal surrender of Japan and the end of World War II in the Pacific. Breckland has a proud history of supporting our Armed Forces communities, including those who are serving, their families and veterans. As with the VE Day events, Breckland’s grants will contribute to the costs of organising these local activities, such as food, refreshments, decorations, equipment hire, and entertainment, as well as commemorative items such as plaques. The full list of grant scheme recipients can be seen on Breckland’s website.
Rural grants benefiting businesses
Breckland Council has distributed money from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) to help businesses, bring community projects to life, and strengthen the local economy.
For example, The English Whisky Co., which opened in 2007 and is now worldrenowned, celebrated its English Sherry Cask winning World’s Best Single Malt Whisky in 2024. A £50,000 REPF grant helped the company build a bonded warehouse for 4,000 casks, supporting both its own ageing process and that of other small distillers.
Meanwhile, just a few miles away, a very different kind of community spirit is being nurtured in the village of Garboldisham. The Fox Inn – revived in 2016 by local volunteers after a 10-year closure – received £17,000 to improve accessibility, including upagrades to its WCs and the rear entrance, enhancing its role as an inclusive, community-owned hub.
Swaffham’s GBSE, a local property letting company, used £8,250 to restore shopfronts in Plowright Place, boosting business appeal while preserving the town’s historic look.
This fund has already delivered real impact across Breckland. In the previous round of grants, 57 businesses and community groups received money, helping to unlock a total investment of £3.24m into the district. We hope to distribute even more in the future.
For the latest details, eligibility criteria, and to apply, breckland.gov.uk/business-growth/repf
Back to your skills
Breckland Council is excited to announce the return of its successful BOOST programme –an initiative supporting young people aged 16–30 with free training, confidence-building, and career development.
Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, BOOST empowers residents to gain skills, qualifications, and tailored employment support. After a strong launch and positive results in 2024, this year’s programme has expanded to offer even more accredited and non-accredited courses, including help with gaining a CSCS card and industry-specific training.
Whether participants are already employed and looking to upskill, or seeking new opportunities, BOOST meets them where they are. The programme is open to those who live, work, or study in Breckland and provides not just qualifications, but practical tools and personal support to help young people thrive in today’s job market.
BOOST is part of Breckland Council’s wider Thriving Places initiative, focused on improving local skills and employment. To learn more or register, visit breckland.gov.uk/boost
Pitch perfect
Breckland Council knows how critical leisure facilities are for the physical and mental wellbeing of our residents; they don’t just improve health and fitness – they bring communities together. That’s why we have an ambitious plan to make our leisure provisions bigger and better than ever, focusing on quality and accessibility.
In Thetford, work was recently completed on a new state-of-the-art 3G pitch at the local leisure centre, thanks to over £520,000 of funding from Football Foundation, alongside investment from Parkwood Project Management, Lex Leisure, and the Council. The £740,000 project replaces the outdated astroturf pitch with a modern pitch that meets FIFA standards and supports various football formats, from 5-a-side to 11-a-side. Energy-efficient lighting will enhance the experience for all, encouraging greater participation in men's, women's, youth, and disability football, helping to meet growing demand in these areas.
Meanwhile, the revamp of Attleborough's leisure facilities moves forward as work is underway to appoint a leading contractor to deliver enhanced leisure facilities right on the high street. The 400 sq. metre expansion will include a new gym, spin studio, and a multi-use community space, just two minutes from the town centre. To see the vision come to life, check out our CGI concept video at https://tinyurl.com/mr3bf26u
Affordable food and support for rural Breckland
The Shelf Pop-Up Pantry is helping Breckland residents access affordable food and essentials closer to home. Funded by Breckland Council and Norfolk Community Foundation, and delivered by Citizens Advice Diss and Thetford, it offers low-cost groceries, household items, and welfare support to rural communities.
More than just a food service, The Shelf is a welcoming hub where people can access practical help and connect with others. Trained advisers are on hand to signpost where residents need further support, such as with housing, debt, energy bills, and more. All sites also provide hot drinks and friendly conversation.
Current weekly pop-up locations are:
• Lopham Village Hall, Mon (9:30 – 11:30am)
• Weeting Village Hall, Mon (1:30pm – 3:30pm)
• Swanton Morley Community Centre, Tues (10:30am – 12:30pm)
• Old Buckenham Village Hall, Weds (9:30 – 11:30am)
• Shipdham Church, Weds (9:30 – 11:15am)
The service can also help connect you to local partners who provide specialised support, from financial advice to digital help. With the cost of living rising, The Shelf Pop-Up Pantry offers a vital service and a sense of community.
To find out more and check the latest timetable – which continues to add more locations – visit breckland.gov.uk/ food-hubs-the-shelf-pop-up-pantry or search for ‘The Shelf Pop Up Pantry’ on Facebook.
The next phase for district's Local Plan
Breckland Council is entering a pivotal phase in updating its Local Plan, which is a roadmap for managing the district’s growth over the next two decades.
We are now reviewing submissions we received from landowners and community bodies during our recent Call for Sites period, which suggested land in the district which could be considered for future housing, employment, and infrastructure needs.
The Call for Sites was relaunched earlier this year after changes were made to national planning policy. This included Central Government increasing the target for the number of houses to be built each year by 45% - up from 625 to 903 per year. The renewed process welcomed both new sites and updates to previous submissions.
Focus now shifts to the next major step: a full public consultation we expect to launch in the autumn. This will give residents, businesses, and community groups the chance to review and influence key elements of the updated Local Plan. Details on how to take part will be shared soon via the council’s website, local media, and social media channels. As Breckland moves forward, the council is committed to creating a Local Plan that reflects both national policy requirements and the values of our local communities.
To see all the sites which have been submitted to the Council for consideration as part of the Local Plan Call For Sites, go to https://tinyurl.com/yc4rfr6v
Shaping Breckland’s high streets
Residents across Breckland have had their say on the future look and feel of local shops. The council’s public consultation on the proposed District-Wide Shopfront Design Guide has now closed, with feedback from local people and businesses being used to shape guides which set out a clear vision for how shopfronts should be designed.
It will serve as a vital tool for businesses, developers, and planners, encouraging consistency, quality, and sensitivity to local heritage and helping to support thriving high streets that feel distinctly Breckland.
Once approved, the final Shopfront Design Guide will offer practical advice on aspects such as signage, materials, accessibility, and lighting – ensuring that new and refurbished shopfronts contribute positively to the wider design of our high streets. Thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation. You can stay informed about the final guide and future planning updates by visiting breckland.gov.uk or following us on social media.
The design guide aims to support the creation of attractive shopfronts that complement the surrounding high street, like this one in Swaffham
Help shape the future of your services
Dear Resident,
The way your services are provided to you could be changing. At the start of the year, Central Government wrote to all councils in ‘two-tier’ areas – like Norfolk, where we have district and county councils. We were told to develop and submit proposals on how services could instead be delivered by ‘unitary authorities’ in the future.
This process is known as Local Government Reorganisation and is being considered in other parts of the country too. If the Government decides to go ahead with changes in Norfolk, it will be the biggest shake up in local government for more than 50 years.
The Government’s vision is for unitary authorities to replace existing councils and become responsible for providing all the services that are currently provided by either the district or county council in that area.
While this presents opportunities for a new approach to service delivery, there are also potential risks. We think it is essential that however services are delivered in the future, they are built around the needs of you, your family and businesses. At the same time, we want to make sure we don’t lose the existing fantastic partnerships and connections with our local communities.
With that in mind, district councils across Norfolk have been working together to respond to the Government. We have produced a draft proposal, which you can read more about over the coming pages. There is also information about how you can share your view, which will help us shape our final submission to the Government.
Drawing on our shared knowledge of Norfolk and the diverse needs of our communities, along with the public feedback we’ve received to date and the results of an independent report, our collective vision is to have three unitary councils in Norfolk.
We believe this approach would be the best of the options available to deliver benefits to you, your family and businesses. It is designed to improve public services, enhance economic growth and job opportunities, and maintain strong democratic representation and accountability.
Our three-unitary model (as opposed to having two or just a single unitary authority in Norfolk) recognises the distinct characteristics and needs of different areas and communities, enables tailored approaches, and, more importantly, ensures local voices are heard rather than being dominated by those elsewhere in the county.
We want to make sure that you have a say in the future of your local services, so we are launching a public survey to help refine the proposals. This will help make sure that any changes that are made in Norfolk are done with your priorities in mind, so please take the time to have your say. You’ll find the details over the next few pages.
Cllr Sam Chapman-Allen Leader, Breckland Council
The strength of three Why three?
Central Government has decided to abolish Norfolk’s county and district councils and replace them with new ‘Unitary Authorities’. This process is known as Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
As part of that process, in February, Central Government wrote to Breckland Council – and other district and county councils in Norfolk and other parts of the country – to ask us to submit proposals on what LGR could look like in our area.
We had to respond to the request by sending in an initial plan by 21 March. To support this, the district councils in Norfolk jointly commissioned an independent expert organisation to assess the options and help us weigh up which would work best for the people of Norfolk.
We also engaged with residents to gather your initial views on key issues, like how many people your local councillor should represent. This helped shape our initial submission to the Government and enabled us to meet the tight timeframe. You can read more about our initial proposal on these pages.
We think it is essential that the people of Breckland – and Norfolk – continue to have a say on what you’d like to see in the future and what’s important to you. That’s why we’re launching a new ‘Future Norfolk’ survey to gather local people’s views and help shape our more detailed submission, which is due to be sent to the Government in the autumn. Details on how you can voice your thoughts are on the next page.
If Central Government decides it wants to go ahead with Local Government Reorganisation in Norfolk, we believe that having three new unitary authorities would be the best model (as opposed to two or just one covering all of Norfolk).
People
Having three unitary authorities in Norfolk will mean you are represented by elected councillors who are close to your area. So decision-making will be as close to home as possible, by people who understand your community. It also gives Norfolk several strong voices at both regional and national levels when championing our area and calling for investment. The ‘three’ model supports local democracy, transparency, responsiveness and localised decision-making.
Place
Norfolk is not a one-size-fits-all county. There are real differences between the city, our towns and our villages, each with their own unique strengths and challenges. Our model recognises and celebrates the unique identity of each area – ensuring services are tailored to what matters most locally and each can play to their own strengths. That could include tourism, growing businesses, farming, culture, education, and more.
Progress
If changes are made, it would be the biggest shake up of local government in more than 50 years. So, we want to make sure we make the most of this opportunity and get it right, not just for now but for future generations too. The three unitaries in Norfolk would be large enough to deliver efficiencies, but small enough to remain flexible. This means they can evolve to meet emerging needs of communities, make the most of new opportunities, and keep a close eye on balancing the public purse. Our ‘three’ model will be resilient for Norfolk, delivering scalable services that are financially sustainable in the short and long-terms.
What areas would the three new authorities cover?
It is too early to say exactly where the authority boundaries might be. But, broadly, we believe it would be best to have one authority for Breckland and west Norfolk (King’s Lynn area); one for Norwich and the surrounding area; and one for Great Yarmouth and the east of the county.
This means that, if our refined plans are accepted by the Government, future services in Breckland could be provided by a unitary authority which also covers the area in and around King’s Lynn and parts of north Norfolk.
It is important to note that at the time of going to print, potential boundaries are still being discussed and are subject to change.
What does this mean for local elections?
The election to appoint councillors to Breckland Council was last held in 2023. The term of councillors is four years, so our next elections are due in 2027. This means that there are no changes to the current democratic process at district council level.
However, Norfolk County Council has a different timeline for their elections, so they had elections scheduled to take place in May 2025. You may be aware that that authority voted to postpone their elections until 2026, after Norfolk was put on the Government’s Devolution Priority List.
If changes to local government structures are agreed, elections are expecting to be called to enable people to appoint councillors to the new bodies.
Your services, your say
While we have the time to influence the changes Central Government may make to local services, we believe your voice is very important. Any reorganisation will significantly affect how services are delivered and how you engage with elected representatives, so it’s vital that as many people as possible share their views.
Breckland Council, along with other district councils in Norfolk, is asking for your feedback on what matters most to you. Your responses will help shape our next submission to Government, ensuring local priorities are heard.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the earlier ‘Future East’ survey. That input helped form our initial submission.
This new survey is different, with updated questions, so we encourage everyone to take part – even if you’ve completed the last one. It only takes a few minutes.
Visit FutureNorfolk.com for the latest information and to have your say.
Your questions answered
Since the Government announced it was considering making changes to local government in Norfolk, we’ve received lots of comments and questions from residents wanting to know more. In this edition of Your Breckland, Councillor Bill Borrett, Breckland Council’s Executive Member for Local Government Reorganisation and Devolution, answers your most common questions.
Q. Why is local government reorganisation happening in Norfolk?
A. The Government has announced its intention to abolish district and county councils and replace them with unitary authorities, with a Mayor across Norfolk and Suffolk. It's not a local decision – we’ve been instructed to develop plans for this by the Government.
Q. When will we know what the future looks like?
A. The Government told us to submit an initial proposal earlier this year and we’re currently due to submit a more detailed plan in September. This is being drawn up in partnership with other District Councils in Norfolk. Then we expect to receive Government feedback in early 2026.
Q. Is this new approach more expensive?
A. Independent analysis suggests that having three unitaries could be more efficient and save millions of pounds. However, in other parts of the country where they introduced larger unitaries, such as Somerset, they haven’t been able to deliver the promised savings.
Q. What does this mean for council tax?
A. The Government’s ideas mean Council Tax will go up. Breckland has the lowest District Council Tax in Norfolk. When our area merges with others, it will require council tax rates to be harmonised, which means ours can only go one way! But, a three unitary model minimises the increase as we’re not levelling out with places like Norwich, where council tax is far higher.
Q. Will I be able to speak to a councillor?
A. Yes, but councillors will likely serve larger areas than they do now. That’s why we support smaller unitaries, to keep representation local and services accessible.
Q. Why were elections cancelled?
A. Breckland’s elections aren’t due until 2027, but Norfolk County Council’s were postponed for one year by the Government so that they could vote on having a Mayor for Norfolk and Suffolk.
Q. How can I have my say?
A. I would recommend everyone take part in our survey as that will help inform future plans and show what matters most to local people. I would also suggest you contact your local district and county councillors to share your views on the process and what you want to see happen.
Q. Why is there more than one survey?
A. Our spring survey gathered your initial views. Now, the district councils are running a new survey on Future Norfolk to ask residents across Breckland and Norfolk about their priorities for the future. This will help our submission to the Government. Norfolk County Council is also running a separate survey, which will shape their own submission, unfortunately as they declined our offer to run a single, shared engagement process.
Green light for growth
Breckland Council has approved plans for a new Innovation Park at Snetterton, paving the way for a major boost to the district’s economy and job market.
The 13-hectare site, owned by Motorsport Vision (MSV), sits close to the A11 and forms part of the wider Snetterton Commercial Hub – a key strategic growth area for Breckland. The development will include commercial offices, industrial units, motorsport workshop space, and a hotel with café and EV charging facilities.
At the heart of the plans is the relocation of Ansible Motion, a specialist in advanced driving simulator technology. The company will move its headquarters to Snetterton, creating a state-of-the-art simulation centre that will double its operational size. The move will allow Ansible Motion to bring research, design, and manufacturing under one roof, while
increasing its workforce from 55 to 90.
The Innovation Park is the result of a long-term collaboration between Breckland Council and landowners, including MSV. We have also led infrastructure improvements at the site, including the delivery of a new primary substation to increase power capacity for local businesses.
The development is expected to strengthen Snetterton’s position as a hub for motorsport, advanced engineering, and technology-led growth. With planning now approved, work on site is set to begin, unlocking new opportunities for investment, employment, and innovation in the region.
New food waste service off to a flying start
Breckland Council’s newly launched food waste collection service for businesses has already proven to be a major success, with many local businesses signing up to take advantage of the convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally focused service.
The new service was introduced in response to new Government legislation on recycling, which came into effect at the end of March. The regulations require all businesses with 10 or more full-time equivalent employees to separate their food waste from other types of rubbish.
Breckland’s new food waste collection service helps local businesses stay fully compliant while also offering practical, tailored support to make the transition easy. Our service is already used by 400 businesses – including restaurants, schools, and offices – offering a range of bin sizes, collection schedules, and personalised advice as part of the flexible, VAT-free service.
The success of the launch has also laid strong foundations for the council’s wider ambitions around waste reduction and sustainability. While the current service is only available to businesses, preparations are well underway for the launch of household food waste collections, which are due to begin next year.
Look out for more information about our upcoming food collection service for every home across the district, which commences in 2026. Got a business? Get a quote for your food waste collections at waste.breckland.gov.uk/food-waste
Commercial properties helping to fund your services
Breckland Council’s broad property portfolio is helping to fund the services you and your family use.
The council receives some money from Central Government, but much of our funding is generated by buying business properties and then renting them out. This approach means we can convert ‘capital’ funds, which can’t be used to pay for services, into ‘revenue’ cashflow, which can be used to pay for dayto-day service delivery. It also means we can keep the financial pressure off residents and maintain the lowest district council tax in Norfolk.
Investing in Thetford
One of our latest investments has seen the council buy 16-20 Howlett Way in Thetford, after we were approached by Peerless Plastics and Coatings Ltd, which is based there.
“This decision will ensure that our business has a home for the foreseeable future, securing the employment of over 50 staff, a number which we soon hope to increase to 100.”
Peter Llewelyn-Stamp Managing Director of Peerless Plastics
This company is a long-standing Thetford business that was concerned for the future of their business when the building they were using was put up for sale. Breckland’s Property Team researched the premises and concluded that purchasing the property would offer security to Peerless Plastics and Coatings for the foreseeable future, while bringing in a steady stream of rental income for years to come.
The money, along with funding from other income streams, will help to fund essential services that improve the lives of Breckland residents. This includes our Inspiring Communities programme, which offers critical support to the most vulnerable people in our district, and other worthwhile projects, such as sustainability efforts.
Diversifying our investments
Our diverse commercial investments include offices, warehouses, land and shops, but the portfolio is always under review. Councillors previously decided to sell Barnham Broom Hotel, Spa & Golf Club, which we had owned since 2006, and the sale was recently completed.
The council’s overall profit was £2.73m – making it a strong commercial investment for the Council – and the people of Breckland.
Money from the Barnham Broom sale has already been put to good use, with a proportion being used to purchase new temporary housing in the district, supporting local people experiencing housing crises.
Signs of a thriving town
Attleborough town centre is now easier to navigate than ever before, thanks to the installation of new signs that celebrate its rich history. Delivered by Breckland Council and funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the £30,000 project has seen 19 signs installed across key locations in the historic market town.
The signs provide clear, accessible information to help the town’s residents and visitors explore local cultural landmarks, community facilities, and heritage attractions.
They mark Attleborough’s historic and cultural appeal while supporting the local economy by increasing footfall to shops, businesses, and attractions. With the town continuing to grow and thrive, the scheme also plays a pivotal role in welcoming people to the area and encouraging deeper engagement with the town. The scheme was developed in close collaboration with local partners, including Attleborough Town Council, the Attleborough Heritage Group, St Mary’s Church, Norfolk County Council Libraries, and Norfolk Highways. This joined-up approach ensured that the signs are practical, informative, and true to the town’s character.
This initiative is part of Breckland Council’s broader ‘Thriving Places’ commitment, aimed at enhancing public spaces and strengthening community identity across the district. As the signs become part of the daily rhythm of the town, they stand as a lasting investment in a town proud of where it’s been and where it’s going.
Protecting Dereham’s heritage
Breckland Council’s consultation on new guidance that will help protect and celebrate the town’s historic character has now come to a close. Thank you to all those who took part, ensuring that Dereham’s rich past continues to shape its future
The updated Dereham Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan will identify and safeguard the town’s key heritage assets and offer direction on how any changes in the area respects the town’s identity. It also highlights opportunities to enhance public areas and reinforce the unique features that make Dereham a special place to live, work, and visit.
Local residents, history groups, and community stakeholders shared their insights and ideas during the consultation window, which will help refine the final document.
Once approved, the appraisal and management plan will guide planning decisions within the conservation area, ensuring that development is sympathetic to the town’s heritage while supporting thoughtful regeneration and investment. Keep an eye on our website and social media for the latest updates.
Landmark year for historic town
Swaffham is a town with a rich heritage, but the last 12 months have seen it gather a particularly impressive momentum, delivering on its promise to use heritage as a catalyst for regeneration, creativity, and community engagement. From packed-out conferences and youth-led film premieres to national award recognition, Swaffham’s story is one of revitalisation through innovation.
The project, launched in April 2024 as a follow-on from Historic England’s High Street Heritage Action Zone, is investing more than £1 million into the town’s fabric and future. This includes restoration of key landmarks such as the Methodist Church and Plowright Place, as well as ongoing support for shopfront improvements and structural repair work throughout 2025.
Youth Voice at the Forefront
A major milestone was the premiere of Your Town, My Town, Our Town, a moving and powerful film created by young people in collaboration with Norfolk & Norwich Festival and Mountain Way Pictures.
Hosted at the atmospheric Church of St Peter and St Paul, the screening drew residents, artists, and community leaders alike. The film captures young people's perspectives on Swaffham – its identity, history, and their dreams for the future – while offering a vivid reminder of the power of creativity in building confidence, skills, and community pride.
The premiere marked a key point in a three-year youth programme and showcased how local voices are actively shaping Swaffham’s evolving story. Co-designed by the participants themselves, the event also reflected a deeper cultural shift: young
people are no longer observers of heritage – they are now co-authors.
Digital engagement also continues to play a key role. Local secondary school pupils recently took part in an activity to recreate Swaffham’s historic landmarks in the virtual Minecraft videogame world – combining heritage learning with essential digital skills for the future.
Greener Homes, Protected Character
A recent highlight brought together homeowners, landlords, and built-environment professionals from across Norfolk, all keen to understand how traditional buildings can be sensitively retrofitted to meet modern energy standards.
The conference, held in March 2025, placed Swaffham at the centre of discussions about practical solutions to protecting and enhancing heritage spaces and buildings while prompting discussions on the wider role historic buildings can play in a sustainable future.
National Recognition
The success and collaboration in Swaffham has not gone unnoticed. The Swaffham – A Historic Market Town project has been shortlisted for a prestigious Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Award.
The project has been shortlisted in these national awards in recognition of the pioneering alliance between Breckland Council, Historic England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Norfolk County Council, Swaffham Town Council, cultural partners including Norfolk & Norwich Festival, and of course local residents and businesses. Keep an eye on local media and our social media pages in June to see if we won the award!
Find out more
These activities are great examples of the community connecting with its heritage, reimagining its future, and proving what’s possible when people come together with purpose. You can see the latest project updates on our social media or via the Swaffham Blog at breckland.gov.uk/swaffham-blog
Supporting Breckland's rural businesses
Breckland Council is pioneering a new role to provide the district’s rural businesses with the tailored support they need. Our newly-appointed Rural Business Advisor is the first in East Anglia — and his work is already making a big impact.
Rural businesses are the backbone of Breckland’s economy, from family farms and food producers to artisan trades and emerging tech firms. Yet many operate far from traditional business support networks, facing challenges such as market shifts, regulation changes, isolation, and external market and supplier shocks. What makes this role different is its hands-on, human approach. Rather than offering generic advice, the council's Phil Garnham works directly with businesses to solve problems, build resilience, and unlock opportunities. Whether it is helping farmers diversify, supporting sustainability efforts, or promoting mental wellbeing, this is support shaped around the real needs of rural enterprise.
This innovative move to help local businesses access the help and support they need to succeed reflects the council’s strong, long-term commitment to rural economic growth. Breckland is setting a national example - proving that with the right support, the countryside can not only survive but thrive.
If you run a rural business, contact Phil to discuss how he could help you too: Phil.Garnham@breckland.gov.uk
Thetford secures £20 million investment to shape its future
Thetford is set to benefit from a major financial boost, with confirmation that up to £20 million of government funding has been secured to support the town’s growth and regeneration over the next decade. The commitment was confirmed by the new government in March 2025, providing long-awaited reassurance that this vital investment is going ahead.
Originally announced under the previous government’s Long Term Plan for Towns, the initiative has since been rebranded by the new government as the Plan for Neighbourhoods. While the name has changed, the goal remains the same – to give communities a direct say in shaping their future and ensure investment is targeted where it will have the greatest impact.
In Thetford, this commitment represents a turning point. It provides a unique opportunity to develop and deliver a long-term, community-led vision that will create real, lasting improvements
across the town.
Crucially, this announcement builds on a strong foundation of work already undertaken by local organisations, authorities and community groups. Over recent months, these partners have been working together to explore the town’s strengths and challenges, helping to build a clear picture of what Thetford needs to thrive.
This groundwork will soon feed into a more formal process. The newly established Thetford Neighbourhoods Board – made up of representatives from across the community – will shortly
Watch Jo Pearson, Chair of the Thetford Town Board, talk about his role and vision for the town
begin engaging directly with residents and businesses. The aim is to co-create a town plan that reflects local aspirations and sets out clear priorities, ensuring the £20 million fund is allocated to projects that deliver meaningful, long-term benefits.
To help plans take shape, local people will play a central role in guiding the process. Residents are encouraged to keep up to date through local newspapers and social media channels to find out how they can get involved and help shape the future of their town.
Your Breckland Council contact directory
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Come across an issue that affects you, your property or your community? Let us know by using our quick and efficient online reporting system at www.breckland.gov.uk/reportit
For queries about missed bins or new bin orders, contact Serco on 0330 109 9220
Pay for it
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. www.breckland.gov.uk/payforit
Sign up for Direct Debit
Paying your Council Tax by direct debit is safe, hassle free and reliable with the protection of the Direct Debit Guarantee. Sign up at www.angliarevenues.gov.uk/breckland
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Your 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. If you need this magazine in large print, or in an alternative version, or you know someone who has not received their copy, please get in touch by calling 01362 656870 or via www.breckland.gov.uk/contactus
Your Breckland is printed on chlorine-free paper from managed forests. Information correct at time of going to print. Breckland Council, Elizabeth House, Walpole Loke, Dereham, NR19 1EE. Local centres: www.breckland.gov.uk/visitus
Keep in touch
If you need help or advice, contact our expert Customer Service staff at www.breckland.gov.uk/contactus or call 01362 656870 @BreckCouncil
Breckland Council